Interlude A2.V
On Shadows
Excerpt from “Beneath the Misty Veil: Creatures of the Aethereal Sea” by Scholar Arvian Melchor, Senior Fellow of the Explorers Guild, Chair of Aetheric Studies, Brightwash Military Academy.
The existence of Shadows presents one of the most perplexing enigmas in the study of aetheric phenomena. Although they resemble the beings they once were in life, Shadows are neither the dead returned nor constructs bound by necromantic magic. They represent an intersection of mortal will and the unfathomable forces of the Aethereal Sea. Their emergence is rare, unpredictable, and deeply disturbing to the mortal mind.
Nature of Shadows and Their Origin
The prevailing theory in modern Aetheric Studies posits that, upon death, some essential fragment of a person’s being is drawn into the Aethereal Sea. This theory, however, remains speculative, as direct observation of what happens to the soul after death is impossible by current means and I do not mean to venture into the realm of religion, which I leave to the Scholars of the Morduu. What we do know is that most souls seem to transition out of our plane entirely, leaving behind little more than a faint trace of aetheric energy—a slowly fading impression.
Yet, in certain cases, an individual’s will or intent may be so potent that some remnant refuses to fade away. This remnant returns, manifesting as what we call a Shadow. Unlike the Shedim—native denizens of the Aethereal Sea who grant power through Contracts—Shadows are anomalies, an unintended consequence of a mortal’s death, forever tied to the strength of their unresolved purpose.
Shadows are, in essence, driven by a single, unyielding motive. This purpose, whether revenge, protection, or fulfillment of an oath, anchors them to our plane. The Shadow’s existence is thus wholly defined by the goal it pursues. Once that purpose is fulfilled, the Shadow will typically dissolve, its essence retreating back into the unknown depths of the Aethereal Sea. A fascinating aspect of this phenomenon that we have observed is that often times a Shadow is unaware of what their exact motive is.
Distinction from the Shedim and Necromantic Constructs
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While a Sheyd is a conscious entity from the Aethereal Sea, bound by contract and mutual exchange with a Soulsinger, a Shadow is an echo of a mortal soul, created unintentionally and driven by a fragment of a deceased person’s will. Moreover, it is important to emphasize that no necromancer, no matter their mastery over death and decay, has ever succeeded in replicating the process of creating a Shadow. The key lies in the fact that Shadows are not created; they are born of circumstance, a byproduct of the deceased’s unfulfilled desires and a chance touch with Old Magic.
Thralls, the grotesque minions raised by necromancers, are little more than puppets—reanimated bodies stripped of their original souls and will. Shadows, by contrast, retain some echo of the consciousness, even memories, of the deceased, though these are twisted by their singular purpose and the foreign power they carry. The Shadow is neither alive nor dead, not a reanimation but a reconstitution, born out of will and the influence of powers that have eluded even the most advanced aetheric scholars.
Old Magic: The Power They Wield
Shadows wield a form of Old Magic—an archaic, primal energy that predates modern aetheric manipulation. This power, drawn from the distant reaches of the Aethereal Sea, is often chaotic and incomprehensible to modern magi. The Old Magic they manifest seems to resonate with the purpose that binds them to existence, making each Shadow’s abilities as unique as their driving will. In the case of a Soulsinger’s Shadow, the abilities of the deceased may still be present, overlaid with the raw and untamed potency of this ancient power. Thus, in addition to the unfathomable capacity to weave Old Magic, Shadows may also be capable of Soulsinging in some instances.
It is this combination—of the Old Magic and their retained abilities—that makes Shadows extraordinarily dangerous. They do not tire, do not age, and do not require sustenance. Their immortality in this regard makes them seemingly unstoppable. Yet, despite their timeless nature, Shadows can be destroyed. Though few methods are known, defeating a Shadow often requires confronting and disrupting the will that fuels them. To face a Shadow in combat is, however, universally discouraged, as the risk far outweighs any potential benefit.
The Binding of Will: A Shadow’s Obsession
Every Shadow is driven by a singular, overwhelming purpose. This purpose is not merely a suggestion or desire—it is an all-consuming force that defines their existence. Whether it is to exact revenge, guard a location, or fulfill a long-forgotten vow, the Shadow is bound to this task with a devotion that borders on madness. In many ways, this purpose becomes the Shadow’s identity, erasing all other aspects of the person they once were.
This singular focus can be exploited, but only by those with an intimate understanding of a Shadow’s nature. While most see Shadows as uncontrollable forces of destruction, it is important to note that they are not inherently malevolent. Their actions, while dangerous, are often the result of their unwavering commitment to their goal. In some rare cases, if a Shadow’s purpose can be fulfilled or brought to closure, it will dissipate naturally, without the need for direct confrontation.