The Shade

Whatever the state of the Shade Outside, within The Hollow, it's a deadly affliction. The Shade slowly devours the souls of infected dragons as well as feeding on the magic of the Hollow around these dragons. It is a greater threat to the Hollow than any malignant Spark or Datavore because it is contagious and can spread from one contaminated soul to many.

Transmission & Vectors

Shade corruption can spread along magical conduits, making it extremely virulent in the Hollow, since the Hollow itself is a magical construct. It may also spread between individuals who are in physical contact Outside.

Causes

If a Wire becomes contaminated with the Shade Outside, where it originates, that contamination will follow them when they enter The Hollow. Even death may not free a soul of its Shade corruption; it also affects Echoes and even some Sparks.

Treatment

Infected souls are usually quarantined, either by an Architect or by Frip herself, as soon as they are discovered, to reduce the risk of contagion. The magic of this quarantine cuts the soul off from the rest of the Hollow, setting it completely adrift without any facsimile of body or environment, until the Shade finally consumes its victim.

Prognosis

No one has yet discovered a way to save a Shade-touched soul.

Cultural Reception

Most residents of the Hollow are terrified of the Shade. All legal bodies within the Hollow have strictly outlawed not only the Shade itself but any related magic, and any instances of Shade contamination are usually treated severely.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare