Nobody is quite certain exactly what the Darkness is, but the popular theory holds that it is radiation of a type never before seen, possible radiating from another dimension. Sophisticated equipment can gauge levels of Living Darkness (LD), but in sufficiently irradiated areas (Dark Zones) the presence is easily noticeable. Light is diminished, flames extinguish and electrical light sources mysteriously deaden (only to return to working order once removed from the Dark Zone).
The effects of LD on people is nothing short of remarkable. Even where physical effects of LD are not apparent, psychological effects are profound. Humans and animals contaminated with LD slowly become more and more aggressive. If contamination accumulates in a person for more than a few weeks, they are reduced to a permanent mindless rage.
Dark zones often appear in areas resonating with unstable of violent minds, propagating a cause/effect cycle. It is therefore of little wonder that certain prisons and mental asylums are among the highest LD-level areas.
Dark Zones are often abandoned by animals and people, even unaware of the approaching threat. Those stubborn individuals who remain in Dark Zones invariably become dangerously insane. The psychological effects of intense LD contamination are more often than not irreversible.
Dark Zones are usually confined to isolated pockets: a single building, or some rooms within a building - but there are cases of slums, ghettoes and even entire towns becoming massive Dark Zones. The largest and most affected Dark Zones are called Critical Zones and have been observed to expand and intensify, driven by some unknown force. Sadly, the entire city of Melbourne is quickly becoming a huge gloom-ridden ghost town.
Some people having spent a length of time in a Dark Zone report seeing misshapen creatures in the shadows. This is probably hallucination brought about by the impact of LD on the mind. Only those who disappeared without trace may know for sure.
A dangerous vocation indeed is taken by some hardy individuals, venturing into Dark Zones. Some Dark Runners enter Dark Zones for the express purpose of illegal looting. Others are apid by scientists to collect data. Some are secretly-hired mercenaries working for governments to eliminate the dangerous Affected. Criminal organisations frequently take advantage of the derelict nature of Dark Zones to make exchanges and do other shadowy deeds.
Inevitably, there are Dark Runners employed to prevent any one of the above activities from taking place.
Many Runners perform several of the above roles, Running whenever there is somebody to pay them. Dark Running is illegal in most countries, so finding work while maintaining a low profile is one of a Runner's most valuable skills.
The working life of a Runner is generally short. A careless Runner - even with the best protective gear - will quickly succumb to what is called in the industry, Gloomrage. Levels of affliction may wane given time and.or therapy, but is more likely to increase than be cured. Sensible Runners quit early, but most are too far gone by the time they realise. Those who Run long enough to retire wealthy, on the whole are likely to drink themselves to death, form a drug addiction or commit suicide.