Svartalfar are the descendents of a group of fey that left the First World long ago and settled on the Plane of Shadow. By bonds of oath and bonds of blood they became servants of the dark god Zon-Kuthon. As such, they are most commonly seen in Nidal, although they can be found anywhere that the dark god's work is being done. Often they take the role of the leaders or protectors of cults dedicate to Zon-Kuthon. Other times they use their darkly seductive nature to lead others astray, as they seem to prefer inflicting spiritual pain to physical. Thy are often blamed for bringing nightmares or tragedy, even if they had no role in the events.

Appearance: Svartalfar appear human for the most part, except for ears which are pointed like an elf‘s. However, their skin is very pale, to the point of almost being white. Their hair color ranges from a dark blonde to bone white and both males and females wear it long and loosely bound. In addition to looking human, Svartalfar have similar builds and life spans. The most alien thing about them is their eyes, which are solid black. They also have geometric tattoos all over their torso and upper arms. These tattoos hold spiritual and tribal significance to the Svartalfar. It is said that you can read a Svartalfar’s entire life story in their tattoos. Among their own kind, Svartalfar wear dark colored clothing that show off their tattoos. For males this means that they wear only dark colored breeches and black leather boots. Females usually dress in a similar fashion, but add a halter top to the ensemble. Among other races they always add a long sleeved tunic and a hooded cloak to avoid outsiders seeing their tattoos.

Svartalfar Racial Traits

+2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, -2 Constitution

Medium: Svartalfar are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Normal Speed: Svartalfar have a base speed of 30 feet

Society: Most Svartalfar live in small tribes of interconnected families. They are very loyal to their families and to their god and that is about it. They claim that they fled the First World to escape some as yet unnamed persecution and so they look on all other races as either potential tormentors or beings who have the potential to standby while they are tormented. That being said, they can form intensely strong relationships with individuals of other races. If someone succeeds in convincing a Svartalfar that they are trustworthy then they will have earned a friend for life. It is said that you know that you have earned a Svartalfar’s trust if they show you their tattoos. Many are shocked that Svartalfar have a great love of beauty in all things. They decorate their homes and other structures with art and other items gathered from throughout the world. However, some scholars speculate that this is due to some unknown influence by Sheyln, the goddess of beauty and Zon-Kuthon’s sister.

Alignment and Religion: Among their own people, Svartalfar have a very strict hierarchy and code of conduct. Everyone knows their place and how they work to advance the society as a whole. Their entire society is a meritocracy. One moves up or down in society based entirely on their own merits. Despite the fact that most Svartalfar worship Zon-Kuthon exclusively, on the whole the race is lawful neutral. There are a few scattered cults dedicated to the worship of Sheyln among the Svartalfar. These cultists are usually tolerated because they are still worshiping a member of the dark god’s family.

Adventurers: Most individuals who become adventurers among the Svartalfar are outcasts from their society. They are those who either failed to make it in society or who felt stifled or uncomfortable in their rigid society. More recently however, many younger Svartalfar have begun to become adventurers to prove themselves in society. While still rare, it is becoming more common to find Svartalfar wandering the world in search of adventure.

Male Names: Akonamu, Belat, Ceteztir, Edool, Etuto, Kofan, Narex, Oxerem, Toridoax, Xamavood

Female Names: Azonen, Dazxa, Emila, Feti, Iluca. Irilara, Nifa, Soratire, Soxiy, Vene Medium: Svartalfar are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties for their size.

Low-light Vision: Svartalfar can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim light.

Fey Type: Svartalfar are fey for the purposes of any effect related to type.

Shadowblend: Svartalfar have an innate connection to the Plane of Shadow. Anytime they are in dim lighting conditions they have total concealment rather than partial concealment

Light Sensitivity: Svartalfar are dazzled by bright sunlight or a Daylight spell.

Shadow Magic: Svartalfar get a +1 racial bonus to all saving throws to resist the effects of spell with the shadow sub school. They also receive a +2 racial bonus to the save DCs of all spells with the shadow sub school that they cast.

Weapon Familiarity: Svartalfar treat the Spiked Chain as a Martial weapon

Languages: Svartalfar begin play speaking Common and Sylvan. Svartalfar with high Intelligence scores can choose any language they want (except secret languages)

Additional Ratings
Balance:	1 2 3 4 5 ( 17 Votes )
Utility:	1 2 3 4 5 ( 17 Votes )
Clarity:	1 2 3 4 5 ( 17 Votes )