It began in the cities of Enorian and Spinesreach. The shadows, which
had long remained dormant, shifted restlessly. Members of the Paladins
and the city of Enorian itself became concerned over strange whispers
and movements among the shadows, and rumours abounded as to their cause.
Some believed that it was a signal of the strengthening of the Shadow
Plane, and others put it down to a mere trick of the light. What could
not be denied was the unsettling feeling the shadows created.

So too did the shadows of Spinesreach begin to move. Members of the
Syssin especially noticed the odd movements of the shadows, though they
were felt across the city. In the Reach too, the cause was unknown.
Before investigations could be carried further, the shadows appeared to
lie still once more.

The days passed with nothing more than the natural stirrings of light
and shadow across the world, until early in the month of Haernos. The
strange movements of darkness were witnessed again, much more frequently
and widespread before. Citizens of Enorian including Osifer Ryokus and
Aren Ryokus-Thalion were among those who sensed a possible danger and
took steps to banish the moving shadows from their city. Their efforts,
however, were in vain. The shadows were responding to a far more potent
power than any they could wield....

As the frequency and intensity of the changes in the shadows grew, the
Syssin began to whisper theories of their Lord returning to them once
more. Chief among those who put forward such a theory was Winger
Imperil, who took control of the situation in advising the Syssin to
remain vigilant and calm. Though it was hoped the shadows were a sign of
the return of their Lord Severn, fear of a more sinister explanation
still gripped many.

Tension mounted as the shadows seemed to pulse with life and energy,
eventually rising into the sky and travelling to the north to gather
above the Spires of the Citadel. The fear among the populace became more
rampant, paired with uncertainty as to whether the moving shadow would
prove itself to be a blessing or a curse. Exodus Qunmai and Winger
warned citizens of potential danger as followers of the Light travelled
to Spinesreach to investigate. Several of those present in the Basilica
prepared themselves for battle, readying their weapons, and the anxiety
deepened when the citizens of Enorian arrived in the Basilica, searching
for an explanation.

Shortly thereafter, the nature of the shadows' movement was revealed. A
calm voice sounded across the realm, echoed within the whispered voices
of the shadows, speaking of their response to a 'call'. Having settled
previously into a huge sphere above the Spires, the shadows at once
dissipated, revealing a figure swathed in living shadow. In continued
calm tones, the figure proclaimed Himself to have returned once more to
mortal sight and to have taken full control of the realm of Shadow once
more.

With this proclamation, the Artificer revealed Himself to the world once
again. The reasons for His absence are yet unknown, as are His plans for
the future. Time will tell, as they say. Though under the cover of
Artifice, even this is rendered uncertain....

Penned by my hand on the 13th of Arios, in the year 168 MA.