Shadows

To most people in the world, demons are the epitome of evil. For they have yet to see the true darkness in the world. Those who truly know what real evil lurks in the dark depths of the world are relatively few. And of that number, many deny the truth of this knowledge. Afraid that it could be true. Afraid that there is a threat beyond the endless hunger of twisted beasts that would rip apart their civilization without as much of a thought. An enemy of flesh and blood they can fight with steel. But what of an enemy that would destroy them without so much as a single army?

These creatures are most commonly referred to as the living shadows, though the are often called phantoms, wraiths, or shades. They are quite literally creatures of darkness. Their formless black bodies, slide over the ground like a fog with murderous intent. Their bodies dark and insubstantial, and their eyes like red pools of burning hatred. Since they abhor light, it's hard to catch a proper glimpse of these creatures.

Unlike demons, many if not all, shadows are capable of communicating with human beings. However, this doesn't make interacting with them any less dangerous. No matter how sweet their words. Many offer promises of gold, or gifts of power. And while they often do deliver, the benefits are never worth the cost. These creatures strive to unbalance the world and send it into darkness. And if they can get mortal hands to do it for them, then all the sweeter.

Though they would prefer to fight men with men, this is not to say they are incapable of more direct action. Blades, short of the precious few enchanted weapons scattered throughout the land, tend to be horribly ineffective against these beings. Sliding through their smoky as if nothing was there. Their dark tendrils, though unable to do little direct physical harm, will sap the life essence out of a victim. Confronting these creatures with magic is perhaps the most effective, but those are capable of wielding it are rare.