Void
Gatekeeper of the Shardnest Void (a.k.a. Umbral Mind; Black Shard; LLiving Fragment; Warden of the Mists)
Void is the enigmatic and revered leader of the Shardmind people in Astrium, a living embodiment of the fragments of the Living Gate and one of the only known black Shardminds in existence. Formed of obsidian-hued crystal and brimming with ancient psionic energy, Void emerged after the destruction of the Living Gate and fell into dormancy aboard the pirate city-ship Leviathan. When the Archwardens revived the Shardminds from their crystalline slumber, Void awakened as both a sage and warrior, guiding the Shardminds to reclaim purpose and forge a new home within the Vapourous Valley. Now dwelling in Eclipsion, Void stands as a mystic general, philosopher-king, and the central mind behind the Shardmind Collective. Their unique connection to Astral Space and longstanding bond with the Orc Bonesmith Chief Brick of Durghaz Cliffs makes Void a powerful figure in shaping Astrium’s mystical and martial future.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Imposing and durable, Void’s form is both physically resistant and reinforced with constant psionic energy
Body Features
Smooth obsidian crystal plates over inner glowing lattice; pulsing veins of energy that shift in response to emotion or power usage
Facial Features
Lacks traditional facial muscles; instead, facial "expressions" are conveyed via shifting crystal plates and light intensity
Identifying Characteristics
Only known black-hued Shardmind; etched runes on torso glow with violet astral light
Physical quirks
Crystals shift slightly when emotionally stimulated; during deep focus, fragments orbit their core like moons
Special abilities
Astral Projection
Shardform Shift (weaponize or shield their form mid-combat)
Rift Detection (can sense planar disturbances and Far Realm influence)
Apparel & Accessories
Wears a mantle of woven mists gifted by the Genasi; adorned with psionic sigils and embedded astral stones
Specialized Equipment
Gatemind Shardblade – A semi-sentient, shape-changing crystal blade formed from a sliver of the Living Gate
Mask of Lost Light – A helm-like artifact that lets Void pierce illusions and see into weakened planar veils
Astral Beacon Core – A crystal embedded in their chest that can project a psionic flare visible in astral space
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Once a sentinel of the Living Gate, Void has witnessed the Far Realm's corruptive reach firsthand. After being cast into the material world, they spent centuries gathering crystal fragments and nurturing the slumbering Shardminds aboard Leviathan. Their deep meditations over those centuries forged Void into both a warrior and mystic, and they now serve as the spiritual and tactical core of Shardmind efforts.
Education
Innate knowledge from the Gate’s astral lattice; trained in psionics, warfare, and astral history through internal memory and communion with crystal archives
Employment
Leader of the Shardmind Collective and co-governor of Eclipsion under the Council of Mists
Accomplishments & Achievements
Unified the Shardmind race in Astrium
Orchestrated the reclamation and transformation of Leviathan into Eclipsion
Formed a strategic alliance with Brick Bonesmith of Durghaz Cliffs
Sealed a budding Far Realm rift beneath Fogholt
Failures & Embarrassments
Could not prevent the brood’s dormancy for centuries
Lost several crystal fragments to Hadar cultists before awakening
Mental Trauma
Carries the haunting echoes of the Far Realm’s psychic intrusion; occasionally experiences shudders of distant cosmic screams
Intellectual Characteristics
Highly logical, vastly patient, deeply philosophical. Operates on long-term scales with strategic foresight
Morality & Philosophy
Stoic utilitarianism with elements of cosmic balance; seeks order and containment of chaos but respects mortal will and autonomy
Taboos
Allowing a Shardmind crystal to be harvested by enemies; using psionics for manipulation without consent
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
To rebuild the Living Gate, prevent the Far Realm’s return, and preserve the rising society of Eclipsion
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Savvies:
Psionics
Astral navigation
Diplomacy with alien or extraplanar entities
Ineptitudes:
Interpersonal small talk
Humor or sarcasm
Physical labor outside psionic enhancement
Likes & Dislikes
Likes:
Meditation
Philosophical debates
Echoing crystals, flowing mist
Dislikes:
Disruption of psionic fields
Wasteful violence
Senseless noise
Virtues & Personality perks
Stoic, wise, loyal, fair
Vices & Personality flaws
Detached, cryptic, overly focused on long-term goals
Personality Quirks
Crystalline hum intensifies during focus; occasionally speaks in riddles from ancient memories
Hygiene
Self-cleaning due to crystalline nature; refracts water and mist naturally
Representation & Legacy
Embodies the memory and will of the Living Gate; serves as a symbol of hope and cautionary wisdom among Shardminds and their allies
Social
Reign
51 years since awakening in 830
Contacts & Relations
Brick Bonesmith – Orcish chieftain and close ally; shares bond over forging and warcraft
Cascade Thundersurge – Genasi leader and co-founder of Eclipsion’s mist barriers
The Council of Mists – Governing body of Eclipsion
Family Ties
None in the traditional sense; views all Shardminds as part of their greater consciousness
Religious Views
Honors Ioun (Knowledge, Arcana) as the protector of the sealed gate; detests Hadar’s corruption
Social Aptitude
Formally charismatic and philosophically engaging, but emotionally distant
Mannerisms
Nods slowly instead of speaking; glows faintly when making significant decisions
Hobbies & Pets
Contemplation of crystal patterns, scribing psionic runes, walking through bioluminescent groves in fog
Speech
Slow, deliberate, echoing; often rhythmic or poetic. May include ancient terms or astral metaphors
Wealth & Financial state
Significant—possesses arcane relics, shard reserves, and influence over Eclipsion’s trade
Current Status
To rebuild the strength of the Shardminds, deepen the Eclipsion alliance with Genasi and Orcs, and seek lost fragments of the Living Gate to one day banish Hadar forever
Current Location
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
The Umbral Mind, Warden of Mists, Shard-General
Age
Estimated 3,000+ years, physically awakened in 830 (approx. 51 active years)
Date of Birth
Unknown, likely forged pre-Dawn War. Reawakened: 11th Verdantia /853
Circumstances of Birth
Brought into consciousness through astral resonance; fell dormant in the Material Plane after the collapse of Leviathan’s crystal brood and only reawakened through psionic rituals aided by the Archwardens
Birthplace
The Astral Sea, fragment cast from the shattered Living Gate
Children
Current Residence
The Obsidian Core, a central shard-tower within the Shardnests that pulses with astral energy
Pronouns
They/Them
Sex
None
Eyes
Star-like pinpoints of radiant violet light within deep black crystal sockets
Hair
None – head formed of smooth, faceted crystal with subtle rune-like etchings
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Entire form composed of polished obsidian crystal with veins of indigo psionic light
Height
6'5"
Weight
390 lbs
Quotes & Catchphrases
“We are the gate, and the gate remembers.”
“In the stillness of crystal, even time kneels.”
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