Talk:Shadowborn, Variant (5e Race)

An interesting race, the elves hailing from Shadowfell. At first glance I wondered, "Why not just use drows?" but oh no, I was wrong. With a bit more touch, this would make an interesting race. However, if there is one thing I am good at, it would be nitpicking, so here we go:

• Ability Score Increase. 5e races have no ability score decrease, no matter what. You either get a +2 bonus on one ability score and a +1 bonus on another, a +1 bonus to all abilities (as humans get).

• Superior Darkvision. I did some word changes in this feature, because there is a darkvision in SRD and I found that it would be better to follow the pre-set wordings. Also, I suggest adding Sunlight Sensitivity feature as drows get, because having a 120-feet-radius darkvision is quite a big benefit.

• Shadow Comfort. Not bad per se, but I suggest doubling your proficiency bonus at Dexterity (Stealth) checks while in darkness, as dwarves get Stonecunning feature. Also, this sounds like shadowborns are likely to have proficiency in Stealth skill, why not give it a try?

• Languages. Note that most races know only two languages, and perhaps another on some occasions. Speaking what, nine languages? What good is comprehend languages spell if you have an omniglot in your party?

• Others. From what I see, there is this thin line between drows and shadowborns, and I really can't find out how different they are. Shadowborns have many features that drows also have, minus some "penalties." This makes shadowborn more of an improved drow than a separate race. I think it would be nice to find a way to differenciate shadowborns from drows.

In short: Love the concept, but some features seems a bit overpowered and out of balance, and looks more of an improved drow than a separate race. I am counting on this race, it sounds awesome! --WeirdoWhoever (talk) 04:26, 31 March 2017 (UTC)