This “monster” comes to us from the Dragonbane Bestiary.

I think these winged beasties, who are not considered monsters in Dragonbane, are highly underestimated on multiple levels. They are a playable Kin in the game and are treated as non-monsters. They fight as other NPCs with weapons and spells, making them far less predictable than a monster would be. Their origins and heritage is a bit of a mystery, too.

My personal theory is that these exist in the game as a sort of wink and a nod to a certain other game’s Thief-lings or As-a-mar. I could be wrong. They might also be a wink and a nod toward the Legend of the Five Rings Nezumi (Ratkin.) All indications so far are that they are unique to Drakar och Demoner/Dragonbane.

The verdict is out whether they are winged cat people or possibly bat Kin.

Not to be mistaken for the larger Blood Demon.

If someone wasn’t paying attention in a dark alley, they might be mistaken for Blood Demons. That would not go well for the poor Karkion in question as they aren’t terribly combat oriented as far as I can tell. Blood Demons are basically a slightly larger, eviler, anthropomorphic vampire bat. They are somewhat similar to Karkions in appearance.  

The lore surrounding Karkions is that they are singular, aloof, and knowledgeable about creatures dwelling in the outer planes of existence. It is said that they are remnants of a race of beings that was wiped out by demons long ago. Personally, I feel like there needed to be about another page or two of lore on these guys in the Dragonbane books. Maybe we’ll get lucky someday.

One thing was clear: they aren’t very combative.

The two examples in the Dragonbane Bestiary are Scholar and Archmage (Animist.) Basically they’re somewhat druidic or nature oriented. Karkions seem to be the more peaceful type of being despite their somewhat fiendish appearance. There is a lot open to interpretation by the way they were presented.

I question the choice of being a spellcaster for any Kin that require 1 WP to fly and stay aloft each turn. The wings are cool and all, but maybe a bit of a drain on WP if you need to cast spells. Scholar or maybe Thief seems a better choice.

More information on Karkions as it becomes available. They’re neat as a playable Kin, and possibly better as NPCs beneficial to the party. Overall good job, Free League!

Thank you for being here today with me. I appreciate you. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy.