Alter Aeon The Great Library

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Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  26579
Title: a dark and shadowy book entitled 'Shadow Asylum Explained'

Shadow Asylum Explained

To use the ultimate technique of shadow, one must have a complete
understanding of what shadow channeling is and what it involves.

For most shadow disciplines, channeling shadow is the technique of
siphoning the element of darkness through naturally-occuring fissures that
already exist in the Material Plane, namely shadows, which connect the
Material Plane to the Shadow Plane.  The shadow asylum technique differs
from other shadow disciplines because it does not involve drawing shadow
from its home dimension, it is you entering the native dimension of shadow.

The Shadow Plane differs from other elemental planes in two major ways.

1. The Elemental Plane of Darkness was not created by any one deity.  It
arose naturally as a result of the creation of the multiverse.  One way to
think of it is that the Plane of Light shines down on all of existance,
casting a shadow, and that darkness is what the Elemental Plane of Darkness
is.  The Shadow Plane is therefore coterminous with all places in the
multiverse where shadows exist.  That is why it can be accessed via
channelling instead of using summoning magic to cross planar boundaries
like mages do to access the other various elemental planes.

2. The Elemental Plane of Darkness is also lateral with the Material Plane.
 Imagine all of the multiverse tied to the Planar Knot, like balloons on
strings anchored to the Material Plane.  The Shadow Plane, however, is a
deflated balloon lying on the ground next to the Material Plane.  This way
is actually is like elemental channeling practiced by mages, since,
cosmically speaking, it is easier to summon matter horizontally than it is
to summon it vertically.

Knowing that, you can now understand how to create a portal to the Shadow
Plane using your channeling abilities.  Follow these steps:

1.  Find an existing shadow large enough to contain your body.  In most
cases, your own shadow will do.

2.  Pull shadow material out of the darkness like you would in preparation
to shadow walk.  Project your mana into the darkness and mentally will the
shadow come forth.  A visible effect will be made manifest.  It should look
like rope made of black smoke protruding out of your shadow and wrapped
around you.  It is intangible and harmless.

3.  Direct the darkness you have drawn out and re-direct it back into the
shadow which you pulled it from.  Note that this step is different than
other shadow techniques.  This will imbue your shadow with mana.  The black
smoke will disappear, and the shadow will start to glow.

4.  Enter your shadow.  Concentration must be maintained from start to
finish, for the process will terminate the moment you lose concentration. 
Do not stop channeling until you are ready to exit.  As soon as you do, the
effect will end, and you will be ejected from the shadow.  This is also
harmless.

Practicing shadow asylum does require a create deal of concentration and
can be taxing, and it carries the same risk as any other technique.  Be
careful and do not overchannel, or you could damage your mind and body.