Before the Obsidian Age, the world was ruled by the Star Kings – beings of pure starlight and arcane energy. They built cities of crystal and metal, mastered the manipulation of time and space, and commanded armies of celestial warriors. But their reign was built on a foundation of hubris and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. They delved too deep into the secrets of the universe, unleashing forces they could not control.
The Great Sundering, as it is now known, shattered the Star Kings’ empire. Their cities crumbled, their armies vanished, and their power dissipated into the Void. Only fragments of their civilization remained, scattered across the broken continents. The knowledge of the Star Kings became fragmented, corrupted, and often dangerous, leading to the rise of cults and mad scholars obsessed with resurrecting their lost glory.
The key to understanding the Fall lies in the Obsidian Heart – a device said to have amplified the Star Kings' power, ultimately contributing to their demise. Its location remains a mystery, guarded by the echoes of their judgment.
The Obsidian Age began with the emergence of the Obsidian Lords – beings forged from the remnants of the Star Kings' power and the dark energies released during the Sundering. They were beings of immense strength, cunning, and a chilling indifference to mortal life. They established vast kingdoms built upon conquest and the exploitation of the shattered remnants of the Star Kings’ technology.
Society within the Obsidian Kingdoms was rigidly stratified, with the Obsidian Lords ruling over a population of warriors, artisans, and laborers. Magic, warped and twisted by the dark energies, was a central part of their civilization. They developed intricate rituals and ceremonies to harness the power of the Void, often with horrific consequences. The concept of “Soulbinding” – forcibly merging a mortal’s soul with a construct – became commonplace, creating an endless supply of obedient soldiers and laborers.
The most powerful of the Obsidian Lords, known as the “Prime Lords,” were said to possess the ability to manipulate time itself, though their attempts were often erratic and prone to catastrophic results.
Centuries have passed since the fall of the Obsidian Lords. Their kingdoms have crumbled into dust, but their influence lingers. Scattered across the continents are “Remnants” – pockets of corrupted technology, twisted constructs, and forgotten rituals. These places are haunted by the “Whispers” – echoes of the Obsidian Lords’ thoughts and desires, driving individuals to madness or, perhaps, to something far worse.
The most common Remnant encounters involve corrupted constructs – “Shardlings” – remnants of the Prime Lords’ armies, still following their long-dead masters’ commands. They are fiercely protective of any knowledge or technology they possess.
Legends speak of hidden caches of “Prime Tech” – advanced weaponry and devices capable of manipulating reality. Recovering this technology is a dangerous undertaking, as it is invariably guarded by powerful Remnants and plagued by the insidious influence of the Whispers.
In the present day, the world is a fractured landscape, scarred by the echoes of the Obsidian Age. Small settlements and isolated communities struggle to survive, constantly battling the threats posed by the Remnants and the Whispers. The few who seek to understand the mysteries of the Star Kings and the Obsidian Lords do so at their own peril. The knowledge they uncover is often dangerous, and the forces they awaken may never be contained.
Rumors persist of a resurgence – a growing concentration of Remnants, a strengthening of the Whispers, and a renewed ambition among the scattered factions to reclaim the lost power of the Star Kings.
If you are drawn to the mysteries of Robur, we encourage you to explore its lore further. There are numerous communities online dedicated to this world. We hope this brief overview has ignited your curiosity. May your journeys be fraught with peril, and your discoveries lead you to the heart of the Obsidian Age.