Shadowborn, Variant (5e Race)

Shadowborn

“

Whilst the drows fled to their little cave, we embraced the dark.

”

Physical Description

By Katie de Sousa

Shadowborn, also known as qweldint, or "shadow elves," are humanoids with elven features, like arched brows, high, refined structure, and pointed ears. Their skin is ashen charcoal, and their hair is usually salt-pepper. Some have mistaken them as drows at first glance, until they see those pitch black eyes.

History

Shadowborns are the descendants of elves who were exiled from the world for their beliefs. They were similar to drow and believed in Lolth for a while, but a demon of shadows revealed itself to their particular sect in the cult. The demon broke them from Lolth's brain control and enticed them to make a contract with him. The drows immediately set upon them. In their fear, they agreed to the demon's terms. They were whisked away to Shadowfell. People know not what happened during their stay there, but they eventually resurfaced around the time when Shadowfell was dangerously close to merging with the Underdark.

Society

Shadowborn tend to keep to themselves when on the material plane, they will often keep away from large events where they may be recognized as best they can, however, there are some who have been accepted in communities and are now working members of the societies the reside in. Drows and other elves abhor them for their beliefs. People are often turned off by their dark eyes. They are erroneously believed to be evil, as their entire race is basically bound to always give their souls to the demon at the end of their days due to the contract made by their ancestors.

Shadowborn Names

Most shadowborn follow the common elven names as they have been passed down through their culture.

Male: Enrial, Thenrys, Serendil

Female: Sariel, Illana, Verelia

Shadowborn Traits

Shadowborn are a race born of the Shadowfell. These elf-like beings feel more comfortable and even enjoy being in the shadows.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score is increased by 2, and your Constitution score is increased by 1.
Age. Shadowborn can live much longer than normal elves and average with a life expectancy of about 5,000 years.
Alignment. Shadowborn tend to lean towards the chaotic alignments. However, it is not unheard of for them to be of neutral or even lawful alignments.
Size. Shadowborn often stands between 5'2" and 6'8". Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 40 feet in dim light or darkness, and 25 in daylight or within magical light.
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 grey.
Shadow Comfort. You feel more at home in the shadows and find it easier to hide in them. When you make a Stealth check while you are in darkness, you can add half your Dexterity modifier to the roll.
Shadow Manipulation. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast darkness spell once at will, without expending a spell slot or requiring material components. You must finish a long rest before you can cast it again.
Shadowless. From the realm of shadow, one becomes one with their shadow. You do not cast a shadow.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and Abyssal.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 6''	+9	115lb lb.	× (50) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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