The Veil

The Veil, as it is known among the Shadows, represents the clandestine art of bending light and shadow to one's will. Masters of this elusive craft, Shadows, skillfully manipulate these elemental contrasts to mask their presence or to conjure illusions, thereby beguiling the perceptions of their chosen targets. There are three distinct areas of manipulation within the art of The Veil: Folding, Shimmers, and Harness. 'Folding' involves the intricate bending of light and shadow to render the user virtually invisible, allowing them to move undetected through even the most guarded locales. 'Shimmers' concentrate on the creation of illusions—ethereal distractions that serve to disorient or mislead observers. The third, known as 'Harness,' takes the practice to another level by allowing Shadows to solidify light and shadow into tangible forms, which can then be used as weapons. Each facet of The Veil grants Shadows a unique mastery over their environment, making them unpredictable and formidable operatives whose capabilities are as versatile as they are enigmatic.

Effect

Folding

Folding is the most commonly employed facet of The Veil among the Shadows, particularly well-suited for urban subterfuge. The primary technique is known as "Camouflage," allowing a Shadow to blend seamlessly into their environment, much like a chameleon. This grants the practitioner the extraordinary ability to hide in plain sight. Additional techniques within the Folding category include "Displacement," used to obscure tracks and mislead pursuers; "Shadow Cloak," which envelops the user in an aura of darkness; and manipulations that either dim or enhance ambient light to better suit the Shadow's objectives.

Shimmer

The practice of creating Shimmers is an exercise in focus and discipline, and thus more challenging to master. Through this technique, Shadows can fabricate illusions of both objects and beings, confounding their enemies or distracting them. The most adept Shadows are capable of crafting illusions so convincing they can withstand close scrutiny. Lesser-known but equally effective Shimmer techniques include the creation of "Passing Shadows" and "Flickering Lights," as well as the capacity to warp light and shadow around themselves, generating an aura of terror and intimidation.

Harness

Harnessing represents the pinnacle of complexity in The Veil's triad of techniques, demanding an unwavering will to execute. Through Harnessing, Shadows can materialize weapons made of concentrated light or compacted shadow that rival the lethality of conventional armaments. Light beams can be coalesced into piercing spears, while shadows may be molded into tendrils capable of ensnaring or grabbing. This advanced manipulation turns the intangible into the tactile, making Shadows formidable opponents in any setting.

Manifestation

Shadows ability is as quiet as light or darkness. There is no sound to the effects, only visual disturbances. There is, however, a slight flicker some time after the use of the Veil, that is very hard to detect.

Source

Like all magic in Aaz, the source of magic is unknown and why some may employ it while others can't is also not known. It is believed that the traces of magic that follow Um may be the cause of it.