Kalashtar

The kalashtar are a race that sometimes arises from the human population, and are sensitive to dream spirits of the old world. Kalashtar are often seen as wise, spiritual people with great compassion for others. There is an unmistakable alien quality to the kalashtar, though, as they are haunted by the conflicts of their ghostly spirits.

### **Bound To Spirits**

Kalashater are most closely bound to spirits of light, a bond shared by others of their bloodline. Kalashtar appear human, but their spiritual connection affects them in a variety of ways. Kalashtar have symmetrical, slightly angular features, and their eyes often glow when they are focused or expressing strong emotions.

Kalashtar can rarely communicate directly with their spirits. Rather, they might experience this relationship as a sense of instinct and inspiration, drawing on the memories of the spirit when they dream. This connection grants kalashtar minor psionic abilities, as well as protection from psychic attacks. All of the spirits connected to the kalashtar are virtuous, but some are more warrior-like while others are contemplative. Work together with your DM to determine the nature of your linked spirit. Typically, a kalashtar knows the name and nature of their spirit, but some may know nothing of their spirit or the source of their psychic gifts, such as an orphan kalashtar raised among strangers.

### **Hunted By Nightmares**

The virtuous spirits tied to the kalashtar walked the earth as physical beings before the four tribes came to rule Wormwood. Echoes of their existence got caught up and tangled in the cogs and wires of the forebear machines, and now their consciousnesses are trapped, seeking out certain human families to guide and protect. Though a truly rare occurrence, when a kalashtar makes a true display of power, often in a moment of life and death, the kalashtar’s spirit can be seen for just a second. Those who have seen such a sight describe monstrous amalgamations of creatures and limbs, a truly terrifying sight.

Not all of the spirits that haunt Wormwood are virtuous, however, creatures known as night terrors manipulate a force known as the Dreaming Dark to enact their will on the people of Wormwood. The kalashtar, able to sense these dark spirits and thus a threat to their plans, are hunted and eliminated whenever possible.

Many kalashtar defend themselves from the Dreaming Dark by focusing on strengthening their connection to their spirits. Others, though, seek out the agents of the Dreaming Dark and oppose their plans, or protect the innocent however they can. Still other kalashtar grow up isolated, knowing nothing about the old spirits or the Dreaming Dark. Such orphans might use their abilities for personal gain or otherwise act against the virtuous instincts of their spirits; this can cause internal conflicts and violent mood swings.

### **Kalashtar Names**

A kalashtar name adds a personal prefix to the name of the spirit within the kalashtar. Such names have no relation to the kalashtar’s gender. Kalashtar orphans are unlikely to know the name of their spirit and take names from another source.

Spirit names: Ashana, Ashtai, Ishara, Hareth, Khad, Kosh, Melk, Nari, Tana, Tari, Tash, Ulad, Vakri, Vash

Kalashtar Names: Coratash, Dalavash, Dolishara, Halakosh, Khoratari, Koratana, Lanhareth, Molavakri, Nevitash, Sorashana, Torashtai, Valakhad, Vishara.