Wraith: The Oblivion - What Lurks in the Shadowlands?

For those seeking a tabletop role-playing experience steeped in gothic horror and existential dread, Wraith: The Oblivion awaits. This game plunges players into the world of the dead, where restless souls struggle to find meaning and purpose beyond the veil.
Wraith: The Oblivion isn’t your typical fantasy RPG where heroes slay dragons and save princesses. Instead, it explores the haunting aftermath of death, challenging players to grapple with loss, regret, and the yearning for redemption. Imagine a world where consciousness lingers after physical expiration, trapping souls in an ethereal realm called the Shadowlands – a shadowy reflection of the mortal world teeming with spectral echoes and haunting memories.
Here, players embody Wraiths, spirits bound to Earth by unfinished business or unresolved trauma. These are not benevolent ghosts; they’re tormented beings yearning for Oblivion, a final release from their spectral existence. The path to Oblivion is fraught with peril, demanding wraiths to confront their past sins, overcome powerful Archai (evil entities feeding on despair), and navigate a complex social structure ruled by aristocratic Hauntings and treacherous Legions.
Delving into the Mechanics: A Tapestry of Angst and Agency
Wraith’s system seamlessly blends narrative storytelling with mechanical depth. The core mechanics revolve around dice pools, where players roll a set number of ten-sided dice (d10) determined by their character’s attributes and abilities.
Success hinges on rolling enough successes (usually 6 or higher) to surpass a target number set by the Storyteller (the game master). Combat is brutal and unforgiving, reflecting the wraiths’ struggle against annihilation. The system emphasizes resource management and strategic decision-making, rewarding cunning tactics over brute force.
Here’s a glimpse into some key mechanics:
Mechanic | Description |
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Passions | These represent a Wraith’s driving desires and motivations, influencing their actions and fueling their spectral powers. |
Arcanoi | These are supernatural abilities unique to wraiths, allowing them to manipulate shadows, influence the minds of mortals, or even manifest ghostly forms. |
Pathos | This resource represents a Wraith’s emotional intensity. It fuels Arcanoi and reflects their struggle with despair. Depleting Pathos can lead to madness and vulnerability. |
Themes: A Symphony of Loss, Regret, and Hope
Wraith: The Oblivion delves into profound themes that resonate with the human experience:
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Mortality: The game confronts players with the inevitability of death and the struggle to come to terms with its finality.
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Redemption: Wraiths yearn for Oblivion, a release from their tormented existence. This pursuit often involves facing past mistakes, seeking forgiveness, or finding meaning in their spectral journey.
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Human Connection: Despite their ghostly nature, Wraiths retain a connection to the mortal world and may find solace in interactions with living beings.
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The Nature of Identity: Wraiths grapple with their fragmented identities as they piece together memories and confront the consequences of their past actions.
Production Features: A Gothic Masterpiece
Wraith: The Oblivion has undergone several editions, each refining the game’s mechanics and expanding its lore. The latest edition, published by Onyx Path Publishing, features stunning artwork that captures the game’s haunting atmosphere.
The core rulebook is a comprehensive guide to the Wraith setting, offering detailed information on wraiths, Arcanoi, the Shadowlands, and the intricate social structures that govern this spectral realm. Beyond the core rules, there are numerous supplemental books exploring specific factions, locations, and storylines, further enriching the Wraith experience.
Is Wraith: The Oblivion Right for You?
Wraith: The Oblivion is not for everyone. Its dark themes and melancholic tone may be overwhelming for some players. However, if you’re seeking a deeply immersive RPG that challenges your perceptions of life, death, and the nature of consciousness, then Wraith might be the perfect game for you.
Prepare to confront your fears, explore the shadowy recesses of the soul, and embark on a journey unlike any other in the world of tabletop gaming.