Genasi (Shadow) (5e Race)

Genasi (Shadow)

Physical Description

Lucio Parrillo

Shadow genasi largely take their shape from their mortal lineage, but their elemental exposure leaves them much darkened in complexion, dark in hair color, and possessing of black sclera around their already dark pupils. They also tend to be taller and more robust than their mortal parents.

History

Like other genasi, those of shadow are birthed from humanoids exposed to high concentrations of otherworldly energy or by mating directly with genies. In the case of shadow genasi, their ancestry may lead back to the secretive khayal, genies of the Shadowfell who rarely leave that bleak plane or associate with other beings for pleasure. Thus, shadow genasi are an extreme rarity even in comparison to their more standard elemental peers and those that do exist must often escape the Plane of Shadow if they wish for a life, or likely unlife, greater than suffering or despair. The only consolation they get is that they lack their elemental forbearers’ tight bond to their home plane, so they can leave and stay away from it without any more trouble than any other mortals.

Society

Most shadow genasi born outside the Shadowfell are lone freaks left to survive in whatever environment they are left with. Things are little better with the Plane of Shadows with involved parents fare little better as they are often trained by the khayal to serve as their spies and scouts on the material plane, though few are ever dispatched for fear of their discovery or defection. Even those that aren’t so invested in the dark genies’ culture of deception face problems earning the trust of others.

Genasi (Shadow) Names

While the names of most shadow genasi come from their mortal lineage, some do take names alluding to their dark and deadly nature.

Any: Annihilus, Dusk, Doldrummond, Eclipsa/o, Finis, Grim, Melancholia/o, Midnight, Morbius, Moroses, Necrobro/sis, Nihil, Oblivia/o, Pitch, Quietus, Reaper, Shade, Sombra/o, Umbra/o

Genasi (Shadow) Traits

Spectral part-elementals infused with the dark energies of the Shadowfell.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity, Constitution, and Charisma scores all increase by 1.
Age. Genasi mature at about the same rate as humans and reach adulthood in their late teens. They live somewhat longer than humans do, up to 120 years.
Alignment. Shadow genasi tend toward a chaotic neutral alignment.
Size. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Deepsight. You can see normally in darkness, both magical and nonmagical, to a distance of 60 feet.
Born in Shadow. You have resistance to necrotic damage. Necrotic damage can’t reduce your maximum hit points.
Infiltrator. While in dim light or darkness, you have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) and Charisma (Deception) checks.
Spells of Shade. You know the sapping sting cantrip. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the bane spell without a spell slot. Starting at 5th level, you can cast the invisibility spell without a spell slot. You can cast any of these spells without material components. Once you cast each spell with this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast them using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells when you cast them with this trait (choose 1 when you select this race).
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 0''	+2d12	150 lb.	× (2d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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