Shade Clarification Lore

[Heero 4078]

Shade Clarification

I. Definition of the Shades

The Shades or the the first 'true' Shade  Rilath Illwindior. An already enlightened mage of Aegis who received a boon directly from Iblees as an error. Akin to how the Undead grained their power directly from Iblees while losing their souls; they become hollowed perceptions of their old selves with the mentality and personality of their old selves, but acted under Iblees' will; proxies of Iblees. Brainwashed.

The creation of later Shades was a faulty attempt to reproduce the so-to-called blessing Rilath received through utilziing his Aura as a paraisite to corrupt other’s Auras and later with the creation of the first Shade Gem which contained a vast amount of his tainted Aura. Yet Rilath was the only true Shade. The rest are false imitations of the original. Thus the main drawback of a split personality that seaks only destruction and mayhem. And hence the reason Rilath was the only one who didn't endure it as Iblees continuously attempted to seduce Rilath with the belief he can grant more power to the greedy Magi.

Thus the reason for all other Shades having to deal with that 'curse' of holding internal strife with a darkened entity of themselves (hence the name Shades -- Shadow of one’s self) that acts almost identically to Iblees' original proxies. The twisted copy of one’s self is what a true Shade is. Or was meant to be by the envision of Iblees. A tool just like the Lichs which held a bloodlust for destruction and anarchy.

II. Operation of the Shade’s magic

(Done by LoTC's very own, Griffin)

The nature of the magic Shades hold is undoubtedly that of a peculiar one. It is  indistinguishably similar to how Arcanic Void based magics operate yet it functions without the actual aid of the Void. The entire backbone of what classifies one as a Shade is the properties of the individual’s Aura. Arguably a Shade is one who possesses an evolved Aura as it can be manipulated as well as turn and devour the Aura of beings surrounding it. Meanwhile, the generic Aura of all mages is just Mana that has manifested and takes up a color that reflects its owners personality. Meanwhile a Shade’s Aura is pitch black and occasionally accompanied by a thin yet dark shade of what the user’s original Aura was.

The magic is entirely materializing one’s Aura and solidifying it. Then proceeding to control it such as an Void based evocationist would. Yet just as an Arcane energy evoker for example, once the Mana has been expanded for a creation, it can not be recalled and ceases to exist from the physical plane.

III. Shade Gem(s) and the Creation of New Shades

(Done by LoTC's very own, Atles)

A ‘Shade Gem’ is just the name that was dubbed for a copy of a powerful Shade’s taint being inserted and cultivated within the grasps of a physical object that holds the ability to allow this taint to remain active and healthy. The Shade Gem that was forged by Rilath is a prime example of such. The gemstone he originally hanging from his staff held a direct connection to the Void that breathed Mana. Thus allowing the perfect conditions for his tainted Aura to live and thrive within. Yet this prevented the past Void Node from being employed in it’s past manner. Through this change, the Aura can function and inject Auras to create new Shades such as a powerful and experienced Shade would. The true purpose of these catalyst is simply to be used as a fail safe all or near to Shades that possess the ability to corrupt other’s Auras cease to exist. Allowing the birth of new Shades as they begin to enlighten themselves to comprehend the magic.

Yet a misconception being the creation of new Shades through the means of an already existent Shade’s Aura. Through the method of which Rilath and Lucas Black employed, the Aura of a well experienced Shade holds the ability to latch on and act almost as a parasite. Allowing the corrupt that dwells within the tainted husk of an Aura to spread like a plague. Corrupting and forming new Shades. Ironically enough. Salamandra, one of the strongest of the Shades was simply obviously to this process was he was simply never instructed of it and sought the Shade Gem he stole from Rilath in the days of Asulon as a simpler means to forging a new generation of Shades as he did with the High Elf Silir’ume.

Theoretically. New Shade Gems can be forged if the conditions are meet. Those being simple. An Alterationist (Transfigurationist) to bind the magic; a powerful Shade whose Aura is corrupted enough to taint other Auras; and finally an object that has the ability to proceed or hold energy that could permit an Aura to live on and thrive.
 

IV. Removal and Cleansing of corrupted Auras

Within the bounds of the Aengudaemonic lore once a Shade is made, they cannot be revoked of this by normal means. Shade magic does not operate under the influence of any deity or Aengudaemonic being. If a Shade is forged under another powerful Shade, the Shade that created the newly formed one reserves the ability to be capable of revoking the taint as it is part of themselves. Yet this requires the newly formed Shade to be restrained in some manner limit the amount of resistance from the newer Shade.

In the instance of a Shade being forged under the influence of a Shade Gem, that object is the very source of their power. Yet, also their bane. Such as a normal Shade, it holds the ability to revoke it’s blessings. Though not under it’s own choosing as it holds no true sentience. Upon a powerful Arcanistist coming into the possession of a Shade Gem, not only can they corrupt themselves to transcending into a Shade, they can weaponize it in a sense and remove the corrupt of a Shade that was created under the gem. Though the importance of restraining the Shade is still just as important as if a powerful Shade revoking their pupil’s magic.

*Note: The removal of tainted Aura from a Cleric or holy being still exists. If one of these types of magic users were to land a lethal or critical blow upon a newly forged Shade or early, the presence of the taint within the individual’s Aura would cease to exist. Reverting back to it’s original state. If this instance were to happen to a higher ranking Shade it would nullify their Shade for the rest of the evening. Even afterwards they would feel pained and destress after receiving a blow from their polar-opposite and would take time for the Shade to lick their wounds and heal.

V. Additional Notes

- Whilst Void Nodes or great power sources are required to forge new Shade Gems, they do not exist as enteral conduits to the Void. By no means should they be used to empower one to Godhood (or the stage of an Aengudaemonic being) or to be used as ‘Mana batteries.’  Nor to empower one’s abilities as a Shade.

 

[Lago 2569]

Given that this is an approved update to Shade Lore, moved to the lore forum.