#Lore24 The Deep Dark #Creature24 Stalking Darkness

I've heard of sorcerers and mystics that think they can influence, manipulate, even control the Deep Dark.  I never believed a word of it.  Nobody I know ever went playing around with the Deep and came up with more than trouble and bargained for.  Fact, I once saw a man put his hand in through the Barrier when he pulled it away, weren't nothin' but a stump of his arm left.  I've also seen things reach out of the Deep and pull a man clean off his feet... never did see him again.

Ashrel Rotwing, ex-Royal Alienist now Exiled

Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of the Realm of UslaCairne is the Deep Dark.  Beyond shadow, the Deep surrounds the realm in wall of nothingness that is permeable and impenetrable. Elder intelligences dwell within the Deep, their mechanizations both malicious and unknowable.  Various adventures and arcane scholars have made attempts to explore the Deep. All physical ventures have failed with individual and groups never returning.  Scholars attempting to divine across the barrier plain have yielded little information other than the existence of powerful contentiousness.  Magical feedback has destroyed the mind, body and even souls of many who have attempted to reach beyond the barrier itself.

The Deep is capable of forming mass from itself and interacting with the realm.  Grasping hands, claws, and tendrils are known to attack those who spend to much time or energy at the Barrier.  Legends tell of fully realized forms made of total darkness emerging from the Barrier and traveling through the realm for particular purpose.  These beings reek havoc on the natural world and move with a quickness seldom seen in the realm.  Those foolish enough to stand in their way are met with quick and terrible combat as the Stalking Darkness transforms to meet its opponent on superior footing.

Armor-3(22) magic weapons required to hit

HD 10d10

Int 18

Move 25(70)

ToHit 10(+10)

Atx 4x 2d10 cold/void or by shadowed weapon of form*

Stalking Darkness can transform themselves into a shadow copy of their opponents assuming the same powers and abilities plus their own. They can draw the same weapons which do an additional die of void damage based on the weapons die.

Random Powers. Some stalking shadows have been witnessed to exhibit one or more of the following additional abilities.

1. Shadow Manipulation: The Stalking Darkness can manipulate shadows to its advantage, creating illusions, hiding itself, or even enveloping foes in darkness to disorient and confuse them.

2. Dark Energy Absorption: It can absorb energy from the darkness of the Deep, replenishing its strength and vitality. This makes it nearly invincible while within its domain.

3. Void Tendrils: The Stalking Darkness can extend tendrils of pure nothingness from itself, capable of ensnaring and strangling its victims. These tendrils can also disrupt magical energies and defenses.

4. Malevolent Teleportation: It possesses the ability to teleport instantaneously through the shadows, appearing in different locations within the realm at will. This allows it to strike swiftly and unpredictably.

5. Psychic Corruption: The Stalking Darkness emits psychic waves of corruption that can drive those who encounter it mad or manipulate their thoughts and emotions, making them susceptible to its will.

6. Dark Form Shifting: It can shape its form from the pure darkness of the Deep, morphing into various terrifying manifestations to suit its needs. This ability makes it incredibly adaptable and formidable in combat.