Rakshasa
Medium Fiend, lawful evil
10,000 XP
Special Abilities
Limited Magic Immunity
The rakshasa can't be affected or detected by spells of 6th level or lower unless it wishes to be. It has advantage on saving throws against all other spells and magical effects.
Innate Spellcasting
The rakshasa's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks). The rakshasa can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: detect thoughts, disguise self, mage hand, minor illusion
3/day each: charm person, detect magic, invisibility, major image, suggestion
1/day each: dominate person, fly, plane shift, true seeing
Actions
Multiattack
The rakshasa makes two claw attacks
Claw
Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) slashing damage, and the target is cursed if it is a creature. The magical curse takes effect whenever the target takes a short or long rest, filling the target's thoughts with horrible images and dreams. The cursed target gains no benefit from finishing a short or long rest. The curse lasts until it is lifted by a remove curse spell or similar magic.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
Rakshasas are cunning, intelligent fiends that prefer deception over direct combat. Use their innate spellcasting and shapechanging abilities to create confusion and misdirection before combat begins. They excel at social encounters and manipulation, so consider having the party interact with the rakshasa in disguise before revealing its true nature. Leverage their magical immunity and regeneration to force players to adapt their tactics mid-combat.
Combat Tactics
A rakshasa opens combat from range using magic missile or other spells while staying protected behind cover or minions. Once engaged, it uses its shapechanger ability to escape grapples or flee, then returns to attack from unexpected angles. It focuses fire on the party's spellcasters and uses its impressive AC and regeneration to outlast direct damage, forcing prolonged battles.
Environment & Setting
Rakshasas thrive in urban or palatial settings—grand temples, noble estates, or planar strongholds where they can maintain a facade of respectability. They prefer environments with multiple exits, cover, and opportunities for deception such as grand halls with tapestries, gardens with statuary, or markets with crowds.