Shadar-kai
Basic Information
Anatomy
Humanoid
Biological Traits
Shadar-kai are like other elves generally, but due to their exposure to the Realm of the Dead and the Shadow Queen, they are somewhat diffrent. They have the same Fey Ancestry as other Elves, but also possess a sort of "Blessing" from their Shadow Queen that allows them to teleport into a shadowy mist They also are unnaturally resistant to Necrotic based magic and damage due to their life on the Realm of the Dead. They can of course also enter a trance like state instead of sleeping like their Elven cousins.
Genetics and Reproduction
Shadar-kai reproduce sexually, with a gestation period similar to normal Elves. However, one change is that no matter the pairing, the child will be born a Shadar-kai instead of a half elf.
Growth Rate & Stages
Same growth rate as standard Elves
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Shadar-kai possess the ability to see in the dark, much like other Elves. The Shadar-kai also possess incredibly keen senses, being able to spot things others may miss.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Shadar-kai names are quite melodic with a few guttural elements here and there, with male names being slightly more melodic than female names despite female names ending in vowels quite often. Names are usually 2-3 syllables long, though female names lean more often toward 3 syllables than male names.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
The language of the Shadar-kai is an offshoot of both Elven and the native tongue of the people in the Realm of the Dead, known as Ulgundian. It is both melancholic and mysterious and yet none can question its Elfish heritage for how the words flow.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Typically, the Shadar-kai are a grim-natured and bitter lot, however for ones that live in the Realm of the Dead they need to be. Life in that realm is one of horror and hardship, and as such the Shadar-kai are exceptional survivalists, but are also entirely pragmatic. If their duty requires them to give their life in defense of their people, they do so with a surprisng lack of regard for their lives. This is also due to their belief that they will reincarnate into a new form by their soul traveling through the Plane of Shadow, the Shadow Queens personal realm, and to do this they but need to preform great deeds in her name. As such, many wish to have great stories told of them, for that better guarantees their chance of reincarnation. They are also known as a deceptive and subtle people, preffering to attack from ambush and always have a back up plan to escape a social situation. However, should one earn their loyalty and respect, you'd be hard pressed to find a more loyal soul then that of a Shadar-kai swearing a Oath of Shadowing, a unique custom that means the one swearing said oath promises to shadow and always be by the side of the person they swear too.
History
Shadar-kai, are made up of the Elves that traveled to the Realm of the Dead to get as far away from the people that has labeled them outcasts. They would struggle within the Realm of Death but find a way to live nonetheless. They would build a great citadel to hide in, when the Shadow Queen would come down to them and offer them safety and power in exchange for worship. They would accept, and were forever marked with shadow, but also granted the ability to live in this shadow. Since then their kind has lived in their great land watched under by the Shadow Queen and though they rarely travel out, they are a hardy bunch, and will suffer no threat to their safety.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Due to typically not leaving the safety of their homes, contact with Shadar-kai is sparse, however those in the Realm of the Dead know of them quite well, for they typically raid those close to them and fight off invaders. While not overtly hated, they are treated with suspicion whenever they show up, as none can be too sure of what a Shadar-kai is planning when they enter a city. Some have even traveled to the Mortal Realm to sell their services as sellswords or simply to find worthy acts to do.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
Around 1,000 years
Average Height
5-6ft
Average Weight
130-170lbs
Average Physique
Like other Elves, they are slender of form and lithe like.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Shadar-kai possess ashen, pale like skin tones.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
