Othaos Aeon
[ Aeons | Axiomites | Inevitables ]
[ Agnoia | Akhana | Bythos | Caen | Lipika | Othaos | Paracletus | Pleroma | Synesis | Theletos ]
Who monitor the balance between light and darkness
LN; CR 5 [PF1e]
Othaos aeons are mesmerizing entities, their forms a swirling vortex of light and darkness that constantly shifts and pulses. Their four limbs—two glowing white and two shadowy black—extend from this central maelstrom. They act as arbiters of balance between illumination and shadow, to maintain the natural equilibrium between these opposing forces. Their ever-changing appearance makes them seem ephemeral, as though they exist only partially in the material realm, and when observed in action, their form can shift dramatically depending on its surroundings, becoming unseen in darkness or radiating intense light in illuminated areas.
The origin of the othaos lies in the aeons’ broader mission to preserve balance across all aspects of existence. Created by the Monad, othaoses are born from the dappled light that is neither bright nor shadow. Unlike other aeons that focus on abstract metaphysical concepts, othaoses deal with tangible, if insubstantial, imbalances in illumination. They are drawn to areas where unnatural sources of light or darkness have lingered too long, disrupting local ecosystems or creating instability. Their presence is often unnoticed by mortals due to their solitary nature and focused duties. Othaoses are also uniquely tasked with addressing breaches between planes, such as rifts to the Shadowfell or the Positive and Negative Energy Planes, making them a first line of guardians against planar instability.
Philosophically, othaos aeons embody the duality of light and darkness without aligning with moral concepts like good or evil. To them, light and shadow are simply natural forces, with no ethical judgement attached to them. They do not favour one over the other; instead, they seek to restore equilibrium wherever one force dominates unnaturally. This impartiality extends to their actions—an othaos is just as likely to repair a source of magical light as it is to destroy an object casting excessive shadow. Their work often brings them to sites of great magical upheaval or old battlefields where powerful spells or weapons have left lingering imbalances. These aeons are enigmatic and aloof, rarely interacting with mortals unless absolutely necessary.
Othaos have the ability to Consume Light and Banish Darkness, and they can manipulate local illumination levels by generating or absorbing heat and light. They can also deal cold or fire damage to nearby creatures they wish, depending on whether they are consuming or radiating energy. Their Chiaroscuro ability allows them to become incorporeal in darkness, rendering them immune to non-magical attacks but also unable to use own their natural attacks. Additionally, they have spell-like abilities such as Dancing Lights, Darkness, Daylight, and Deeper Darkness, which they use strategically to restore balance in their surroundings. In combat, othaos can unleash powerful slams with their limbs if necessary, but prefer to rely on their near-infinite patience to correct imbalances over time.
For planewalkers encountering an othaos aeon, understanding its purpose and methods is essential. These beings are not aggressive by nature but are obsessed with the balance between light and darkness. Planewalkers who meddle with enchanted light sources, shadow-casting objects, or seek to open or exploit planar rifts may find themselves under othaos scrutiny. Berks that an othaos perceived to have disrupted the balance may face relentless efforts to correct such disturbances through destruction or alteration of the offending source.
Source: Bestiary 5 [PF1e] p10
Canonwatch: Othaos have not yet been converted to PF2e rules. I’m not sure whether the word othaos itself has a meaning—any suggestions?