“The Dawnborn may rise with the sun, my child, but they are blinded by its glare.”
– Empress Saejin

Inspiration and author’s notes

Fantasy authors often use mythical races and creatures to explore stereotypes, attitudes, and behaviors they witness in their everyday life, cultures, subcultures or society at large.

We’ve all encountered a DUSKBORN in our lives. They’re the academic elitists, pretentious baristas, moody poets, trust fund babies, wine snobs, one uppers and judgy fashionistas who have prestige, power and more opinions than we’d like to hear. And they’re always right.

To “take it to eleven,” most, but not all, Duskborn are a little bit racist… Most notably toward the over-zealous Dawnborn and more “rustic” Sunborn, whom they deem uncultured and unsophisticated. And, don’t even get them started about the Reborn…

“The subtlety of aetheric brewing is far too nuanced for the less sophisticated palate of the Dawnborn.”
– Prince Jaiku

Developing the Duskborn culture and Twilight Dominion empire was a fun exercise of contradictions.

While they hold arcane magic in the highest regard, they also fear its power, seeing it as a dangerous. Those “lucky” enough to be born with the divine aetheric gift are revered and avoided.

Whether I’m playing video or role-playing games, I tend to gravitate toward magic users, both arcane (studied) and divine (faith). Like the Duskborn, it makes me feel special and elite.

From illusions to enchantments, elemental magic to transmutations, spells empower my characters with a creative toolset to solve puzzles, control the battlefield and resolves conflicts… or cause them.

Thus, by Emperor Jairus’ decree, the use of the aetheric arts is strictly forbidden in the capital city of Nishaan. Instead, magi are forced to practice their craft in the moonlit spires of the mysterious Ymrys Academy of Sigils and Sorcery (YASS). Or, as the empire’s “glass canons” on the battlefield against their enemies.

From their obsession with posturing to their endless debates, I’m sure you’ll find something to talk about… if not, they’d have suggestions, trust.

Designing moon elves

Like all Underkin races, I wanted the Duskborn to closely reflect their creator, Dupa, the baticorn pūka, god of the moon, twilight, dusk, dreams, arcane and magic.

The overall effect was meant to make them appear lithe and enchanting and a little monstrous; with their bat-like feet, purple eyes and demonic tails.

My original Duskborn concept art

But, Houston, I had a printing problem: the darker palette wouldn’t print very well. It turns out the blue tones are extremely difficult to match in print! Thus, Francesco Sala and I pivoted to sunset and dusk colors: lighter purples, lilac, pinks and blues.

Early in my design process, I decided all Duskborn have unique “moonburns,” or silvery freckles, on their skin to match their silvery hair.

I’m excited for you to experience the Duskborn culture through the eyes of Meera, Timmy, Kya, Bolivar and their companions.

While they might not be everyone’s cup of coffee, their impact and importance to Magonia can’t be denied… or at least that’s what they’d tell you.

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