The Endless Night

Overview: #

The Endless Night is a legendary event during which Nyxilith, the Dreadmother, cast the entirety of Gloomshade Hollow into an eternal twilight. Shrouded in darkness, the land became a realm of shadows, where light struggled to break through, and those who lived within were forced to adapt to the new, eternal night. This event remains one of the most mysterious and unsettling in Valora’s mythology.

Date: #

Late Age of Twilight

Participants: #

• Nyxilith (The Dreadmother) – Goddess of shadows and nightmares
• Hollowthorn family – Guardians of the shadow magic within Gloomshade Hollow
• Various Shadow Cults – Followers who worship Nyxilith

Cause: #

Nyxilith, the goddess of shadows and nightmares, sought to create a world where fear and darkness could reign unchecked. Her goal was to expand her dominion by turning Gloomshade Hollow into a reflection of her own shadowy realm. The cause of the event was driven by her desire to shield her followers from the sun’s light, which she saw as a force of weakness and order.

Story: #

During the Age of Twilight, Nyxilith grew increasingly dissatisfied with the balance between light and dark in the world. Seeking to tip the scales in favor of darkness, she began a ritual deep within the heart of Gloomshade Hollow, where her influence was already strong.

The Hollowthorn family, long-time practitioners of shadow magic and servants of Nyxilith, helped her complete the ritual. As the skies darkened, an impenetrable veil of shadow fell over the region, plunging Gloomshade Hollow into an eternal night. The stars became distant, their light dimmed by the oppressive gloom, and the once-vibrant forests and rivers became eerie and still.

For the inhabitants of the Hollow, survival became a struggle. Plants twisted and adapted to the lack of sunlight, and creatures of the night became more aggressive and predatory. The Shadow Cults, who worshiped Nyxilith, saw this event as the goddess’s ultimate blessing, and they used the cover of night to grow their influence.

The Endless Night transformed the Hollow into a realm of nightmares, where the boundary between the waking world and the realm of dreams was blurred. Travelers who entered the Hollow were often driven mad or consumed by their worst fears, while those who remained learned to survive in the shadows.

Outcome: #

• Gloomshade Hollow was forever changed, becoming a land of eternal twilight where light is a rare and fleeting presence.
• The Hollowthorn family became the undisputed rulers of the Hollow, their mastery over shadow magic cementing their power.
• Nyxilith’s influence over the region grew, and her cults thrived in the darkness, gaining new followers drawn to the allure of shadow magic.
• The event became a cautionary tale for those who sought to challenge the balance between light and dark, warning of the dangers of embracing total darkness.