Shadow Tiefling, Variant (5e Race Variant)
Shadow Tiefling[edit]
Long, long ago, an ancient pact was struck with the infernal powers of the nine hells, creating the devilish tiefling race. This has become common knowledge, and remains the cause of much mistreatment of tieflings today. However, what some may not know is the dark legacy of the Shadow Tielfing; a splinter group who wished to be freed of their infernal heritage. This tribe travelled to the Shadowfell long ago, and struck a bargain with the Raven Queen to be freed from their infernal curse, taking on a dark power of their own.
Called "Raven-Kin" or "Darklurkers" by Tiefling who know of their origin, Shadow Tiefling resemble elves, but with clear influence from their dark patroness. They have no tails or horns; instead, feathers coat their bodies, leaving only the pale skin (Akin to that of a Shadar-Kai's) of their face and chest (As well as the inside of their biceps and thighs) exposed. The skin of their hands and feet is dark, with pointed black nails and a leathery textured skin akin to that of a raven's. Two long feathers adorn their head just above their forehead, and their heads often have long black hair with traces of midnight blue. Their eyes come in a wide variety of colors, though their sclera are exclusively black.
Age. Shadow tieflings, having been exposed to the deathly magics of the Shadowfell, have had their lifespans drastically increased. Though they still reach maturity at 20 years old, they can live to be well over 500.
Alignment. Most Shadow teiflings stray from their inherently evil tendencies, and can range from chaotic to lawful.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Languages. You can speak Common and Undercommon.
Ability Score Increase. When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. You can't raise any of your scores above 20.
Superior Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 120 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.
Dark Resistance. You have resistance to necrotic damage.
Dark Presence. Your dark plumage and otherworldy countenance make you an natural at stealth and shakedowns. You gain proficiency in the Stealth and Intimidation skills.
Blessing of the Raven Queen. As a bonus action, you can magically teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. Starting at 3rd level, you also gain resistance to all damage when you teleport using this trait. The resistance lasts until the start of your next turn. During that time, your feathers and eyes exude a dark black fog.
Shadow Magic. You know one cantrip from any spell list. This cantrip must be from the Necromancy School. At 3rd level, you can cast cause fear once without a spell slot. At 5th level, you may cast darkness once without a spell slot. You regain all uses of these spells after finishing a long rest. Intelligence, Wisdom or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
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