Category:The Arak - Revision history

The Lesser Evil at 04:26, 10 June 2022

2022-06-10T04:26:41Z

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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Also variously called [[shadow fey]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> or [[shadow elves]]<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122">~~TSR~~ p. 122</ref> for their association with that plane, the Arak's origins are not natural. [[Gwydion]], an [[ancient]] [[fiend]] of [[god]]-like power lodged within the Shahdow Plane, ferried away their [[ellefolk]] [[ancestor]]s and made them his race of [[thrall]]s many eons ago. Gwydion imbued them with the power of darkness, transforming them into the Shadow Fey.<ref name="Gaz V 151-152">Gaz V p. 151-152</ref> After they were [[liberated]] by their now-late [[leader]] [[Arak the Erlking]], the shadow fey adopted Arak as the name of all their kind in his honor.<ref name="Gaz V 106-107">Gaz V p. 106-107</ref>		Also variously called [[shadow fey]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref> or [[shadow elves]]<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122">[[The Shadow Rift (Module)]] p. 122</ref> for their association with that plane, the Arak's origins are not natural. [[Gwydion]], an [[ancient]] [[fiend]] of [[god]]-like power lodged within the Shahdow Plane, ferried away their [[ellefolk]] [[ancestor]]s and made them his race of [[thrall]]s many eons ago. Gwydion imbued them with the power of darkness, transforming them into the Shadow Fey.<ref name="Gaz V 151-152">Gaz V p. 151-152</ref> After they were [[liberated]] by their now-late [[leader]] [[Arak the Erlking]], the shadow fey adopted Arak as the name of all their kind in his honor.<ref name="Gaz V 106-107">Gaz V p. 106-107</ref>

	Despite being all technically part of the same race, the Arak are divided into several different kinds of Breeds. There are [[Nine Breeds\|nine major breeds]], along with several [[Lesser Breeds]] that are much fewer and more specialized in nature. Breed is not in[[heir]]ited but rather outgrowths of their personalities.<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> Each breed has its own role within Arak society.		Despite being all technically part of the same race, the Arak are divided into several different kinds of Breeds. There are [[Nine Breeds\|nine major breeds]], along with several [[Lesser Breeds]] that are much fewer and more specialized in nature. Breed is not in[[heir]]ited but rather outgrowths of their personalities.<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref> Each breed has its own role within Arak society.

	The [[Nine Breeds]] comprise the political leadership of Arak society. They are split into two [[court]]s, the [[Seelie Court]] and the [[Unseelie Court]] Led by [[Queen Maeve]], the Seelie Court is generally comprised of [[shee]],[[Alven]], and [[portune]]. Led by [[Prince Loht]], the Unseelie Court is generally comprised of [[sith]], [[muryan]]s, [[teg]], and [[powrie]]. ([[Fir]] may belong to either court.) Whereas the Unseelie Court's intentions towards [[humanoid]]s are definitely [[evil]] and exploitative, the Seelie Court's intentions are fairly benign but dismissive and amoral, thus not being entirely [[good]].<ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 114-115</ref>		The [[Nine Breeds]] comprise the political leadership of Arak society. They are split into two [[court]]s, the [[Seelie Court]] and the [[Unseelie Court]] Led by [[Queen Maeve]], the Seelie Court is generally comprised of [[shee]],[[Alven]], and [[portune]]. Led by [[Prince Loht]], the Unseelie Court is generally comprised of [[sith]], [[muryan]]s, [[teg]], and [[powrie]]. ([[Fir]] may belong to either court.) Whereas the Unseelie Court's intentions towards [[humanoid]]s are definitely [[evil]] and exploitative, the Seelie Court's intentions are fairly benign but dismissive and amoral, thus not being entirely [[good]].<ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 114-115</ref>

The Lesser Evil at 16:35, 6 January 2020

2020-01-06T16:35:47Z

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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Also variously called [[shadow fey]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> or [[shadow elves]]<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122">TSR p. 122</ref> for their association with that plane, the Arak's origins are not natural. [[Gwydion]], an [[ancient]] [[fiend]] of [[god]]-like power lodged within the Shahdow Plane, ferried away their [[ellefolk]] [[ancestor]]s and made them his race of [[thrall]]s many eons ago. Gwydion imbued them with the power of darkness, transforming them into the Shadow Fey.<ref name="Gaz V ~~114~~-~~115~~">Gaz V p. 151-152</ref> After they were [[liberated]] by their now-late [[leader]] [[Arak the Erlking]], the shadow fey adopted Arak as the name of all their kind in his honor.<ref name="Gaz V 106-107">Gaz V p. 106-107</ref>		Also variously called [[shadow fey]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> or [[shadow elves]]<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122">TSR p. 122</ref> for their association with that plane, the Arak's origins are not natural. [[Gwydion]], an [[ancient]] [[fiend]] of [[god]]-like power lodged within the Shahdow Plane, ferried away their [[ellefolk]] [[ancestor]]s and made them his race of [[thrall]]s many eons ago. Gwydion imbued them with the power of darkness, transforming them into the Shadow Fey.<ref name="Gaz V 151-152">Gaz V p. 151-152</ref> After they were [[liberated]] by their now-late [[leader]] [[Arak the Erlking]], the shadow fey adopted Arak as the name of all their kind in his honor.<ref name="Gaz V 106-107">Gaz V p. 106-107</ref>

	Despite being all technically part of the same race, the Arak are divided into several different kinds of Breeds. There are [[Nine Breeds\|nine major breeds]], along with several [[Lesser Breeds]] that are much fewer and more specialized in nature. Breed is not in[[heir]]ited but rather outgrowths of their personalities.<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> Each breed has its own role within Arak society.		Despite being all technically part of the same race, the Arak are divided into several different kinds of Breeds. There are [[Nine Breeds\|nine major breeds]], along with several [[Lesser Breeds]] that are much fewer and more specialized in nature. Breed is not in[[heir]]ited but rather outgrowths of their personalities.<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> Each breed has its own role within Arak society.

	The [[Nine Breeds]] comprise the political leadership of Arak society. They are split into two [[court]]s, the [[Seelie Court]] and the [[Unseelie Court]] Led by [[Queen Maeve]], the Seelie Court is generally comprised of [[shee]],[[Alven]], and [[portune]]. Led by [[Prince Loht]], the Unseelie Court is generally comprised of [[sith]], [[muryan]]s, [[teg]], and [[powrie]]. ([[Fir]] may belong to either court.) Whereas the Unseelie Court's intentions towards [[humanoid]]s are definitely [[evil]] and exploitative, the Seelie Court's intentions are fairly benign but dismissive and amoral, thus not being entirely [[good]]. <ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 114-115</ref>		The [[Nine Breeds]] comprise the political leadership of Arak society. They are split into two [[court]]s, the [[Seelie Court]] and the [[Unseelie Court]] Led by [[Queen Maeve]], the Seelie Court is generally comprised of [[shee]],[[Alven]], and [[portune]]. Led by [[Prince Loht]], the Unseelie Court is generally comprised of [[sith]], [[muryan]]s, [[teg]], and [[powrie]]. ([[Fir]] may belong to either court.) Whereas the Unseelie Court's intentions towards [[humanoid]]s are definitely [[evil]] and exploitative, the Seelie Court's intentions are fairly benign but dismissive and amoral, thus not being entirely [[good]].<ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 114-115</ref>

	==Society==		==Society==

The Lesser Evil: /* Alias */

2016-11-27T23:14:48Z

Alias

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	Dark Elves<br />		Dark Elves<br />
	The Dark Elves		The Dark Elves

			{{ref}}

	==Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue==		==Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue==

The Lesser Evil: /* Overview */

2016-11-27T23:13:31Z

Overview

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	Despite being all technically part of the same race, the Arak are divided into several different kinds of Breeds. There are [[Nine Breeds\|nine major breeds]], along with several [[Lesser Breeds]] that are much fewer and more specialized in nature. Breed is not in[[heir]]ited but rather outgrowths of their personalities.<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> Each breed has its own role within Arak society.		Despite being all technically part of the same race, the Arak are divided into several different kinds of Breeds. There are [[Nine Breeds\|nine major breeds]], along with several [[Lesser Breeds]] that are much fewer and more specialized in nature. Breed is not in[[heir]]ited but rather outgrowths of their personalities.<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> Each breed has its own role within Arak society.

	The [[Nine Breeds]] comprise the political leadership of Arak society. They are split into two [[court]]s, the [[Seelie Court]] and the [[Unseelie Court]] Led by [[Queen Maeve]], the Seelie Court is generally comprised of [[shee]],[[Alven]], and [[portune]]. Led by [[Prince Loht]], the Unseelie Court is generally comprised of [[sith]], [[muryan]]s, [[teg]], and [[powrie]]. Whereas the Unseelie Court's intentions towards [[humanoid]]s are definitely [[evil]] and exploitative, the Seelie Court's intentions are fairly benign but dismissive and amoral, thus not being entirely [[good]]~~. [[Fir]] may belong to either court~~.<ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 114-115</ref>		The [[Nine Breeds]] comprise the political leadership of Arak society. They are split into two [[court]]s, the [[Seelie Court]] and the [[Unseelie Court]] Led by [[Queen Maeve]], the Seelie Court is generally comprised of [[shee]],[[Alven]], and [[portune]]. Led by [[Prince Loht]], the Unseelie Court is generally comprised of [[sith]], [[muryan]]s, [[teg]], and [[powrie]]. ([[Fir]] may belong to either court.) Whereas the Unseelie Court's intentions towards [[humanoid]]s are definitely [[evil]] and exploitative, the Seelie Court's intentions are fairly benign but dismissive and amoral, thus not being entirely [[good]]. <ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 114-115</ref>

	==Society==		==Society==

The Lesser Evil at 23:11, 27 November 2016

2016-11-27T23:11:48Z

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	{{canon}}		{{canon}}
	[[The Arak]] are the race that once inhabited the [[domain]] of [[Arak]]<ref name="Servants of Darkness p. 59">[[Servants of Darkness]] p. 59</ref> and now inhabit the [[Shadow Rift]].<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122">[[The Shadow Rift (Module)]] p. 122</ref> Note that, as originally imagined in [[Realm of Terror]] [[black box]]ed set [[source]], the [[drow]] were the inhabitants of Arak.<ref>[[Realm of Terror]] p. 61</ref> After the Ravenloft designers determined the drow were unsuitable for such an inclusion in the setting, the Arak were created as replacements. The Arak were introduced in the [[Servants of Darkness]] and [[The Shadow Rift (Module)\|the Shadow Rift]] [[module]]s<ref>Comments made by [[David Wise]] on the Kargatane Reviews Page of the Red Box, archived at [https://web.archive.org/web/20030812235153/http://kargatane.com/sotk/reviews/rcs.shtml the Internet Archive</ref> Sources postdating these modules carried over the inclusion of the Arak over the drow.<ref>Given that these two modules were written fairly late in the life of [[2nd Edition]], most of the sources that mention the Arak are [[3rd Edition]] sources, such as [[Denizens of Darkness/[[Denizens of Dread]], [[Ravenloft Gazetteer V]], and [[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey (Book)]].</ref> The change from drow to Arak is explained in character as humans mistaking ~~some~~ Arak for drow<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">TSR p. 125</ref> ~~due to the [[corruption]] of several Arak by the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]]~~. ~~Such [[corrupted]] fey begin to physically resemble drow~~.		[[The Arak]] are the race that once inhabited the [[domain]] of [[Arak]]<ref name="Servants of Darkness p. 59">[[Servants of Darkness]] p. 59</ref> and now inhabit the [[Shadow Rift]].<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122">[[The Shadow Rift (Module)]] p. 122</ref> Note that, as originally imagined in [[Realm of Terror]] [[black box]]ed set [[source]], the [[drow]] were the inhabitants of Arak.<ref>[[Realm of Terror]] p. 61</ref> After the Ravenloft designers determined the drow were unsuitable for such an inclusion in the setting, the Arak were created as replacements. The Arak were introduced in the [[Servants of Darkness]] and [[The Shadow Rift (Module)\|the Shadow Rift]] [[module]]s<ref>Comments made by [[David Wise]] on the Kargatane Reviews Page of the Red Box, archived at [https://web.archive.org/web/20030812235153/http://kargatane.com/sotk/reviews/rcs.shtml the Internet Archive</ref> Sources postdating these modules carried over the inclusion of the Arak over the drow.<ref>Given that these two modules were written fairly late in the life of [[2nd Edition]], most of the sources that mention the Arak are [[3rd Edition]] sources, such as [[Denizens of Darkness/[[Denizens of Dread]], [[Ravenloft Gazetteer V]], and [[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey (Book)]].</ref> The change from drow to Arak is explained in character as humans mistaking the Arak for drow<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">TSR p. 125</ref><ref name="Gaz V p. 107">Gaz V p. 107</ref>

	Despite replacing the drow as the inhabitants of Arak and the Shadow Rift, the Arak are neither [[humanoid]]s with the [[elf]] [[subtype]] nor are all [[evil]]. Rather, the Arak are [[fey]], divided into numerous "Breeds" that shape their abilities and general alignments. The origins of the Arak lie in some unknown world , and they became what they are today due to events in the [[Plane of Shadow]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref>		Despite replacing the drow as the inhabitants of Arak and the Shadow Rift, the Arak are neither [[humanoid]]s with the [[elf]] [[subtype]] nor are all [[evil]]. Rather, the Arak are [[fey]], divided into numerous "Breeds" that shape their abilities and general alignments. The origins of the Arak lie in some unknown world , and they became what they are today due to events in the [[Plane of Shadow]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref>

The Lesser Evil at 23:02, 27 November 2016

2016-11-27T23:02:39Z

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	{{canon}}		{{canon}}
	[[The Arak]] are the race that once inhabited the [[domain]] of [[Arak]]<ref name="Servants of Darkness p. 59">[[Servants of Darkness]] p. 59</ref> and now inhabit the [[Shadow Rift]].<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122">[[The Shadow Rift (Module) p. 122</ref> Note that, as originally imagined in [[Realm of Terror]] [[black box]]ed set [[source]], the [[drow]] were the inhabitants of Arak.<ref>[[Realm of Terror]] p. 61</ref> After the Ravenloft designers determined the drow were unsuitable for such an inclusion in the setting, the Arak were created as replacements. The Arak were introduced in the [[Servants of Darkness]] and [[The Shadow Rift (Module)\|the Shadow Rift]] [[module]]s<ref>Comments made by [[David Wise]] on the Kargatane Reviews Page of the Red Box, archived at [https://web.archive.org/web/20030812235153/http://kargatane.com/sotk/reviews/rcs.shtml the Internet Archive</ref> Sources postdating these modules carried over the inclusion of the Arak over the drow.<ref>Given that these two modules were written fairly late in the life of [[2nd Edition]], most of the sources that mention the Arak are [[3rd Edition]] sources, such as [[Denizens of Darkness/[[Denizens of Dread]], [[Ravenloft Gazetteer V]], and [[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey (Book)]].</ref> The change from drow to Arak is explained in character as humans mistaking some Arak for drow<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">TSR p. 125</ref> due to the [[corruption]] of several Arak by the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]]. Such [[corrupted]] fey begin to physically resemble drow.		[[The Arak]] are the race that once inhabited the [[domain]] of [[Arak]]<ref name="Servants of Darkness p. 59">[[Servants of Darkness]] p. 59</ref> and now inhabit the [[Shadow Rift]].<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122">[[The Shadow Rift (Module)]] p. 122</ref> Note that, as originally imagined in [[Realm of Terror]] [[black box]]ed set [[source]], the [[drow]] were the inhabitants of Arak.<ref>[[Realm of Terror]] p. 61</ref> After the Ravenloft designers determined the drow were unsuitable for such an inclusion in the setting, the Arak were created as replacements. The Arak were introduced in the [[Servants of Darkness]] and [[The Shadow Rift (Module)\|the Shadow Rift]] [[module]]s<ref>Comments made by [[David Wise]] on the Kargatane Reviews Page of the Red Box, archived at [https://web.archive.org/web/20030812235153/http://kargatane.com/sotk/reviews/rcs.shtml the Internet Archive</ref> Sources postdating these modules carried over the inclusion of the Arak over the drow.<ref>Given that these two modules were written fairly late in the life of [[2nd Edition]], most of the sources that mention the Arak are [[3rd Edition]] sources, such as [[Denizens of Darkness/[[Denizens of Dread]], [[Ravenloft Gazetteer V]], and [[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey (Book)]].</ref> The change from drow to Arak is explained in character as humans mistaking some Arak for drow<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">TSR p. 125</ref> due to the [[corruption]] of several Arak by the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]]. Such [[corrupted]] fey begin to physically resemble drow.

	Despite replacing the drow as the inhabitants of Arak and the Shadow Rift, the Arak are neither [[humanoid]]s with the [[elf]] [[subtype]] nor are all [[evil]]. Rather, the Arak are [[fey]], divided into numerous "Breeds" that shape their abilities and general alignments. The origins of the Arak lie in some unknown world , and they became what they are today due to events in the [[Plane of Shadow]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref>		Despite replacing the drow as the inhabitants of Arak and the Shadow Rift, the Arak are neither [[humanoid]]s with the [[elf]] [[subtype]] nor are all [[evil]]. Rather, the Arak are [[fey]], divided into numerous "Breeds" that shape their abilities and general alignments. The origins of the Arak lie in some unknown world , and they became what they are today due to events in the [[Plane of Shadow]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref>

The Lesser Evil at 23:02, 27 November 2016

2016-11-27T23:02:13Z

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	{{canon}}		{{canon}}
	[[The Arak]] are the race that once inhabited the [[domain]] of [[Arak]]<ref name="Servants of Darkness p. 59">[[Servants of Darkness]] p. 59</ref> and now inhabit the [[Shadow Rift]].<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. ~~125~~">[[The Shadow Rift (Module) p. ~~125~~</ref> Note that, as originally imagined in [[Realm of Terror]] [[black box]]ed set [[source]], the [[drow]] were the inhabitants of Arak.<ref>[[Realm of Terror]] p. 61</ref> After the Ravenloft designers determined the drow were unsuitable for such an inclusion in the setting, the Arak were created as replacements. The Arak were introduced in the [[Servants of Darkness]] and [[The Shadow Rift (Module)\|the Shadow Rift]] [[module]]s<ref>Comments made by [[David Wise]] on the Kargatane Reviews Page of the Red Box, archived at [https://web.archive.org/web/20030812235153/http://kargatane.com/sotk/reviews/rcs.shtml the Internet Archive</ref> Sources postdating these modules carried over the inclusion of the Arak over the drow.<ref>Given that these two modules were written fairly late in the life of [[2nd Edition]], most of the sources that mention the Arak are [[3rd Edition]] sources, such as [[Denizens of Darkness/[[Denizens of Dread]], [[Ravenloft Gazetteer V]], and [[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey (Book)]].</ref> The change from drow to Arak is explained in character as humans mistaking some Arak for drow<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">TSR p. 125</ref> due to the [[corruption]] of several Arak by the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]]. Such [[corrupted]] fey begin to physically resemble drow.		[[The Arak]] are the race that once inhabited the [[domain]] of [[Arak]]<ref name="Servants of Darkness p. 59">[[Servants of Darkness]] p. 59</ref> and now inhabit the [[Shadow Rift]].<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122">[[The Shadow Rift (Module) p. 122</ref> Note that, as originally imagined in [[Realm of Terror]] [[black box]]ed set [[source]], the [[drow]] were the inhabitants of Arak.<ref>[[Realm of Terror]] p. 61</ref> After the Ravenloft designers determined the drow were unsuitable for such an inclusion in the setting, the Arak were created as replacements. The Arak were introduced in the [[Servants of Darkness]] and [[The Shadow Rift (Module)\|the Shadow Rift]] [[module]]s<ref>Comments made by [[David Wise]] on the Kargatane Reviews Page of the Red Box, archived at [https://web.archive.org/web/20030812235153/http://kargatane.com/sotk/reviews/rcs.shtml the Internet Archive</ref> Sources postdating these modules carried over the inclusion of the Arak over the drow.<ref>Given that these two modules were written fairly late in the life of [[2nd Edition]], most of the sources that mention the Arak are [[3rd Edition]] sources, such as [[Denizens of Darkness/[[Denizens of Dread]], [[Ravenloft Gazetteer V]], and [[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey (Book)]].</ref> The change from drow to Arak is explained in character as humans mistaking some Arak for drow<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">TSR p. 125</ref> due to the [[corruption]] of several Arak by the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]]. Such [[corrupted]] fey begin to physically resemble drow.

	Despite replacing the drow as the inhabitants of Arak and the Shadow Rift, the Arak are neither [[humanoid]]s with the [[elf]] [[subtype]] nor are all [[evil]]. Rather, the Arak are [[fey]], divided into numerous "Breeds" that shape their abilities and general alignments. The origins of the Arak lie in some unknown world , and they became what they are today due to events in the [[Plane of Shadow]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref>		Despite replacing the drow as the inhabitants of Arak and the Shadow Rift, the Arak are neither [[humanoid]]s with the [[elf]] [[subtype]] nor are all [[evil]]. Rather, the Arak are [[fey]], divided into numerous "Breeds" that shape their abilities and general alignments. The origins of the Arak lie in some unknown world , and they became what they are today due to events in the [[Plane of Shadow]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref>

The Lesser Evil: /* Overview */

2016-11-27T23:01:41Z

Overview

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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Also variously called [[shadow fey]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> or [[shadow elves]]<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122</ref> for their association with that plane, the Arak's origins are not natural. [[Gwydion]], an [[ancient]] [[fiend]] of [[god]]-like power lodged within the Shahdow Plane, ferried away their [[ellefolk]] [[ancestor]]s and made them his race of [[thrall]]s many eons ago. Gwydion imbued them with the power of darkness, transforming them into the Shadow Fey.<ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 151-152</ref> After they were [[liberated]] by their now-late [[leader]] [[Arak the Erlking]], the shadow fey adopted Arak as the name of all their kind in his honor.<ref name="Gaz V 106-107">Gaz V p. 106-107</ref>		Also variously called [[shadow fey]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> or [[shadow elves]]<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122">TSR p. 122</ref> for their association with that plane, the Arak's origins are not natural. [[Gwydion]], an [[ancient]] [[fiend]] of [[god]]-like power lodged within the Shahdow Plane, ferried away their [[ellefolk]] [[ancestor]]s and made them his race of [[thrall]]s many eons ago. Gwydion imbued them with the power of darkness, transforming them into the Shadow Fey.<ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 151-152</ref> After they were [[liberated]] by their now-late [[leader]] [[Arak the Erlking]], the shadow fey adopted Arak as the name of all their kind in his honor.<ref name="Gaz V 106-107">Gaz V p. 106-107</ref>

	Despite being all technically part of the same race, the Arak are divided into several different kinds of Breeds. There are [[Nine Breeds\|nine major breeds]], along with several [[Lesser Breeds]] that are much fewer and more specialized in nature. Breed is not in[[heir]]ited but rather outgrowths of their personalities.<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> Each breed has its own role within Arak society.		Despite being all technically part of the same race, the Arak are divided into several different kinds of Breeds. There are [[Nine Breeds\|nine major breeds]], along with several [[Lesser Breeds]] that are much fewer and more specialized in nature. Breed is not in[[heir]]ited but rather outgrowths of their personalities.<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> Each breed has its own role within Arak society.

The Lesser Evil at 22:59, 27 November 2016

2016-11-27T22:59:17Z

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	[[The Arak]] are the race that once inhabited the [[domain]] of [[Arak]]<ref name="Servants of Darkness p. 59">[[Servants of Darkness]] p. 59</ref> and now inhabit the [[Shadow Rift]].<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">[[The Shadow Rift (Module) p. 125"> Note that, as originally imagined in [[Realm of Terror]] [[black box]]ed set [[source]], the [[drow]] were the inhabitants of Arak.<ref>[[Realm of Terror]] p. 61</ref> After the Ravenloft designers determined the drow were unsuitable for such an inclusion in the setting, the Arak were created as replacements. The Arak were introduced in the [[Servants of Darkness]] and [[The Shadow Rift (Module)\|the Shadow Rift]] [[module]]s<ref>Comments made by [[David Wise]] on the Kargatane Reviews Page of the Red Box, archived at [https://web.archive.org/web/20030812235153/http://kargatane.com/sotk/reviews/rcs.shtml the Internet Archive</ref> Sources postdating these modules carried over the inclusion of the Arak over the drow.<ref>Given that these two modules were written fairly late in the life of [[2nd Edition]], most of the sources that mention the Arak are [[3rd Edition]] sources, such as [[Denizens of Darkness/[[Denizens of Dread]], [[Ravenloft Gazetteer V]], and [[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey (Book)]].</ref> The change from drow to Arak is explained in character as humans mistaking some Arak for drow<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">TSR p. 125</ref> due to the [[corruption]] of several Arak by the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]]. Such [[corrupted]] fey begin to physically resemble drow.		[[The Arak]] are the race that once inhabited the [[domain]] of [[Arak]]<ref name="Servants of Darkness p. 59">[[Servants of Darkness]] p. 59</ref> and now inhabit the [[Shadow Rift]].<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">[[The Shadow Rift (Module) p. 125</ref> Note that, as originally imagined in [[Realm of Terror]] [[black box]]ed set [[source]], the [[drow]] were the inhabitants of Arak.<ref>[[Realm of Terror]] p. 61</ref> After the Ravenloft designers determined the drow were unsuitable for such an inclusion in the setting, the Arak were created as replacements. The Arak were introduced in the [[Servants of Darkness]] and [[The Shadow Rift (Module)\|the Shadow Rift]] [[module]]s<ref>Comments made by [[David Wise]] on the Kargatane Reviews Page of the Red Box, archived at [https://web.archive.org/web/20030812235153/http://kargatane.com/sotk/reviews/rcs.shtml the Internet Archive</ref> Sources postdating these modules carried over the inclusion of the Arak over the drow.<ref>Given that these two modules were written fairly late in the life of [[2nd Edition]], most of the sources that mention the Arak are [[3rd Edition]] sources, such as [[Denizens of Darkness/[[Denizens of Dread]], [[Ravenloft Gazetteer V]], and [[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey (Book)]].</ref> The change from drow to Arak is explained in character as humans mistaking some Arak for drow<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">TSR p. 125</ref> due to the [[corruption]] of several Arak by the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]]. Such [[corrupted]] fey begin to physically resemble drow.

	Despite replacing the drow as the inhabitants of Arak and the Shadow Rift, the Arak are neither [[humanoid]]s with the [[elf]] [[subtype]] nor are all [[evil]]. Rather, the Arak are [[fey]], divided into numerous "Breeds" that shape their abilities and general alignments. The origins of the Arak lie in some unknown world , and they became what they are today due to events in the [[Plane of Shadow]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref>		Despite replacing the drow as the inhabitants of Arak and the Shadow Rift, the Arak are neither [[humanoid]]s with the [[elf]] [[subtype]] nor are all [[evil]]. Rather, the Arak are [[fey]], divided into numerous "Breeds" that shape their abilities and general alignments. The origins of the Arak lie in some unknown world , and they became what they are today due to events in the [[Plane of Shadow]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref>

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2016-11-27T22:58:44Z

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	[[The Arak]] are the race that once inhabited the [[domain]] of [[Arak]] and now inhabit the [[Shadow Rift]]. Note that, as originally imagined in [[Realm of Terror~~]] [[red box]] and [[Ravenloft Campaign Setting~~]] [[black box]] [[source]]s, [[drow]] were the inhabitants of Arak ~~and the Shadow Rift~~. After ~~it was determined by~~ the Ravenloft designers ~~that~~ drow were unsuitable for such an inclusion in the setting, the Arak were created as replacements <ref>Comments made by [[David Wise]] on the Kargatane Reviews Page of the Red Box, archived at [https://web.archive.org/web/20030812235153/http://kargatane.com/sotk/reviews/rcs.shtml the Internet Archive</ref> ~~and introduced~~ in the [[~~Servants~~ of Darkness]] and [[~~The~~ Shadow ~~Rift~~ (~~Module~~)~~\|the Shadow Rift]] [[module~~]]~~s and carried over into sources postdating them~~. ~~This~~ is explained in character as humans mistaking ~~the~~ Arak for drow due to the [[corruption]] of several Arak by the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]]. Such [[corrupted]] fey begin to physically resemble drow.		[[The Arak]] are the race that once inhabited the [[domain]] of [[Arak]]<ref name="Servants of Darkness p. 59">[[Servants of Darkness]] p. 59</ref> and now inhabit the [[Shadow Rift]].<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">[[The Shadow Rift (Module) p. 125"> Note that, as originally imagined in [[Realm of Terror]] [[black box]]ed set [[source]], the [[drow]] were the inhabitants of Arak.<ref>[[Realm of Terror]] p. 61</ref> After the Ravenloft designers determined the drow were unsuitable for such an inclusion in the setting, the Arak were created as replacements. The Arak were introduced in the [[Servants of Darkness]] and [[The Shadow Rift (Module)\|the Shadow Rift]] [[module]]s<ref>Comments made by [[David Wise]] on the Kargatane Reviews Page of the Red Box, archived at [https://web.archive.org/web/20030812235153/http://kargatane.com/sotk/reviews/rcs.shtml the Internet Archive</ref> Sources postdating these modules carried over the inclusion of the Arak over the drow.<ref>Given that these two modules were written fairly late in the life of [[2nd Edition]], most of the sources that mention the Arak are [[3rd Edition]] sources, such as [[Denizens of Darkness/[[Denizens of Dread]], [[Ravenloft Gazetteer V]], and [[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey (Book)]].</ref> The change from drow to Arak is explained in character as humans mistaking some Arak for drow<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 125">TSR p. 125</ref> due to the [[corruption]] of several Arak by the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]]. Such [[corrupted]] fey begin to physically resemble drow.

	Despite replacing the drow as the inhabitants of Arak and the Shadow Rift, the Arak are neither [[humanoid]]s with the [[elf]] [[subtype]] nor are all [[evil]]. Rather, the Arak are [[fey]], divided into numerous "Breeds" that shape their abilities and general alignments. The origins of the Arak lie in the [[Plane of Shadow]] ~~instead~~ of ~~the~~ [[~~Underdark~~]].		Despite replacing the drow as the inhabitants of Arak and the Shadow Rift, the Arak are neither [[humanoid]]s with the [[elf]] [[subtype]] nor are all [[evil]]. Rather, the Arak are [[fey]], divided into numerous "Breeds" that shape their abilities and general alignments. The origins of the Arak lie in some unknown world , and they became what they are today due to events in the [[Plane of Shadow]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">[[Denizens of Dread]] p. 22</ref>

	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Also called [[shadow fey]] for their association with that plane, the Arak's origins are not natural. [[Gwydion]], an [[ancient]] [[fiend]] of [[god]]-like power lodged within the Shahdow Plane, ferried away their [[ellefolk]] [[ancestor]]s and made them his race of [[thrall]]s many eons ago. Gwydion imbued them with the power of darkness, transforming them into the Shadow Fey.<ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 151-152</ref> After they were [[liberated]] by their now-late [[leader]] [[Arak the Erlking]], the shadow fey adopted Arak as the name of all their kind in his honor.		Also variously called [[shadow fey]]<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> or [[shadow elves]]<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 122</ref> for their association with that plane, the Arak's origins are not natural. [[Gwydion]], an [[ancient]] [[fiend]] of [[god]]-like power lodged within the Shahdow Plane, ferried away their [[ellefolk]] [[ancestor]]s and made them his race of [[thrall]]s many eons ago. Gwydion imbued them with the power of darkness, transforming them into the Shadow Fey.<ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 151-152</ref> After they were [[liberated]] by their now-late [[leader]] [[Arak the Erlking]], the shadow fey adopted Arak as the name of all their kind in his honor.<ref name="Gaz V 106-107">Gaz V p. 106-107</ref>

	Despite being all technically part of the same race, the Arak are divided into several different kinds of Breeds. There are [[Nine Breeds\|nine major breeds]], along with several [[Lesser Breeds]] that are much fewer and more specialized in nature. Breed is not in[[heir]]ited but rather ~~a development~~ of ~~focus and devotion~~. Each breed has its own role within Arak society.		Despite being all technically part of the same race, the Arak are divided into several different kinds of Breeds. There are [[Nine Breeds\|nine major breeds]], along with several [[Lesser Breeds]] that are much fewer and more specialized in nature. Breed is not in[[heir]]ited but rather outgrowths of their personalities.<ref name="Denizens of Dread p. 22">Denizens of Dread p. 22</ref> Each breed has its own role within Arak society.

	The [[Nine Breeds]] comprise the political leadership of Arak society. They are split into two [[court]]s, the [[Seelie Court]] and the [[Unseelie Court]] Led by [[Queen Maeve]], the Seelie Court is generally comprised of [[shee]],[[Alven]], and [[portune]]. Led by [[Prince Loht]], the Unseelie Court is generally comprised of [[sith]], [[muryan]]s, [[teg]], and [[powrie]]. Whereas the Unseelie Court's intentions towards [[humanoid]]s are definitely [[evil]] and exploitative, the Seelie Court's intentions are fairly benign but dismissive and amoral, thus not being entirely [[good]]. [[Fir]] may belong to either court.<ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 114-115</ref>		The [[Nine Breeds]] comprise the political leadership of Arak society. They are split into two [[court]]s, the [[Seelie Court]] and the [[Unseelie Court]] Led by [[Queen Maeve]], the Seelie Court is generally comprised of [[shee]],[[Alven]], and [[portune]]. Led by [[Prince Loht]], the Unseelie Court is generally comprised of [[sith]], [[muryan]]s, [[teg]], and [[powrie]]. Whereas the Unseelie Court's intentions towards [[humanoid]]s are definitely [[evil]] and exploitative, the Seelie Court's intentions are fairly benign but dismissive and amoral, thus not being entirely [[good]]. [[Fir]] may belong to either court.<ref name="Gaz V 114-115">Gaz V p. 114-115</ref>

	==Society==		==Society==
	The Arak live in a strange society marked by distorted caricatures of [[human]] civilization marked by haphazard blends of cultural practices and fashions. With a few exceptions, their lives are shaped by the avoidance of [[boredom]] and the pursuit of pleasure rather than mortal, [[biology\|biological]] concerns.<ref name="Gaz V 109">Gaz V p. 109</ref> ~~The adoption of Breeds is to further the pursuit of particular trades individual shadow fey find interesting.~~		The Arak live in a strange society marked by distorted caricatures of [[human]] civilization marked by haphazard blends of cultural practices and fashions. With a few exceptions, their lives are shaped by the avoidance of [[boredom]] and the pursuit of pleasure rather than mortal, [[biology\|biological]] concerns. The pursuit of a trade, occupation, or even [[character]] [[class]] is an outgrowth of a particular shadow fey's interests<ref name="Gaz V 109">Gaz V p. 109</ref>

	Unlike most of the human societies of Ravenloft, Arak society is steeped in [[magic]]. Most if not all are [[innate racial spellcaster\|natural spellcasters]]. As such, magic is seen as a natural part of everyday life.<ref name="Gaz V 109">Gaz V p. 109</ref>		Unlike most of the human societies of Ravenloft, Arak society is steeped in [[magic]]. Most if not all are [[innate racial spellcaster\|natural spellcasters]]. As such, magic is seen as a natural part of everyday life.<ref name="Gaz V 109">Gaz V p. 109</ref>

	Conversely, true faith is much less natural among the fey than among humans, and thereby Arak society is not religious in the same sense of human religion. Individual shadow fey may become followers (and [[divine spellcaster]]s) of varying deities, but this service is more of a pleasurable hobby rather than true [[devotion]].<ref name="Gaz V 110">Gaz V p. 110</ref> The Church of the Spider Queen was perhaps one notable, and altogether horrific, exception to the Arak avoidance of organized religion. its vile rites and corrupting nature, even among the Arak, have made it the only religion almost universally hated among the shadow fey living in the Rift today.		Conversely, true faith (aside from reverence for nature, as for example in the case of [[druid]]s) is much less natural among the fey than among humans, and thereby Arak society is not religious in the same sense of human religion. Individual shadow fey may become followers (and [[divine spellcaster]]s) of varying deities, but this service is more of a pleasurable hobby rather than true [[devotion]].<ref name="Gaz V 110">Gaz V p. 110</ref> The Church of the Spider Queen was perhaps one notable, and altogether horrific, exception to the Arak avoidance of organized religion. its vile rites and corrupting nature, even among the Arak, have made it the only religion almost universally hated among the shadow fey living in the Rift today.<ref name="Gaz V 110">Gaz V p. 110</ref>

	==Law==		==Law==
	The Arak that reside within the Shadow Rift exist in a multi-tiered, vaguely [[hereditary aristocracy]] sort of social structure. The Two Courts politically govern the Arak, alternating rule over the [[Malachite Palace]].		The Arak that reside within the Shadow Rift exist in a multi-tiered, vaguely [[hereditary aristocracy]] sort of social structure. The Two Courts politically govern the Arak, alternating rule over the [[Malachite Palace]].<ref name="Gaz V 113">Gaz V p. 113</ref>

	Few [[law]]s are applied or obeyed all of the time, but Loht and Maeve dominate their own courts in their own ways. Bolstered by a complex code of social nuances, Maeve governed essentially as a highly beloved and even venerated celebrity figure, rapidly exchanging favors and shaming or otherwise psychologically punishing those whom transgress her. By contrast, Loht's rule is more ordered but also more tyrannical. His [[:category:Whip (Unseelie Court)\|whips]], a title unique to the Unseelie Court, help drive obedience and steadfastness into his subjects.		Few [[law]]s are applied or obeyed all of the time, but Loht and Maeve dominate their own courts in their own ways. Bolstered by a complex code of social nuances, Maeve governed essentially as a highly beloved and even venerated celebrity figure, rapidly exchanging favors and shaming or otherwise psychologically punishing those whom transgress her. By contrast, Loht's rule is more ordered but also more tyrannical. His [[:category:Whip (Unseelie Court)\|whips]], a title unique to the Unseelie Court, help drive obedience and steadfastness into his subjects.<ref name="Gaz V 114">Gaz V p. 114-115</ref>

	===The [[Law of Arak]]===		===The [[Law of Arak]]===