Umbral Human

Umbral Humans are a haunting and enigmatic subset of humanity, forever marked by their exposure to the lingering, corrupting energies of The Shadowfell. Unlike their unaltered kin, these humans bear the unmistakable touch of shadow in their very essence—pale, almost translucent skin that seems to absorb light, eyes shimmering with an unnatural violet or smoky gray glow, and an aura of quiet unease that unsettles those around them.

Their connection to the Shadowfell warps both body and mind, granting them subtle supernatural abilities such as shadow stepping, enhanced stealth, and an eerie resilience to cold and necrotic energies. However, this blessing comes at a cost. Many Umbral Humans grapple with internal shadows—haunting whispers, visions of darkness, or a persistent pull toward solitude and secrecy. Their presence often evokes suspicion or fear in others, making them natural outcasts or mysterious wanderers.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Pale, greyish skin, some may even develop hooves, tails, vestigial wings, or rudimentary horns as mutations cause by the shadows.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Human
• Shadow Fey

Scientific Name

Homo sapiens umbralas

Lifespan

~750 years

Average Height

~5-6ft.

Geographic Distribution

• The Shadowfell

BoET

Umbral Human

HUMANOID

Umbral Human Traits

Size: Medium (5-6ft)

Speed: 30ft

As a Umbral Human, you have these special traits.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet as though it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Dark Infusion

You have resistance to cold damage.

Fade Away

While standing perfectly still, you can use an action to become invisible. You become visible again if you move or take an action. You can use this feature a number of times per day equal to your proficiency bonus.

Language

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

Changeling

Cover Story

You gain proficiency in the Deception or Persuasion skill.

Shadow Glamour

You can use an action to cast the disguise self spell at will.

Gifted

Cursed Infusion

You have resistance to necrotic damage.

Shadow Gift

You struck a bargain with a shadow fey to receive a gift, but it came at a terrible price. Choose one of the options below to determine the benefit and penalty you possess (or discuss other options with your GM):

• Increase one of your ability scores by 6 (up to 20). Reduce two different ability scores by 2.
• You no longer need to eat or breathe to survive and require only 4 hours for a long rest. Gain one level of exhaustion. This level of exhaustion cannot be removed by any means magical or non-magical.
• Cut your current base movement speed in half. Gain a fly, swim, or climb speed equal to your newly halved base movement speed.
• You become proficient in one skill of your choice and always roll ability checks made with that skill at advantage. Choose a second skill, and always roll ability checks made with that skill at disadvantage.
• Each day at dawn, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Constitution score. You are no longer able to spend hit dice to heal during short rests.