Every location in the Shadowfell corresponds to a sombre and morose counterpart in the material plane. For instance, where the resilient city of Neverwinter stands in the material realm, its shadowy twin, the depraved city of Evernight, emerges in the Shadowfell. This reflective duality extends to the inhabitants of the Shadowfell, each embodying a dark mirror of their material plane counterpart.
These counterparts are known as the Shadowborn. Typically sharing the same names, gender, and often belonging to the same species, the Shadowborn exhibit a distinct, shadowy reflection of their material plane counterparts. However, this document explores the nuanced differences between these two entities.
While the Shadowborn counterparts may belong to the same species as those in the material plane, their histories, origin stories, and mantras often diverge significantly. Within this document, you will find the Shadowborn variants of each species found within the Player’s Handbook. Many of these variants display vast differences from their prime species, sharing only one or two common abilities.
- from the publisher's blurb