Shadar-Kai

PROPOSAL TWENTY-THREE: Motion to ban 'shadar-kai romances' from publication within Imperial territory. Secretary Min presents numerous examples of such material, including the no.1 bestseller "Swooning In Shadow", which secretary claims includes a 'highly offensive' scene involving 'extremely irregular use of nunchaku.' Secretary argues that such romances erode respect for, and thus efficiency of, the elite guard. The Regent counters with her personal fondness for "Swooning In Shadow," 'particularly the scene with the nunchaku.' Secretary Min rescinds motion from consideration.
Minutes for Imperial Council meeting for Secretaries of Silence, 17.9999

The shadar-kai are an elite group of elven agents working directly for the Celestial palace, with members stationed in most major cities in the Empire. They answer only to the Empress and her council, and they function as assassins, spies and royal guards.
When someone is promoted to a position in the shadar-kai, they are required to undergo a complex Arcane Genetic Modification available only to elves. It enhances their physical abilities and grants them powers useful for their new station, including teleportation and increased constitution. The AGM also allows the government to track these agents, as any going rogue would be a terrible burden considering their insider knowledge.
The AGM used to create shadar-kai leeches colour from the skin, leaving the effected elf pale grey, sometimes even corpselike in appearance. However, most shadar kai can still pass as winter eladrin or paler sea elves, or they may use magic to disguise themselves.