A Darkling's body, due to a curse, absorbs and contains all light that touches their skin, slowly aging the Darkling the longer they are exposed. While this does not cause the darkling physical pain, it does take a physical toll on their body, and continuous exposure to light could strain a Darkling's body to the brink of death. Only by allowing the body time to process the light in a dark environment, does the Darkling recover, similar to a human allowing themselves time to digest a meal. At the time of a Darkling's death the light stored in their bodies is released, violently, in a blast of white light. There are cautionary tales in Darkling societies where a single death, caused a chain reaction throughout a Darkling settlement, leaving only ash and empty houses left.
- Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
- Age. Darklings reach maturity around age 20 and rarely live longer than 80 years.
- Size. Darklings average about 4 feet tall. Your size is small.
- Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Fey. Your creature type is fey, rather than humanoid.
- Superior Darkvision. 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.
- Blindsight. You have blindsight in a 30 foot radius. A creature with blindsight can perceive its surroundings without relying on sight, not hindered by such spell effects darkness. You can not see through walls or see invisible creatures.
- Sunlight Hypersensitivity. 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. In addition for every hour you are in bright light you gain a level of exhaustion. You can remove this only by staying in a lightless environment for every hour you were exposed to bright light or through magic.
- Death Flash. Upon death, your accumulated light explodes in a 10-foot radius of radiant light that deals 2d6 radiant damage. The damage increases to 3d6 at 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level, and 5d6 at 16th level. Your body and possessions, other than metal or magic objects, burn to ash. Any creature able to see the bright light must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of their next turn.
- Languages. You speak, read and write Common, Elven, and Sylvan.
