The shadows are not the absence of light. It is the background so that all may exist. It is the blank canvas to paint your life on. -Markus Tullius and the Great Temples
Shadow
The existence of shadow rules over all darkness in reality. While many thieves rogues and other lowlifes believe in shadows they are not inherently evil. Many great warriors of humanity have followed the doctrines set by shadow. Their names are not known their deeds will never be seen but their effect on the world remains.
Any and all may be worshipers of the shadows. The temples all have guardian shades that are caretakers of the great monoliths to the existence of shadow. Scattered around all of Alaeternia are nine major temples dedicated to the shadow. Each temple was built long before the 4th era and are immutable.
Existence does not reside anywhere. It simply is. It is all around. Its everywhere and nowhere all at once. While this is true the the raw essence of shadow can be traversed. An alternate dimension and reality then the material plane. While no one has gone there it is believed that sometimes horrid creatures try to break into our world from there. Sometimes benevolent creatures too. But who is to say.
Depiction
Depicted as a hooded figure with no real shape. While the true form if any is unknown mortals often see themselves reflected in the shaded hood.
Commandments of Existence of Shadow
- “You are not the deed. The deed is not you.” Act, and let the act stand alone. Take no name, no credit, no glory for what Shadow moves you to do.
- “Darkness hides no sin, it only hides the doer.” Shadow does not grant permission for cruelty; it grants only concealment. What you do in the dark, you alone answer for to yourself, not to Shadow.
- “The unseen hand steadies more than the raised fist.” Influence quietly. A war averted in secret is worth more than a battle won in the light.
- “What is everywhere owes allegiance to no one place.” No worshiper may claim Shadow serves their nation, their guild, or their cause above another’s. (Unfortunately many do not follow this doctrine)
- “Between the door’s crack and the candle’s edge, you will find Me and nowhere else.” Shadow is found in liminal spaces, not sought through ritual or sacrifice, finding your shadow will reveal your own self.
- “Some things reach back from beyond the dark. Do not assume they reach with open hands.” A warning doctrine about the “other side” not invitation.
Relationships
Shadow is in conflict with Existence of Light which creates Existence of Dream.
Shadow, Existence of Death and Existence of Time create the ethereal self.
