Elf, Shadow Fey (TP)

Shadow fey are the most abundant and established of the races who dwell in the Shadow Realm. They were long ago stolen away from the Bright Lands with promises of power. To outsiders, however, their origins are steeped in mystery. The shadow fey rule from their various courts fraught with intrigue and social maneuvering. Shadow fey are immune to the shadow corruption that threatens those from the mortal world, but this protection comes at a cost. Above all else, shadow fey want to experience the tantalizing emotions and passions that do not come easily to them. Plenty of courtly resources go toward the cultivation and trade of these emotions made tangible by fey magic. Outside of the courts, shadow fey have built magnificent lantern-lit cities and fortresses that mark crossroads throughout the Shadow Realm. They have a deep knowledge of this dark land, and a long history with its powers, places, and secrets. A shadow fey character could easily be a minor noble from the courts of the shadow fey, from one of the handful of cities of the Shadow Realm, or from a remote outpost, where those deemed unfit for politics are trained to be scouts and hunters. Shadow fey resemble elves physically but with some striking differences. Their skin color tends toward alabaster white, ebon black, or subtle grays. Many have horns that range widely in size and shape.

The shadow fey are heavily concerned with courtly politics and often spend their lives positioning themselves to fall in the good graces of the lords and ladies who rule the realm. These fey are skilled manipulators and negotiators, raised from youth to be quick both with words and with the blade. Involvement in the eternal drama of the courts gives purpose to their long lives. Still, their constant desire for novelty can easily see them indulge in long periods of travel or other worthwhile pursuits.

Naming conventions among the shadow fey are similar to those favored by elves, but their imagery is darker and more guarded. They favor themes of gloom and seclusion over sunshine and tinkling brooks.

Example Male Names: Drilfind, Edgwin, Ethdrin, Lorinidral, Quentor, Shanles, Thanascil, Torvobar, Varratir, Vashrin.

Example Female Names: Anorla, Bornva, Dulira, Fanwi, Girethdra, Lanrama, Methada, Phorla, Suzenga, Thortha.

Although elves reach physical maturity at about the same age as humans, the elven understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical growth to encompass worldly experience. An elf typically claims adulthood and an adult name around the age of 100 and can live to be 750 years old.

Although they have a malevolent reputation, the shadow fey are not inherently evil. They tend toward chaotic neutral, though every variation exists.

Elves range from under 5 to over 6 feet tall and have slender builds. Your size is Medium.

To set your height and weight randomly, start with rolling a size modifier:

Size modifier = 2d10 Height = 4 feet + 6 inches + your size modifier in inches Weight in pounds = 90 + (1d4 × your size modifier)

Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.

Elves don't need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such meditation is "trance.") While meditating, you can dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.

If you meditate during a long rest, you finish the rest after only 4 hours. You otherwise obey all the rules for a long rest; only the duration is changed.

You have proficiency with the rapier, shortsword, shortbow, and longbow.

When in darkness, dim light, or a shadow large enough to cover your body, you can cast the misty step spell. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in bright sunlight.

You have advantage on any Intelligence (Arcana) check to learn about a particular shadow road and how it functions.

You can speak, read, and write Elvish and Umbral.