Life-Devouring Horror
From the abyssal depths of the Shadowgate Forge comes an insatiable force of darkness—Delvorn the Devour. This lesser Voidborn horror embodies destruction and the hunger for life itself. Unlike mindless creatures of the dark, Delvorn is sentient, cunning, and patient, preying on the desperate and ambitious, offering power at an unfathomable cost. Legends speak of an entity whose very shadow drains the vitality of all living things. In his wake, fields wither, beasts fall silent, and even the bravest souls feel their strength being stripped away. He is neither demon nor god but something far worse—an entity whose very existence is a blight upon Ertha.
LifeDevouring Horror
Wherever Delvorn walks, death follows. Unlike typical predators that hunt for sustenance, Delvorn feeds on the essence of life itself. Every breath stolen, every drop of blood spilled, is converted into raw energy, fueling his grotesque existence. Flora decays in his presence, the air grows thick with despair, and unnatural silence permeates the world around him. The weak die instantly, their souls absorbed into his growing mass of darkness. It is said that the closer one stands to Delvorn, the heavier the air becomes, as if the force of existence itself is being pulled into his insatiable maw. Those who have witnessed him describe their vision dimming, colors fading into an abyssal gray as their very being is drained away.
A Sentient Nightmare
Unlike lesser Voidborn horrors that lurk mindlessly in the dark, Delvorn thinks, plans, and adapts. He does not simply destroy—he bargains, twisting the ambitions of mortals into tools for his own survival. Many who cross his path are not slaughtered outright but instead offered a choice: serve him, or be consumed. Those who accept his offer find themselves cursed beyond salvation. They become his Echoes, spectral remnants bound by his will, wandering the world as lifeless husks. While these cursed thralls retain memories of their former selves, their existence is nothing but a cruel illusion—they are already dead, sustained only by the will of Delvorn.
Diabolical Bargain
Delvorn’s most terrifying trait is his ability to strike bargains. Unlike lesser demons who demand immediate sacrifice, Delvorn allows his victims to choose when the price is paid. Those who seek his favor may receive power, knowledge, or even immortality—at the cost of their soul.
The contract is simple, yet its ramifications are boundless. Upon signing, the victim must roll a 1d4 to determine when Delvorn will claim what is owed:
Immediate payment—the soul is taken at once.
Half within your lifetime—you slowly decay as Delvorn siphons your essence over time.
Threequarters of your lifetime—your power grows, but you age unnaturally fast.
At the moment of death—Delvorn ensures your soul never escapes.
The nature of his contracts ensures that all who deal with him are doomed from the start. Those who attempt to break the pact will find themselves hunted, their names whispered in the night as Delvorn’s Echoes come to collect what is due.
Binding Curses and Weaknesses
Those who fall into Delvorn’s grasp suffer from Binding Curses, ancient void magic that cannot be dispelled by normal means. These curses strip away identity, memory, and agency, reducing victims to little more than puppets for his amusement. However, there exists a way to break free—but it is neither easy nor without risk. To shatter the curse, Delvorn must be utterly destroyed. This does not mean mere physical defeat but rather the annihilation of his essence itself. Such an act requires a weapon forged from the remnants of the First Ones, imbued with a light so pure that it can sever his connection to the Void. His greatest weakness is his own hunger. His insatiable need to consume life leaves him vulnerable at the moment of feeding. If struck in this instant with the proper weapon, his essence can be weakened and, theoretically, destroyed. However, should the attempt fail, Delvorn will grow even stronger, absorbing the energy meant to slay him.
Final Thoughts
Delvorn the Devour is more than just a villain—he is an entity of inevitability, a force that will not be denied. His mere presence reshapes the world, his hunger drains it, and his bargains ruin those foolish enough to accept them. Whether as a looming threat or a direct adversary, he serves as a reminder that some horrors cannot be fought—only survived.
For those who dare to challenge him, know this: the price of victory is high, and the cost of failure is eternal.
GM Tips
Delvorn is more than just a monster—he is an event, an everpresent shadow whose mere existence alters the world. Here’s how you can implement him in your campaign:
A Lingering Threat: Delvorn does not need to be an immediate enemy. He can be a whisper, a legend that slowly creeps into the world’s consciousness as players uncover his past victims.
Corrupting Influence: Let Delvorn’s bargains tempt the players. Offer them something too good to refuse, knowing full well the cost will be far worse than they expect.
The Hunt for Salvation: The key to Delvorn’s demise is not just strength but knowledge. Players may need to seek out ancient relics, lost records, or forgotten sects that still hold the means to destroy him.
The Ultimate Sacrifice: Killing Delvorn requires exploiting his hunger, but what if the best bait is one of the players themselves? Force them into impossible choices—who will willingly give up their life to end his reign of terror?
The Curse of the Echoes: If a player makes a deal with Delvorn, make their transformation into an Echo a slow, horrifying process. Let them hear whispers, feel their body grow colder, see their reflection fade.
The Final Battle: When Delvorn is finally confronted, he should be a worldending threat, his power amplified by the souls he has taken. Make his fight feel like a last stand against darkness itself.