The Black Oblivion



The Black Oblivion is a plane that should not exist. Its creation was random and chaotic and while the other planes exist in alignment with one another, the Black Oblivion does not. As such, the Black Oblivion as a plane is incredibly unstable. The centre of the plane is the most stable and the farther out you go from, there the more chaotic the plane becomes until there's nothing. Physically, the plane resembles tunnels branching off in random directions, and while it appears underground, this is not entirely correct for there is no “surface”. However, if one were to go in any direction far enough, you would reach the place were the tunnels stop, leading to a massive expanse of nothingness.

While most of the plane is comprised of stone and minerals, there is water that seems to flow around the plane, as well as lava streams, and even plant life, although almost all of that is fungal in nature. There are two living species that exist in the Black Oblivion: Arluru, and Xin-Tai.

Creation
As with the creation of our cosmos, it is uncertain exactly when the Black Oblivion came into being, but what is known is it was created after the formation of the other planes. The plane was created when a massive and chaotic explosion of magic occurred, and the resulting chaos settled into the plane known as the black oblivion. In its creation, the plane was lifeless, cold, and empty.

Location in the Cosmos
The Black Oblivion is out of line with the other planets in our cosmos. It is located next to the Void Plane, so close in fact that the two planes overlap. The much smaller Black Oblivion “floats” on the surface of the Void plane, like a leaf on a puddle. However, very slowly, it is sinking into the Void plane, and will inevitably be consumed entirely. That said this will be billions of years... hopefully.

The Black Oblivion is unstable as a plane in its very nature. However, since planar travel to this plane became possible, outside influences like influxes of Magic and Psychic, have in a sense 'fuelled' the plane, making it more stable. While the Plane is still doomed to sink into the void plane, its increased stability has slowed its imminent destruction and made the plane far more habitable.

Deities
There is much debate whether the Black Oblivion has its own deity. Most planes seem to have some sort of physical manifestation of their power, yet no such creature has ever been seen within the Black Oblivion. However, philosophers have not ruled out the possibility.

The Arluru, Xin Tai War
The longest and most important historical event within the black Oblivion was the Arluru/Xin Tai war. Years past, Faerie sent a aroup of Arluru explorers into the Black Oblivion. However, due to the plane's unstable nature, Fairy was unable to find the Black Oblivion to bring the Arluru back, stranding them there. The Arluru, trapped and unable to contact The Mysts, quickly met the native inhabitants of The Black Oblivion: the Xin-Tai, insect-like creatures that were immediately hostile towards the perceived invaders of their home. War Immediately broke out. The Arluru, trapped and fighting for survival, and the Xin-Tai fighting to defend their Hive.

Of course, this was not for a lack of trying for a diplomatic solution. The issue was the Xin Tai's alien minds were so different from the Arluru that communication was nigh impossible. Thus for years, an intense war was fought, with both sides waxing and waning in the struggle for power. The Arluru had tactics, cunning, brute strength, and an indomitable will. The Xin Tai However could adapt their bodies and physiology to whatever the Arluru used against them. This meaning Each time the Arluru found a strategy that worked against the Xin Tai, the Xin Tai would quickly adapt to counter it.

But eventually even the will to fight would begin to wane within the Arluru. After years of unending war, after years of watching friends and family slaughtered at the hands of the Xin Tai, and with no end in sight, the morale of the arluru was at an all-time low. The Xin Tai at this time had adapted to such a point that the arluru needed to rotate strategies daily just to keep up with their adversaries. It seemed that soon the Arluru would soon be overtaken, and the Xin Tai would recover their home.

The Arluru Aspect of Fairy Trapped
For Years the Arluru aspect of fairy Shiro Yuki, opened portal after portal to try to find their lost children. Eventually, they succeeded. They planned to personally step through and save the Arluru however the other aspects forbade it, as they worried the path to the plane would again become lost. The Arluru aspect cared not, defying the other aspects and going through anyways... however the other aspects were correct.

Shortly after the aspect stepped through the way became shut again, and cut off from the other aspects, and thus a significant source of their power the Arluru aspect became lost and critically injured.

For years neither the Arluru of Wolfholm or the other aspects of fairy knew the fate of Shiro Yuki. But eventually, the path to the Black Oblivian became more stable, and the town of Carreg Wynn was called upon to see if they could assist in any way. The town traveled to the black oblivion, and fighting through the hoards of Xin Tai, they were able to locate and rescue the Arluru aspect of Fairy. Returning them to the Mysts so that they could recover their power and Heal.

The Wars End
For years the aspects of Fairy had bickered among themselves about whether they could return to the black oblivion and save the arluru. Shiro Yuki, wanted to return as soon as they had healed. The path was now clear, and travel to and from the plane was no longer difficult. However, the other aspects were worried the path would close again, and Shiro Yuki would again become lost. Thus for years, they denied Shiro Yuki the ability to travel to the plane, and would not give them forces to save the arluru. Eventually, Shiro Yuki would receive a letter asking for help from the arluru, unusual to them as most arluru of the black oblivion hated Fairy, feeling abandoned. They wanted to go pleading with the other aspects to rescue their children. Yet the other aspects still denied them, However, Shiro Yuki embodying the unstoppable will of the arluru would not be denied.

Shiro Yuki knew where they could again find forces to assist them, and called Upon Carreg Wynn once more. With the Forces of the notorious town behind them, The arluru aspect once again set out to the plane to save their children.

Like Shiro Yuki knew the path was clear, and they were able to reach the plane without incident. At this time the aluru of Wolfholm were pushed back to the brink of destruction. But had a last-pitched idea to save themselves. They knew that Xin Tai adaptations were stored as memories within the hive mind. Thus if they could isolate and destroy the hive mind, the Xin Tai would have to adapt again from scratch. With the help of the Carreg Wynn, the arluru gathered and performed a ritual to summon the hive mind to them.

The Hive mind was Housed in a Xin Tai Known as a Juggernaut, with hide so thick no blow could pierce it. Seeing no other option Shiro Yuki expended all their energy to grant divine strength to Carreg Wynn. Thus Emboldened by the god's power the town slew the Juggernaut, and ended the war!

But this was not without sacrifice. Expending their power Shiro Yuki began to fade away. Seeing no other option, Frost a powerful mage of Carreg Wynn Gave up their soul to save the god. Frost merged their soul into the god, giving them strength enough to remain. For a time, Frost's soul existed at the surface of the god, long enough for him to say his goodbyes, But eventually, it would fade into the depth, lying dormant. While it could be called back to the surface, Shiro Yuki would eventually return, and Frost would Vanish.

Thus with Blood, sweat, tears, joy, and a tone of booze, The Arluru of the black oblivion Celebrated their Victory. While the Xin Tai Still exist within The Black Oblivion they no longer pose an immediate threat to the Arluru.

The Arluru of the Black Oblivion
A long time in the past the Arluru aspect sent forth a large group of Arluru to enter the black oblivion, however after the portal closed they were lost there. The arluru have struggled to survive, however in time they got their footing and went to war with the Xin Tai. The arluru’s presence and the influx of resources like mana have helped the continued stabilization of the black oblivion. Additionally, rats that stowed away escaped into the tunnels and are now an invasive species on the plane.

Why The Arluru don't simply leave
With the ability to travel between the planes, it is often asked of the Arluru of the black oblivion, "Why do you remain in such a forsaken place?" The answer is always simple "This is our home! We will fight for it tooth and claw!" While the arluru may have once been an invasive species, they have been fighting so long that all the arluru who now inhabit the plane was born there. To them this is their home, it is the only one they have ever known, and to leave it would be to abandon not only their home But the home of their ancestors. To the Arluru WolfHolm is worth fighting, and dying for.

Wolfholm
Wolfhome is the home of the arluru in the black oblivion. The city is built in a large cavern and is fortified on all sides. Including a massive metal net that hangs 70 ft above the city that will burn any Xin Tai that falls on it. The City was in relatively bad shape due to constant attacks and wood being a rare material in the black oblivion. However, as of the end of the war with the Xin Tai, the city is beginning to rebuild, and things are looking up. The arluru of the black oblivion have their own currency known as trade gems and have also developed their own alchemy as most plants could not be found. Unlike traditional packs, the city is governed by a council of Alphas who oversee different aspects of arluru life. Under them are Lieutenants and generals who instruct the Wolfholm army. In total Wolfhome numbers around 3000 Arluru

The True Fea Alphas
Along with the mortal Arluru Fairy sent 10 powerful True fey to help guide them. However though whatever events occurred over the years most were lost until only three remained. Unlike traditional True Fey that care about power and politics, the remaining True Fey of Wolfholm are completely devoted to the protection of the city and are even unaligned to the courts.

The Arluru and Fairy
For a long time the arluru hated Fairy, they felt abandoned and betrayed. However as of the end of the war when the aspect returned to help, many have changed their opinions, While not overnight some are beginning to come around to the idea of fairy Returning to their Lives. At present, their opinion isn’t hatred, but Cautious optimism. However, this still verys from arluru to arluru.

WolfHolm Trade Gems
without gold, the arluru made their own system of money known as trade gems. The exchange rate is such.

1 copper piece is worth - 2 dull trade gems 1 silver piece is worth - 1 refined trade gem 1 gold piece is worth - 2 Magnificant trade gems 1 iridescent trade gem - 4 Magnificent trade gems

Known Wolfholm Npc's
Sylus Silverpelt: One of the 10 true fey from the first group entering the black oblivian. He is a member of the arluru council of Alphas, and the arluru that called the aspect, to help end the war.

Mavric Silverpelt: A Wolfhome Lieutenant under Sylus, as well as his adopted son. This warrior has seen many Battles.

Severin Darkpaw: A doctor from Wolfholm and a master of Xin Tai anatomy

Oryn Iornmaw: A master alchemist and Parent to Galla Iornmaw

Galla Iornmaw: A Xin Tai Hybrid that sided with the arluru, after giving their life to trap the hive mind The aspect Recreated them as a full Arluru

Alpha Grimjaw: Another member of the arluru council of alphas who helped carregwynn

The Xin Tai
The Xin Tai were the first beings to exist within the black oblivion, Insectoid in nature, they most commonly resemble a 7 foot tall ant, praying mantis hybrid. However, the Xin tai do Have specialized forms for the completion of specific tasks. The Xin Tai are animalistic in nature and will go after anything they perceive to be a threat to the hive. While they are not incredibly intelligent the Xin Tai can think and reason to a degree and share a hive mind making them an effective force to be dealt with.

Xin Tai Anatomy
Xin Tai anatomy is fluid and can be changed as required. The outer layer of a Xin Tai’s hide is incredibly hard chitin, with a soft soupy inner. Xin tai do have brains, and these brains are specialized for sending and receiving instructions from the hive mind.

Unlike other beings the Xin tai do not share Adaptations through dna, Adaptations are stored as Memories within the hive mind, and can be shared to every other Xin Tai as useful adaptations are learned. For example if a single Xin Tai learns that larger claws can break shields, all other Xin tai will have access to this adaptation in an instant. This Means that as you battle the Xin tai they will adapt to what you throw at them, and their adaptations will exponentially grow until they overtake whatever threat they perceive. The only way to reverse this effect is to Kill the Current Hive mind which will reset the Xin tai Back to their original state.

Xin tai reproduce incredibly quickly, There is a myth that Xin Tai reproduce in people's chests, however is entirely false. They have egg clutches which are watched over by worker Xin Tai.

Xin Tai are omnivores their diet consists mostly of stone and ores found on the plane. However as omnivores, they will eat anything, and anyone they come across. This diet does have an interesting side effect. Xin tai consume only certain aspects of stone and ore and their bodies act as a refinery for them. Meaning that Xin Tai Excrement is actually a source of masterwork dust. Collecting enough once can produce masterwork materials.

Alien Minds
The Xin Tai do not think like most species. Instead of having individual Minds, The Xin Tai share a single Hive Mind. Memories, and thoughts are stored in this hive mind, and each Xin Tai acts as an extension of this entity. It is possible to cut a Xin Tai off from the Hive mind, but when done, the Xin Tai enters a sort of dormant state. Unable to do anything and simply sitting unmoving until it can be reconnected with the hive mind. Because of this Xin Tai do not have communication skills, as they have never had need of them.

This alien way of thinking makes communication and diplomacy with the Xin Tai impossible. The barrier between them and the other planar species is simply too great. However while incredibly rare there are cases where Xin Tai with singular minds have been created. These are known as the Xin Tai Hybrids. A mixture of Xin Tai and arluru, Each with their own sentience and soul.

The Xin Tai Soul
It is known that Each individual Xin tai doesn't have their own soul. But their entire species Share a single immensely powerful soul.

Known Specilized Xin Tai forms
Xin Tai Worker: Some are large, some are small. These Xin Tai are not formed for combat but made for work. They dig, watch the egg clutches, and move food from chamber to chamber. They pose no threat But when disturbed call upon other larger Xin Tai forms.

Xin Tai soldier: The Warriors form the bulk of the Xin Tai forces. They are large and dangerous. They have massive scyth like Talons that they have learned to dip in molten silver. These Xin Tai can adapt quickly and when struck with a form of damage can adjust their outer shells to be more effective at blocking that kind of damage. A single Xin Tai soldier alone is a formidable foe. But where there is one, many will soon follow.

Observers: A special Xin Tai that acts as a sort of scout for the Xin Tai Hive. After learning and adapting to psychics this form was created. The form exists almost entirely in an astral state, Observers cannot perceive or interact with the physical realm, but if they find someone hiding in an immaterial state they will chase the creature down, and can harm them even in that state. Using an ability like a psychic unravel on an observer is lethal to them.

Xin Tai Overlord: A large Xin Tai Warrior that's outer shell is usually unusually dense, These Xin Tai act as sort of Mini Hive minds, Coordinating groups of Warriors, that move far away from the Main Hive Mind. The claws of the overlord are exceptionally lethal, and usually slay those that fall victim to them.

Xin Tai Juggernaut: These Xin Tai are massive, and because of their bulk they are normally unmoving and only attack if necessary. They Have incredible amounts of health and a nearly impenetrable shell. As such these make perfect homes for the hive mind. Keeping the mind safe from harm inside its nearly indestructible form. The only known ways to bring one down is to throw an army at it, Use a specialized device, or receive power from a God.

The Xin Tai Hybrids
After years of battling the arluru without success, the Xin tai Attempted a new plan. If they could not defeat the Arluru they would combine the best parts of them, with the best parts of themselves. Thus creating a new breed of creatures known as the Hybrids. The Xin Tai Created 2 Kinds of hybrids to determine which parts of the Arluru were most useful.

The first was Called the Bloodhunter, This creature had all the Arluru’s rage, power, and cunning tactics, making it an incredibly deadly foe.

The other Was Galla Iornmaw, a hybrid type called a The Pack Mate. Gall was imbued with the Arlurus Bravery, loyalty, and Kinship. Creating a Xin Tai, that was rational, individual, and capable of seeing beyond their base instincts.

In the end, Galla would side against the Xin Tai with the arluru, and when brought down and captured the BloodHunter chose to end his own existence by jumping into the void plane. As a reward for their bravery, Shiro Yuki would Transform Galla Into a full arluru.

However this was not the end of the Bloodhunter, They would return later as a devil, in the devil invasion of Carreg Wynn, after which their bones were laid to rest on the hill. Later the Bloodhunter would be revived again, as a greater ghoul by the Lich. The Bloodhunters were about are currently Unknown.