Search for the Sanjivni is an adventure for 5th level characters that sets them on a quest to find an antidote to a poison that is killing the characters’ prince. Rakshasa and daanav feature as both friends and foes of the party on their quest. It is notable that the rakshasa are not the fiends of the Monster Manual, but instead draw more on their depiction in Indian mythology. At least, that is what the designer says, and I am going to take his word for it!
The adventure takes place over three acts.
In the first act, the characters travel through the war-torn country to the Dandaka forest, where the antidote grows.
In the second act, the characters seek the help of a hermit in the forest to guide them to the antidote.
In the third and final act, the characters travel to a cave and must overcome the guardian there to gain the antidote.
In form, this is a mostly linear quest, but some encounters give a pleasing freedom as to how the players can approach them. And, although you can ignore it, the adventure has the potential for a small amount of political intrigue. Key non-player characters feel complex, which allows for memorable role-playing.
It still requires the DM to bring it to life, though. Due to unfamiliar terminology and occasional changes to terms from base D&D, you may need to keep on your toes. There are a few terms (“the Churning”) that are not explained in the text, although I have a few clues based on context as to what they mean. I would have appreciated a glossary.
I noted a few rough patches in the rules content, particularly with its use of a “skill challenge”, a concept that is not described in the 5E rulebooks. However, I very much liked handling of the crossing of a battlefield thick with enemies – the characters make a sequence of group Dexterity (Stealth) checks, and each failure adds additional enemies to a later combat. It is a nice way of giving consequences beyond a simple “pass/fail”.
What makes this adventure fascinating is its evocation of the fantastical India. It is strong throughout. The use of the Rakshasa as a different people – some allied with your cause, some working against – reads well. There is a very good sense of the magical threats in the land, from the corpse-eating pishachas to the mystical golden deer of the forest. Although I am not sure exactly how it would play at the table, the various activities available in the army camp also give a sense that this is a culture that isn’t European.
Overall, there are many things to admire in Search for the Sanjivni, even though it is not flawless. Highly recommended!