Shadar-Kai 5e
Shadar-kai are elves who were transformed by the Shadowfell, becoming bound to that plane of shadow and gloom. They appear as pale, dark-haired elves with hollow eyes. Living in the Shadowfell has made them grim and practical, and they struggle against the soul-numbing effects of their home plane. Many seek intense experiences to feel truly alive and fight off the emotional emptiness.
At a Glance
Ability Scores
+2 Dexterity, +1 Constitution
Size
Medium
Speed
30 ft.
Languages
Common, Elvish
Source
Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Racial Traits
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Darkvision | You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. |
| Fey Ancestry | You have advantage on saving throws against being <a href="/rules/conditions/charmed-condition-5e/">charmed</a>, and magic can't put you to sleep. |
| Keen Senses | You have proficiency in the Perception skill. |
| Necrotic Resistance | You have resistance to necrotic damage. |
| Blessing of the Raven Queen | As a bonus action, you can magically teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. Once you use this trait, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest. Starting at 3rd level, you also gain resistance to all damage when you teleport using this trait. The resistance lasts until the start of your next turn. During that time, you appear ghostly and translucent. |
| Trance | Elves don't need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply for 4 hours a day. |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting the damage resistance only lasts until the start of your next turn
Common Mistake
Using Blessing of the Raven Queen before reaching 3rd level (no resistance yet)
Common Mistake
Not positioning the teleport to maximize the one-turn damage resistance
Common Mistake
Forgetting it's a once-per-long-rest ability (very limited use)
Common Mistake
Not leveraging necrotic resistance against undead
DM Tips
DM Tip
Shadar-kai struggle with emotional numbness - explore this in roleplay
DM Tip
The teleport + damage resistance is excellent for hit-and-run tactics
DM Tip
Their connection to the Raven Queen provides plot hooks about death and fate
DM Tip
Shadowfell origins make them perfect for dark, gloomy campaigns
DM Tip
They seek intense experiences - create opportunities for dramatic moments
DM Tip
Necrotic resistance is valuable in undead-heavy campaigns
DM Tip
Their grim pragmatism contrasts well with more optimistic characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Shadar-Kai — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD race text
- Shadar-Kai — D&D Beyond — Official race reference
- Shadar-Kai Handbook — RPGBOT — Race optimization guide