The Archfiend

Being — Dark Manifestation

Name given by unknowing Kinsfolk to a singular presence brought forth by Umbra. Used during rare moments when Umbra attempts direct manifestation.

Not a Shade and not Umbral Essence. Represents Umbra himself pressing outward, or a partial embodiment thereof. The term reflects fear and misinterpretation rather than accurate understanding.

The Archfiend attempts to rise during the Interval, heralded by the arrival of the black cloud along the Worldlines toward the Crossing.

Physical Manifestation

Historical accounts describe the Archfiend's form during attempted risings: a humanoid shape, entirely black, emitting darkness like smoke from every surface. Appendages resembling thick, dark tendrils extend from its back, used to drag itself upward from the ground and to strike at those who oppose it.

Contact with the Archfiend's strikes is reported to cause laceration and a creeping fever — an infection of darkness that the body struggles to expel. Those struck do not always die, but they do not fully recover.

During a rising, Dark Beastlings in the surrounding area are drawn toward the Archfiend. Upon contact, they are absorbed into his form, their stolen life-force strengthening the manifestation. This is why early watchmen prioritized burning Beastling corpses before they could be claimed.

The Temple of Knowledge dismisses these accounts as embellished retellings of natural phenomena.

See also: Umbra · The Interval · The Night-Sun Event