Homebrew Shadowborn Species Details

Birth in the Shadows

Shadowborn are oddly human-like beings who were born in the Shadowfell and somehow escaped into the Material Plane. They vaguely resemble humans in build and mannerisms yet there is a an indescribable strangeness to them. Not just in the way they walk or talk but even their body seems to shift in and out of existence. A shadowborn has very pale skin and dull, grey eyes with hair that is thin and slightly translucent. The shadows that permeate the Shadowfell also affect the creatures living there which can have a physical toll on the body, changing it to be more like the Shadowfell itself. While most shadowborn are not malnourished many can seem that way to an outsider not familiar with the Shadowfell. One who was born in the shadows can seem to have a glimmer of anguish and longing in their eyes.

Rare Encounter

Shadowborn can only enter the Material Plane through certain portals and gates so they are quite uncommon to find wandering the land as an adventurer. Due to this rarity they can't find others of their own species which can make them untrusting and conniving in some cases.

Lacking a homeland, shadowborn never stay in one place. When in the Material Plane they are very nomadic and tend to move to where there is the most action or treasure. Many commoners are not very hospitable to a shadowborn because of their unearthly nature and appearance. This can contribute to a given shadowborn being cold or unyielding to one of a different race. Shadowborn do not show their trust well and if they do become trusting in an ally or companion they don't necessarily give any indication. While they may not say it, they are not incapable of forming very tight bonds with another that shows his or her dedication to honesty.

Shadowborn Traits

Shadowborn are a mysterious human-like race hailing from the Shadowfell.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, your Intelligence score increases by 1, and your Charisma score decreases by 2.

Age

Shadowborn mature at the same rate as humans but only live to about 65-70 years.

Alignment

Shadow born are not inherently evil but can be easily converted to and it. While good Shadowborn are rare, neutrals are not as being born and raised to some extent in the Shadowfell breeds apathy towards rules and even morality in some cases.

Size

Shadowborn are about the same size and build as humans. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

The Shadowborn are accustomed to being in dim light which, over time, has granted you vision in dark and dim conditions far superior to that of other races. 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.

Shadow's Resilience

You have resistance to radiant damage.

Shadow Mastery

You know the vicious mockery cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the blur spell as a 2nd-level 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 blindness/deafness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Strength is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Unbreakable Gloom

The gloominess and apathy deep within your brain of the shadowborn protect you from certain magical effects. You have advantage on all Wisdom and Charisma saving throw against magic.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and two other languages of your choice.