Book of Ebon Tides is a comprehensive guidebook to the Shadow Realm, offering insights into its lore, races, classes, and magic․ Perfect for enhancing your D&D 5e adventures․
1․1 Overview of the Shadow Realm
The Shadow Realm is a plane of shifting darkness, where shadowstuff forms the ever-changing landscape․ Governed by the mysterious ebon tides, it is home to shadow fey, darakhul, and ghouls․ This realm of intrigue and danger offers political opportunities, monstrous encounters, and ancient secrets․ Proper etiquette with the fey courts is crucial, as missteps can be deadly in this world of subtle aggression and veiled threats․
1․2 Key Features of the Book
Book of Ebon Tides offers 25 playable species, 10 subclasses, and over 50 magic items, wands, and artifacts․ It details the Fey Courts, shadow gods, and monstrous races like ghouls and darakhul․ The book also explores shadow magic, political intrigue, and the shifting nature of the Shadow Realm, providing essential tools for both players and GMs to craft immersive adventures in this dark, mysterious world․
Playable Species in the Shadow Realm
Book of Ebon Tides introduces 25 playable species, such as Sable Elves, Shadowborn Bearfolk, and Umbral Humans, each with unique traits and origins, enriching your campaign’s diversity and depth․
2․1 Sable Elves and Shadowborn Bearfolk
The Sable Elves are shadow-dwelling beings with darkvision and a natural affinity for shadow magic, while the Shadowborn Bearfolk are resilient creatures attuned to the Plane of Shadows, blending strength with cunning․
2․2 Umbral Humans and Other Races
Umbral Humans are born from shadow-touched bloodlines, mastering dark magic and stealth․ Shadow Goblins thrive in twilight realms, while other races like Darakhul and Ghouls embody the Shadow Realm’s eerie essence, each offering unique traits for players seeking diverse character origins․
New Subclasses and Character Options
Book of Ebon Tides introduces 10 exciting new subclasses, such as the Light Weaver Sorcerer and Shadow Domain Cleric, alongside 52 spells for enhanced character customization․
3․1 Light Weaver Sorcerer and Shadow Domain Cleric
The Light Weaver Sorcerer harnesses luminous magic, manipulating shadows and light for unique effects․ The Shadow Domain Cleric commands darkness, gaining powers to heal and protect allies while intimidating foes․ Both subclasses offer rich narrative and mechanical depth, perfect for players seeking to master the duality of light and shadow in the Shadow Realm․
3․2 Shadow Gnawer Barbarian and Other Subclasses
The Shadow Gnawer Barbarian taps into primal shadow magic, unleashing devastating attacks while manipulating darkness․ Other subclasses, like the Whispering Shadow Rogue and Nightmare Warlock, offer unique mechanics tied to the Shadow Realm․ These subclasses bring darkness to life, providing players with innovative ways to wield shadowy powers and immerse themselves in the mysterious world of Ebon Tides․
Magic Items and Artifacts
Magic Items and Artifacts in the Book of Ebon Tides include over 50 unique items like wands, shadowy weapons, and mysterious relics, each imbued with dark, otherworldly powers․
4․1 Wands, Artifacts, and Their Powers
Wands, Artifacts, and Their Powers in the Book of Ebon Tides reveal a collection of mysterious and dark magical tools․ Wands channel shadowy energies, while artifacts like the Ebon Tide Focus manipulate the realm’s shifting essence․ Each item is crafted with unique abilities, such as conjuring shadow roads or enhancing umbral magic, making them invaluable for adventurers navigating the Shadow Realm’s treacherous landscape and hidden dimensions․
4․2 Enchantments and Shadow Magic Items
Enchantments and Shadow Magic Items in the Book of Ebon Tides offer a wealth of dark, mysterious tools․ Over 50 shadow-infused items, such as the Ebon Tide Focus, enhance abilities like manipulating shadows or communicating with umbral beings․ These items are designed to complement the Shadow Realm’s eerie atmosphere, providing players with unique ways to navigate its treacherous landscapes and unravel its secrets․ Perfect for crafting a shadowy legacy․
The Fey Courts and Their Intrigues
The Fey Courts are realms of intrigue and deception, where shadow fey manipulate power and politics․ Etiquette is crucial, as missteps can lead to deadly consequences or unexpected alliances․
5․1 Etiquette and Politics in the Fey Courts
Fey Courts demand meticulous etiquette, as even slight missteps can provoke deadly reprisals․ Players must master intricate protocols, flattery, and subtle diplomacy to navigate the Seelie and Unseelie Courts successfully․ Political intrigue reigns, with shadow fey manipulating alliances and rivalries․ Proper etiquette is survival; failure invites wrath, while clever diplomacy can forge powerful bonds or unravel ancient grudges in these treacherous, enchanted realms․
5․2 Bargaining with Fey Lords and Ladies
Fey Lords and Ladies thrive on bargains, but their terms are treacherous and binding․ Players must know their desires, offer precise gifts, and wield clever words to secure favorable deals․ Bargains are sealed with magic, and breaking them invites curses or eternal debt․ Negotiations demand caution, creativity, and a deep understanding of fey psychology to avoid becoming their pawns in the shadowy game of power and illusion․
The Plane of Shadows and Ebon Tides
Plane of Shadows is a realm of shifting darkness, where the Ebon Tides control the ever-changing landscape․ Shadow fey, mysterious roads, and hidden dangers await adventurers in this twilight world․
6․1 The Shifting Nature of the Shadow Realm
The Shadow Realm is an ever-changing world where darkness reigns․ The Ebon Tides, a mysterious force, governs the flow of shadowstuff, altering landscapes and creating unstable paths․ Shadow roads connect planes, while shadow fey and umbral beings thrive in this shifting environment․ Adventurers must adapt to survive, as the realm’s unpredictability makes every journey unique and fraught with hidden dangers․
6․2 Navigating the Shadow Roads
The Shadow Roads are mysterious pathways connecting planes, governed by the Ebon Tides․ These routes shift unpredictably, making navigation perilous․ Travelers must master shadowstuff manipulation and decipher cryptic signs to avoid losing their way․ Encounters with shadow fey or umbral beings are common, requiring cautious diplomacy․ Surviving the Shadow Roads demands both skill and knowledge of their ever-changing nature and hidden dangers․
Monsters and NPCs of the Shadow Realm
The Shadow Realm teems with shadow goblins, changelings, and umbral beings․ These elusive creatures thrive in darkness, challenging adventurers with cunning and terror, requiring negotiation or combat․
7․1 Darakhul, Ghouls, and Shade Creatures
The Shadow Realm is home to terrifying beings like the vampiric Darakhul, who rule shadowy societies, and ghouls that feast on the dead in twilight zones․ Shade creatures, such as shadowy wraiths and umbral beasts, haunt the darkness, preying on the unwary․ These monsters embody the realm’s sinister nature, challenging adventurers with their cunning, ferocity, and mastery of the shadows․
7․2 Encounters with Umbral Beings
Encounters with umbral beings are a hallmark of the Shadow Realm, introducing mysterious and dangerous entities․ These shadowy creatures, including umbral wraiths, shadow elementals, and darkstalkers, are drawn to light and magic, making interactions unpredictable․ Such encounters challenge adventurers and immerse them in the realm’s eerie atmosphere, providing GMs with rich opportunities to enhance their campaigns with tension and intrigue․
The Role of Gods in the Shadow Realm
The Shadow Realm is influenced by 17 shadow deities, each shaping its dark landscape and mortal destinies․ Their divine presence adds depth and mystery to adventures in the realm․
8․1 Worship and Influence of Shadow Deities
The Shadow Realm is home to 17 shadow deities, each wielding significant influence over its dark lands․ These gods shape mortal lives, inspiring sacred rituals and shaping the realm’s mysterious ambiance․ Their worship is intertwined with survival, as ignoring their power can lead to dire consequences․ Players and GMs alike must navigate this divine landscape, balancing fear and reverence to thrive in the shadows․
8․2 Sacred Rituals and Divine Magic
Sacred rituals in the Shadow Realm are deeply tied to the 17 shadow deities, each granting unique divine magic․ These rituals often involve mysterious elements like shadowstuff and ebon tides, shaping the realm’s dark ambiance․ Clerics and spellcasters draw power from these deities, with spells reflecting the shadows’ essence․ Understanding these rituals is crucial for both players and GMs to authentically weave divine magic into their campaigns․
Campaign Setting and Adventure Hooks
The Book of Ebon Tides provides a rich foundation for campaigns in the Shadow Realm, with its shifting landscapes and political intrigue․ Explore the fey courts, shadow roads, and dark adventures that await in this mysterious world, perfect for crafting compelling stories and immersive gameplay for GMs and players alike․
9․1 Plot Ideas for Shadow Realm Campaigns
Book of Ebon Tides offers rich plot ideas for Shadow Realm campaigns, such as retrieving a lost artifact tied to the ebon tides, navigating shadow roads, or resolving fey court political tensions․ Players might uncover ancient secrets, battle umbral beings, or forge alliances with shadowy factions; These hooks provide immersive storytelling opportunities, blending mystery, adventure, and intrigue in the ever-shifting world of darkness․
9․2 Integrating the Book into Midgard Campaigns
Book of Ebon Tides seamlessly integrates into Midgard campaigns by introducing shadowy lore, races, and magic․ The Shadow Realm’s dynamic with the Material Plane adds depth, with shadow roads and ebon tides creating unique adventure hooks․ GMs can weave fey court politics, umbral threats, and shadow magic into Midgard’s existing narratives, enriching the world without disrupting its balance․ This blend offers fresh, immersive opportunities for exploration and conflict․
Tips for GMs and Players
Mastering shadow magic, navigating the ever-shifting realm, and understanding fey etiquette are crucial for GMs and players to thrive in the Shadow Realm․
10․1 Running Shadow Realm Adventures
Mastering the Shadow Realm requires balancing dark magic, intrigue, and survival․ GMs should emphasize atmosphere, using shadow roads and shifting landscapes to create mystery․ Encourage players to navigate political complexities and moral dilemmas, as the fey courts and shadow creatures demand careful diplomacy․ Balancing combat with roleplay ensures immersive adventures in this treacherous yet rewarding setting․
10․2 Character Builds for the Shadow Realm
Optimize your characters for the Shadow Realm by focusing on darkness-themed abilities and stealth․ Consider the Light Weaver Sorcerer or Shadow Gnawer Barbarian for unique playstyles․ Choose races like Sable Elves or Umbral Humans for innate shadow traits․ Equip characters with shadow magic items and artifacts to enhance their survivability and effectiveness in this mysterious setting․
Reception and Reviews
Book of Ebon Tides has received high praise for its immersive world-building and creative content, with a 4․7-star rating on Amazon․ Fans applaud its unique races, subclasses, and shadow magic, though some find the rules slightly unconventional․ A must-have for Shadow Realm enthusiasts, blending dark aesthetics with rich gameplay opportunities․
11․1 Community Feedback and Ratings
Book of Ebon Tides has garnered a 4․7-star rating on Amazon, praised for its rich content and immersive design․ Fans highlight its unique races, subclasses, and shadow magic, while some note minor rule complexities․ The book’s dark aesthetic and creative gameplay opportunities have endeared it to Shadow Realm enthusiasts, making it a standout addition to the Dungeons & Dragons 5e library․
11․2 Comparisons with Other Kobold Press Books
Book of Ebon Tides stands out alongside Kobold Press’s Midgard Campaign Setting and Tome of Heroes․ While those focus on expansive world-building and player options, Ebon Tides delves deeper into shadowy lore and dark fantasy․ Its unique subclasses and races set it apart, making it a must-have for fans of the Plane of Shadows, yet it complements other Kobold titles seamlessly in enriching D&D campaigns․
Where to Purchase and Digital Availability
Book of Ebon Tides is available on D&D Beyond and Amazon in print․ Bundle with Tales from the Shadows for $69․99․ Originally funded on Kickstarter (Kickstarter campaign ongoing as of 06/21/2025)․ ISBN-10: 1950789330․
12․1 Buying Options and Editions
Book of Ebon Tides is available in print on Amazon and digitally on D&D Beyond․ A paperback edition (ISBN-10: 1950789330) is offered, along with a bundle option pairing it with Tales from the Shadows for $69․99․ The book is also accessible via Kobold Press’s official platforms, ensuring flexibility for both physical and digital collectors of D&D 5e resources․
12․2 Availability on D&D Beyond
Book of Ebon Tides is now available on D&D Beyond, offering digital access to its rich content, including 25 playable species, 10 subclasses, and over 50 magic items․ This platform allows seamless integration with your digital campaigns, making it easier to explore the Shadow Realm’s lore, mechanics, and adventures in a convenient, searchable format for both players and GMs alike․