The Dark

The Dark is a dwarf legend regarding an evil force which, throughout history, has been a threat to all the races in Arcania. The details of the legend are vague but it speaks of The Dark as a physical entity as opposed to the mere absence of light.

The Four Aspects
There are four aspects to The Dark:


 * The Gathering Dark
 * The Creeping Dark
 * The Encompassing Dark
 * The Smothering Dark

The Gathering Dark
The Gathering Dark is the most commonly encountered aspect of The Dark, also the weakest aspect. The appearance of The Gathering Dark is foreboded by portents including:


 * The Wild Hunt is seen to ride across the skies of Arcania, heading to where The Gathering Dark is manifesting.
 * The regions close to the manifestation are beset by violent and sporadic storms, in particular, dry thunder storms.
 * There is an increase in schemes perpetrated by those dedicated to conquest and destruction.
 * There are a number of astrological phenomena, especially unpredicted eclipses.
 * Many undead are seen walking the lands, particularly during the eclipses.

Over the centuries, there have been many instances of The Rising Dark. Each time it has risen, with one exception, it has been beaten back but at great cost.

The Creeping Dark
Should The Gathering Dark gain a foothold upon Arcania, it will begin to grow and extend its influence across the land, becoming The Creeping Dark. As The Creeping Dark grows in power, the signs that signify The Gathering Dark intensify and grow in frequency.

The Encompasing Dark
Should The Creeping Dark grown unchecked, it will metamorphose into The Encompassing Dark. There will be a darkness that falls across the land as the sun is dimmed. All the forests and fields shall wither and die in the lightless time that follows. From each place where The Dark is manifest, a Dark Prince shall rise to take command of the armies of The Dark.

The only time that the Encompasing Dark has been able to manifest was when Emperor Althais II of Iremian was corrupted by evil council and took on the guise of The Dark Prince. The battle to defeat him was so devastating that Iremian was laid waste.

The Smothering Dark
The Smothering Dark is the final manifestation of The Dark. Should this come to pass, The Dark Princes shall come together and merge, giving birth to The Dark Incarnate, signalling the end of all life upon Arcania.