Asura

Asuras were good messenger spirits in service of deities, and as such were main competitors to the devas. They were a symbol of goodness and light, kindness and tenderness, and often appeared on the Material Plane helping mystics and faithful. An asuras resembled a human with marble pale skin and huge red wings. Their feet were armed with eagle claws and they wore loose toga.

Combat
From time immemorial, asuras were the messengers not soldiers, but their strength and combat experience was not to be underestimated. They prefered to attack their opponents from the air, causing terrible wounds by claws and hand-held weapons. Being one of the wisest creatures in the outer planes, they were immune to many forms of enchantment and completely protected from illusions. Thanks to its marvelous vision an asuras could easily recognize lies and punish the guilty. Asuras could also transform into a human or demihuman to go unnoticed. In this case, their abilities are retained.

Habitat/Society
In their native planes asuras were managed by experienced commanders which they unconditionally obeyed. But at any time any of the asuras could safely engage to another commander as their service was always free. Also there were wandering free asuras, helping people around the world and showing by example how to live. All asuras together, calling themselves the Grand Celestial Host, recognized a supreme general called Absalom as their leader.

Ecology
Asura were beings living in the outer planes and did not directly influence the ecology of Zakhara.

Sourcebooks

 * Monstrous Compendium Al-Qadim Appendix