Shadowkin Drones

While technically not considered to be part of the shadowkin race, the monstrous 'drones' are a creation of Ersazn and Ashei. Highly similar to the magically-warped protectors that the shadow elves utilize, the drones essentially follow the same theory but on a much grander scale. Isophelair is dotted with their hives, typically manifesting as hills or mounds rising up out of the earth; beneath, the extensive tunnels and main caverns of each Hive houses a population of drones that patrol and protect the surrounding area from threats. Hives are especially prominent around the borders of Isophelair, where the drones prevent dangers such as goblins or redcaps from crossing over into the country and threatening the shadowkin who live there.
The drones cannot be said to be "farmed" in the classical sense, but they are a defensive resource cultivated by their Queens -- and through the Queens, by Ersazn and Ashei themselves. They are regarded as stalwart protectors by the shadowkin of Isophelair, who see them as divine guardians rather than the terrifying monsters many other races perceive them to be. Indeed, drones are peaceful unless provoked, and they will forever rise to the defense of their parent race at every opportunity. Other races living within the country enjoy the same protection so long as they do not endanger shadowkin or violate the laws of the nation.
Drones come in three castes that dictate their function -- Queen, Warrior, and Worker. Each Queen, possessed of a greater degree of individuality than the others, rules a Hivemind associated with her Hive. Her telepathic presence, thus, is a "beacon" that other Queens can reach out to and contact -- like the twisting connections of a wide net. Ersazn, too, can speak through these connections to give them directives. Warriors are not rare like the Queens, but more uncommon than the Workers; in times of peace, they hunt for their nests and patrol the borders of their territory. Workers, on the other hand, rarely leave the nest except in times of war. All drones appear as tall, skeletal shadowkin with elongated limbs, digits, and skulls. No drones have eyes, but they possess extrasensory capabilities that allow them to function quite effectively in the world despite this.