Shadow Fey

The enigmatic shadow fey of the Shadow Roads dwell in ebon spires and moonlit keeps, encroaching on the mortal world in places where barriers between the planes are thin. They prowl the darkest recesses of the forest, hunting mortal prey. They dance in the darkly luminous halls of their shadow palaces, the lords and ladies of twilight. Their actions brim with contradictions and their motivations are shrouded in mystery. They seek to throw their observers off-guard, for anyone and everyone is a potential enemy. Shadow fey resemble elves physically, with some striking differences. Their skin color tends toward alabaster white, ebon black, or subtle grays. A few have scintillating, shimmering skin. Many shadow fey have horns, from subtle nubs to large and obvious protrusions, either satyr- or fiend-like depending on the chronicler.

SHADOW FEY TRAITS

Shadow fey are a subrace of elf. They enjoy the base elven racial traits, along with the following subrace traits.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Alignment. Although they have a malevolent reputation, the shadow fey are not inherently evil. They tend toward chaotic neutral, though every variation exists.
Shadow Fey Weapon Training. You have proficiency with the rapier, shortsword, shortbow, and longbow.
Path of Shadows. 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.
Sunlight Sensitivity. 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.
Traveler in Darkness. You have advantage on any Intelligence (Arcana) check to learn about a particular shadow road and how it functions. Extra Language. You can speak, read, and write Common, Umbral, and one other Exotic Language.

A MYSTERY TO MORTALS

Although a physically beautiful race, the shadow fey somehow combine the worst features of elves and goblins. They are at turns benign and cruel, purposeful and whimsical. They vanish from the world and reappear seemingly at random, then profess shock at the changes that occurred during their absence. Their actions can seem illogical or even mad, but there is always a method in them. Shadow fey advance their goals subtly, so that enemies are overtaken before they even become aware of the danger. While the shadow fey are often antagonists and usually are described as malevolent, they are not inherently evil. Neither are they inherently good. They are fey, and mortals must always be wary in their interactions with fey or pay a steep price. Loyalty, devotion, wealth, memories, lives, souls: the shadow fey deal in all of these things. And they are stirring once more.

ORIGINS OF THE SHADOW FEY

Even to most shadow fey, their history is unknown, and differing stories about their origin abound. The most prevalent story recounts that the shadow fey were elves who made pacts with forces of darkness millennia ago, most likely during the Great Retreat when a group of beleaguered elves turned to those powers out of desperation.