Obo’laka is one of the nine trickster gods of Omu, represented by a zorbo (a small, feral bear-like creature with sharp claws). According to legend, she was a wise zorbo who tried to save the dying Omuans by cooking a stew of their good qualities to convince the god Ubtao of their worth. However, I’jin the almiraj sabotaged her effort by sneaking recklessness into the pot, causing Ubtao to spit it out. This act created an eternal enmity between Obo’laka and I’jin.
Role in the Adventure
Obo’laka’s shrine in Omu contains one of the nine puzzle cubes required to enter the Tomb of the Nine Gods. Her shrine teaches the lesson “tread warily and stay in the light” — a clue to safely obtaining her puzzle cube. The shrine is inhabited by four zorbos who guard the perimeter.
Personality & Characteristics
Obo’laka embodies a nervous and obsessive personality with a lawful neutral alignment. She is cautious, risk-averse, and never deviates from routine. Her advice throughout the tomb consistently warns against risky actions, suggesting fleeing from danger or avoiding suspicious objects.
Spirit Inhabitation
Within the Tomb of the Nine Gods, Obo’laka’s spirit resides in a ring of protection found atop her zorbo bones in area 10. The spirit attempts to inhabit any character who touches the ring, manifesting as a ghostly, bear-like creature.
Inherited Traits
- Flaw: “I am risk-averse and never deviate from my routine”
- Power: The host can attune to one additional magic item (but loses all attunements when Obo’laka leaves)
- Enemy: I’jin the almiraj
Advice Given Throughout the Tomb
Obo’laka provides cautious counsel to her host:
- Warns against drinking from the magic fountain
- Cautions that cauldrons may contain dangerous devotee bones
- Advises adding salt to protective pentagrams
- Warns against trying on cursed masks
- Suspects a beholder is present and urges flight
- Advises not disturbing Acererak’s throne
- Fears the golden mastodon
- Worries that bones might animate as undead
Game Mechanics
- Her ring of protection normally turns to dust if removed from the tomb, unless the player extraordinarily roleplays her obsessive flaw
- Her puzzle cube must be placed opposite I’jin’s cube in the entrance puzzle, with Unkh positioned between them
- When her puzzle cube is brought into the tomb, it lights her oil basin in the Gallery of Tricksters