The Quantum Shadow

The Quantum Shadow

The Quantum Shadow has festered in the heart of the Runic Supercontinent for as long as anyone can remember. Its purpose and origin is one of the greatest mysteries in the realm, but there are many with strong opinions of its nature. Though it is known by most as the Quantum Shadow, it has other names, such as the Twilight Vapor, Void Sludge, and Darkmere.

Upon simple observation, the Quantum Shadow appears as either a thick dark mist, or in other areas a black viscous, oozing slime. It seems to ebb and flow between these two states at will, and varied from region to region. The Shadow is unimaginably vast, covering several thousand leagues from the foothills of Battle Mage Mountains to the slopes of Mount Umbra. It flanks the edges of the forest of Thorn, and is barely contained by the crests of the Black Mountains.

The peoples of the Runiverse have discovered many uses for the Shadow, such as alchemical applications, dark magic enhancement, and even industrial uses. Of course, these uses require one to be fearless of the Shadow, for above all, its greatest use is as a channel for fear. Elites, oligarchs, royalty, and the powerful conjure narratives around the Shadow, true or not, to incite terror in those they wish to manipulate.

Very few dare to venture near it, let alone dive in. There are none who are known to have gone in and returned, which only fuels its mystery. The Blue Wizards of the Bastion have devoted little study to the Shadow, for collecting and preserving samples is a task of great difficulty. The White Hats, however, may seem to possess the most knowledge, for high within the White Tower, their Chroma Crystal allows them to penetrate the Shadows opaque nature. Though the crystal's gaze only goes so deep, they have discovered glimpses of a secret cult that operates within. Called the Shadow Hats, this intimate cabal has been observed manipulating the Shadow with terrifying mastery, possibly breathing life into it. Horrifying faces and forms seem to leap from the sludge with nightmarish design, all at the command of these Shadow Hats.

Of all the Quantum Shadows schemes at the hands of various factions in the land, it is this that is of most concern to the Wizards of the White Tower.

A wizard jumps into the Quantum Shadow as depicted by the Forgotten Runes Wizard's Cult Trailer (2022)

Theories

Many Wizards agree that the nature of existence within the Quantum Shadow is different than outside. This often results in rumored transformations to beings that enter - these might be physical, mental, or spiritual, and no two transformations are alike.

Some Wizards also theorize that the Quantum Shadow is somehow linked to the very existence of magic in the Runiverse.