Raven-Blooded

*"Why settle for less than total ecstaty? The world has so much to offer! Take what you can before you die."- Varriis Blackflower, raven-blooded adventuer, his personal philosophy.*

*"People call our kin stoic."- Vonnam Trueforce, dwarven miner, musing in the tavern with his brother.*

*"Living your life in another plane can have far-reaching consequences. You see things...differently."- Tides, water genasi philosopher, in her groundbreaking work* A Planar Examination: Is There Really a Wheel?

## Physical Description:

A raven-blooded half-elf stands tall, with skin so pale it nearly glows. The typical pointed ears and slanted brows of all half-elves do mark the raven-blooded, even though plenty of obvious differences exist. Their pale skin contrasts dramatically with eyes dark as pitch. Hair is equally black though it is far from uncommon for a raven-blooded of either sex to be shaved bald. If not bald, a raven-blooded half-elf likely styles their hair either short or a long, singular top knot. Aside from their distinct physical features, an aura of wrongness seems to follow them around wherever they go, leaving non raven-bloods feeling unsettled. As if that wasn't enough to recognize them, most cover their faces and bodies with distinctive black tattoos in eldritch swirling patterns. All raven-blooded half-elves cover their face and bodies with piercings so numerous and elaborate it would be impossible to miss them

## History:

The Shadar-Kai are a race of elves native to the Shadowfell and its mysterious patron, The Raven Queen. Some question whether the Raven Queen is another aspect of Atix Crowfeather, or the goddess acting under a different name, a stance that the shadar-kai seem to hold. Regardless, these extra-planar elves serve her while they search for endless sensation and pleasures. This hedonistic lifestyle is necessary to keep their essence from slipping away. The result of these excursions, especially with the shadar-kai "Savior's Boon," is the occasional half-breed baby. These half-breed babies are collectively called "Raven-Blooded" in homage to the Raven Queen and the plane she rules. These children are almost exclusively raised by the non shadar-kai parent because, no matter how good-intentioned that shadar-kai parent is, they are fundamentally incapable of raising a child while pursuing their lifestyle. As a result, raven-blooded half-elves often find themselves in isolated communities, separated from those who do not ultimately understand them or their ways. Raven-Blooded have no major heroes, or impact on the history of Apia but they have, in their own way, moved stories and lives along.

## Geography:

There are no major raven-blooded communities, save within the Shadowfell. Raven-Blooded are known to live among other half-elves occasionally, and form little sub-communities of their own within the larger community.

## Personality:

While raven-blooded do not suffer the curse that affects their shadar-kai parent, they do have severely damped emotions. Like their parents they can be desperate in their pursuit of any pleasure, though they don't have to go as far for sensation, nor do they need it so desperately. With half of their blood belonging to a non shadar-kai, they are not pulled into the Shadowfell if they fail to maintain appropriate levels of sensation and thus can act with much more restraint. Many actually live emotionless lives focusing on academic or magical studies. Others do become debauched pleasure seekers, indulging in hallucinogens', adventure, strong drink, pleasant company and milder forms of self mutilation. In this regard, they are simply more reserved versions of their full blooded shadar-kai parent. Some are glum and moody, moping about their lot in life, constantly depressed. Others reject this sorrow and try their best to live a full life.

## Society:

The role of a raven-blooded depends on where he is. Among other half-elves, raven-blooded tend to fill the role of enforcer or scout, jobs they are well suited for and relish. They do integrate into their own small sub-communities and any half-elven town that contains a portion of raven-bloods typically includes a representative from among them on their council. Raven-Blooded recognize age and wisdom, figuring anyone who can survive to an older age with the blood of the shadar-kai running through their veins is well worth respecting. Most of their communities are well organized and safe, though they can be wild when the mood strikes its inhabitants.

## Religion:

Raven-Blooded tend to worship whichever god they choose. Many adore the Raven Queen or Atix Crowfeather but still others revere Corellon Larenthian, Rila, Aphion, Dybium or Thydtia.

## Alignment:

Raven-Blooded can be of any alignment. Most are chaotic and many are good but this is not necessary for all.

## Relations:

Raven-Blooded half-elves get along best with other half-elves, who understand their struggles best. They also relate to half-orcs, who understand the pull in two separate directions. Full blooded shadar-kai treat the raven-blooded well enough, although there is some jealousy at the ability to feel as intensely as the ravens do. Most other half-breeds get along well with raven-blooded and vice-versa.

## Language:

Raven-Blooded speak common and elven. Many also speak sylven.

## Names:

Either elf names or shadar-kai names can be used for raven-blooded.

## Adventurers:

Like their parents, raven-blooded are drawn to adventure. The need for battle, glory and sensation drives them, a desire to explore compels them and treasure is always a fine reward for the day's adventure.

## Traits:

Identical to half-elf with the following exception...

Exotic Weapon proficiency: (Spike Chain) Replaces the +2 bonus to diplomacy and gather information

Superior Low-light vision: Replaces low light vision