Post by TK Rieske-Moondust on Mar 16, 2006 17:13:12 GMT -5
-Courtesy of Eredor-
Shades were sorcerers who, because of their foolish attempts at power, summoned creatures they could not control, the spirits then cursed them and changed them into dark reflections. Shades are tall, thin, and are much stronger than they look. They can melt into shadows and can live for eons, the downside is they feel nothing and in sunlight they are simply wisps of vaguely humanoid black clouds.
Shades were sorcerers who, because of their foolish attempts at power, summoned creatures they could not control, the spirits then cursed them and changed them into dark reflections. Shades are tall, thin, and are much stronger than they look. They can melt into shadows and can live for eons, the downside is they feel nothing and in sunlight they are simply wisps of vaguely humanoid black clouds.
[/size][/blockquote]theblackbreath said:Q:Um... so shades were at one point a normal race?
A: Yes, but they don't look much like they did before they were cursed. They are usually about 6 feet tall and are thinly built. Not gaunt or gangly, just thin. They don't look like they could survive a fight with a burly warrior or a barbarian or something in other words. All shades have pointed ears, all shades have long black or white hair, all shades have blood red eyes. Shades that were humans are usually a little taller than elven or other shades.
Q: So, are they physically weak?
A: Shades are about five times faster than other races. If they wanted to they could run from the norther continent to the pirate islands in just a few hours. They have unearthly stamina and there are legends of shades fighting without tire for days when the skies were dark and keeping armies at bay for entire nights. They can also lift nearly a ton of weight.
Q: Wow, they sound overpowered.
A: First off, that's why they're a rare race. Second, there's a catch. Shades have no power in sunlight, they become nearly shapeless black shadow-like creatures. This doesn't mean they aren't still dangerous however. A shade in this form can cast spells equivalent to a moderately powerful mage. The downside is these spells do no damage and can only blind or stun. The second skill they have is touching. When a shade has been reduced to a shadow they can touch an enemy to slowly drain their life. Somebody being touched by a shade for long periods of time eventually becomes a shade themselves.
Q: Even at five times faster a human couldn't run that fast.
A: Oooh, smart guy are we. Yes, under unstressed circumstances a shade can move at nearly jet speed. He couldn't move that fast in battle and it takes quite a bit of preparation and a few dark spells. I suppose if you want to get technical it takes them about eight hours, four to prepare and four to get there.
Q: What kind of magic can Shades use?
A: Shade magic is not directly offensive. Usually it hinders their enemies by blinding them or causing disease and sickness. Shades can also summon spirits of the dead to attack with freezing touches. and such.