Shadow Slave

No description.

1. #1Nightmare Spell

   Keys: The Spell, Spell, Nightmare Spell, The Nightmare Spell

   A divine affliction called the Nightmare Spell forces some humans into "Nightmares," which are deadly trials that take place in the dream realm. The Nightmare Spell infects young people, usually around sixteen to eighteen. After being infected, those chosen by the Spell experience an overwhelming desire to sleep. Once they succumb to this feeling, they are transported to the First Nightmare.

   All awakened are carriers of the Nightmare Spell. Carriers are granted echoes, memories, and other boons by the spell.

   [Aspirant! Welcome to the Nightmare Spell. Prepare for your First Trial…]

2. #2Nightmares

   Keys: 1st Nightmare, Nightmare, 6th Nightmare, Third Nightmare, Fourth Nightmare, 2nd Nightmare, First Nightmare, 4th Nightmare, Fifth Nightmare, 3rd Nightmare, 5th Nightmare, Sixth Nightmare, Second Nightmare

   The Nightmares are trials created by the Spell to cause awakening within the Spell Carrier. These nightmares are populated by both creatures, monsters, and humans, all of which are illusory.

   Each Nightmare has a central conflict that has to be resolved so the Nightmare can end. These conflicts are reconstructions of events from the Dream Realm's History.

3. #3Dream Realm

   Keys: The Dream Realm, Dream Realm

   The Dream Realm is a vast, ruined magical world ruled by Nightmare Creatures. This is the place where Nightmares take place.

   Following the First Nightmare, humans will be brought here. If the human is able to return to the real world via a gateway, they will become an Awakened.

   Previously, the Dream Realm was ruled by Gods and Demons, and previous human civilizations reigned the world. However, this era has long come to an end, and the only thing left in the Dream Realm are the Nightmare Creatures.

4. #4Awakened

   Keys: Carriers of the Nightmare Spell, Spell Carriers, Awakened, Nightmare Spell Carriers, The Awakened

   Awakened are people who passed the Nightmare Spell's first trial and established a connection with the Dream Realm. Each of them possesses special powers and a way to enter the Dream Realm to seek out and destroy Nightmares before they create a Gate, thus protecting the real world.

5. #5Gates

   Keys: Gates, Gate, Seed of Nightmare, Nightmare Seed, Seed

   If a Seed of Nightmare isn't found and destroyed before it matures, a Gate from the Dream Realm is opened, and a horde of Nightmare Creatures is unleashed into the real world. To destroy the Seed, any number of Awakened can enter the Nightmare and attempt to conquer it.

   Thus, it won't be wrong to say that the duty of all Awakened is to enter the Dream Realm, seek out maturing Nightmares and close them before any harm befalls the real world

6. #6Citadel

   Keys: Great Citadel, Gateway, Citadel

   A Gateway is a special, stable portal that serves as an anchor and exit point for Awakened in the Dream Realm. A Citadel is a fortress built around a conquered Gateway to protect it.

   Citadles are pre-built, already being built around the Gateway.

   Great Citadels are large Citadels that provide shelter to hundreds of thousands of Awakened.

7. #7Memory

   Keys: Memories, Memory, Enchantment

   A magical item tied to the essence of a Spell Carrier. Memories are created from Soul Essence, but can assume physical form when summoned.

   Memories are magical items that can be in a variety of categories (Armor, Charms, Weapons, Tools, Garments) created from the soul essence of defeated enemies. They reside in the user's soul and can be summoned at will. Their power is defined by their Rank (Dormant, Awakened, etc.) and Tier (which determines the number of magical Enchantments they possess).

   Example Memory: Memory: Sin of Solace Memory Rank: Transcendent. Memory Tier: V. Memory Type: Weapon. Memory Description: [This blade is a whisper of Ariel, the Demon of Dread, who turned a beautiful monster into a queen and gave her a sinister gift of forbidden knowledge.]

   Memory Enchantments: [Sinister Whisper], [Perfect Jade], [Omen of Dread], [Hideous Truth], [Cursed].

   [Sinister Whisper] Enchantment Description: "This blade can deal both physical damage and mental damage to those that it cuts, destroying not only their bodies, but also their minds. The mental damage persists like a curse, even after a single cut."

   [Perfect Jade] Enchantment Description: "This blade is carved from a piece of sublime jade, and as such is sharp and durable beyond logic and reason."

   [Omen of Dread] Enchantment Description: "A faint remnant of Ariel's presence lingers on this blade, striking terror into the hearts of all beings.

   [Hideous Truth] Enchantment Description: "The more the wielder's sanity is shattered, the more powerful this blade becomes. It bestows revelations of madness on those who give in to its will."

   [Cursed] Enchantment Description: "This blade slowly drives its wielder mad.

8. #8Echoes

   Keys: Echo, Echoes

   Echoes, similarly to memories, are created from the soul essence of powerful defeated enemies and reside in their holder's soul. Unlike memories however, echoes are a copy of the slain enemy which can be summoned to fight for their holder.

   Echoes are only capable of limited autonomy, do not possess a soul, and are not alive.

   Example: Echo: Stone Saint Echo Rank: Awakened. Echo Class: Monster.

   Echo Attributes: [Battle Master], [Stalwart], [Mark of Divinity].

   [Battle Master] Attribute Description: [Born on the battlefield, the Stone Saint is proficient in all forms of combat.] [Stalwart] Attribute Description: [The Stone Saint is highly resistant to all forms of damage, as well as being fully immune to mind and soul attacks.]

   Echo Description: [Deep in the cavernous halls of his dark domain, the last child of the -unknown- had created them from stone to quell the fire burning in his resentful heart. However, that fire only grew hotter. Designed to bring peace, they were instead born into an endless war.]

9. #9Enchantment

   Keys: Enchantment

   A magical quality possessed by a memory.

   Example: Memory Enchantments: [Sinister Whisper], [Perfect Jade], [Omen of Dread], [Hideous Truth], [Cursed].

   [Sinister Whisper] Enchantment Description: "This blade can deal both physical damage and mental damage to those that it cuts, destroying not only their bodies, but also their minds. The mental damage persists like a curse, even after a single cut."

10. #10Soul Core

    Keys: Soul Sea, Soul, Soul Core

    A mystical core of one's spirit that is capable of accumulating and storing vast amounts of Soul Essence.

11. #11Soul Shard

    Keys: Soul Shard, Shard

    A physical manifestation of a broken Soul Core that contains remnant Soul Essence. These are found in the corpses of slain Awakened and slain Nightmare Creatures.

12. #12Soul Essence

    Keys: Souol Essence, Essence

    A mystical spirit energy which powers an Awakened. You only have a limited amount of Soul Essence before it needs to replenish.

    Essence is needed to use Aspect Abilities as well as summon Echoes or Memories.

13. #13Soul Rank

    Keys: Saint, Sleeper, Rank, Soul Rank, Ascended, Awakened, Sovereign, Sacred, Master, Supreme, Ascension, Dormant, Divine, Transcendent

    This is the path of strengthening one's soul. Each Rank is a massive jump in power and brings the individual closer to divinity. Ascension also purifies the body, increasing physical perfection, making the Awakened more attractive, and grants a new Aspect Ability.. As one Ascends, most notably after becoming a Supreme, one begins to lose their human nature, in preparation to becoming divine. Humans have colloquial names for these: Sleeper (Dormant), Awakened, Master (Ascended), Saint (Transcended), and Sovereign (Supreme).

    • Dormant • Awakened • Ascended • Transcendent • Supreme • Sacred • Divine.

    Just like humans ascend toward divinity, Nightmare Creatures descend toward profanity. Their corrupted Soul Cores also have seven Ranks or power:

    • Dormant • Awakened • Fallen • Corrupted • Great • Cursed • Unholy.

14. #14Class

    Keys: Soul Class, Class, Demon, Beast, Terror, Monster, Tyrant, Devil, Titan

    A measure of power that is based on the quantity of one's Soul Cores. Unlike humans, who can only ever possess one Soul Core, Nightmare Creatures can possess many. This is another measurement of their power, called a Class. There are seven Classes of Nightmare Creatures, ranging from having one Soul Core to having seven:

    • Beast • Monster • Demon • Devil • Tyrant • Terror • Titan.

    So, a Nightmare Creature with five Soul Cores of the Awakened Rank would be called an Awakened Tyrant, while one with four Soul Cores of the Fallen Rank would be called a Fallen Devil.

15. #15Tier

    Keys: Memory, Tier

    A rough estimate of a Memory's potency that is based on its source. Although Memories follow the same Soul Rank hierarchy, they are also divided into Tiers based on the Classes of the Nightmare Creatures that left them behind. So, a Memory of an Awakened Tyrant (who possessed five Soul Cores) would be categorized as a Tier-Five Awakened Memory, while a Memory of a Fallen Devil (who possessed four Soul Cores) would be categorized as a Tier-Four Ascended Memory.

16. #16Aspect

    Keys: Aspect

    A confluence of one's innate affinities and choices manifested as a magical specialization. Aspects grant the Awakened unique powers, but also curse them with a Flaw.

    Example: Aspect: [Light Bringer]. Aspect Rank: Divine. Aspect Description: [You are a creature of light that was banished and doomed to exist in the darkness. You bring radiance and warmth to wherever you go, but with it comes indescribable longing.]

17. #17Attribute

    Keys: Attribute, Attributes

    A passive ability granted by the Spell. Attributes can awaken, and new ones can be gained upon Ascension.

    Example: Attributes: [Battle Master], [Stalwart], [Weapon Sage], [Heart of Darkness]

    Attribute: [Battle Master] Attribute Description: [You are proficient in all forms of combat.]

    Attribute: [Stalwart] Attribute Description: [You are highly resistant to all forms of damage, and fully immune to mind and soul attacks.]

    Attribute: [Weapon Sage] Attribute Description: [You can effectively wield all weapon types.]

18. #18Aspect Ability

    Keys: Innate Ability, Awakened Ability, Domain, Dormant Ability, Ascended Ability, Aspect Ability, Transformation

    A magical ability granted by an Aspect. A new, more potent ability is gained at each Rank (Dormant, Awakened, Ascended, Transformation, Domain).

    • Innate Ability: Those blessed with a Divine Aspect will be granted an Innate Ability. It is closely related to or intrinsic to their aspect.

    • Dormant Ablility: The first and most fundamental power of an Aspect. Doesn't take soul essence to use.

    • Awakened Ability: A more potent and versatile power that greatly enhances the user's capabilities.

    • Ascended Ablitiy: A powerful ability that often redefines the core function of the Aspect, allowing for incredible feats.

    • Transformation Ability: Each Transcendent is granted a Transformation Abliity, often increasing their power or utility.

    • Domain: Each Sovereign rules over a Domain, an expression of a function of the Aspect. The Sovereigns are already immensely powerful but within their Domains, they are practically invincible.

    Example: Innate Ability: [Shadow Bond]. Ability Description: [Find a worthy master and let them know your True Name. Once they recite it out loud, you will be bound to their will, unable to disobey any command. It is improper for a shadow, let alone a divine one, to walk around without a master.]

    Aspect Ability: [Shadow Control]. Aspect Ability Description: [Your shadow is more independent than most. It is an invaluable helper.]

19. #19Flaw

    Keys: Flaw, Curse, Drawback

    A unique curse placed on all Awakened as the price for gaining mystical powers.

    Example: Flaw: [Clear Conscience]. Flaw Description: [You cannot lie.]

20. #20Transformation Ability

    Keys: Transformation Ability, Transcendent Ability

    Transformation Abilities are the aspect ability granted after the 3rd Nightmare. Transformation abilities were varied, some were more unique, and others allowed them to assume the shape of powerful beasts.

    Examples:

    Saint Tyris can transform into a giant bird of prey, her feathers white, her sharp beak and devastating talons forged out of lustrous, polished steel. Her enormous wings were wreathed in thunderclouds, and bolts of lightning danced around her body like a radiant mantle.

    Saint Sunless has multiple shadows. Each of these shadows, through his transformation ability, can become perfect copies of himself, possessing his Aspect, Attributes, Memories, etc, leading to him having Seven versions of himself.

    Suffice to say, Transformation Abilities are very unique, and dependent on your aspect.

21. #21Domain

    Keys: Domain, Human Domain, Aster, Nephis Domain, Valor Domain, Shadow Domain, Domains, Vale, Song, Song Domain, Asterion Domain

    A Domain is a physical manifestation of a Sovereign's Aspect, a territory where their rule was supreme. It relies on external factors like authority, influence, and power, which are intertwined in Citadels created by the Spell. These external factors influence and grow the Sovereign's personal strength.

    Each Sovereign rules over a Domain which is an expression of a function of the Aspect, distinct from Abilities, but sharing a lot in common with them. In practice, it is synonymous with their authority, the territories they control, and the people serving them. The Sovereigns are already immensely powerful but within their Domains, they are practically invincible.

    Domains operate in three facets.

    Servitude: The more powerful Awakened a Sovereign has in their domain, the more powerful it is. Saints within a Sovereign's domain can claim citadels in their name as well. Territory: Great Citadels and Citadels are both ways for Sovereign's to claim territory within their Domain. Within this area, the Sovereign is empowered, and they receive essence from their source element. They can also use their power to it's fullest extent. Power: While in their domain, a Sovereign's Aspect Abilties are empowered and pushed to their limits. Anvil can control more flying swords, Ki Song can take full control of her undead puppets without issue, allowing them to fight with much more skill and finesse, etc.

    While most domains follow those three facets, not all do. For example, Asterion and Nephis' domains are more mental based. Sunny's domain has no use for territory, as his is contained in his soul, and so on.

22. #22True Name

    Keys: True Name

    A mystical title granted by the Spell to the most exceptional of the Awakened during a Nightmare.

    Examples: Name: Cassie True Name: Song of the Fallen

    Name: Nephis True Name: Changing Star

23. #23Gods

    Keys: God, Heart God, War God, Shadow God, Gods, Storm God, Seven Gods, Six Gods, Forgotten God, Dead Gods, Dream God, Sun God, Beast God

    The Six Gods: The original rulers of the Dream Realm, now dead. Their divine power persists, granting lineages. War God - Deity of warfare, God of life, Goddess of War, Goddess of Life, Goddess of Progress, Technology, Craft, and Intellect, Patron Goddess of Humanity. Beast God - Goddess of the Moon, hunting, carnal desire, blood, beauty, and the cycle of birth and death. Sun God - Lord of Light, a manifestation of fire, passion, creation, and destruction. Storm God - God of the depths, of the oceans, of darkness, stars, travel, guidance, disaster, etc. Shadow God - God of peace, death, solace, and mysteries. Heart God - God of Souls, emotion, memory, hunger, and growth.

    Sealed in the void by his breathern lies the Forgotten God, the Dream God. Saying his name is forbidden, and praying to him will lead to him awakening, leaving the void, and destroying the world. -Unknown-/Dream God/Forgotten God - God of Dreams, nightmares, restoration, imagination, oblivion, and fate.

    Each of the Gods, excluding the Forgotten God, possess a lineage left in the Dream Realm, granting humans benefits, if they're able to claim it.

24. #24Daemons

    Keys: Daemon of Oblivion, Demon of Oblivion, Daemon of Desire, Daemon of Imagination, Daemon of Repose, Last child of the Unknown, Daemons, Ariel, Demon of Repose, Daemon of Destiny, Demon of Desire, Nether, Daemon, Hope, Demon of Dread, Demon of Destiny, Daemon of Fate, Ruler of the Underworld, Daughter of the Unknown, Daemon of Dread, Keeper of Truths, Demon of Fate, Demon of Imagination, Weaver, Firstborn of the Unknown

    The Daemons: Near-divine beings born from the Dream God who was trapped in the void. They waged the Doom War against the Gods, leading to the death of both, and destruction of the Dream Realm.

    Weaver; Firstborn of the -Unknown-, Demon of Fate, Master of Lies, Creator of the Nightmare Spell Nether; Last child of the -Unknown-, Ruler of the Underworld, Demon of Destiny Hope; Daughter of the -Unknown-, Demon of Desire Ariel; Graceless Catiff. Demon of Dead; Keeper of Truths ?; Demon of Oblivion, The Forgotten One ?; Demon of Imagination ?; Demon of Repose

    Despite Daemon's being unable to propagate, the God's banning it, Weaver alone bore a lineage, just like the Gods. secretly passing their terrible legacy on.

25. #25History of the Dream Realm

    Keys: History of the Dream Realm, Age of Chaos, Age of Gods, Doom War, Dream God, Age of Heroes

    Age of Chaos: Before time, primordial beings existed in a void. Gods were born and waged war, sealing the primordials away but accidentally trapping the Dream God with them. Age of Gods: The world was born. The Gods and the newly-appeared Daemons (born from the trapped Dream God) battled remnant abyssal creatures. Age of Heroes: Humanity spread and fought the Corrupted. The Daemons and Gods gained worshippers. The Daemon Hope was imprisoned by the Gods for growing too powerful, and the Daemon Nether waged war on the heavens. The Doom War: Led by Nether, the Daemons rebelled against the Gods. The war ravaged the Dream Realm. Weaver, the Daemon of Fate, refused to fight and instead created the Nightmare Spell as a path to salvation. Weaver's plan resulted in the death of all Gods and Daemons, and the world fell to Corruption. Age of the Nightmare Spell (Current): The Dream Realm is a dead world inhabited by Nightmare Creatures. The Spell infects humans on Earth, forcing them to challenge the Dream Realm to grow strong and potentially restore it.

26. #26Nightmare Creatures

    Keys: Unholy, Demon, Beast, Corrupted, Fallen, Nightmare Creature, Terror, Monster, Tyrant, Devil, Titan

    Nightmare Creatures are monsters from the dream realm. They are animals, people, or anything with life that was Corrupted by the Void.

    Just like humans ascend toward divinity, Nightmare Creatures descend toward profanity. Their corrupted Soul Cores also have Seven Ranks of Power.

    • Dormant (Weakest)
    • Awakened
    • Fallen
    • Corrupted
    • Great
    • Cursed
    • Unholy (Strongest) Unlike Human’s, who can only have one Soul Core (and are thus classified as Beasts), Nightmare Creatures can have multiple, ranging from one to seven.

    1. Beast
    2. Monster
    3. Demon
    4. Devil
    5. Tyrant
    6. Terror
    7. Titan Each class gives the creature unique qualities: Beasts are dangerous and strong, but mindless. Monsters are much more devastating and possessed some rudimentary, warped form of intelligence. Demons have a semblance of intelligence and can acquire ability/abilities. Devils possess unnatural powers, akin to the Aspect Abilities of the Awakened. Devils are sentient, intelligent, and cunning. Tyrants can create and control armies of lesser minions. A Terror’s power is so great it influence it’s surroundings. Titans are mythical creatures also known as Calamities. They are colossal living creatures and their scale is so boundless that they seem like forces of nature.

    Before the Nightmare Spell, Nightmare Creatures were known as Corrupted.

27. #27Noble Creatures

    Keys: Noble Creatures

    Noble Creatures are extinct, all having been corrupted or killed.

    Previously, they were creatures created by the Gods that could rise in both rank and class, though they didn't have aspects. Each God had their own Noble Creatures.

28. #28Void

    Keys: Void Beings, Primordial Void, Unknown, Corruption, Abyss, Eternal Abyss, Void, Eternal Void, The Unknown, Chaos Creatures

    The Void is the place where the unknown (primordial beings) were sealed by the gods. It is also the place where both were born.

    The Void is described not as a malevolent force, but as a transformative one. The Void doesn't "corrupt" in the moral or destructive sense—it changes. These changes are not inherently evil or vile; they are simply different. The Void creates a fundamental contradiction between those it has touched and those it has not, and this contradiction is what breeds conflict.

    Beings that spawn from the Void are known as Void Beings. The Gods were also born here, meaning they are Void Beings.

    Knowledge of the Void is forbidden, and learning of it is Corrupting. This is how humans, noble creatures, animals, and even the Gods and Daemons can become Corrupted/Nightmare Creatures. (Though the latter has never happened.)

29. #29Legacy Clans

    Keys: Legacies, Legacy Clan, Great Clan

    The Legacy Clans are powerful clans of Awakened who established a foothold in the Dream Realm during the first and second generations, holding great stake, controlling a majority of the Dream Realm.

    Above the legacy clans are the Great Clans, Valor, Song, and Night. Each of the Great Clans controls a Great Citadel.

30. #30Valor

    Keys: Valor, Clan Valor, Great Clan Valor, Vale, Sword Domain

    Clan Valor is one of the three great clans, presiding over Bastion, one of the three Great Human Citadels.

    Clan Valor was founded by Warden of Valor, one of the First Generation's stand outs. Warden died attempting his Third Nightmare. Eventually, Clan Valor was taken over by his sons, Anvil and Madoc of Valor respectively.

    Clan Valor is known for it's powerful knights and it's forgers. Members of Valor often have memories tied to forging and creation, specializing in making both memories and echoes.

    Valor's crest is a straight sword thrust through an iron anvil.

    In secret, Valor is presided over by Anvil of Valor, one of humanities three Sovereigns. Madoc is the public figurehead for the clan. Clan Valor is connected to the lineage of the War God.

    Notable Members: Warden of Valor (Founder) Anvil of Valor (Secret Ruler) Madoc of Valor (Ruler) Morgan of Valor (Anvil's Daughter) Mordret of Nothing (Anvil's Disgraced Son)

31. #31Song

    Keys: Song Domain, Great Clan Song, Song, Clan Song

    Clan Song is one of the three great clans, presiding over Ravenheart, one of the three Great Human Citadels.

    Clan Song was founded by Song Jiwon, an obscure Awakened from the First Generation. She died defending Ravenheart from a volcanic creature. Song was originally a regular Legacy Clan, before Ki Song, Song Jiwon's daughter, elevated it to a Great Clan.

    Clan Song has around two thousand Masters, and roughly forty Saints. While Ki Song is known as the ruler of the Great Clan, she doesn't appear in public often, her adopted daughter's often taking up matters on her behalf.

    Just like Anvil, Ki Song is one of humanities three sovereigns, though this fact is unknown, and public perception indicates that she is a Saint.

    Notable Members: Song Jiwon (Founder) Ki Song (Ruler)

    Adopted Daughters: All of Ki Song's adopted daughters share the lineage of the Beast God, despite not being birthed by blood. All of her daughters are Saints.

    Beastmaster Lonesome Howl Moonveil Revel Seishan Silent Stalker Hel

32. #32House of Night

    Keys: House of Night, Nightwalkers

    The House of Night is one of the three great clans, presiding over Nightgarden, one of the three Great Human Citadels.

    The House of Night was founded by Nightwalker, a standout Awakened among the First Generation. It is unknown how Nightwalker died. Unlike the other two Great Clans, which resembled most Legacy clans and had originated from a single family, the House of Night was born from an alliance of several prominent clans, forming into one larger conglomerate.

    The House of Night is known for their ability to guide ships through the perilous seas, being the only clan which could safely go to and from using the Dream Realm's waters.

    Unlike Song and Valor, the House of Night doesn't have it's own Sovereign. The House of Night is connected to the lineage of the Storm God.

    Notable Members: Nightwalker (Founder) Aether Bloodwave Naeve Typhaon Knossos

33. #33Immortal Flame

    Keys: Immortal Flame Clan, Immortal Flame

    The Immortal Flame Clan was one of the Great Clans, falling shortly after the death of Broken Sword.

    Immortal Flame Clan was founded by Immortal Flame, the highlight of the First Generation. Immortal Flame was the first of humanity to Ascend, becoming a Master. Immortal Flame would have a daughter, Smile of Heaven, who also Ascended, becoming a Master as well.

    Immortal Flame would later die protecting the human cities from a Category Five gate in North America. Fighting alongside her father, Smile of Heaven would become a hollow— her soul destroyed— while pregnant with her daughter, Nephis.

    Broken Sword, a stand out Master among the Second Generation, and Smile of Heaven's husband, would become the next leader of the Immortal Flame Clan. Soon after, Broken Sword became the first being in humanity to transcend, becoming a Saint.

    A few months would pass, and Broken Sword's death would be announced. Publicly, it was stated that Broken Sword had died while exploring a Death Zone. In reality, he was backstabbed by his fellow Sovereigns following their Fourth Nightmare, scared of his ambition.

    Notable Members: Immortal Flame (Founder) Smile of Heaven (Founder's Daughter) Broken Sword (Previous Ruler) Changing Star/Nephis (Daughter of Broken Sword and Smile of Heaven)

Showing 33 of 33

1 file

• .jsonjson_lorebookrebuilt

  46.9 KBfirst seen Oct 2, 20257f7543db90ef81dc

  Download