Qandela Obscura is an online Illuminated Worlds community campaign that began in December of 2023.
The campaign involves investigators of Candela Obscura seeks to procure phenomena of the Flare to research and protect the world from its dangers and magick, based on the TTRPG of the same name.
About[edit | edit source]
In the northern reaches of Noma, on the continent of Osugbo, the city of Newfaire stands on the brink of upheaval. Once a quiet, unassuming region, predominantly human and simple in its ways, it now faces a lurking danger. Since the severance from all other planes, the world has slipped into a mundane forgetfulness, its people blind to the encroaching shadows.
In the aftermath of the Great No Man’s War of 27 CR, a delicate balance of faith, law and order holds the Fairelands together beneath the watchful eyes of The Primacy, Noma’s Central Government; its presence felt more in decree than in flesh.
It is now 37 CR, and strange events ripple through Newfaire, the Fairelands, and beyond. The boundaries between worlds have thinned, and The Flare—an incomprehensible plane of existence—brushes against our world, unleashing aberrant and eldritch threats long buried in the annals of forgotten history. The city, consumed by its mundane struggles, has forgotten the ancient dangers that claw their way back into existence.
Since time immemorial, circles of extraordinary individuals—professors, street magicians, occultists, and even petty criminals—have risen to confront the darkness. Stalwart and unyielding, they serve as beacons in the consuming night, their efforts shrouded in secrecy. They are the agents of an dedicated organization: Candela Obscura.
The Wold of Qandela Obscura[edit | edit source]
Government
The nation of Noma operates as a federation of 12 provinces. These provinces are interconnected by an extensive and continuously expanding railroad network. However, while the middle and lower classes rely on the railroad as their primary mode of transportation, the elite of Noma often travel between provincial capitals via airship.
Communication between Noma's federal government and its 12 provincial governments is maintained through a sophisticated and closely guarded telegraph system. For most citizens of the Fairelands, encountering a federal government official in person is a rarity they are unlikely to experience in their lifetimes.
Noma’s central government is organized into five branches of power:
- The Prime Minister, elected by the Noman Assembly.
- The Noman Assembly, composed of Premiers and overseen by the Prime Minister.
- The Judiciary, led by the Grand Magistrate.
- The Ascendancy, directed by the Divine Herald.
- The Noman High Command, which includes the Army, Navy and Air Service, led by the High Command’s Chief of Staff.
Among these branches, the Noman Assembly holds a particularly unique and politically significant role as the central legislative body. The Assembly consists solely of the Prime Minister and the 12 Premiers, who govern their respective provinces. The Premiers are directly elected by the citizens of their provinces every five years and may serve up to two terms. The Assembly wields both vast legislative authority and de facto executive powers. It is also responsible for electing the Prime Minister every four years in a closed special session overseen by the Grand Magistrate.
The Prime Minister is a central figure in Noman governance, serving a maximum of eight years and required to have previously completed two terms as a Premier. Every eight years, the President, the outgoing Prime Minister, the Grand Magistrate, the Divine Herald, and the High Command’s Chief of Staff convene in secret to appoint the next head of the Noman Assembly, granting this individual unparalleled legal authority within the government.
The Triumvirate
The provincial governments of Noma operate under a structure known as the Triumvirate (consisting of the Primacy, Ascendancy and Periphery), which is led by the elected Premier of each province. Supporting the Premier is the Chamber, a body of officials known as Chamberlains, who assist in ensuring that the Premier maintains complete executive authority over the province, while answering directly the the Prime Minister of Noma. Additionally, the Premier acts as the commander-in-chief of the provincial military forces, tasked with defending the province from external threats, second only to the Prime Minister in the chain of command.
Within this framework, the Periphery and Judiciary function under the direction of the Primacy. The Commissioner of the Periphery and provincial trial judges, however, are directly elected by the people of the province.
Provinces of Noma[edit | edit source]
Dunvalis[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Stonecross
- Premier: Gareth Crowe (he/him)
- Major Export: Stone, Marble and Glass – Dunvalis is famed for its quarries, providing high-quality building materials for monuments and infrastructure. Its glass foundries are of particular notoriety for the production of the highest quality glass and glasses based works of art.
- Landscape: Dominated by rocky cliffs, deep canyons, and a vast dune sea, with hardy vegetation clinging to the rugged terrain.
Eryndale[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Silverhollow
- Premier: Liora Wensley (she/her)
- Major Export: Timber and Freshwater Fish – Eryndale’s lush forests and pristine lakes provide wood and fish for domestic and international trade.
- Landscape: Dense, ancient forests and serene lakes, with small, idyllic villages nestled in clearings or along riverbanks.
The Fairelands[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Newfaire
- Premier: Malakai Shapur (They/Them)
- Major Export: Food – The Fairelands is the largest supplier of food in Noma, exporting fine wines, specialty crops, and fresh produce both domestically and to surrounding nations. It is regarded as the breadbasket of the region.
- Landscape: A mixture of fertile fields, sprawling vineyards, and vibrant cities with cobblestone streets and elegant architecture.
Kaelmont[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Ironridge
- Premier: Victor Halloway (he/him)
- Major Export: Machinery and Industrial Goods – Kaelmont is the leading producer of steam engines, tools, and heavy equipment.
- Landscape: Urbanized and heavily industrialized, with sprawling factories and soot-covered cities framed by barren, rocky terrain.
Luthrendal[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Stormhaven
- Premier: Reginald “Reggie” Fairwind (he/him)
- Major Export: Seafood and Shipbuilding – Luthrendal’s bustling ports are known for fresh seafood and durable, expertly crafted ships.
- Landscape: Rugged coastlines, bustling harbors, and windswept islands, with a salty tang in the air and fishing boats dotting the waters.
Mournhallow[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Ashfall
- Premier: Seren Malgrave (they/them)
- Major Export: Geothermal Energy and Rare Crystals – Mournhallow powers parts of Noma and provides crystals used in advanced technologies.
- Landscape: A land of volcanic plains, bubbling geysers, and misty hot springs, with blackened earth and glowing fissures cutting through the landscape.
Orrathen[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Brightmarch
- Premier: Tobias Aldric (he/him)
- Major Export: Livestock and Dairy Products – Orrathen's vast ranches produce beef, mutton, and dairy goods for the nation.
- Landscape: Expansive grasslands and wide-open skies, dotted with ranches, herds of cattle, and vibrant wildflowers.
Raventhral[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Blackspire
- Premier: Elias Blackthorn (he/him)
- Major Export: Metals and Ores – Known for its vast deposits of iron, coal, and precious metals, Raventhral supplies raw materials for the nation.
- Landscape: Rugged mountains and deep ravines dominate Raventhral, with sprawling mines and smog-filled industrial towns nestled in its valleys.
Rocklan[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Lancit
- Premier: Dorian Flint (he/him)
- Major Export: Gemstones and Minerals – Rocklan is famous for its rare gemstones and valuable mineral deposits, fueling luxury industries.
- Landscape: Jagged cliffs and rugged plateaus, dotted with gemstone mines and shimmering streams of water cutting through the rocky terrain.
Selcaria[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Eldraven
- Premier: Clara Duval (she/her)
- Major Export: Artisan Goods and Textiles – Known for its fine fabrics, ceramics, and handcrafted items, Selcaria exports high-quality goods with cultural value.
- Landscape: Verdant hills and picturesque towns dot the province, with cobblestone streets and vibrant marketplaces brimming with life.
Valkirion[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Frostspire
- Premier: Ingrid Thornfell (she/her)
- Major Export: Furs and Ice – Valkirion is renowned for its high-quality animal pelts and naturally harvested ice, which is transported across the nation.
- Landscape: Snow-covered tundras and towering icy peaks dominate this frigid province, with small, hardy settlements scattered across its expanse.
Verdemere[edit | edit source]
- Capital City: Greenhold
- Premier: Mara Langley (she/her)
- Major Export: Grain and Produce – Verdemere is the agricultural heart of Noma, exporting wheat, fruits, and vegetables to sustain domestic food production.
- Landscape: Rolling plains and fertile farmland stretch as far as the eye can see, interspersed with quaint villages and rivers.
Player Characters[edit | edit source]
Find the Roster of Player Characters Here —> ROSTER
Important NPCs[edit | edit source]
Piers Corden[edit | edit source]
A magician searching for the real magic of the world, Piers Corden joined Candela Obscura later in life. There he quickly became a mentor figure for some of the new members, and eventually was promoted to the role of Lightkeeper. He can be very blunt and to the point, with a sometimes lacking bedside manner. However, he cares very deeply and will go to extreme lengths to protect those under his care. His meeting place for investigators is a secret room in the concession area of the Tempest Theatre, which he owns.
Harrison Park[edit | edit source]
Former Periphery Detective turned Private Eye, A Harrison "Harry" Park is a gruff but deeply principled Lightkeeper, driven by an unyielding need to uncover the truth and seek justice, no matter the personal cost. Harry often uses a jaded exterior and dry wit tie conceal lies a genuine care for those he mentors.
Looking for an NPCs info that isn't here? Try Other Qandela NPCs
The Story So Far[edit | edit source]
The Illusionist and the Alchemist
In the shadowy depths of the Eaves, a grim and perplexing pattern began to emerge. Bodies were discovered bearing savage and unusual injuries—lacerations, missing gold fillings, and punctured cheeks. A deadly hunt for gold had taken a twisted turn, revealing a sinister figure, or perhaps something more unnatural, scouring the city for treasure in the most gruesome manner. Amidst this chaos, an alchemist sought the help of Candela Obscura, believing that a hidden trove of ancient artifacts in Oldfaire held the potential to advance their mission in ways yet to be understood.
Meanwhile, the Red Hand had stolen priceless treasures from a prince, including rare items from a famed collection. An expert from Candela Obscura, deeply familiar with the city's dark underbelly, led the investigators through an underground market, where they hoped to reclaim the stolen goods. Their objective: infiltrate the market, locate the treasures, and discover who had purchased them. But as the investigation unfolded, they unearthed an artifact of immense importance—only to discover that the Red Hand had no intention of surrendering it before an official auction. Forced into action, the team seized the artifact by any means necessary.
A talented illusionist, renowned for his mesmerizing performances, had long been the subject of rumors—whispers of a dark past, a past entwined with a powerful faction and a mysterious artifact procured from an auction. As the investigators followed the tangled trail, they discovered deeper connections to his dangerous mission. Their search led them to a perilous location, where the mystery of the alchemist, the artifacts, and the illusionist’s true intentions took on an even darker hue.
The investigation took a chilling turn when three thieves, each with a purple crystal embedded in their temples, were apprehended after attempting a series of high-profile robberies. Candela Obscura was tasked with uncovering the force behind these criminals and their nefarious purpose. As the arc reached its climax, the illusionist announced his final performance—one that promised a deadly spectacle. The investigators had to act swiftly, intervening before he could carry out his fatal plan, saving the innocent theatergoers caught in the deadly web. In the final confrontation, the illusionist performed a dangerous ritual—one aimed at merging two individuals into a single, nightmarish entity. Racing against time, the investigators halted the ceremony, saving the alchemist, but not before tragic lives were lost to the ritual’s dark magic.
The Herald and the Fang
Six months after the cataclysmic events at the theater, the investigators were called to the icy isolation of Shrivelineline, tasked with investigating the mysterious deaths of Cardinal Reynolds and Cardinal Zeroth—both of whom had been in contact with the recently deceased Divine Herald. Upon examination of the Herald’s body, the investigators found disturbing signs of tampering: a mask affixed to prevent the soul's departure and an incision suggesting that poisoned blood had been deliberately extracted. Their investigation soon led them to a list of potential Divine Herald candidates, one of whom, a shadowy figure named Fournier, caught their attention. As they dug deeper, they discovered the enigmatic Melody Wildes, a newcomer from Lacroix, who, along with others, seemed to fall under the sway of a mysterious figure known only as Mr. Woods. Gin, ever watchful, spotted the elusive figure observing them from afar.
The investigators’ pursuit of the truth soon entangled them in a sprawling conspiracy, one with roots stretching deep into the world of vampyres. The case began with a worker from the Ruby Rapture, who exhibited strange symptoms after an unusual bloodletting by a local doctor. This unsettling discovery was followed by a violent encounter with a woman baring fangs. The connection between the sick worker and a series of supernatural events began to crystallize. As suspicions mounted, the team discovered the creeping presence of vampyric infection, now taking hold across the city. In a parallel investigation, they sought to protect a Deaconess who had gained terrifying telekinetic powers after touching an ancient artifact. The artifact’s dark nature drew the deadly interest of the Pyre, and despite their best efforts, the Deaconess met a tragic end, further entwining the team in the perilous web spun by dark forces and vampyric influence.
The Red Rash epidemic, now spreading with alarming speed, became the next focus of their investigation. Tracing the outbreak to the newly appointed Divine Herald, the investigators discovered a chilling truth: Countess Fournier of Lacroix had been deliberately spreading the Red Rash to identify potential victims for conversion into vampyres. Fournier’s sinister plot involved an army of newborn vampyres, and the creation of a twisted "Vampyre Nursery" to shape and control them. As the investigators delved further, they uncovered a labyrinthine network of vampyric activity, one that reached into the highest circles of power. Along the way, they ventured into the Scarlet Woods, where they encountered the vengeful spirit of the Owl Wain, whose tragic past held the key to a deeper understanding of the forces at play. As the stakes escalated, Jamie’s tragic death marked a turning point, pushing the team to confront the ever-encroaching vampyric control that threatened to overtake Newfaire.
In the final stages of their pursuit, the investigators discovered that Fournier’s vampyric influence extended even further, reaching into the upper echelons of power—including the Periphery, who now hunted them. Forced to go underground, the team formed an unlikely alliance with the Gerwich Vampyre Hunters, and together, they devised a plan to distribute a true cure for the Red Rash and vampyric infection. Their journey took them to La Croix, where they confronted Fournier, determined to sever her hold over Newfaire. With clever strategy and unyielding determination, they managed to force her to return to La Croix, where she would face her aunt and the high priestess in a ritual sacrifice that had led her to flee her homeland and amass an army of vampyres in Newfaire. With vital information secured, the investigators braced for the next chapter in their battle against the dark forces lurking in the city.
House Rules[edit | edit source]
Especially if you're running a Community Campaign, it's important to let your players know what special rules you have in play for them.
