Nevermores

The nevermores, also known by other names such as moris and vhenani, are a new breed of humans originating from the northernmost human kingdom, the Dead Kingdom of Vhenan. It is unclear when the first nevermores appeared, but it is assumed that they came to be about a 100 years after the Second Demon War. They are vile, half-undead beings that have been eternally cursed by the essence of Vraash. Most nevermores are trapped within the borders of Vhenan, used as "livestock" for breeding new bodies and eventually raised back as undead when their natural life cycles come to an end. They are usually provided with the bare minimum in order to survive, but Vhenan definitely has a place for them and values their existence. Without the nevermores, Vhenan would eventually be forced to conquer new lands to grow their nation and that is not something they are looking to do for now.

## Physical description

Nevermores are usually noticeably skinnier and physically weaker than coastals, their closest cousins. Even so, they have exceptionlly hardy skin and strong bones, being able to take hits that a normal human would struggle with. Their average height lies somewhere between 170 and 180 centimeters and they weigh around 50 to 60 kilograms, with males being larger and heavier. Their skin tones are predominantly dull, varying between ivory and light gray. Nevermores have thin, light hair and both genders begin showing signs of balding at a young age. Most of them also have bad skin conditions that give them a corpse-like look and an irritating smell. Nevermores usually live a little longer than coastal humans, with their maximum age being about 150 years.

## Society

Doomed to live forever under the shadow of death within the closed borders of Vhenan, most nevermores are found there. They essentially act as the civilian populace of the kingdom. Very few have been able to escape their fate and in doing so, have brought attention to the actions of Sandrocus the Eternal, the current king of Vhenan. Their appearance and horrifying tales are one of the main reasons as to why El Sherdan is now more concerned about Vhenan as a whole. Some have been killed because of their diseased appearance, believed to be deathly ill citizens or zombies raised by a necromancer. Because of this unfriendly reception, nevermores are usually loners who may find work within the criminal underworld where they can hide their physical features without raising suspicion. Most of them have never had access to magic and so these kinds of conventional methods are the only way they can find acceptance in southern societies. Perhaps one day they may find themselves welcome after proving their worth to those that have doubted them.

## Rules

* **Ability Score Modifiers:** Nevermores are not very strong but quite resistant to physical harm and have a particularly keen mind. They gain +2 Constitution, +2 Wisdom, and –2 Strength.
* **Type:** Humanoid, human/half-undead
	+ Half-undead have the Darkvision racial trait, allowing them to see perfectly in the dark up to 60 feet.
	+ Half-undead gain a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against disease and mind-affecting effects.
	+ Half-undead take no penalties from energy-draining effects, though they can still be killed if they accrue more negative levels than they have Hit Dice. After 24 hours, any negative levels they’ve gained are removed without any additional saving throws.
	+ Half-undead creatures are harmed by positive energy and healed by negative energy. A half-undead creature with the fast healing special quality still benefits from that quality.
* **Size:** Medium
* **Base Speed:** 30 feet
* **Languages:** Nevermores begin play speaking Common and Necril. Nevermores with high Intelligence scores can choose any languages they want (except for secret languages, such as Druidic and Drow Sign Language).

* **Already Cursed:** Nevermores gain a +2 racial saving throw bonus against necromancy spells and effects.
* **Hard-Boiled:** Nevermores gain *Endurance* as a bonus feat and a +1 racial bonus on Fortitude saves.
* **Eternal March:** Nevermores gain a +2 racial bonus on Survival and Ride checks.
* **Low-Light Vision:** In addition to their ability to see perfectly in the dark up to 60 ft, nevermores have low-light vision, allowing them to see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim light.

#### Alternate Racial Traits

The following alternate racial traits may be selected in place of one or more of the standard racial traits above. Consult your GM before selecting any new options.

* **Embrace Undeath:** Some nevermores have found themselves unable to resist the grasp of undeath and choose to use it as their own weapon instead. Nevermores with this racial trait add 1 to the DC of saving throws made to resist the effects of necromancy spells cast by them. This racial trait replaces Already Cursed.
* **Zombified:** Many nevermores try to fight against undeath, but some have already begun to show symptoms of their transformation. Nevermores with this racial trait gain a natural slam attack that deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage as a primary attack (or a secondary attack, if the nevermore uses a weapon). In addition, they gain *Toughness* as a bonus feat. This racial trait reduces base speed by 10 feet.
* **Neutral Energy:** Although most nevermores find themselves drawn towards negative energy, a few can still grasp positive energy despite their turned state. Nevermores with this racial can choose whether they are healed by positive energy and damaged by negative energy, or healed by negative energy and damaged by positive energy. Whenever they take a standard 8 hour rest, they get to make this choice again. This racial trait replaces Hard-Boiled.