Homebrew Chadar-Kai Species Details

The Shadar-Kai moved deep underground to the cave systems of the Taman Busuk Mountains after being driven out of Silvanesti by the other elves because of a magical prophecy. There in the dark paths they found sanctuary under the of High Priestess of Nuitari, Alma. Life in the shadows changed these elves, reshaping them and altering their appearance. Eventually, they were so different from elves that they became a distinct species. 

Shadar-Kai are humanoid, but the high pressure of the caves with lack of oxygen has shaped them to be slightly shorter and much thinner than their elf counterparts. A Shadar-Kai has a colorless complexion that varies from alabaster to dark gray. Shadar-Kai hair is similarly drab or raven black. Pale hair might have a hint of color within the range of human norms. The eyes are lustrous and black, lacking any white or clear pupil. Shadows near a Shadar-Kai sometimes seem to reach out or deepen, especially when the Shadar-Kai is angry. Although drab in natural appearance, Shadar-Kai are quite elaborate and idiosyncratic in personal adornment. They like dark and exotic clothing, jewelry, and weapons, often decorated with swatches of bright color. Hair is similarly ornate and often dyed, and many embellish their skin with tattoos, scars, and piercings. The tattoos, scars, and piercings a Shadar-Kai wears have more than one purpose. They exist as a testament to the wearer’s ability to withstand pain as well as a means of personal expression and decoration. Each decoration can also be a record of a deed done, an honor gained, or a misdeed declared.

Chadar-Kai Traits

Deep Dark Elves

Blessing of Alma

As Alma slowly died she infused small amounts of her magic into the Shadar-Kai so they could protect themselves in her absence. The magic manifested as a teleportation ability of an unoccupied space you can see. 

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.

Brave

Before the Shadar-Kai were driven out of Silvanesti they were heavily abused by their Elf counterparts, it was deemed they used wicked magic that was not suitable for the prestigious land that is Silvanesti. 

You have advantage on Saving Throws against being Frightened 

Lucky

Nuitari found the situation of the Shar-Kai humourous when Alma began pleading for their sanction, so Nuitari striked a wicked deal with Alma. If she would painfully split her soul into each Shadar-Kai he would bless them with luck in life. 

When you roll a 1 on a D20 for an attack role (the armour class check), ability check or saving throw, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll 1/day 

Ability Score Increase

Humoured by Alma's devotion to this group of essentially strangers, Nuitari decided to assist a bit extra and help them adapt to their current circumstances. 

Superior Darkvision

Nuitari granted the Shadar-Kai the ability to see to result in less injuries. Nuitari would never admit it but over the years he's grown fond of the Shadar-Kai. 

Accustomed to deep caves and ravines, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 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.

 

Fey Ancestry

The Shadar-Kai even though they have been despised and hated by the elves they still share a common fey ancestor.

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.

 

Keen Senses

Alma taught the Shadar-Kai to navigate the cryptic tunnels of Taman Busuk, with the limited light of the tunnels the Shadar-Kai developed an enhanced perception to aid in finding preys in the caverns. 

You have proficiency in the perception skill 

Alma's Last Gift

As Alma gifted the Shadar-Kai the last of her magic, Nuitari watched in disbelief as his most valued priestess started to disintegrate. He never thought she would actually do it, he thought she would see the pointlessness but that didn't happen. In an unusual bout of emotions Nuitari let out a burst of necrotic magic in his anguish. Alma's magic now inside all the Shadar-Kai began absorbing the magic, Alma's specialty. After the passing of Alma, Nuitari never again spoke to the Shadar-Kai. 

Trance

Shadar-Kai no longer sleep. Instead they meditate deeply, remaining semi-conscious, for 4 hours a day. While meditating, you dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive after years of practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit a human would from 8 hours of sleep.

    • Whenever you finish this trance, you can gain two proficiencies that you don’t have, each one with a weapon or a tool of your choice selected from the Player’s Handbook. You mystically acquire these proficiencies by drawing them from shared elven memory, and you retain them until you finish your next long rest.

Languages

Alma spent many moons teaching the Shadar-Kai common for when they leave the caverns, though most Shadar-Kai never did and still reside there today.

You can speak, read, and write Common and Elven.

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