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{{canon}}
{{dombox
|picture=Jester-Shadow-Rift-1.png
|culture_lvl= Late<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 121">[[The Shadow Rift (Module)]] p. 121</ref> [[CL 7|Medieval (7)]]<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 121">[[The Shadow Rift (Module)]] p. 121</ref><ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref>
|ecology=Full<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref>
|terrain=Temperate forest, hills, plains, mountains, swamp<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref>
|year_formed=[[Arak]] formed in [[575 BC]], transited to The Shadow Rift in [[740 BC]]<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref>
|population= 24,000<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref>
|races= Arak 40%([[teg]] 7%, [[powrie]] 7%, [[brag]] 7%, [[muryan]] 6%, [[shee]] 4%, [[sith]] 4%, [[alven]] 2%,[[fir]] 2%, [[portune]] 1%), changelings 25%, other 35%<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref>
|languages= [[Arak (Language)|Arak]]*, [[Sylvan]]*, [[Balok (Language)|Balok]], [[Darkonese (Language)|Darkonese]], [[Mordentish (Language)|Mordentish]], [[Tepestani (Language)|Tepestani]], [[Vaasi (Language)|Vaasi]]<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref>
|religions= None<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref> for the most part
|government=[[Hereditary Aristocracy]]<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref>
|ruler=[[Queen Maeve]] / [[Prince Loht|King Loht]]<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref>
|darklord=[[Gwydion]]<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref>
|analog= Fey folklore and a mixture of influences from ''Dante's Inferno'' and ''the Labyrinth'' and ''the Dark Crystal'' movies<ref>[http://fraternityofshadows.com/TheParlor/3rd_author_notes/AN_Ravenloft_Gazetteer_V.html Gazetteer V Author's Notes]</ref> The society and culture of the Arak takes some inspiration from Tutor England.<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 121">[[The Shadow Rift (Module)]] p. 121</ref>
|nationality=
}} Located at the heart of [[the Core]], [[the Shadow Rift]] appears from the outside as a deep chasm full of [[Mist]].  But at the bottom of the chasm is a thriving civilization of [[Shadow Fey]], protected from the [[sun]] by the [[The Mists|Mists]] above. These same [[Mists of Shadow]] make it difficult to enter the Shadow Rift safely, for to penetrate the Mists far enough means to fade away into nothing. The interior of the Shadow Rift is subject to a [[temporal fugue]], so that a fortnight outside the Rift corresponds to a year inside.
 
Political rule of the domain alternates between the [[Seelie Court]] of [[Queen Maeve]] and the [[Unseelie Court]] of [[Prince Loht]]. The [[darklord]] of the domain is [[Gwydion]], though he remains trapped within the [[Obsidian Gate]].
 
[[Category:Canon Domain]]
[[Category:domain]][[Category:The Core]][[Category:Temporal Distortion]][[Category:Planar Disruption]][[Category:Planar Mechanics]][[Category:rift]]
 
==Things, Creatures & Personages of Legend==
*[[Arak the Erlking]]
 
*[[Gwydion the Sorcerer-Fiend]]
 
*[[Ruins]] of lost civilizations on the [[Greenlands]]' [[plateau]]s<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 100">Gazetteer V p. 100</ref>
 
==Biology==
 
===Flora<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 103-104">Gazetteer V p. 103-104</ref>===
Despite the lack of a sun, [[plant]] life exists in abundance and diversity throughout [[the Greenlands]], especially plants bearing [[fruit]] and [[flower]]s. Various plant species of [[the Core]] are seen together without regard to differences in [[climate]] or environmental preference. Strange plants unknown elsewhere also abound in the Greenlands, including [[applewort]], [[heartrose]], [[shee's kiss]], and [[starweed]]. Other plants hail from the [[Plane of Shadow]], such as the [[umbral banyan]].
 
On the other hand, [[the Stonedowns]] is mostly bereft of plants, save for the [[Stonedowns Moss|Stonedowns moss]].
 
===Fauna<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 103, 105">Gazetteer V p. 103, 105</ref>===
Many kinds of [[nocturnal]] fauna thrive in the perpetual twilight of the Shadow Rift.
 
===Native Horrors<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 103, 105">Gazetteer V p. 103, 105</ref>===
*[[The Arak]] and various [[fey]] mostly dwell in the [[Greenlands]] of the northern Rift.
*The [[saugh]] are [[undead]] troops formerly obedient to [[Loht]] but later revealed to truly obey [[Gwydion]]. Now mostly lurking in the arid areas of [[the Stowndowns]] (if [[corporeal]]) or the [[Black Marsh]] (if [[incorporeal]]). [[Shadow]]s can pop up anywhere.
*Creatures from the [[Plane of Shadow]] or of a shadowy nature thrive here. These [[:category:Shadowy Creature|shadowy creatures]] enjoy a heightened hardiness due to the dark energies permeating the Shadow Rift.
*[[Vermin]] of varying monstrous sizes. [[Spider]]s and spider-like beings ([[aranea]], etc.), are reviled by the Arak due to their association with the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]], and thus have been
 
==Geography==
The [[geography]] of the Shadow Rift is divided into two major [[region]]s, the lush [[Greenlands]] of the Northern Rift and the bleak and barren [[Stowndowns]] of the Southern Rift. In the chaotic Greenlands, the preternatural [[life]] is so abundant it can be seen in the unusual motions of the [[plant]]s<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 100">Gazetteer V p. 100</ref>, and even inanimate objects may seem to have a semblance of life about them<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 119">The Shadow Rift p. 119</ref>. With the exception of the five [[plateau]]s that rise above the rest of the Greenland and its rolling [[hills]], the Greenlands presents a relatively flat surface.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 100">Gazetteer V p. 100</ref> On the other hand, the Stowndowns are dull, craggy wastelands characterized by treacherous, uneven terrain and deadly [[chasm]]s.<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 119">The Shadow Rift p. 119</ref><ref name="Gazetteer V p. 101">Gazetteer V p. 101</ref> The perilous [[Black Marsh]] is the primary exception, but its mires and wilting hopelessness make the Marsh wretched on its own terms.<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 119-120">The Shadow Rift p. 119-120</ref><ref name="Gazetteer V p. 101">Gazetteer V p. 101</ref>
 
The Greenlands are separated from the Stowndowns by a 500 ft. set of [[cliffs]] called [[the Precipice]].<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 99-100">Gazetteer V p. 99-100</ref>
 
===[[Weather]]===
The Shadow Rift for the most part shows a temperate climate<ref name="Gaz V p. 98">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 98</ref> similar to its neighbors, getting enough rain to provide for the flourishing vegetation of the domain.<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 121">[[The Shadow Rift (Module)]] p. 121</ref> However, true [[winter]] season never comes, leaving [[ice]] and [[snow]] out of the domain entirely.<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 121">[[The Shadow Rift (Module)]] p. 121</ref>
 
===Terrain===
 
====[[Mountains]]====
*[[The Darkenheights]] rises out of the eastern half of the Southern Rift.<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 120">The Shadow Rift p. 120</ref><ref name="Gazetteer V p. 103, 105">Gazetteer V p. 103, 105</ref>
 
====Lakes<ref name="The Shadow Rift p. 120">The Shadow Rift p. 120</ref><ref name="Gazetteer V p. 100-101">Gazetteer V p. 100-101</ref>====
 
*[[Loch Lenore]], in the Greenlands, fed by the [[Hidden Cascade]] falling from [[Tepest]] above.
 
*The [[Biting Tarn]], in the Stowndowns, fed by the [[Falling River]] and rendered noxious by the contaminants of the Falling River's tributaries.
 
===Communication===
 
====Rivers<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 100-101">Gazetteer V p. 100-101</ref>====
The [[Falling River]] originates in Loch Lenore, winding across the Greenlands and receiving contributions (not always [[water]], sometimes strange things like liquid [[silver]], [[slime]], or even [[blood]]) before spilling over [[the Precipice]] into the Biting Tarn of the Stowndowns. Two rivers leak out of the Biting Tarn, the [[Nightrush]] and the [[Grimfey Flow]], ultimately ending in the [[Black Marsh]].
 
====Roads====
 
====[[Fractures]]====
 
[[:category:Fracture|Fractures]] are the primary way of entering or leaving the Shadow Rift. [[The Fracture]] leading from southwestern [[Tepest]] (specifically the [[Wytchwood]]<ref>The Shadow Rift p. 124</ref>) to the Shadow Rift is a series of [[underground]] [[cavern]]s. It is the most reliable<ref name="Gaz V p. 99">[[Gazetteer V]] p. 99</ref> and only continuously available<ref>Gazetteer V p. 116</ref> fracture, although there are others.<ref>Gazetteer V. p. 99, for a list of other options, see [[:category:Fracture]]</ref>
 
==Economy==
According to [["S"]], the Shadow Rift has no systematized [[economy]], at least in the way [[mortal]]s understand it.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 115">Gazetteer V p. 115</ref> The shadow fey need not [[food]] and only eat for pleasure, instead subsisting off of the Shadow Rift's energy.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 109">Gazetteer V p. 109</ref> Moreover, they have no [[coinage]] nor do they conduct [[trade]] with the surrounding [[domain]]s. [[Exchange]] takes place through [[barter]] or trading favors. Except for some specific exceptions, shadow fey often hold loose views on personal ownership of physical items.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 115">Gazetteer V p. 115</ref>
 
The shadow fey may obtain objects from mortals through [[theft]] or through exchange. In the latter case, the fey may offer [[illusion|illusory]]  [[faerie gold]] revealed to be mere debris when the [[sun]]'s light falls upon it.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 115">Gazetteer V p. 115</ref>
 
===Population Distribution===
 
====Towns====
*[[Anvolee]] (mostly [[:category:changeling|changelings]])
 
*[[Beliviue]] (mostly [[sith]])
 
*[[Esmerth]] (mostly [[shee]])
 
====Villages====
 
==Authority==
 
===Darklord===
*[[Gwydion]], although his activities are highly restricted due to his [[imprisonment]] in the [[Obsidian Gate]]
 
===Temporal Rule===
[[Queen Maeve]] and [[Prince Loht]] alternate as [[ruler]]s of the Shadow Rift, each for fifty percent of the year.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 113-115">Gazetteer V p. 113-115</ref>
 
===Spiritual Rule===
Due to the Arak's [[rebellion]] against and [[liberation]] from [[Gwydion]], who was "their" deity, the Arak as a collective recognize venerate no other gods. This does not mean they don't accept the existence of gods, but they largely leave [[worship]] as a pursuit of the [[mortal]]s.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 110">Gazetteer V p. 110</ref> Consequently, no centralized church exists at this present time.
 
This is not to say the Arak completely lack [[divine magic|divine spellcasting]]. Rather it is something uncommon and highly cherished among the Arak, although [[Queen Maeve]] is taking steps to make it more common.<ref>VRGttSF p. 62-63</ref> For more on the Arak and [[religion]], see "Church and State" and "Gods and Religion" below.
 
===Church and State===
The state of the Arak supports or decries few gods or [[religion]]s. A stark exception is the [[Cult of the Spider Queen]], which is loathed by the vast majority of the Arak. Arak that become [[zelldrow]] are driven into [[exile]], forbidden from entering the [[Greenlands]].<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 110">Gazetteer V p. 110</ref>
 
In an effort to boost divine spellcasting upon the Arak, [[Queen Maeve]] has supported [[Ailiah]] and her followeers in creating the [[Church of the Ancestral Fey]]. The [[Unseelie Fey]] have condemned this practice as a way of enslaving the Arak once again.<ref name="VRGttSF p. 62-63">[[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey]] p. 62-63</ref>
 
===Government===
The government of the Shadow Rift is composed of the Two Courts, Queen Maueve's [[Seelie Court]] and Prince Loht's [[Unseelie Court]], each of which presides over the Shadow Rift from the [[Malachite Palace]] for fifty percent of the year from the Rift's subjective time frame. The Courts are absolutely obedient to their leaders, Maeve ruling through endearing charm and celebrity and Loht through tyranny and harshness.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 113-115">Gazetteer V p. 113-115</ref>
 
===Law===
The [[Law of Arak]], the commandment for the Arak to never kill the Arak, was declared by [[Arak the Erlking]] in response to Gwydion's past [[abuse]]s of their people. This law is the main law no Arak will transgress. Other laws are typically regarded as general guidance and rules of thumb rather than absolutist protocols.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 110-111">Gazetteer V p. 110-111</ref> This is not to say that the wishes of the Shadow Rift's [[king]] and [[queen]] are take lightly, for their commands are law as far the Arak are concerned<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 113">Gazetteer V p. 113</ref>, and both [[Queen Maeve]] and [[Prince Loht]] can punish [[transgressor]]s severely.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 114-115">Gazetteer V p. 114-115</ref> Both monarchs employ [[quickling]]s and [[invisible stalkers]] to deliver their wishes throughout the Rift.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 113">Gazetteer V p. 113</ref>
 
===Law-Enforcement===
The chaotic [[Muryan]]s, aided by their [[Muryankin]], act as the police force.
 
====Extra-Judicial====
The powrie are often used as [[professional murderer]]s. However, since they are never used to murder other Shadow Fey (an act breaking the [[Law of Arak]])<ref name="VRGttSF p. 60">VRGttSF p. 60</ref> and the ruler's wishes determine the law<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 113">Gazetteer V p. 113</ref>, it is unknown to what to degree and when using powrie as killers and enforcers might be considered extrajudicial.
 
===Intelligence Gathering===
In addition to their skills as assassins, powrie serve as [[spy|spies]].<ref name="VRGttSF p. 60">VRGttSF p. 60</ref>
 
==Language & Culture==
[[Sylvan]], the language of the [[fey]], is spoken as a native tongue in the Shadow Rift, and the Arak speak [[Arak (Language)]] as their native tongue as well. Several languages of [[the Core]] are also known, and several of the various Breeds of the Arak, such as the [[brag]] and the [[teg]], have their own breed-specific variants.<ref>Gazetteer V p. 98, 108-109</ref>
 
Due to their fascination with mortals, the Arak have stitched together an eclectic culture with elements borrowed  from various different cultures around [[the Core]].<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 108">Gazetteer V p. 108</ref>
 
==Gods and Religions ==
As previously mentioned, the Arak as a collective venerate no deities. The [[Cult of the Spider Queen]] once had a significant following, but today it receives only loathing for the vast majority of the Arak. Individual shadow fey may become divine spellcasters in service to particular gods, but this is more to alleviate boredom than actual [[worship]] on the part of the fey.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 110">Gazetteer V p. 110</ref>
 
[[Druid]]ism has a significant number of followers among some subbreeds of the Arak, although they venerate [[nature]] as an abstract force rather than a personified divinity.<ref name="Gazetteer V p. 110">Gazetteer V p. 110</ref>
 
A new spiritual movement, the [[Church of the Ancestral Fey]], has surfaced. They venerate the no gods but rather hold a special reverence for the [[spirit]]s of fey gone of past ages. Bolstered by Queen Maeve's encouragement, [[Ailiah]], the first of the [[Fey Priest]]s, leads a cult of this religion's followers. The fey of the Unseelie Court condemns the movement as building another form of [[slavery]] for the Arak.<ref name="VRGttSF p. 62-63">[[Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey]] p. 62-63</ref>
 
==Chronology==
BC
 
 
{{ref}}
 
==Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue==
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[[Category:domain]]
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'''WIKISEED FROM CATALOGUE :''' Ruled by [[Gwydion]]''(Please edit freely, then remove this note and WIKISEED label)''
[[category:Hereditary Aristocracy]]
[[category:Aristocracy]]

Latest revision as of 13:57, 12 January 2024

The Shadow Rift (Domain)
Culture Level Late[1] Medieval (7)[1][2]
Ecology Full[2]
Climate & Terrain Temperate forest, hills, plains, mountains, swamp[2]
Year Formed Arak formed in 575 BC, transited to The Shadow Rift in 740 BC[2]
Population 24,000[2]
Races (%) Arak 40%(teg 7%, powrie 7%, brag 7%, muryan 6%, shee 4%, sith 4%, alven 2%,fir 2%, portune 1%), changelings 25%, other 35%[2]
Languages Arak*, Sylvan*, Balok, Darkonese, Mordentish, Tepestani, Vaasi[2]
Religions None[2] for the most part
Government Hereditary Aristocracy[2]
Ruler(s) Queen Maeve / King Loht[2]
Darklord(s) Gwydion[2]
Nationality
Analog Fey folklore and a mixture of influences from Dante's Inferno and the Labyrinth and the Dark Crystal movies[3] The society and culture of the Arak takes some inspiration from Tutor England.[1]
Related Categories
Locations in The Shadow Rift (Domain)
Transportation in The Shadow Rift (Domain)
Inhabitants of The Shadow Rift (Domain)
Former Inhabitants of The Shadow Rift (Domain)
Flora of The Shadow Rift (Domain)
Fauna of The Shadow Rift (Domain)
Native Monsters of The Shadow Rift (Domain)

Located at the heart of the Core, the Shadow Rift appears from the outside as a deep chasm full of Mist. But at the bottom of the chasm is a thriving civilization of Shadow Fey, protected from the sun by the Mists above. These same Mists of Shadow make it difficult to enter the Shadow Rift safely, for to penetrate the Mists far enough means to fade away into nothing. The interior of the Shadow Rift is subject to a temporal fugue, so that a fortnight outside the Rift corresponds to a year inside.

Political rule of the domain alternates between the Seelie Court of Queen Maeve and the Unseelie Court of Prince Loht. The darklord of the domain is Gwydion, though he remains trapped within the Obsidian Gate.

Things, Creatures & Personages of Legend

Biology

Flora[5]

Despite the lack of a sun, plant life exists in abundance and diversity throughout the Greenlands, especially plants bearing fruit and flowers. Various plant species of the Core are seen together without regard to differences in climate or environmental preference. Strange plants unknown elsewhere also abound in the Greenlands, including applewort, heartrose, shee's kiss, and starweed. Other plants hail from the Plane of Shadow, such as the umbral banyan.

On the other hand, the Stonedowns is mostly bereft of plants, save for the Stonedowns moss.

Fauna[6]

Many kinds of nocturnal fauna thrive in the perpetual twilight of the Shadow Rift.

Native Horrors[6]

Geography

The geography of the Shadow Rift is divided into two major regions, the lush Greenlands of the Northern Rift and the bleak and barren Stowndowns of the Southern Rift. In the chaotic Greenlands, the preternatural life is so abundant it can be seen in the unusual motions of the plants[4], and even inanimate objects may seem to have a semblance of life about them[7]. With the exception of the five plateaus that rise above the rest of the Greenland and its rolling hills, the Greenlands presents a relatively flat surface.[4] On the other hand, the Stowndowns are dull, craggy wastelands characterized by treacherous, uneven terrain and deadly chasms.[7][8] The perilous Black Marsh is the primary exception, but its mires and wilting hopelessness make the Marsh wretched on its own terms.[9][8]

The Greenlands are separated from the Stowndowns by a 500 ft. set of cliffs called the Precipice.[10]

Weather

The Shadow Rift for the most part shows a temperate climate[2] similar to its neighbors, getting enough rain to provide for the flourishing vegetation of the domain.[1] However, true winter season never comes, leaving ice and snow out of the domain entirely.[1]

Terrain

Mountains

Lakes[11][12]

  • The Biting Tarn, in the Stowndowns, fed by the Falling River and rendered noxious by the contaminants of the Falling River's tributaries.

Communication

Rivers[12]

The Falling River originates in Loch Lenore, winding across the Greenlands and receiving contributions (not always water, sometimes strange things like liquid silver, slime, or even blood) before spilling over the Precipice into the Biting Tarn of the Stowndowns. Two rivers leak out of the Biting Tarn, the Nightrush and the Grimfey Flow, ultimately ending in the Black Marsh.

Roads

Fractures

Fractures are the primary way of entering or leaving the Shadow Rift. The Fracture leading from southwestern Tepest (specifically the Wytchwood[13]) to the Shadow Rift is a series of underground caverns. It is the most reliable[14] and only continuously available[15] fracture, although there are others.[16]

Economy

According to "S", the Shadow Rift has no systematized economy, at least in the way mortals understand it.[17] The shadow fey need not food and only eat for pleasure, instead subsisting off of the Shadow Rift's energy.[18] Moreover, they have no coinage nor do they conduct trade with the surrounding domains. Exchange takes place through barter or trading favors. Except for some specific exceptions, shadow fey often hold loose views on personal ownership of physical items.[17]

The shadow fey may obtain objects from mortals through theft or through exchange. In the latter case, the fey may offer illusory faerie gold revealed to be mere debris when the sun's light falls upon it.[17]

Population Distribution

Towns

Villages

Authority

Darklord

Temporal Rule

Queen Maeve and Prince Loht alternate as rulers of the Shadow Rift, each for fifty percent of the year.[19]

Spiritual Rule

Due to the Arak's rebellion against and liberation from Gwydion, who was "their" deity, the Arak as a collective recognize venerate no other gods. This does not mean they don't accept the existence of gods, but they largely leave worship as a pursuit of the mortals.[20] Consequently, no centralized church exists at this present time.

This is not to say the Arak completely lack divine spellcasting. Rather it is something uncommon and highly cherished among the Arak, although Queen Maeve is taking steps to make it more common.[21] For more on the Arak and religion, see "Church and State" and "Gods and Religion" below.

Church and State

The state of the Arak supports or decries few gods or religions. A stark exception is the Cult of the Spider Queen, which is loathed by the vast majority of the Arak. Arak that become zelldrow are driven into exile, forbidden from entering the Greenlands.[20]

In an effort to boost divine spellcasting upon the Arak, Queen Maeve has supported Ailiah and her followeers in creating the Church of the Ancestral Fey. The Unseelie Fey have condemned this practice as a way of enslaving the Arak once again.[22]

Government

The government of the Shadow Rift is composed of the Two Courts, Queen Maueve's Seelie Court and Prince Loht's Unseelie Court, each of which presides over the Shadow Rift from the Malachite Palace for fifty percent of the year from the Rift's subjective time frame. The Courts are absolutely obedient to their leaders, Maeve ruling through endearing charm and celebrity and Loht through tyranny and harshness.[19]

Law

The Law of Arak, the commandment for the Arak to never kill the Arak, was declared by Arak the Erlking in response to Gwydion's past abuses of their people. This law is the main law no Arak will transgress. Other laws are typically regarded as general guidance and rules of thumb rather than absolutist protocols.[23] This is not to say that the wishes of the Shadow Rift's king and queen are take lightly, for their commands are law as far the Arak are concerned[24], and both Queen Maeve and Prince Loht can punish transgressors severely.[25] Both monarchs employ quicklings and invisible stalkers to deliver their wishes throughout the Rift.[24]

Law-Enforcement

The chaotic Muryans, aided by their Muryankin, act as the police force.

Extra-Judicial

The powrie are often used as professional murderers. However, since they are never used to murder other Shadow Fey (an act breaking the Law of Arak)[26] and the ruler's wishes determine the law[24], it is unknown to what to degree and when using powrie as killers and enforcers might be considered extrajudicial.

Intelligence Gathering

In addition to their skills as assassins, powrie serve as spies.[26]

Language & Culture

Sylvan, the language of the fey, is spoken as a native tongue in the Shadow Rift, and the Arak speak Arak (Language) as their native tongue as well. Several languages of the Core are also known, and several of the various Breeds of the Arak, such as the brag and the teg, have their own breed-specific variants.[27]

Due to their fascination with mortals, the Arak have stitched together an eclectic culture with elements borrowed from various different cultures around the Core.[28]

Gods and Religions

As previously mentioned, the Arak as a collective venerate no deities. The Cult of the Spider Queen once had a significant following, but today it receives only loathing for the vast majority of the Arak. Individual shadow fey may become divine spellcasters in service to particular gods, but this is more to alleviate boredom than actual worship on the part of the fey.[20]

Druidism has a significant number of followers among some subbreeds of the Arak, although they venerate nature as an abstract force rather than a personified divinity.[20]

A new spiritual movement, the Church of the Ancestral Fey, has surfaced. They venerate the no gods but rather hold a special reverence for the spirits of fey gone of past ages. Bolstered by Queen Maeve's encouragement, Ailiah, the first of the Fey Priests, leads a cult of this religion's followers. The fey of the Unseelie Court condemns the movement as building another form of slavery for the Arak.[22]

Chronology

BC


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 The Shadow Rift (Module) p. 121
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 Gazetteer V p. 98
  3. Gazetteer V Author's Notes
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Gazetteer V p. 100
  5. Gazetteer V p. 103-104
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Gazetteer V p. 103, 105
  7. 7.0 7.1 The Shadow Rift p. 119
  8. 8.0 8.1 Gazetteer V p. 101
  9. The Shadow Rift p. 119-120
  10. Gazetteer V p. 99-100
  11. 11.0 11.1 The Shadow Rift p. 120
  12. 12.0 12.1 Gazetteer V p. 100-101
  13. The Shadow Rift p. 124
  14. Gazetteer V p. 99
  15. Gazetteer V p. 116
  16. Gazetteer V. p. 99, for a list of other options, see category:Fracture
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 Gazetteer V p. 115
  18. Gazetteer V p. 109
  19. 19.0 19.1 Gazetteer V p. 113-115
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Gazetteer V p. 110
  21. VRGttSF p. 62-63
  22. 22.0 22.1 Van Richten's Guide to the Shadow Fey p. 62-63
  23. Gazetteer V p. 110-111
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 Gazetteer V p. 113
  25. Gazetteer V p. 114-115
  26. 26.0 26.1 VRGttSF p. 60
  27. Gazetteer V p. 98, 108-109
  28. Gazetteer V p. 108

Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue

The Shadow Rift

Secrets of the Dread Realms - pp7,33,35
Ravenloft Third Edition - pp15,19,138-139
The Shadow Rift - pp61-124
The Ravenloft Campaign Setting:Domains and Denizens - pp4-5

Secrets of the Dread Realms - pp8-9
Ravenloft Third Edition - inside cover
The Shadow Rift - p57
The Ravenloft Campaign Setting - poster map

Shadow Rift, The Shadow Rift