Shadefolk
Regular folk who end up touched by the shadows of the Shadow Plane one way or another, whether born that way or turned into one later down their lives.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Shadefolk are indestinguishable from what they originated as in terms of their build as no physical changes happen to the individual. In most cases it does extend their vitality, extending their original lifespan.
Biological Traits
Shadefolk share identical physical features to their progenitor species as they undergo no physical alterations apart from their skin which usually turns monochrome, varying from very pale whites to greys and blacks. Their eyes end up glossy and a singular shade, typically matching that of the progenitor, though are known to deviate and usually become orange or white. The veins of Shadefolk also end up becoming a blackish color due to them no longer needing as much oxygen as their progenitor species, their blood also changing to a darker red-blue.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Shadefolk are typically found in Shade Hills, the central part of Karica where the initial Shadow Plane Excursions happened. Alongside there they are also found within the Shadow Plane, forming their own communites as well as the Land Of Shadow, though less so as the Land Of Shadow is largely inhospitable.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Their heavy exposure to the Shade gives them the ability to see in the dark greatly as their eyes are accustomed to the dreariness of the Shadow Plane. In cases where an individual attunes more to their new shadowy powers their vision can overtake even that of a Catfolk when in the dark, along with the ability to see through magical darkness without the need for spells.
Alongside their enhanced vision, their new bodies allow them to turn partially incorporeal and blend into shadows, their physical form shifting as they do as such.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Shadowfolk tend to keep their names from when they were turned into one, though Shadowfolk children simply adopt whatever naming conventions their parents choose for them.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Shadowfolk typically speak with whatever languages they initially knew, whether it be common or elvish. They do, however, rather quickly pick up on their own language, known as Shae, and learn it quicker than any other language due to both their new body and mind. Shae speaks like a flowing, silent and wispy language and can rarely be spoken by those not touched by the Shade.
History
Nobody knows exactly when the first Shadefolk came to be, though a popular hypothesis is it was an ancient Elf who ventured into the Shadow Plane for the purpose of discovery and exploration, and returned changed. Another theory is that the first ones came to be due to human and shadow relations. What is known for certain is that Shadowfolk have existed for a long time, and throughout this time have usually been discriminated against by other species due to their shadowy and percieved inherently malicious nature.
Common Myths and Legends
Shadowfolk, especially those which reside within the Shadow Plane, all revere one legend amongst themselves, an individual who only goes by The Unraveler, a queen who resides in her own kingdom in the Shadow Plane and rules over both the Shadows and Shadowfolk who live under her rule. She acts as a performer and regularly makes her entrances to the public incredibly dramatic scenes. She is incredibly powerful and old however, keeping the people of her kingdom safe from most threats.
Lifespan
Varies based on progenitor species
Average Height
Varies based on progenitor species
Average Weight
Varies based on progenitor species
Average Length
Varies based on progenitor species
Geographic Distribution
Related Materials
Comments