| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Fellfire |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 01:10:36
Does anybody know anything interesting about these shadow-fey? Are there any Shadar-kai settlements in the Realms? Any sources for information besides the FF, MM, and Dragon articles (337, 372)?
Edit: I did some digging and found Ikemmu. There was an article in Dungeon 175 by Matt James that I found informative. I'm also trying to track down a copy of Unbroken Chain. I'm also curious about the chain-fighting styles of the Shadar-kai. Have these been expounded upon anywhere? |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Markustay |
Posted - 13 Oct 2013 : 15:51:44
casts *** Raise Thread!!! ***
Okay... so its not so old... I could have forgone the pyrotechnics. 
I am looking into these things ATM, and I'm a bit confused. I thought they were a type of shadow-fey, and looked a lot like shadowy elves (more like the punk-rock WH elves, but whatever), and I thought they were a bit redundant with drow (and Shades, but again, WHATEVER), but now that I am looking at the art, they seem to have gotten more... human... in appearance. Did the lore remain the same in 4e, or did something change?
I was just reading something in the Hammerfast 4e supplement, and there's one in there who is passing herself off as human (with no magic needed to do so!) Now I am confused - they look human-enough to be able to fool folks? Are they not a sub-group of fey/Elves anymore?
EDIT: I probably should have read the thread fist, before posting in it. 
I had assumed I already read it at the time (since its not that old), but I now realize this was during that time period where I was dealing with a personal nightmare and wasn't online (so I hadn't read it, as I had assumed). Anyhow, I still wouldn't mind a discussion - like Dragonborn and Tieflings, we may as well get all of our 4e nerd-rage out now, before 5e comes out. |
| Alystra Illianniis |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 04:46:13
Ah, Fellfire, bless you a hundred times! That is indeed the article I was thinking of. The Adu'jas do sound familiar, and now that I think of it, I remember the name for the Unseelie fey as Gruwar. I'm wondering if the shar-kai might have been a later version of those, since they are so similar. #317, you say? That sounds about right, since I was actually buying the magazine at my local bookstore during that time-frame. (I had just started getting into 3rd ed, and all the "new" stuff was making me giddy!)
@ Sage, why, yes- yes I am....as my hubby will happily tell you, LOL!! |
| Fellfire |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 04:01:46
Because I'm obsessive about my chosen subject matter, I've done as you suggested Sage. I found lots of fun stuff. In issue #317 I found an article called Xenophilia that introduces 4 new races. I suspect this may be what you were thinking of, Alystra, the Adu'jas could be your flower-headed freaks. One of them, the Gruwaars are a race of fey allied to the drow during the Descent have a superficial resemblance to the Shadar-kai in that they are Unseelie and live underground. #322 had the Ecology of the Dark Ones. In #330 were the Umbragen, Shadow-tainted dark elves from Eberron. But nothing else regarding the Shadar-kai until #337 and their Ecology article.
edit: Upon further perusal of said article from #317 I'm convinced this is what you were remembering, Alystra. Sadly, it's not the Shadar-kai, but interesting nonetheless. I don't know why I don't flip through my back issues more often. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 02:15:40
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
This was definitely before. I don't have issue #337, (I think), but this one was in the early 300's, I believe.
You're a temptress, Alystra. I'm actually thinking of digging through my entire stack of DRAGONs [not that there's anything wrong with that] from #300 to #337, just to confirm our suspicions. |
| Alystra Illianniis |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 01:57:20
This was definitely before. I don't have issue #337, (I think), but this one was in the early 300's, I believe. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 01:51:15
Hmmm. The plant-race with petal hair does sound familiar.
Now that I think further on this, I can recall a [perhaps] shadar-kai character being presented in a DRAGON issue, but I can't remember whether it was before or after issue #337.
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| Alystra Illianniis |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 01:47:20
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
Weren't they introduced in an earlier Dragon article, along with a plant-race, and a couple of others? I have that issue, but it's in storage (along with MOST of my D&D stuff) so I can't remember the issue #.
I also thought much as you did. But a quick check of the DragonDex doesn't indicate any pre-existing shadar-kai info in DRAGON, before issue #337.
That's really odd. The article I'm thinking of had four "new" races, and I'm pretty sure shadar-kai was one of them. The plant-race had petal-like hair, and would eventually "age" into some sort of sentient tree. The other two were a lizard-type, and something I can't recall. But I remembered the "shadow-fey" because they were sort of drow-like in appearance, but very small, like halflings, and were prone to being rogues. Does this jog anyone's memory? |
| The Sage |
Posted - 14 Jun 2011 : 01:33:55
quote:
Originally posted by Matt James
I wrote an entire article for Dungeon last year on the Shadar-Kai city of Ikemmu (also the site of Jaleigh Johnsons Realms novel "Unbroken Chain). I think it was called "Explore: Ikemmu"-- A Realmslore article.
And for reference purposes, that article was located in DUNGEON #175.
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| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 13 Jun 2011 : 18:07:35
quote:
Originally posted by Fellfire
Perhaps a STR drain similar to a Shadow's touch, or other Negative Energy effect? Ideas? Anyone?
-A good idea, since the Shadow Dragons's breath weapon is "shadowy" and does basically just that. |
| Matt James |
Posted - 13 Jun 2011 : 17:19:56
I wrote an entire article for Dungeon last year on the Shadar-Kai city of Ikemmu (also the site of Jaleigh Johnsons Realms novel "Unbroken Chain). I think it was called "Explore: Ikemmu"-- A Realmslore article. |
| Fellfire |
Posted - 12 Jun 2011 : 21:07:23
Thanks, Eric! I'll check it out. I'm still trying to track down a copy. No luck at the local bookstore or swap-shop.
Regarding weapons composed of "Shadowstuff." I read This scroll, which offered some insight. I also know that Nimor Imphraezel carried a rapier partially composed of shadowstuff that "punched through chainmail like parchment," but it wasn't really reflected in his stats from the DoF WE. Any suggestions for 3e weapons with the Shadowstuff Special Property, a chain specifically? Any other sources I can draw inspiration and/or mechanics from?
Perhaps a STR drain similar to a Shadow's touch, or other Negative Energy effect? Ideas? Anyone? |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 07 Jun 2011 : 19:50:00
Not to further the discussion but as an aside: the WotC Bookclub is doing a discussion of Unbroken Chain, if you end up finding a copy and want to participate. Jaleigh's going to be there, and she's very good about online interaction.
http://community.wizards.com/bookclub/go/thread/view/110769/27713237/Book_Club_-_Discuss_our_sixth_selection
Cheers |
| Fellfire |
Posted - 06 Jun 2011 : 23:09:35
quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
quote:
Originally posted by Fellfire
Also, any suggestions for magical properties of a Shadar-kai fighting chain? How about magical properties for piercings/jewelery? I know the Book of VD had a few. Anybody come up with anything else?
Also, what sort of magical items or equipment are you referring to for Shadar-Kai, 3e or 4e?
3rd is my preferred edition. |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 06 Jun 2011 : 10:10:48
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
They were the ones who guarded the chained Tchazar in Shadowfell, and fought Jeshri and Ghaedyn when they attempted to rescue the red dragon. Shadow-walking would have saved them from all those running. Well, I guess I should ask Richard if they possess such ability, or not.
 DOH! |
| The Sage |
Posted - 06 Jun 2011 : 07:08:21
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
Weren't they introduced in an earlier Dragon article, along with a plant-race, and a couple of others? I have that issue, but it's in storage (along with MOST of my D&D stuff) so I can't remember the issue #.
I also thought much as you did. But a quick check of the DragonDex doesn't indicate any pre-existing shadar-kai info in DRAGON, before issue #337. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 06 Jun 2011 : 05:47:40
They were the ones who guarded the chained Tchazar in Shadowfell, and fought Jeshri and Ghaedyn when they attempted to rescue the red dragon. Shadow-walking would have saved them from all those running. Well, I guess I should ask Richard if they possess such ability, or not. |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 06 Jun 2011 : 05:40:33
Don't remember them in that book.It has been awhile since I read it, and I have slept since then also... |
| Dennis |
Posted - 06 Jun 2011 : 05:13:35
Can they shadow-walk? I don't recall them doing so in The Captive Flame. |
| Alystra Illianniis |
Posted - 06 Jun 2011 : 02:18:51
Weren't they introduced in an earlier Dragon article, along with a plant-race, and a couple of others? I have that issue, but it's in storage (along with MOST of my D&D stuff) so I can't remember the issue #. |
| Daviot |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 23:45:02
Indeed, the shadar-kai (in their 3e "cursed shadow-fey" version) first appeared in the 3e Fiend Folio, and they got an ecology article in Dragon 337 (November 2005, I think).
The 3e-era shadar-kai come right out of the box with sneak attack and hide-in-plain sight, and between their Fiend Folio entry and the Ecology article, they prefer lurking, stealthy assassination, and light weapons (especially their racial favorite weapon, the spiked chain).
I seem to remember them coming up as adversaries in a 3.5 Realms adventure I ran, but I can't place it off the top of my head. |
| Diffan |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 20:14:57
quote:
Originally posted by Fellfire
Yes, there seems to be some discrepancy after 4e regarding their origins. From what I can discern in 3e they were a race of fey. In 4e they were changed humans. I will see if I can find a copy of 391. Thanks.
Also, any suggestions for magical properties of a Shadar-kai fighting chain? How about magical properties for piercings/jewelery? I know the Book of VD had a few. Anybody come up with anything else?
They were fully described in the Fiend Folio (if I remember correctly) as Fey in regards to their heritage. 4E makes them a shadow humanoid with these racial traits:
Shadar-Kai
RACIAL TRAITS
Average Height: 5'7" - 6'0"
Average Weight: 110 - 170
Ability scores: +2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence or +2 Wisdom
Size: Medium
Speed: 6 squares.
Vision: Low-light
Languages: Common, choice of one other
Skill Bonuses: +2 Acrobatics, +2 Stealth.
Shadow Jaunt: You can use shadow jaunt as an encounter power.
Shadow Origin: The Shadowfell has left its mark on you, so you are considered a shadow creature for the purpose of effects that relate to creature origin.
Winterkin: Due to your connection to the Raven Queen, you gain a +1 racial bonus to your Fortitude defense. You also gain a +2 racial bonus to death saving throws and saving throws against the unconscious condition.
So while they're not considerd Fey per-se, they can resemble humanoid-like character and have those characteristics.
Also, what sort of magical items or equipment are you referring to for Shadar-Kai, 3e or 4e? |
| The Sage |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 04:12:17
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-I can't verify any of this, off-hand, nor is any of the information properly cited, so believe at your own risk. I'm assuming that it comes, in whole or in part, from online DRAGON 391, though.
The most important bits are largely summarised from the DRAGON #391 article. There's a few snippets that haven't come from that source, though not enough to alter the general take on the race in that article.
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| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 04:08:28
-Oh, that's right! It was them that used to be Shadow Fey in 3e, and are more like Shadow Humans in 4e (or thereabouts). |
| Fellfire |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 04:06:34
Yes, there seems to be some discrepancy after 4e regarding their origins. From what I can discern in 3e they were a race of fey. In 4e they were changed humans. I will see if I can find a copy of 391. Thanks.
Also, any suggestions for magical properties of a Shadar-kai fighting chain? How about magical properties for piercings/jewelery? I know the Book of VD had a few. Anybody come up with anything else? |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 03:38:58
-According to the ever-dubious Forgotten Realms Wiki:
"The Spellplague and its reshaping of the cosmos had a strange effect on some Netherese. Their acclimation to centuries in Shadow caused them to transform into or give birth to shadelike beings. Prince Rivalen declared this to be a miracle sent by Shar. He dubbed the changed people shadar-kai, which has become the common term for the race. Shadovar youths entering adolescence sometimes become shadar-kai, though this phenomenon is waning. Shadar-kai breed true with one another, and their unions with humans also produce shadar-kai. Rivalen has also devised a ritual to turn any human into a shadar-kai, not unlike that used to create a shade. Netherese shadar-kai have existed for more than three generations. They are a privileged class, not quite as blessed as shades, but given unique training. Shadar-kai agents work schemes to better Netheril’s hold on Faerûn, and gather resources and information from all over. Most of them long to become true shades. Not all shadar-kai serve Netheril. Many flee the empire to make their own way in the world. Others are offspring of humans who broke with Shade long ago or who refused to cross out of the Shadowfell. Netheril’s shadar-kai usually worship Shar and tend more toward evil behavior than their non-Netherese counterparts. Those of the Shadowfell are given to macabre and thrill-seeking behavior: Many revere Tempus, though a few follow Shar, Cyric, Beshaba, or even Asmodeus. A rare few hold Tymora in highest esteem."
-I can't verify any of this, off-hand, nor is any of the information properly cited, so believe at your own risk. I'm assuming that it comes, in whole or in part, from online DRAGON 391, though.
-That aside, I'm pretty sure they were introduced as a race during the 3e era, in the Field Folio or second or third Monster Manual, so not a lot of time has passed for them to "set" into the Forgotten Realms, after being introduced. Online DRAGON magazine #391, apparently, says on Shadar-Kai that they're a relatively new race to Realmspace, born either from Shadovar and their Krinth slaves mating, or Shadovar being blessed by Shar (I like the first explanation better, though it's a lot more debased). The term, supposedly, is Loross, for "Those of Shadow’s Gift". |
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