Akumin

Akumin (a.k.a. "Lurkers") are creatures that are believed to be related to the Agulen. It also possesses the ability to swallow the essence of individuals, but is far more evil in nature. They prefer to swallow the essence while the creature is still living. When they drink the essence of their prey, they only gain their abilities for a limited time (only 1D4 days). However, they are able to gain more abilities from drinking the essence than the Agulen. It is unsure whether or not the Akumin are able to learn skills since none have ever tried. They simply prefer to steal their knowledge.

Akumin dislike combat and prefer to attack unsuspecting prey. One of their most common tactics is to play dead and wait for someone to check on them. While laying face down, their hair covers their inhuman features and they can easily be mistaken for an unconscious woman. When their prey moves in close enough, they ensnare the victim by striking with their hair. Note: The Akumin are a supernatural predator that is not recommended as a player character.

Alignment: 80% anarchist, 15% miscreant, and 5% diabolic.

Attributes: I.Q.: 2D6, M.E.: 4D6+6, M.A.: 1D6, P.S.: 4D6, P.P.: 4D6, P.E.: 3D6, P.B.: 1D6, Spd.: 3D6. Physical strength and endurance are considered supernatural.

Hit Points: 2D6 x 2 + 3D6

S.D.C.: 125

Average P.P.E.: 5D6

O.C.C.s Available to the Akumin: It is unknown if the Akumin are able to learn a trade since none have been known to try. Instead, they prefer to steal whatever abilities they desire from an unwitting victim.

O.C.C. Skill Notes: Not applicable.

Horror Factor: 8 from physical appearance, increased to 14 when others realize their true nature (a predator that drinks essences of the living is a terrifying thought to most).

Physical Appearance: Their face is a pale white with many of their features sunken in which causes them to resemble the dead. They have long black hair that usually stretches to the small of the back or further.

Size: 6 to 7 feet tall (1.8 to 2.1 m.)

Weight: 200 to 300 pounds (91 to 136 kg.)

Average Life Span: 40 years; some have lived up to 50. Most are killed by an intended victim before they ever reach full maturity.

Natural Abilities: In addition to their supernatural strength and endurance, the Agulen also have excellent day vision (equal to a human), Nightvision 60 feet (18.3 m.), immune to possession, and the ability to attack victims with their hair and to drink their essence.

Hair Strike: The Akumin are able to double the length of their hair and use it to attack. When used in a large groups (a total of three groups can be formed from this technique), their hair possesses a strength equal to their P.S. attribute (non-supernatural). It is most commonly used to entangle a victim, but it is sometimes used as an attack (equal to a standard humanoid punch plus attribute bonuses). Each group of hair adds an additional attack per melee round.

Essence Drink: The Akumin is able to drink the essence of the living. This is done by pressing their mouth against the mouth of their intended victim. The Akumin slowly drinks the essence over approximately one minute (4 melee rounds). When they drink the essence of their prey, they only gain their abilities for a limited time (only 1D4 days).  However, they are able to gain more abilities from drinking the essence than the Agulen. The Akumin are able to use the essence for several purposes.

1) To gain three abilities at the same proficiency as the victim.

2) To gain one natural ability of the victim.

3) To gain one spell or psychic ability at the same level as the victim.

4) To heal 1D4 x 10 Hit Points/S.D.C.

5) To regain 6D6 P.P.E.

6) To maintain health. An Akumin must drink two or three essences a week (no abilities can be gained from this experience). Note: This essence can be taken from a large animal (the size of a deer or larger). However, the Akumin do not like the way this tastes and avoid it unless absolutely necessary.  The Akumin must still drink the essence in the same manner as usual.

Bonuses: The Akumin begins with only two attacks per melee, this can be increased up to five with the use of their hair (one for each group, 3 total).

Magic: Temporarily gained from a victim only.

Psionics: Temporarily gained from a victim only.

Enemies: Akumin and Agulen are natural enemies. This is in part because they tend to view each other as competition for essences (Akumin view each other as enemies for the same reason), but also because the two don't agree with the others method for acquiring the essence.

Allies: None.

Habitat: Akumin are native to the Yin-Sloth Jungles. However, due to poor food sources, they have spread to most other parts of the world. The Western Empire is avoided at all costs. The reason for this is that approximately one year ago, large numbers of Akumin traveled to the Western Empire. There, they fed on the population until the Western Empire launched a campaign of genocide. The Akumin were forced out of the Western Empire. This campaign continued all of the way back to the Yin-Sloth Jungles. This campaign was, in part, a plan of Emperor Itomas to place military forces in the Yin-Sloth Jungles without drawing too much attention or suspicion.

Favorite Weapons: Prefer to rely on their natural abilities. They have been known to use weapons on occasion. They enjoy magic weapons, but avoid rune weapons and any other weapon that possesses a form of intelligence.

Other Notes:

1. Usually do not worship any type of deities.

2. Often wears armour for added protection.  They avoid wearing metal types as, for some unknown reason, it interferes with drinking essences.  This interference has no actual effect in game terms, but it annoys the Akumin and is therefore avoided.

3. Does not need to eat or drink in the typical sense.  However, the Akumin need to consume two or three essences every week to maintain in top physical condition.  After going a week without drinking enough essences, the Akumin begins to suffer from hunger.

4. Do not concern themselves with material wealth, only on how many essences can be attained.