Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 raevyn001 Dec 20, 2008 8:07:06	Hi everyone. Though I've looked through the forums, I haven't found the Shadar-kai as a playable race yet, either to lack of someone posting it or to lack of patience to look through every thread that has Shadar-Kai in the text. These guys will come in handy for the story arc we're working on in our Sea of Dust home game. Let me know what you think (other than the text coming straight from the MM, LOL)! Shadar-Kai A bleak, humanlike people who inhabit the Shadowfell. RACIAL TRAITS Average Height: 5’5” – 6’2” Average Weight: 135 – 220 lbs. Ability Scores: +2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom Size: Medium Speed: 6 squares Vision: Normal Languages: Common, Choice of one other Skill Bonuses: +2 Insight, +2 Stealth Hurry To Meet Death: You gain a +2 racial bonus to Initiative rolls. Quell the Weak: You gain a +1 racial bonus to Attack rolls against Bloodied foes. Shadow Jaunt: You can use Shadow Jaunt as an Encounter Power. Shadow Origin: Your ancestors were native to the Shadowfell, so you are considered a Shadow creature for the purpose of effects that relate to creature origin. Physical Qualities A Shadar-Kai resembles a human, but has gray skin and eyes that are lustrous black orbs, like a raven’s. The shadows around it seem to deepen as it moves. A Shadar-Kai prefers loose dark garments, often with complex but subtle designs. Hair is worn long, sometimes loose, other times elaborately shaved, styled, and/or braided. A Shadar-Kai’s skin always has patterns of tattoos and scarifications, as well as many piercings. Shadar-Kai prefer light, exotically shaped weapons. Playing a Shadar-Kai Shadar-Kai settlements can be found throughout the Shadowfell. Shadar-Kai villages, towns, and cities are grim places populated by coldhearted, pitiless people who crave power and do not fear death. In fact, most Shadar-Kai embrace death, trusting that the Raven Queen will keep their souls safe long after they’ve passed. Shadar-Kai society is meritocratic. Personal achievement and glory defines a Shadar-kai more than family. A Shadar-Kai can gain a lot of power and pretige by murdering rivals, slaying powerful beasts in the name of Raven Queen, or wreaking havoc in the Natural World.
#2 shinikama Dec 20, 2008 11:43:36	/facepalm The Shadar-Kai are detailed in the back of the Monster Manual. They're actually a little underpowered compared to the core races, but they work. I have one who's a ranger in my group.
#3 lulzapalooza Dec 20, 2008 22:21:45	/facepalm The Shadar-Kai are detailed in the back of the Monster Manual. They're actually a little underpowered compared to the core races, but they work. I have one who's a ranger in my group. I have a feeling the OP knew this. Those are more like NPC races, and I think this post was about making them on par with the PHB races.
#4 raevyn001 Dec 21, 2008 9:45:15	Yep, I knew they were in the MM. Before 4th ed hit the shelves, a player in my group talked about an elven race that was a cross between the Ashlanders in Morrowind (game) and the savage people in Doomsday (movie). After I saw the Shadar-Kai, I knew most of the work had been done, and just tried to get them playable as a PC race (sans Elf, of course). Shinikama: How does this stack up with the version in your group? What powers did you give them to make them on par with the core book races? How can I make them less underpowered? Thanks much for the input everyone! Great gaming! Be well in all things, Rave
#5 lulzapalooza Dec 23, 2008 3:40:52	Thanks much for the input everyone! I'm sorry! How rude! I didn't even mention your race! I think it's very good, except the inititive might be a little much.
#6 amrehlu Dec 23, 2008 5:19:02	Hmm, I like it, I dunno... the init. seems fine to me... but that probably doesn't mean much, heh. Is the Shadow Jaunt explained in the MM?
#7 lulzapalooza Dec 23, 2008 16:32:49	Hmm, I like it, I dunno... the init. seems fine to me... but that probably doesn't mean much, heh. Is the Shadow Jaunt explained in the MM? yep. Teleport three squares and incoporeal till the start of your next round.
#8 raevyn001 Dec 23, 2008 23:43:45	I kind of thought the initiative bonus would be the one the Shadar-Kai have that the other races don't have something similar to (their "edge-of-readiness" has them react instinctually to danger and/or the chance to meet the goddess). Think that maybe reducing it to +1 would be better? Anyone else feel like playtesting this one? I can email you the "One page printable version" if you'd like. (Our group will have our first playtest with this race in about two weeks. You'll either see some changes made, or just a report of how things are going with it. Post will be here. If the race makes the cut, it'll get posted in the Sea of Dust thread in the Greyhawk section of these forums). Thanks again for the input. I'm really trying to make these guys very cool, but keep the balance we've seen so far in the core books. Great gaming! Be well in all things, Rave