Shar Fey Dnd

2 min read 01-12-2024

Shar, the Forgotten God, holds a unique and often misunderstood position in the Forgotten Realms cosmology. Unlike many deities, Shar doesn't command armies or openly wage wars. Instead, her power lies in the subtle manipulation of shadows, secrets, and the very fabric of darkness itself. This makes her a fascinating and challenging deity for Dungeon Masters and players alike.

The Nature of Shar

Shar is the goddess of darkness, secrets, and shadows. She is not inherently evil, but rather amoral, using deception and intrigue to achieve her goals. She sees the world as a tapestry woven with threads of secrets, and her followers strive to unravel these threads, revealing hidden truths – often for their own selfish gain. This distinguishes her from purely chaotic evil deities who revel in destruction. Shar thrives in mystery and the unknown, making her influence pervasive and difficult to counter.

Shar's Domains

Shar's domains typically include:

Darkness: Her most obvious domain, encompassing all things shadowy and unseen.
Secrets: Shar's followers excel at uncovering and exploiting secrets, often using subterfuge and espionage.
Intrigue: The manipulation of others is key to Shar's methods, and her followers are masters of deception.
Night: The cover of night provides the perfect setting for her followers' clandestine operations.
Death: While not a primary domain, Shar's connection to the shadows often intersects with the realm of the dead.

Shar's Followers: The Shadow Weavers

Those who serve Shar are known as the Shadow Weavers. They are a diverse group, united by their devotion to secrets and their skill in manipulating others. They are not necessarily evil, but their actions are often morally ambiguous. A Shadow Weaver might be a spy, an assassin, a thief, or even a seemingly innocuous member of high society, subtly pulling strings from the shadows.

Characteristics of Shadow Weavers:

Cunning: They are incredibly clever and adept at deception.
Discreet: They operate in the shadows, avoiding attention and leaving little trace.
Patient: They are willing to wait years, even decades, to achieve their goals.
Ambitious: They strive for power and influence, often at the expense of others.

Shar vs. Selûne: The Eternal Dichotomy

Shar's eternal conflict with Selûne, the goddess of the moon, is a cornerstone of the Forgotten Realms mythology. This conflict represents the fundamental duality of light and darkness, revealing and concealing. Their opposition shapes much of the lore and intrigues within the world.

Incorporating Shar into Your Campaign

Shar's subtle influence makes her an ideal antagonist for a long-running campaign. Her followers could be involved in conspiracies that span years, manipulating events from behind the scenes. Remember, her power lies not in brute force, but in carefully orchestrated schemes and the exploitation of secrets.

Consider these ideas when incorporating Shar into your campaign:

Mystery-driven Plots: Focus on unraveling intricate conspiracies and uncovering hidden truths.
Moral Ambiguity: Avoid simplistic good vs. evil conflicts; let your players wrestle with the consequences of their actions in a world shaped by secrets.
Subtle Influence: Shar's presence should be felt, even when she's not directly involved.

Shar Fey is more than just a goddess of darkness; she is a symbol of the hidden power that lurks beneath the surface. By understanding her nature and her followers, Dungeon Masters can create compelling and memorable adventures that explore the darker aspects of the Forgotten Realms.