The existance of this plane outside the bounds of the normal universe has been spoken of for eons. The legends and myths vary greatly from world to world, however one thing is constant in every tale. This is not a peaceful place. Beings foolish enough to explore this realm never return the same. That is of course if they ever return at all.

The exact location of this dreaded land is open to debate. Some believe it is actually tucked away in some dark corner of our universe. This may be the case, however noone has ever been able to reach it wihout the aid of magic. This fact adds weight to the arguement that the Realm of Shadows exists somewhere else.

The explorers which have braved this realm and lived to speak of it, always give a similar recount of its enviroment, regardless of where they have visited.

The skies are dark but not quite night at all times. There are rarely clouds overhead, yet no stars ever shine. The plane appears as most normal worlds do just before nightfall when the sunlight kisses the horizon for the last few seconds of a day.

The countryside is vast and almost completely devoid of life. Wasteland is the most commonly used descriptive word. Mosses and molds can sometimes be found clinging to the rocks and boulders here, however plantlife such as trees and grasses are non-existant. The soil is a dull gray clay and unfertile. Samples which have been retrieved have been used in experiments which have proven the earth here simply can't support vegetation.

The air here is stale but breathable. It is almost always completely still, however when a wind does blow it is never stronger than a light breeze and oddly always blows from the north. The temperature here never changes. A dry 68 degrees blankets the realm.

Though no known tales speak of rain fall, water is not scarce. There are no known reports of streams, rivers or lakes, but stagnant pools untouched by man or beast dot the landscape. This is one of the few blessing a traveller can count on. The still liquid is filled with all sorts of virus's and bacteria which can kill in seconds, however once sterilized it is completely safe.

Food is another matter entirely. Animal life is extremely rare. The beasts which one might encounter here could make a suitable meal if not for a few things.

First, an individual would have to actually locate one. Explorers have spoken of travelling for weeks or even months without encountering a thing. A traveller would likely starve to death before ever attempting a hunt.

Second, undead are just as common as living creatures here. They thrive in the darkened realm, roaming freely with no morning sun to force them into hiding. It might be possible for a hearty soul to force their rotting flesh into his stomach, however he would likely die from poisoning or some other more painful ailment.

Third, the realm is known for its frightfully deadly beasts. A powerful warrior might be able to hunt one down, but he is just as likely to be made into a meal himself.

With these factors in mind, one would be wise to bring plenty of provisions with him when travelling here.

The Realm of Shadows does contain communities, however these are normally avoided at all costs by travellers. One never knows what he will find. Ultra-powerful spell casters and fiends call this place home. Even if a traveller doesn't stumble onto one of these beings, he must ask himself "What type of sane person would live here?" The answer is: A sane person wouldn't live here. That answer should be enough to cause a wise traveller to alter his path when a city or home comes into sight.

So why would anyone visit this place? Curiousity perhaps? Not usually. Most people have enough sense to realize that some things are better left to the unknown. Few individuals are stupid enough to come here just to see how long it takes to be killed.

So what is it then? The answer is simple. Greed. The Realm of Shadows is said to contain magical Artifacts and Relics which can make gods tremble and alter the universe itself. Legends exist of cities of gold and precious gems the size of boulders.

Thousands of worlds contain myth's which speak of this place. Many of these tales are dismissed, however many are believed. Well read historians and sages can't help but noticed that worlds which have never had any contact contained stories about the realm which were eerily similar. These stories are the tales that greedy or power hungry individuals chase after.

Are the stories true? Noone knows, but there is only one way to find out. Pack up your gear and prepare for a journey, but consider yourself warned.. Things might get ugly.

�2001 Joe Pombo