Tenebralis

In the shadowed depths of the Eastern continent, where the remnants of a once-mighty civilization lie buried beneath layers of ash, a peculiar life form thrives. This glowing goo, known to the Easterners as Tenebralis, lines the caverns and tunnels of their subterranean world, casting an eerie, otherworldly glow that dances across the stone walls.

 

Tenebralis is a bioluminescent organism that feeds on decay, drawing sustenance from the perpetual ash that fills the air. This ash, a byproduct of the Explosion of the Dragon's Mount, has become an integral part of the Easterners’ existence. The goo absorbs the ash, breaking it down and converting it into energy, which it then uses to emit a soft, ethereal glow.

 

The Easterners have long since learned to cultivate and refine Tenebralis, coaxing it into a variety of colors to suit their needs. In its natural state, the goo glows a pale, ghostly blue, but through careful manipulation, it can be made to shine in shades of green, red, yellow, and even violet. These colors are not merely for aesthetic purposes; each hue serves a specific function within the underground settlements.

 

The goo itself is a curious substance, both viscous and gelatinous, clinging to the walls and ceilings of the caverns like a living tapestry. It pulses gently, as if breathing, and its glow intensifies when touched, responding to the presence of living beings. The Easterners have woven it into their daily lives, using it to decorate their homes, mark their paths, and even adorn their clothing and jewelry.

 

Despite its beauty, Tenebralis is not without its dangers. The goo is highly sensitive to changes in its environment, and any disruption to the delicate balance of ash and decay can cause it to wither and die. The Easterners must constantly tend to it, ensuring that the ash levels remain consistent and that the oxygen levels in the caverns are not allowed to increase.

 

As the Shadow Lord watches over his realm, shifting forms in the darkness, the Tenebralis continues to glow, casting its eerie light across the underground world. It is a constant presence, guiding the Easterners through their shadowed existence and illuminating the path they have chosen in the depths of the earth.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Yellow Tenebralis is used in areas where food crops are grown, its light nourishing the subterranean flora.

Red Tenebralis is reserved for the forges and workshops, its warm glow providing both illumination and a sense of comfort in the otherwise cold, dark caverns.

Green Tenebralis is highly refined and mildly radioactive as well as highly corrosive. It is used by scientists to break living things down into their base DNA patterns. Anything living thing that comes in contact with green tenebralis dies within seconds.

Violet Tenebralis, the rarest and most prized, is used in the temples and sacred spaces, its deep, rich hue symbolizing the power and beauty of Darkness.

Other colors exist and the combinations form a beautiful tapestry that covers the caverns.

Scientific Name
tenebralis
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities

Cover image: by Antonios Ntoumas

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