Winterkin Eladrin are a sub-race of Eladrin who diverged from their more well-known kin in the wake of the Sundering, that turbulent, Lolth-inspired civil war that caused the fraction of the ancient fae race into Eladrin, Elf and Drow races. Winterkin Eladrin are descendants of Eladrin who chose to resettle in the Winter Lands - those parts of the northern Feywild controlled by the Archfey of the Winter Court (or "Winter Fey") as a result of the Kinstrife Wars. This close proximity to the Winter Fey has physically, mentally and spiritually reshaped them, making them a markedly different people to their kin from the Summer Lands to the south.
Winterkin Eladrin are detailed in "Winning Races: Winterkin Eladrin", by Robert J. Schwalb, in Dragon #384, released in February 2010.
Characteristics[]
Physically, winterkin eladrin are marked from their southern kindred by their pallor. Their skin tones cover a spectrum of light tones, ranging from pale blue to stark white, and their hair coloration is similarly pale, with silver being the dominant hue. Eye color ranges from blood red to ice blue, and many winterkin are albinos. Compared to southern eladrin, winterkin are much thinner, almost gaunt, although this does not detract from their sylvan beauty, grace and elegance.
The culture and mentality of the winterkin is much harsher and more focused on the present and the real, compared to the relative dreaminess of the southern eladrin. This is a reflection of the realities of living in the cold, harsh north; the fortress-cities of the winterkin must not only fend off attacks by the fomorians, the eternal enemies of all eladrin, but cope with the punishing storms that blow down from the frozen wastes, all whilst struggling to coax food from the barren, rocky soil available to them. Consequently, winterkin are a very serious people in temperament.
Typical personality characteristics for a winterkin eladrin are: Alien, cold, intense, melancholic, menacing, and/or reflective.
They are also more warlike than sourthern eladrin, frequently mounting raids on both the fomorians of the Feydark and the fey races of the Summer Lands in order to secure the vital supplies they need to make it through the harsh winters. Though born of necessity, it makes them few friends.
Winterkin religion is also markedly different to their southern relatives. Although they still acknowledge Corellon as their maker, most regard him as having abandoned them, and have turned to other gods. The Raven Queen, as Goddess of Winter and with a certain interest in the Pale Prince, is preeminent within the courts of the winterkin, although Melora's worship is also popular.
Mechanics[]
Winterkin Eladrin are handled mechanically by taking bloodline feats and a racial paragon path, although Bralani Wintersoul is technically open to all eladrin.