Ra'zac

The ra'zac were one of the several ancient races that were thought to have followed the humans across the sea to Alagaësia. They were a race that fed on humans and likely came from the same homelands. Ra'zacs' breath have the power to paralyze humans in a dream-like state, however, it barely clouds the minds of dwarves and is ineffective against elves altogether.

The last two ra'zac are servants of Galbatorix, living in their black towers at Helgrind. They are used by King Galbatorix to investigate any rumors of dragons who might have escaped the downfall of the Dragon Riders. They are called by some the king's personal "dragon hunters." They are especially effective against Dragon Riders because their minds are shielded from mental powers.

Life Cycle. When a ra'zac is hatched, it is referred to as a pupa. It develops a roughly human exoskeleton, allowing it to remain somewhat inconspicuous in the company of its favorite prey, humans. During the pupae stage, they wear black cloaks to help hide their true form. In this stage, ra'zac feed exclusively on human beings, but upon maturing will kill and eat anything that moves.

When the pupae reaches the first full moon of its twentieth year, it sheds its exoskeleton, spread its wings that have developed from a bulge on its back, emerging as a fully grown Lethrblaka, said to resemble a type of monstrous dark dragon. The Lethrblaka serve as flying mounts used by the Ra'zac. The Lethrblaka then reproduce oviparously, by laying eggs, renewing their cycle of life.

Lethrblaka have the intelligence of a dragon, but they are much more intelligent than the younger Ra'zac and can give out ear-splitting shrieks that most are not able to stand.

Master Assassins and Spies. The ra'zac use bows and arrows usually coated in Seithr Oil. They also use ancient leaf-bladed swords which they cover with either Seithr Oil or another poison of choice. The ra'zac are cunning and cruel, but rather narrow-minded. They are capable of conscious thought and consideration, but are not as intelligent as humans, dwarves, elves, or dragons.

Creatures of the Night and Land. Their eyes are so sensitive to brightness, strong light pains them, though it is not fatal and doesn't stop a ra'zac if they are determined. Ra'zac aren't able to swim, possibly because of their exoskeleton, as a result they have a morbid fear of deep water and thus keep away from it. Their favorite meal is human flesh. The Ra'zac speak in their own language of sharp clicks, clacks, clucks, shrieks, chirps and other bird-like sounds. None of this language is translated and the calls are unintelligible and even unpronounceable to all but the Ra'zac.