Shadar-Kai

*"And some think my people have issues."-Jeggred Hune, drow mercenary.*

*"Make sure you pull out all the metal bits before you eat. Otherwise your gums will bleed something nasty."-Grudok Shadowmuncher, professional ogre chef on preparing different elf cuts.*

*"When wandering in the Shadowfell there aren't many other beings you can sort of trust. Please keep in mind I said 'sort of.'"-Misery, tiefling planar traveler.*

## Physical Description:

Shadar-kai resemble blighted elves, in a perpetual state between life and death. They are usually slender and range from slightly taller to slightly shorter than humans with graceful movements well suited to stealth. They have dusky gray skin and colorless complexions, varying from alabaster to dark gray. Hair is typically black, though a few shadar-kai have pale hair and dark eyes lacking any sclera or clear pupil. Some shave their heads as well. Shadows on their bodies or clothing always seem to be deeper and darker than shadows elsewhere, and follow them easily, seeming to reach out when the shadar-kai is angered. Most shadar-kai display all kinds of iron body piercings in nose, ears, eyebrows, shoulders, and other parts of the body, alongside purple-inked tattoos on body, limbs, and face. Ritual scarification is also common Their clothing is dark and designed both for practical use and aiding with self mutilation.

## History:

The Shadowfell is a dark plane of existence that mirrors the material like a twisted reflection. Darkness holds domain there, both figuratively and literally. On this plane are precious few civilized beings but those that are most "civilized" are the shadar-kai. The Raven Queen is a mysterious deity that many believe to be Atix Crowfeather in disguise or possibly an aspect of her but what isn't debated are her servants, the shadar-kai. These shadow elves seem to be natives of the Shadowfell or, possibly, migrated there so long ago that it makes no difference. Regardless of where they came from, shadar-kai are rare but not unheard of on Apia. The arrival of these grim figures is often a foreboding one as it means trouble is sure to follow them. As to the long term goals of the shadar-kai, or their ancient elven past, none but them can say.

## Geography:

Shadar-kai are only found in great numbers in the Shadowfell. Individuals can be found throughout Apia though never as more than individuals or small teams. Several nations employ them as mercenaries, and a few elven cities include them as members but never enough to be truly qualified as a community.

## Personality:

Shadar-kai are almost entirely devoid of emotion and feeling due to their status as natives of the Shadowfell. All sensation and emotion are dulled to the point that only the most extreme sensations can truly be felt. This is an issue because, aside from the obvious downfalls of being unable to feel, shadar-kai are cursed to fade away, first into shades and then out of reality entirely if they cannot keep themselves stimulated. This stimulation is their anchor to reality preventing this fading. Therefore, shadar-kai are hedonistic revelers by necessity. Self-mutilation is a popular way to stimulate sensation and so many use painful, exotic, piercings such as arm bands with spikes on the inside. The sensations of food, intoxication and sexual satisfaction are likewise dulled, so more extreme experiences are needed to enhance the feeling. Because this high drive is difficult to maintain, most shadar-kai are deeply sullen and moody as a sense of despair and hopelessness hangs over them like a cloud. Those few that rise above the gloom can become tremendous heroes, if they are willing to risk it all.

## Society:

    Shadar-kai society is an oxymoron. Individuals travel the planes and seek their own experiences, doing everything they can to move past their dulled senses and actually feel something. They take no orders from higher-ups, have no government or formal religious practices. What they do respect is the will of their mysterious goddess and, if in a group, they are most likely on some assignment for her. In the Shadowfell they do congregate into towns that mirror material plane cities, though with bizarre architecture and crumbling structures. While these towns lack any sort of formal cohesion, taxes or militia, the simple act of congregating helps them stay alive and sane in the hostile plane. One rule that they do consider unbreakable is the "Savior's Boon." When a shadar-kai's life is saved by another, she owes a great debt of service to them. Many often offer themselves sexually to their savior but this is not always the case. Sometimes this becomes a bond of friendship or a service rendered. Some shadar-kai have been known to travel with their savior for months or even years as a way to pay back the debt they feel is owed.

## Religion:

All shadar-kai revere the Raven Queen and Atix Crowfeather. They seem to believe the two are one; perhaps it is true. Those rare few who lose her favor or abandon her tend to fall deep into demon or devil worship in desperation.

## Alignment:

Despite their tendencies, most shadar-kai aren't evil. Indeed, many wish they could live simpler lives but their curse prevents it. Many are chaotic neutral or even chaotic good. Lawful shadar-kai are rare but not unheard of.

## Relations:

Interplaner beings like the gith tend to have a broader perspective on reality and make good friends. Both lizardfolk and warforged also tend to be firm friends with the shadar-kai bonding over their mutual lack of emotional feeling and often debating about the value, or lack there of, of emotion. Tieflings and good aligned drow make firm allies as well. Half and full blood orcs are quick to get along with shadar-kai, recognizing their drive to find excitement and their skill in battle.

## Language:

Shadar-kai speak common and shadar-kai, a varient of elven. Many also speak sylven.

## Adventurers:

Most shadar-kai are adventurers. Battle, plunder and exploration are a good sources of thrills and emotional stimulation, even the pain of an enemy sword-blow can help prolong the shadar-kai's existence. They are well skilled in battle and so, despite grim appearance and dour moods, most easily find employ in adventuring bands. All they ask in return is sensation, something adventuring parties are happy to provide.

### Names:

Shadar-kai names sound like twisted elven names and many elves even find their names offensive.

 **Male Names:** Adr, Aelech, Aranat, Arannt, Austar, Berri’im, Enialate, Erdamn, Galingal, Harderied, Ivillain, Lucian, Pelvis, Rollin, Therein, Varriis

 **Female Names:** Adream, Althebees, Bichryn, Burriel, Cowlyyn, Enny, Jellyniith, Liiare, Mealay, Sarrihell, Shavvir, Thibie, Vain, Xenapheobia

**Family Names Translated:** Stonewilt, Starfire, Moonglare, Hardsweat, Stonefall, Blackfrond, Ashenboot, Nighterror, Darkwater, Blackflower

## Traits:

As described below...

+2 Dexterity, -2 Strength

Outsider (Extraplanar)

Medium: No size-related bonuses.

Shadar-Kai base land speed is 30 feet.

Blend into Shadows: A Shadar-Kai can hide in plain sight in areas with heavy shadow. They also get a +4 bonus to hide rolls made while in shadowed areas.

Sneak Attack: Shadar-Kai get a +1d6 racial bonus to sneak attacks. This stacks with a rogue's sneak attack

Superior low-light vision

Spiked Chain Proficiency: All Shadar-Kai are automatically proficient with the spiked chain.

Automatic Languages: Common, Elven, Sylven.

Bonus Languages: Undercommon, Draconic, Infernal, Abyssal.

Favored Class: Rogue