Systems
The fundamental forces, magic systems, and mechanics of the world.
Beastlings
The common term for animals. A squirrel is a forest beastling; a fish is a water beastling. The word carries no negative connotation — it simply means a living creature of the wild. Beastlings are nam...
DarkLife & Dark Beastlings
DarkLife is the zombie-like state produced when Umbral Essence reanimates dead beastlings (animals), severed limbs, or disembodied remains. The reanimated remains are bent entirely toward the destruct...
Record, Memory & Truth
Formal year-counting begins with the founding of Farshadow. Years are recorded as After Founding (AF). Events prior to this are referenced relative to the Wandering or Keeper encounters. Farshadow's h...
Sparks & Commitment
Individuals are required to choose their first Order at sixteen years of age. This is considered the point of full adulthood. The choice is mandatory, not advisory. Delay or refusal is not permitted. ...
The Orders
Knowledge was divided into formal Orders of competence. Each Order governs a domain of understanding and labor. Membership determines training, authority, and social standing. | Order | Domain | |-|--...
The Sun
TrueLight after ascension. Set in the sky by Eyru after departure. Circles Deepmere continuously. Serves as offered protection for all who inhabit Deepmere. Does not command or compel; its light is gi...
The Temple of Knowledge
The Temple of Knowledge is governed jointly by the Order of Word and the Order of Measure. Their functions are deeply intertwined: Word governs record, law, doctrine, and instruction; Measure governs ...
TrueDark
The absolute absence of light. Enables Umbra's influence and the emergence of Umbral Essence. The conditions under which darkness gains power in Deepmere. Under TrueDark conditions, Umbral Essence see...
TrueLight
Considered the highest form of light. Includes light from Eyru, light of the Sun, and light from flame and burning things. Source of creation for the Highborn and Kinsfolk — an objective, pre-material...
Umbral Essence
A dark force that emits from Umbra himself, seeping outward through the body of Deepmere under conditions of TrueDark. Not a separate entity — an extension of Umbra's presence, diffuse and impersonal....
Worldlines
Invisible lines of force or connection that run through Deepmere. Their origin and full nature are not understood. They intersect at a single point — the Crossing — which is the furthest possible dist...