Hari

Heritage

• Asur Khoji

  The Asur Khoji (Hindi:असुर खोजी) are both an ancient sect and bloodline of supernatural hunters. They operate mainly in Asia, Indonesia, and parts of eastern Europe but small pockets of Asur Khoji groups exist elsewhere. Originating in the Indus valley of India and Pakistan, the Asur Khoji devoted themselves to their cause to the point that honing their abilities and studying the supernatural permeated every facet of their lives. Traditionally children began their training around the age of eight and were expected to have tracked and killed their first target by sixteen. By the time Asur Khoji neophytes reached adulthood they were expected to have completed numerous tests and trials to prove their capability and earn the honour of the title.

  Over time, as the Asur Khoji's understanding of supernaturals expanded, they began to incorporate aspects of the creatures they hunted into their training. They experimented with the blood and venom of various beasts in an attempt to bolster their own strength against these threats. As a result of both this and selective breeding over generations the Asur Khoji became something of a supernatural force themselves and were greatly feared. Asur Khoji can be identified by a distinct scent in the same way a werewolf, vampire or demon can be scented out. However, if a person or creature has never come across an Asur Khoji before (which is entirely likely, as their numbers have been in decline) they will likely be unable to place the scent and be unaware of the danger. It's also entirely possible for an Asur Khoji to be unaware of their heritage as many modern families are choosing quieter, safer lives - especially in the West.

  
  ABILITIES____________________________________________________________
  SPEED & AGILITY - Lacking the might of many supernaturals Asur Khoji invested time in becoming faster and more nimble than their adversary. Instead of striking with brute force they strike with accuracy to known weaknesses. And, if all else fails they're fast on their feet.
  
  INTUITION - Many pure-blooded Asur Khoji have something of a sixth sense. They cannot predict the future but their gut feelings are scarcely off the mark and a well-trained hunter can use this to their advantage in combat.
  
  RESISTANCE - Due to experimentation with the supernatural in previous generations Asur Khoji are resistant to the bite of a werewolf and the blood of vampires. Similarly they taste rather unappetizing to blood-drinkers. They can be turned but not without great difficulty and they're more likely to die as the hunter's body will reject the infection/curse. In the case of werewolves only alphas of esteemed pedigrees have been known to successfully turn an Asur Khoji. Instances of this are exceedingly rare and for good reason: turning an Asur Khoji renders them Narakavasi; damned, and often rejected by their clan and supernaturals alike.

• Narakavasi

  Narakavasi (Hindi: णरकवसि) is what Asur Khoji become when turned by a supernatural such as a vampire or werewolf. The very concept of such is an affront to the Asur Khoji that the term 'Narakavasi', which translates to damned or the damned, is assigned to them. In English narakavasi is often used as a noun, though it should be properly used as an adjective.
  
  Narakavasi aren't only hated but also feared as it is strongly believed a mixing of Asur Khoji blood with the supernatural will spawn an abomination. So deep is this fear that even supernaturals condemn the idea and in the rare instance that a narakavasi is found they are killed immediately. Few narakavasi have been known to exist and what has been written about them must be taken as a grain of salt as it's likely that their histories were fabricated to perpetuate the fear. Many supernatural circles believe the existence of narakavasi is an ill omen, a sign of bad events to follow. A small but significant percentage of the supernatural community believe a Narakavasi will bring about the destruction of the world.