Umbrans
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the artwork depicting locations, cities, and cultures in the Thesa Campaign Setting is generated by AI. These images are intended to convey the atmosphere and essence of the world and are not final representations. Should this project expand, we plan to replace AI-generated images with commissioned artwork to more authentically capture the setting. We kindly request not to engage in discussions regarding the morality of using AI-generated imagery.
The Umbrans, secret creations of Solarius, the Father of Creation, emerged from the depths of Auros as beings of shadow and ingenuity. Conceived in the dark recesses of Solarius' ambition, the Umbrans were designed to be the antithesis of the radiant Luminae, embodying authority, artifice, and a relentless pursuit of power through the manipulation of Auros' natural and magical resources.
Creation and Purpose.
In the hidden caverns far beneath the surface of Auros, Solarius forged the Umbrans in secret. Utilizing the raw, untamed energies of the planet’s core, he molded these beings to be masters of artifice and authority. The Umbrans were endowed with an innate affinity for the magical ores and minerals found deep within Auros, using these resources to craft powerful weapons, tools, and artifacts. Their creation was a clandestine counterpoint to the Luminae, intended to serve Solarius in his quest for dominance over the cosmos.
Society and Culture.
The culture of the Umbrans revolves around principles of authority, precision, and the mastery of both magic and technology. Their cities, built in the deepest reaches of the Underdark, are marvels of subterranean engineering, constructed from the very ores they mine and imbued with powerful enchantments. These underground metropolises are illuminated by the glow of molten lava and magical crystals, creating an otherworldly ambiance that reflects their dark splendor.
Umbran society values hierarchy and discipline, with a rigid social structure that emphasizes order and efficiency. Artisans, engineers, and enchanters hold significant status, as their skills are crucial to maintaining the technological and magical prowess that defines Umbran civilization. The pursuit of knowledge and the perfection of their crafts are central to Umbran life, driving their relentless exploration and exploitation of Auros' depths.
Role in the Era of Conflict.
During the Era of Conflict, the Umbrans emerged as formidable agents of Solarius' regime. Their expertise in crafting weapons and fortifications made them invaluable assets in the struggle against Elyra and her allies. Umbran artificers forged dark armaments and intricate devices designed to subjugate and control, while their warriors and sorcerers fought with a ruthless efficiency born of their disciplined society.
Destruction and Survival.
The War between Solarius and Elyra wreaked havoc across Thesa, and the Umbrans, as primary agents of Solarius' will, bore the brunt of the conflict's devastation. The majority of their civilization was destroyed in the cataclysmic battles that ensued, leaving their grand cities in ruins and their population decimated. However, a few remnants of the Umbrans survived, retreating to the deepest, most hidden parts of the Underdark. There, far from the prying eyes of the surface world, they began the arduous process of rebuilding their dark purpose and plotting their resurgence.
Progenitors of Dwarves and Deep Gnomes.
From the union of Umbrans and Mortalis emerged the dwarves and deep gnomes, distinct races that inherited the resilience and ingenuity of their Umbran ancestors. Dwarves, with their robust physique and unparalleled craftsmanship, and deep gnomes, known for their cunning and magical aptitude, carry forward the legacy of the Umbrans in the surface and underground worlds of Thesa. These descendants retain a fraction of the Umbrans' affinity for subterranean life and their skills in mining and artifice, albeit tempered by the more diverse influences of their Mortalis heritage.
Culture and Influence.
The surviving Umbrans maintain a culture of secrecy and self-sufficiency, rarely revealing their full capabilities to the surface dwellers. They guard their knowledge and technology jealously, driven by a belief in their own superiority and a desire to remain unchallenged in their subterranean domain. Their hidden enclaves are fortified bastions of innovation, where the latest advancements in artifice and enchantment are continually developed.
Legacy.
Though their overt influence waned following the defeat of Solarius, the Umbrans remain a potent force in the hidden depths of Thesa. Their secret cities still pulse with the hum of machinery and the glow of enchanted crystals, serving as silent sentinels to their enduring power. The legacy of their dark ingenuity continues to shape the evolution of technology and magic on the continent, a testament to their indomitable spirit and the shadow of Solarius' ambition.
Umbrans
Umbrans, the secret creation of Solarius, Father of Creation, have adapted to life in the depths of the world. Known for their resilience and their affinity with stone and shadow, Umbrans thrive in the darkness, mining precious minerals and uncovering ancient secrets buried beneath the earth.
Ability Score Increase: Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age: Umbrans mature at the same rate as humans but have a longer lifespan, typically living up to 350 years.
Alignment: Umbrans tend towards neutrality, with a strong sense of community and tradition guiding their moral compass.
Size: Umbrans are slightly shorter and more robust than humans. Your size is Medium.
Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision: Accustomed to the deep darkness of underground environments, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Stone Camouflage: You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in rocky terrain.
Forge Resistant: You have resistance to fire damage, tempered from your time working in the industrial cities of Umbr.
Subterranean Lore: You gain proficiency in the History skill. Additionally, whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the lore of underground civilizations or geological formations, you add double your proficiency bonus to the check.
Umbran Magic. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the Enlarge/Reduce spell with this trait, without requiring a material component. Starting at 5th level, you can also cast the Darkness spell with it, without requiring a material component. Once you cast either of these spells with this trait, you can’t cast that spell with it again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast these spells using spell slots you have of the appropriate level. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells when you cast them with this trait (choose when you select this race).
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon.