Manushya (Mahn-You-Shah)
Manushya is an unpredictable Rakshasa crime lord currently residing in the city of Elvastad on the Island of Kquimlar. While currently he technically operates his criminal enterprise under the umbrella group of the Zhushima Crime Syndicate, Manushya has his own schemes in motion to dethrone the Zhushima siblings and take control of Elvastad's crime.
It is unclear when Manushya first appeared in the World of Dagan. His origins are as mysterious as the origins of his species. The Rakshasa, a species of shapeshifting humanoid outsiders who bear the heads of various animals- most famously tigers- in their true form, exhibit attitudes and traits from a number of different sources- many know how to speak Infernal, the language of Asmodeus' devils. Arcanaloths, a sub-species of demon, seem to exhibit similar physical traits to the Rakshasa. Also, it is rumoured that Devas from the Upper Planes who stray into Chaos and evil may be reborn as Rakshasas in their next life. Perhaps Rakshasa are a distinct species of lower planes fiend, one who's methods and brand of malevolence are unique.
However, by all accounts, Manushya built up his gang in Elvastad around about the time of the Ixa Maelstrom destroyed the islands of Mion and the Zhushimas began to consolidate all crime on Kquimlar under their hegemony. It is said that Manushya welcomed the trio with open arms, even using some of his sway with planning officials to allow the Zhushima siblings to build their Alabaster Manor in the city's dock area.
Manushya is very hard to get a read on, personality wise- he is both self-deprecating and egotistical, always with a smile on his face and a positive attitude yet never being truly happy. One moment, he may speak to a person as if they are a trusted friend, and then expose their darkest secrets and flaws to others in the next. He is a thoughtful schemer, yet seems all too willing to reveal his true form to the most random people he finds "impress him" in a conversation. His attitude towards the Zhushimas is just as unpredictable- it was him who willingly submitted to the Syndicate's hegemony years ago, yet he insults and disrespects the Zhushimas at every opportunity and to anyone who will listen. Manushya frequently overshares information, however keeps his true motives and schemes close to his chest.
All this said, believing that Manushya is simply just full of bluster would be foolish- he is known to be a powerful illusionist, utilising magic to trick and entrap his opponents. Also, his criminal gang he affectionately calls "The Shahs", are fanatically devoted to him, willing to carry out any plan or course of action simply because Manushya suggested it to them. Manushya and the Shahs are also extremely wealthy, as they control the distribution of the drug Madak in Elvastad, and are rapidly expanding this control to all of Kquimlar. Madak, a blend of two potent hallucinogenic plants, is only prodiced in Ryusha by the Qinxi Clan. Manushya is said to be such a prominent Madak salesperson that he even broke bread with "Old" Qinxi (the former Qinxi Clan patriarch) himself.
In 6E 1531 (CR 11059), Manushya collaborated with an adventuring party, The Fool's Menagerie, to destroy the Zhushima crime syndicate. The party helped Manushya to execute a plan of attack he had dreamt up previously. This plan was to utilize a ballista, placed on the deck of a ship floating on the river Tadsdam (this ship being Halgug Golden-Eye's Azure Siren in the actual assault), to fire an oversized grappling hook at the Zhushima's Alabaster Manor (which is directly on the waterfront) and rip a hole through the walls of the building. From there, the Shahs, crewmates of the ballista ship, and any additional help would storm the Manor, fighting up to the top floor where the Zhushimas would be killed. The plan, when enacted, went quite well, with all three Zhushimas being disposed off. The Fool's Menagerie were able to gain the information they needed about the Zhushima dealings with the secretive Nyx organisation, and a decent amount of money as well from Manushya's personal fund. His price for the collaboration was being allowed to take over the Elvastad criminal element, alongside immunity from prosecution by the Greater Sithim Empire (who the Fool's Menagerie were employed by). The second point was Manushya hedging his bets on the fall of the Elven authority and that Sithim would be requested to take over the former Elven territory in order to restore order. Regardless, the Fool's Menagerie left Elvastad with Manushya very happy indeed...
Alignment
Neutral Evil
Age
Unclear
Children
Current Residence
Manushya's secret Madak Parlour, Elvastad
Pronouns
He/Him/They/Them (Manushya can shapeshift into almost any humanoid form of any sex/gender, making them naturally non-binary. However, he prefers a male presentation most of the time, so this article uses He/Him for clarity.)
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Golden-Yellow
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Orange Fur with Black Tiger Stripes
Height
6ft 7 inches
Other Affiliations
Comments