The Dark Ones
Ancient shadowy forces seeking to consume reality and corrupt the balance of magic.
In the metaphysical cosmology of the Riftwar Saga universe, The Dark Ones represent the ancient, non-human servants of the Dark God. Unlike human factions such as the Mallorean Empire, these entities exist beyond physical forms, operating primarily through shadow and corruption. They are the fundamental antagonists to the Light Gods and the guardians of order within the multiverse.
- Role
- Metaphysical Antagonists
- Affiliation
- The Dark God
- Nature
- Energy/Shadow Entities
- Origin
- Ancient Multiversal Conflict
- Status
- Active Threat
Lore & Background
Their influence is most often felt through corruption, turning mages against their oaths or twisting creatures into monsters. Magic users in the Saga are taught to respect the source of their power, as straying too close to forbidden arts invites the attention of these entities. They do not seek conquest for land or gold, but rather the dissolution of order and the consumption of worlds.
In Their Own Story
Pug stood before the altar, the air thick with ozone and fear. The shadows in the corners of the room did not move with the torchlight; they pooled, deepening into a void that seemed to swallow sound. He felt a cold pressure against his mind, ancient and hungry, testing the wards he had drawn. It was not an army marching on the gates, but something far older waiting in the dark between the stars.
Reader's Guide
The history of The Dark Ones is rooted in the primordial conflict that shaped the multiverse long before humans walked Midkemia. This ancient war established the boundaries between Light and Dark, with magic serving as both a weapon and a vulnerability. Culturally, mages are taught to guard against their influence through strict discipline. Folklore often speaks of 'shadow sickness' or madness as signs of their proximity. They do not have temples in the traditional sense, manifesting instead through corrupted sites or possessed individuals. The current conflict is merely a continuation of this eternal struggle. While empires rise and fall, The Dark Ones remain constant, seeking to exploit rifts in reality to expand their dominion over physical worlds.
Did You Know?
- They are often invisible to the naked eye but can be sensed by those attuned to magic.
- Their corruption can affect non-magical individuals through psychological manipulation.
- Some ancient artifacts were created specifically to ward against their influence.