Obscura

“The shadows whisper truths that the light cannot understand.”

The Obscura, created by the enigmatic Demonnark, embody the unfathomable depths of the cosmic duality. Where Kwasars shine as radiant beacons of order and creation, the Obscura channel the quiet, disciplined force of the Veiled Void—a metaphysical aspect of existence that complements light rather than opposes it. Cloaked in mystery and secrecy, the Obscura act as guardians of hidden knowledge, wielding their dark grace to maintain the balance of the universe from the shadows.

Born of the Veiled Void

The Obscura originate from the Veiled Void, a realm of stillness and introspection that exists at the edge of perception. This plane is not one of chaos but of hidden potential, where shadows serve as pathways to wisdom and transformation. The Veiled Void is an enigmatic space with no definitive shape; it bends and shifts, adapting to the thoughts and desires of those who traverse it.

Demonnark, a counterbalance to Goddark, created the Obscura to explore the nuances of balance in existence. Unlike their radiant counterparts, the Obscura were designed not to create but to preserve and refine—to find perfection in the imperfections of the cosmos.

Physically, the Obscura resemble Sapiens but exude an unsettling yet alluring aura. Their eyes, often glowing faintly with hues of shadowy blue or crimson, reflect the boundless depths of their origin. They possess an almost ethereal agility, moving with grace that defies mortal comprehension.

Obscura in the Material Plane

When the Obscura walk the Material Plane, they are often misunderstood by mortals. Their veiled presence is unsettling, and their motives are rarely transparent. Mortals perceive them as enigmatic figures, neither truly good nor evil, and their actions often blur the lines between hero and villain.

Obscura are drawn to the Material Plane to guide, observe, and sometimes intervene in the trajectory of life. They are seekers of truth, unearthing secrets and safeguarding knowledge that might upset the universe's fragile equilibrium. However, their means often involve manipulation, subtlety, and veiled intentions, which can make them appear antagonistic even when their goals align with the greater good.

Culture of the Obscura

The Obscura value wisdom, discipline, and the mastery of one's inner darkness. They believe that only by embracing the shadows within can one achieve true understanding and harmony.

Social Structure

Obscura society is a hierarchy of merit and insight, where individuals earn status through deeds of secrecy and preservation. Leaders, often called Umbral Architects, guide their kin with a combination of strength and cunning.

Philosophy

  • The Doctrine of Shadows: Light and darkness must coexist; neither can triumph without unbalancing the whole.
  • The Path of Subtlety: Brute force disrupts balance; only through careful manipulation and foresight can harmony endure.

Their rituals often involve meditative practices in absolute darkness, where they reflect on the cosmos's hidden truths and the role of shadows in the natural order.

Playing an Obscura

As an Obscura, you are a wielder of shadow and secrecy, walking the fine line between light and darkness. Your character will likely grapple with the paradox of being both a force for good and a figure of fear.

Role-Playing Prompts

  • What truth have you uncovered that changed your view of the cosmos?
  • Do you struggle with mortals' perception of you as a manipulator or deceiver?
  • How do you view the radiant Kwasars, and do you feel resentment or respect toward them?

Example Obscura Characters

  • Lyshira the Whisperer: A silent protector who safeguards a kingdom's darkest secrets while remaining unseen.
  • Vaelorn the Redeemer: An Obscura who seeks to mend the damage caused by mortal ambition by guiding them through unseen means.
  • Seloth the Watcher: A scholar obsessed with cataloging forbidden knowledge, even at great personal cost.

Traits

Ability Score Increase

  • +2 Dexterity, +1 Wisdom

Age

Obscura are timeless, ceasing to age physically once they reach maturity.

Alignment

Typically Neutral or Neutral Good, but some Obscura lean toward Neutral Evil if consumed by ambition or pride.

Size

Medium. Obscura are similar in height to humans but have lean, wiry builds.

Speed

30 ft.

Darkvision

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.

Umbral Step

As a bonus action, you can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you can see, provided it is in dim light or darkness.

Veil of Shadows

You can cast Pass Without Trace once per long rest without expending a spell slot.

Whispered Knowledge

You gain proficiency in Insight and Stealth.

Subraces: Eclipseborn and Nightwardens

Eclipseborn

Eclipseborn are the keepers of cosmic balance, working closely with Kwasars to maintain harmony. They often act as diplomats or mediators.

  • Radiant Insight: Advantage on Insight checks to detect lies or hidden motives.
  • Harmonic Presence: Gain a +1 bonus to all saving throws when within 30 feet of an ally.

Nightwardens

Nightwardens are the enforcers and guardians of forbidden knowledge, ensuring it does not fall into the wrong hands.

  • Shroud of Dread: Enemies within 10 feet of you have disadvantage on saving throws against being frightened.
  • Shadow’s Blade: Once per long rest, you can deal an additional 2d8 necrotic damage on a melee weapon attack.

Names

The names of the Obscura evoke mystery and elegance, often carrying a lyrical or shadowy tone. They frequently incorporate soft vowels and flowing consonants, reflecting their enigmatic nature. Additionally, Obscura often adopt titles that symbolize their personal philosophies or achievements within their society.

Masculine Names

  • Kaerith
  • Vylden
  • Therion
  • Malceth
  • Raevor

Feminine Names

  • Lyrinna
  • Zynethra
  • Olyssia
  • Maevora
  • Veylindra

Neutral Names

  • Aryth
  • Sylith
  • Corvys
  • Shalorn
  • Vaelith

Titles

Obscura names are often supplemented with titles that describe their role or unique qualities, such as:

  • The Veiled Keeper
  • Shadow’s Grace
  • The Whispering Blade
  • Bearer of Silence
  • Warden of Twilight

Playing an Obscura

Becoming an Obscura player character is an opportunity to explore the subtle nuances of shadow and balance. As an Obscura, you exist in the liminal space between light and darkness, seeking to maintain harmony while being misunderstood by others. You wield powers that thrive in subtlety, deception, and precision.

Role-Playing Prompts

  • How do you balance your role as a force of secrecy with your loyalty to the universe’s greater good?
  • Do you resent mortals for misunderstanding your actions, or do you thrive on their fear?
  • What secret are you protecting that could shift the balance of power in the cosmos if revealed?
  • How do you view the radiant Kwasars, and do you see them as rivals, allies, or something else entirely?

Example Obscura Characters

  • Selion the Veiled Keeper: A mediator between warring factions who manipulates events from the shadows to bring about peace.
  • Myris Shadowshaper: A Nightwarden tasked with retrieving forbidden relics before they fall into mortal hands.
  • Vaelora Whisperwind: An Eclipseborn who walks among mortals, seeking to guide their destiny through subtle influence.

DM’s Toolbox: Obscura in the World

The Obscura offer Dungeon Masters a wealth of narrative opportunities, from enigmatic allies to morally ambiguous foes. Their intricate philosophy and mysterious origins make them a fascinating addition to any campaign.

As Allies

  • An Obscura enlists the party to help retrieve a powerful artifact before it is misused by mortals.
  • The party becomes entangled in a conflict between a rogue Obscura and the Veiled Void hierarchy.
  • A Kwasar and an Obscura join forces with the players to avert a cosmic catastrophe.

As Antagonists

  • A Nightwarden seeks to eliminate the party after they uncover a secret too dangerous to be revealed.
  • A rogue Obscura disrupts the balance of power, attempting to impose shadow supremacy over light.

Story Hooks

  • The Umbral Accord: The party is invited to witness a rare alliance between the Kwasars and Obscura, but hidden agendas threaten the fragile truce.
  • The Shadow’s Legacy: A powerful Obscura relic is unearthed, drawing the interest of rival factions, including the Raptors and Abyssals.
  • The Eclipseborn Heir: A prophecy foretells the birth of an Eclipseborn who could either save or destroy the balance of the cosmos.

Obscura in Combat

Roles

  • Skirmisher: Using their mobility and stealth to evade and strike swiftly.
  • Support Specialist: Controlling the battlefield with debuffs and misdirection.
  • Assassin: Targeting high-priority foes with devastating precision.

Strengths

  • Exceptional agility and stealth mechanics.
  • Abilities that thrive in darkness or dim light.
  • Powerful crowd control and battlefield manipulation abilities.

Weaknesses

  • Limited resilience in prolonged, direct confrontations.
  • Reliance on environmental factors like shadows to maximize their abilities.