## The Shadow of Skar Hollow – The Unseen Caller ### Overview The **Shadow of Skar Hollow** is an enigmatic and malevolent presence encountered during the ill-fated ambush that led to the disappearance of **[[Sela]] Groatfang**. Known only through fragmented accounts, whispered madness, and the echoing fear of survivors, this entity is believed to be a manifestation—or herald—of a deeper darkness tied to the **Withered One**. Whether it is a corrupted spirit, a cursed remnant, or a sapient extension of the undead plague, it has no known name, only its chilling presence. [[Sela]] followed this figure into the depths of the ravine, where the air grew cold, the light dimmed, and unnatural stillness consumed all sound. --- ## Appearance - **Form:** Vaguely humanoid but insubstantial—shadow wrapped in wind, with flickering edges like smoke under starlight - **Eyes:** None visible, but witnesses speak of being “seen” and “measured” when it draws near - **Voice:** Carries no audible voice—commands are felt, not heard, like compulsions whispered into the bones - **Aura:** Cold that drains vitality; plants wilt and blood slows in its presence --- ## Known Powers - **Psychic Influence:** Instills visions or compulsions in its prey, often luring them into isolation - **Necrotic Pulse:** Emits waves of deathly energy, reanimating corpses or crippling the living - **Shroudform:** Cannot be struck by conventional weapons; appears to phase between worlds - **Memory Erosion:** Survivors of its presence report hazy memories, loss of time, and fractured willpower --- ## Role in Skar Hollow The Shadow is believed to have orchestrated the ambush of [[Sela]]’s scouting party. It lured her from her companions with a feeling of familiarity, drawing her into the heart of the Hollow where undead horrors awaited. Only a torn cloak and her crescent clasp remained. Some believe the Shadow consumed her soul, while others think she still lives—changed, watching from beyond, a mirror of herself lost to the dark. --- ## Ties to [[Anam|the Withered One]] The Shadow may be an extension of the **Withered One’s** power, a probe into the waking world from the void beyond gods. Unlike undead minions, it is autonomous, intelligent, and seemingly ancient. It is not driven by hunger or malice, but by cold purpose. Its presence in Skar Hollow marked the first known event where traditional magic faltered and reality shifted in subtle, dreamlike ways—signs now tied to the spread of [[Anam|the Withered One]]’s influence. --- ## Theories and Rumors - **The First Revenant:** Some believe the Shadow is the first soul ever denied rest, cursed to serve as [[Anam|the Withered One]]’s scout - **A Fallen God’s Echo:** Scholars of forbidden lore whisper that it may be a fragment of a forgotten death-god consumed during the First Age - **[[Sela]]’s Fate:** There are conflicting reports—some say the Shadow is now _wearing_ her shape, while others claim she fights it from within --- ## Final Notes The Shadow of Skar Hollow is not a foe to be slain but a force to be understood—or avoided. It lingers in places of loss and silence, drawn to those with strong memories or unresolved grief. Should it speak to you, you will not hear it—but you will _feel_ it. > “When the wind stops, and the world holds its breath... it is already behind you.”