Wraith: The Oblivion - A Haunting Tale of Loss and Redemption!
Wraith: The Oblivion is a tabletop role-playing game that delves into the unsettling realm of ghosts trapped between life and death, known as Wraiths. Unlike traditional ghost stories, these Wraiths aren’t peaceful apparitions or malevolent spirits seeking revenge. They are tormented souls caught in the spectral world known as the Shadowlands, struggling to find peace and resolve unfinished business from their mortal lives.
The game beautifully explores themes of loss, grief, redemption, and the bittersweet yearning for closure. It encourages players to grapple with complex philosophical questions about the nature of existence, mortality, and the enduring power of emotions even after death.
Navigating the Labyrinthine Shadowlands
Wraiths are not ethereal beings freely floating through walls. They exist within a tangible yet intangible realm called the Shadowlands, a reflection of the mortal world interwoven with ghostly echoes and spectral memories. The Shadowlands are fragmented, mirroring the fractured minds of the Wraiths themselves. Players must navigate this labyrinthine realm, piecing together clues from their past lives and facing challenges that test their resolve and sanity.
Within the Shadowlands lie unique locales called “Necropolises” – spectral cities built from the collective memories of the departed. These Necropolises are reflections of diverse cultures, time periods, and ideologies, offering a fascinating glimpse into the collective unconscious of humanity’s past.
Arcs, Passions, and the Path to Oblivion
Wraiths are driven by powerful desires known as “Passions,” which represent their unfulfilled dreams, regrets, or lingering attachments from their mortal lives. These passions fuel a Wraith’s journey through the Shadowlands, shaping their interactions with other spirits and guiding them towards specific goals.
However, Wraiths are also vulnerable to “Arcs” – dark forces that exploit their vulnerabilities and tempt them down destructive paths. Arcs offer seductive promises of power, knowledge, or revenge but ultimately lead to spiritual corruption and a descent into Oblivion – the ultimate annihilation of a Wraith’s soul.
The game features a unique character creation system where players construct their Wraiths by assigning points to various attributes, skills, and Passions. This allows for diverse and nuanced characters, each with their own motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and inner struggles.
System Mechanics and Dramatic Storytelling
Wraith: The Oblivion utilizes a dice pool system based on the Storyteller System, a framework popularized by other White Wolf games like Vampire: The Masquerade and Werewolf: The Apocalypse. Players roll a set number of dice determined by their character’s attributes and skills. Successes are counted based on the number of dice that roll above a target number.
The system emphasizes narrative storytelling and collaborative world-building. The Storyteller, who acts as the game master, sets the scene, presents challenges, and interprets the outcomes of dice rolls. Players, in turn, embody their Wraiths, making decisions, interacting with other spirits, and striving to fulfill their goals within the Shadowlands’ intricate tapestry.
A Tapestry of Gothic Horror and Existential Dread
Wraith: The Oblivion is not a game for the faint of heart. It explores dark and often unsettling themes, delving into the depths of human emotion and the fragility of the soul. The haunting atmosphere, combined with the complex mechanics and intricate lore, creates a truly immersive experience that will stay with players long after they’ve finished their sessions.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Setting | The Shadowlands – A spectral reflection of the mortal world, populated by Wraiths and other ghostly entities |
| Characters | Wraiths – Ghosts trapped between life and death, struggling to find peace and resolve unfinished business |
| Themes | Loss, grief, redemption, the nature of existence, the power of emotions |
| System | Storyteller System (dice pool mechanic) |
Exploring the Depths of the Wraith Experience
Wraith: The Oblivion is more than just a game; it’s an exploration of the human condition through the lens of mortality. It invites players to confront their own fears, regrets, and desires, while simultaneously offering a glimmer of hope for redemption amidst the shadows.
If you’re looking for a role-playing experience that challenges your perceptions and leaves a lasting impression, Wraith: The Oblivion is a game worth exploring. Just be prepared to delve into the darkness and face the echoes of your own mortality along the way.