Minarin
"Those who fear the dark are only distraught by what it can teach them" - Archmage Sethra Voidcaller
A Displaced People
At its height, the Minarin Empire was an apex civilization; making some of the greatest discoveries in magic since the time of the ancient elves. While a proud and prosperous people at one point, their history is now mostly shrouded by time. Their races' dawn is mostly forgotten, all records of their civilization have been lost after being enslaved to the cruel and savage Taulsmen thousands of years ago. But since their revolt and freedom at the hands of the Erebis and Wood elves, the Minarin have retraced their steps to a land strangely familiar - the Shadow Vale, the fertile valley of central Melrhine. The seat of their former ancient empire was rebuilt into their new home. The Erebis helped the Minarin rebuild their homeland and taught them shadow magic as well - a rare gift bestowed upon the Minarin after the Erebis noticed a familiar affinity for shadow magic and subterfuge within them. The humans formed a culture similar to the Erebis - one where magic and secrets run as plentiful as vineyards and wine. Slowly over time, forlorn ruins transformed into beautiful villas and cities. The Minarin were free for a time. Free to practice magic, science, art and strategy away from the prying eyes of the superstitious and ignorant. They studied their unusual affinity for shadow magic, and learned to create a magical barrier around their home, The Veil, as it would be known, would protect the province for centuries to come. Over time, the Minarin became more isolated behind the Veil, furthering their studies and connection to the outside world.
But the barrier would eventually prove to fail: around 80 years ago the Hellfire Nation, a new and radical group of Taulsmen, would march through the Minarin Empire and bring down their magical barrier - utterly destroying their beloved home. Having no choice but to flee, many Minarin refugees fled to the neighboring kingdom of the Lightsmen where they now live in slums and lower levels of cities; a shade of the prideful and powerful people they once were. Others fled overseas with their Aradi allies, where many now call home to Trade-cities, like Ferox, Caine Harbor, and other settlements along coastlines. In these cities they are perhaps treated with less racism and ostracization than the Lightsmen, but are nonetheless still seen as outsiders and pariahs.
But the barrier would eventually prove to fail: around 80 years ago the Hellfire Nation, a new and radical group of Taulsmen, would march through the Minarin Empire and bring down their magical barrier - utterly destroying their beloved home. Having no choice but to flee, many Minarin refugees fled to the neighboring kingdom of the Lightsmen where they now live in slums and lower levels of cities; a shade of the prideful and powerful people they once were. Others fled overseas with their Aradi allies, where many now call home to Trade-cities, like Ferox, Caine Harbor, and other settlements along coastlines. In these cities they are perhaps treated with less racism and ostracization than the Lightsmen, but are nonetheless still seen as outsiders and pariahs.
Suspicious and Mistrusting
Minarin have always been suspicious of outsiders: common folk and the ignorant have always scorned them for their practice of the darker schools of magic. But in recent times, Minarin have grown increasingly more suspicious and distrusting of outsiders. In cities like Abrum's Keep in the Light's Kingdom, locals have grown so paranoid and superstitious of Minarin that they condemn the accused to witch burnings, many of which are innocent (and some maybe less innocent). Minarin in Lightsmen cities have learned that those who openly practice magic, even harmlessly, can face dire consequences.
Out of fear, many Minarin form tight communities in the cities they live in, trying to still hold onto their traditions and culture away from prying eyes. Because they stick to themselves in these exclusive communities, many other races hold onto the idea that any Minarin community is, in one way or another, just another cult. But if they were to look closer, they would find a people who are intelligent and loyal amongst each other, people who have seen their fair share of turmoil and still find a way to hold onto their individuality.
Out of fear, many Minarin form tight communities in the cities they live in, trying to still hold onto their traditions and culture away from prying eyes. Because they stick to themselves in these exclusive communities, many other races hold onto the idea that any Minarin community is, in one way or another, just another cult. But if they were to look closer, they would find a people who are intelligent and loyal amongst each other, people who have seen their fair share of turmoil and still find a way to hold onto their individuality.
Physical Traits
- Age - Due to their magical blood, most Minarin can live to be around 190 to 200 years old.
- Speed - Minarin's base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Size - Most Minarins are on average a couple inches below or at 6 feet tall, with females being the same height as males. Both usually have dexterous builds. Although as humans, Minarin come in all shapes and sizes still. Their size is medium.
- Complexion - Minarin come in many different complexions. Some have gaunt faces, pale skin and lithe frames, while others may have rosey full cheeks, freckles and everything in between. Minarin can often look like most other human races with the only exception being they typically always have paler skin. Sometimes in uncommon cases (due to their mysterious ancestry) some Minarin are born with short pointed ears. Common hair colors among them include: black, brown, copper and blond as the most common colors. Some slightly less common hair colors for Minarin are dark purple, silver, or ashen hair as well.
- Eye Colors - Minarins usually have one of five eye colors: brown, dark green, dark blue, black or purple. Strangely even as humans, other eye colors are very rare, even in half-minarins.
D&D Race Stats - Minarin
- +2 Charisma, +1 to two other Ability Scores
- Darkvision - Your shadowy blood also enhances your vision in the dark; you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
- Adaptive Learning - Gain proficiency in two skills of your choice.
- Magical Affinity - You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
- Shadowmeld - When you are in an area of dim light or darkness, you can concentrate and use your action to shimmer become invisible until you move, take any action, or reaction. Any damage you take while in this form will also break the invisibility.
- Languages - Minarin can speak, read and write in Common and Taulic (Minarin dialect and accent).