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I get a lot of questions asking me to explain the Realm of Shadows- and while it will never be written in a book, there is a generally accepted world lore
that I use as a set of 'rules' - in other words, I don't just make things up as I go along. The Realm of Shadows started out as a very specific concept,
and it is not a magical free for all. Below is the simplest explanation I can offer about how the world itself works. |
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The Realm of Shadows stories exist on a type of multiverse theory, that is more or less an explanation of 'heaven above, hell below'. Earth, including all
alternate dimensional variances of the same planet, exist on a middle plane, where humans predominantly exist. Lower planes primarily host demons,
and higher planes host angels, for lack of a better word. The demonic state is ruled by base emotions and desires, the angelic state by a higher sense
of spirit, and humans are a combination of both.
Generally speaking, the higher you go on the planar scale, the more spiritual it becomes, these beings do not have physical bodies but are rather a
collection of energy held together by consciousness (what we might consider the soul). Likewise, the lower you go, the more frighteningly demonic it
becomes, to the extent of practically no higher thought. Humans are the perfect medium between the two, which, in this world, explains why many of us grasp to reach higher awareness, but just as many sink to monstrous depths.
The Realm of Shadows is an incomplete plane that exists in what I like to call a "pocket dimension", sandwiched between a middle and lower plane. In these
types of areas, while rare, it is possible for two primary beings to exist together. It exists like a slice of banana between two pancakes. It bends the space
around it, causing it to be physically unstable and prone to collapse. The map above shows the world as it exists on a flat plane, which is true to scale.
It is not round, because it is not a planet, and it is probably about the size of the continental United States.
The aforementioned "bending of space" is responsible for there not literally being an "end of the world" when you reach any given corner of the map.
In fact there is really no way to tell where exactly it begins and ends, because spatially the world is a globe, although it actually has no physical curvature.
This is hugely important, because the Realm of Shadows does not spin on an axis, nor does it orbit a star. It simply exists in its own personal area,
sandwiched between other physical spaces.
Things do occur in the books that hint at the Realm's unusual state of existence. The sun rises and sets at the same time every day, and the moon is on just
as specific and unchanging cycle, and bears an uncanny resemblance to Earth's Moon.
Lucian's forced order on the Realm is probably one of the only reasons it has existed as long as it has. The sole reason that the Realm can be plunged into an
eternal night, is not because Lucian has any control over the sun (the Realm does not even HAVE its own sun), but he can control which direction his little pocket dimensional plane faces. |
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The Great Beast was likely a demon from a much lower plane, and I think of the Depths as a semi functional tear in space. If you can imagine how Lucian enters shadows, imagine the depths as a shadow that we can all enter. Book lore, within the actual stories, will speculate hugely on the Depths and Lucian's origins. These are the suppositions and revelations of the characters, and may or may not actually be correct.
In the early beginnings of The Realm of Shadows, humans used to be considered a lower form of life by their stronger and more dominating demon counterparts. This changed drastically in the beginning of the current age when The Lord of Shadows gained complete control over the Realm, who was the first to recognize humans as equal beings and banned the enslavement of any intelligent life form. Many in the Realm of Shadows, particularly those loyal to the South, still view humans as disposable and do not approve of the Equality of Life laws put into place by the Lord of Shadows.
Before the current age, there was a period of time that lasted (approximately) 5000 years, during which Lucian and his brothers struggled amidst the usurping of their oppressor, The Great Beast. Known as The Great Wars, this was a time of complete upheaval in the Realm, when the Ancients of the past, in their sudden acquisition of freedom, fought against each other in pursuit of power.
I have entertained the idea of writing a book that focuses on The Great Wars, and Lucian's rise to power. But whether or not that will ever happen I am not sure. |
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The Eastern Quadrant is ruled by the Lord of Shadows, and is the capitol of the realm. High law (or Common Law), dictated by Lord Lucian, is the
law that must be followed throughout the realm. Anything not specified by High Law is left entirely subject to each individual quadrant.
The East is primarily comprised of lush forests and grassy planes. It is filled with freshwater lakes and rivers, and its climate ranges from cool and
temperate up north, to a nearly subtropical south. Eastcastle itself is situated near three large freshwater lakes, and is directly adjacent to the
Blackfair Forest.
The Forest is known for its unparalleled beauty, as well as its extreme deadliness. Many areas of the forest are completely dark, even in the day time,
and it is often filled with mists and fog, making it nearly impossible to see. Some areas of the forest are thin enough to let in the daylight, and these
areas can be quite beautiful to explore - provided you know where you are going, and what not to touch. Forests like this are fairly common in the East,
but this is the darkest, largest, and most dangerous - ranging from just outside the west wing of Eastcastle, all the way to the borders of both the Western and Southern Quadrants. Because of its many dangers, no roads pass through the forest, and travelers would do well to not attempt a shortcut.
The East is considered the best place for humans - although the West is equally rigorous with the enforcement of the Equal Life laws. Equal Life laws
dictate that all beings of higher intelligence have equal standing in the eyes of the law. This was the law that brought humans into society as equals to
demons, abolished the human slave trade, and recognized humans as citizens. Before these laws, if a human was not a slave, it was only a second class citizen,
with little to no rights in the eyes of the law. While the west has a substantial human population, the East is directly under the guise of the Lord of Shadows
himself, who is known to strictly enforce his laws, and shows little capacity for leniency. |
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The Southern Quadrant was originally ruled by Lord Azael.
Its arid climate and hot dry air make the majority of the South an uninhabitable wasteland. Small villages dot the coasts and rivers that flow down from the
north, and the large cities are dirty, over populated, and vastly impoverished.
The South has an extreme class system, where the wealthy consist of the higher demon races, and the poor consist of minor demons and humans. While
humans are technically legal citizens, and according to High Law have all the equal rights of any demon, the southern government is corrupt and takes a
covert part in the slave trade. Human villages are frequently raided, and the highest rate of kidnapping occurs with females between the ages of 12 and 23.
Southern politics are not unnoticed by the rest of the realm, and it is well known that Lord Azael not only ignores, but takes part in the trading of human life. However the stability of the realm relies on the mutual respect the Lords give one and other, and Azaels word must be accepted as truth to avoid major
internal conflicts. With the new Southern Council in place however, these long standing conflicts are quickly being resolved.
The Black Dunes are an extensive expanse of black sand that has collected in the southern most part of the realm. The temperatures during the height of the
day can get so hot that it appears no life can exist here. Travelers who attempt to cross the Black Dunes do not often make it out alive - and the Dunes are
rumored to be littered with the skeletal remains of demon, human, and animal alike. If you don't die from the heat, you will likely die of thirst before you
find your way out.
The South is known for its saline lakes. Early settlers in their journey to find fresh water were often drawn to them in hopes of salvation. Aside from sand
for glass making, the South's only major export is salt, which is the by product of the desalinization of its waters in order to make it safe for drinking. |
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The Northern Quadrant is ruled by Lord Elial. It is rough mountainous terrain with jagged peaks and steep cliffs. There is not much in the way of plant
life, and the vegetation that lives here is sparse and low to the ground, with a few strong rooted trees that can tolerate the nutrient low clay soil.
The Dragons Jaw is a set of particularly sharp and jagged mountains, which loosely resembles the jaw bone of the aforementioned creature. Its peaks are
nearly impossible to scale, and the North is considered one of the strongest and most highly defended Quadrants in all the realm.
Northcastle sits in a valley surrounded by a thick range of mountains, only readily accessible from the west. There is a pass between Northcastle and the
East through the mountains, though it is a treacherous journey to make.
Comprised mainly of small, sturdy, self reliant cities, the North keeps its politics, and resources to itself, with only one exception. Stone and minerals
from the mountains of the North are exported everywhere throughout the realm. Its mines and quarries are the largest and most extensive of anywhere
else in the realm.
Although high quality granites, marbles, precious metals, and gemstones are mined in the North, its people and its capitol are very minimalist. It is
speculated that the North only exports these materials because they do not use them, and they command a high price in external markets. |
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The Western Quadrant is ruled by Lord Seopahn. It is comprised mainly of islands, peninsulas, bays, and other coastal land formations. The climate
is largely marine and the coastal temperatures are warm and pleasant.
The Serpents Sea is the large bay area that contains the majority of the small islands in the quadrant. While this area is rich in life and commonly used by
the large fishing community of the area, it is also highly regulated. This being due to the fact that it is the only known environment inhabited by a large species
of sea serpent known as the leviathan. The serpent is peaceful by nature, but has been known to attack fishing boats when its natural prey become difficult to
find. It is rumored that Seophan himself created the creature in the early years of his reign, and that he may even take the form himself.
The West is known for its metropolitan sea side cities, which are not only famous for their magnificent views of the sea, but for the unique architecture of
the city itself. White walls with open pillars stack high into the air, covered by blue and gold domed rooftops, while below the streets are complimented by
pristine cleanliness. The markets in Western cities are also worth mentioning, as they are considered the most diverse in all the realm. If you can't find it
anywhere else, you can probably find it here.
It is said that Lord Seophan himself is the catalyst for the weather in the West. The usual calm air and gentile breeze of the sea regularly make for content
citizens. But when the weather over the sea brews dark clouds that bring wind and rain, it is clear that Lord Seophan is not in the highest of spirits.
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When The Great Wars ended, the Realm was divided equally among the four remaining Ancients. At the time, the entire Realm was chaotic, out of balance,
and an unpredictable environmental mess. From erratic daylight hours, to constant quakes and volcanic eruptions. Humans, despite a 5000 year war
and environmental chaos, remained. Lucian's primary goal at this time was to bring order to the Realm.
Over the years the land began to respond to its ruling powers. The boundaries between each quadrant are "fuzzy", and no actual physical borders exist,
nor have they ever. The land formations and vegetation are highly influenced by the natural energy of its ruler, and often display general borderlines
between each territory. There is an informally recognized area of no-mans-land between each quadrant where the energies of each Lord meet. |
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