Homebrew Shade Species Details
Shades are humans who had merged with the essence of shadowstuff. They grew more powerful in areas of darkness or shadows, including gaining the ability to leap from shadow to shadow, to create shadowy duplicates of themselves, and even to become entirely invisible. They could also decrease the amount of light in an area and could see through darkness, even of the magical variety.
A select few Shadovar, citizens of Thultanthar, were rewarded for their immense loyalty to the city by being made into shades. Shades were first created through the research of Netherese wizards who left Faerûn for the Plane of Shadow (now the Shadowfell) for research purposes long before Karsus' Folly. During this journey, it was found that by removing a part of one's soul and replacing it with the essence of shadow, a shade could be produced. This was an extremely complex and painful process, but the result was a being with a prolonged life and a greatly strengthened set of abilities when in the presence of shadows.
Shade Traits
Shades share certain racial traits as a result of their shadowy essence.Ability Score Increase
Your Charisma score increases by 1, and your Constitution score increases by 2.
Age
Shades mature at the same rate as humans but may live well into their seventh century.
Alignment
A human who becomes a shade by accident might not have an innate tendency toward evil, but those who become a shade intentionally almost certainly are. Shades do not particularly favor law or chaos.
Size
Shades are no difference in size than the human from which they are created. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Superior Darkvision
Thanks to your ties to the Shadowfell, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.
Sunlight Sensitivity
You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.
Shadow Magic
You know the thaumaturgy
cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the invisibility spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.Shadow Stealth
You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
Magic Resistance
You have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice.
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