Usually I can carry three of them with no effort, but now I can barely lift one.

So you have noticed our maps have a universe with the cool sounding name “The World of Shadow and Blood”. Or you have seen “The World City, Hellsmoth-Couria”. They looks interesting, maybe cool. Perhaps you want to go there.

Don't.

Our Guild, the Guild of Multiversal Adventurers and Mercenary Explorers, lists all worlds and universes that we have explored or seen. The World of Shadow and Blood is under QUARANTINE, which means:

No one should ever go in for any reason whatsoever. That is rule one when dealing with Quarantine Worlds such as this one and it's the most important one. We will not be rescuing anyone who ends up in a Quarantine World nor will we assist you in leaving in any way. And even if you do leave, depending on what we can see and what you have experienced, we may quarantine you ourselves or in some occasions, kill you.

But it is still likely you end up in a Quarantine World anyways. Some rogue Voidworlders and people like Mad Magical Marauder M have a preference of ridding themselves of their enemies by throwing those enemies into universes where they can no longer affect society or reality.

Should you end up in a Quarantine World by means other than your own free will (which should be the only means you end up in a Quarantine World) then follow these instructions.

• Do not try to contact anyone outside of the universe you are currently located in.

Many of these universes are not connected to the greater multiverse, and citizens and residents are unaware of a multiverse. We don't want these residents to know of the multiverse because many of them could and or would use their powers to threaten the multiverse.

• Assume you're always being watched.

One of the biggest reasons a world gets quarantined is because someone or something has mind control, assimilation, and or possession powers. These beings often already rule their significant parts and populations in their respective universes. That's why they're considered threats that need their whole worlds to be under Quarantine. With the powers these beings often have, they watch their own residents with keen eyes, sensors,or magic, and you, not being a natural resident of the world you have ended up in, are highly suspicious.

Remember, magic is highly detectable and traceable. Even if you theoretically found a private place to do some magic, whoever's in charge of the world or universe could detect and find you even easier than you think.

• Be invisible until you know the lay of the land.

These universes often have their own laws and rules. Some of them have no natural magic outside of the abilities of the threat controlling them, while some will have you be noticed if you don't use the magic common in their realm.

Tell us, do you want a hive mind to have access to your multiversal travel magic? Do you want an eldritch dictator to have the knowledge to utterly destroy universes? Don't let them know you have the magic to do that if they don't already know.

• Don't assume death is a solution.

You may think the only way out of these universes and worlds is through death. You may think death can get you out of a fate worse, but we are never sure what happens afterwards, or even if you will fully die before someone or something interferes.

Some universes have associated afterlives, and some threats are capable of controlling the souls and bodies of the dead.

Excerpt from: A Simple Explanation of Quarantined Universes.

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You have found yourself in The World of Shadow and Blood, what do you do now? Assuming you are still following A Simple Explanation of Quarantined Universes, you have arrived unintentionally due to screwing up a teleportation or being forcefully transported here, and now you're stuck with no way out.

For basic facts of this universe, it was put in Quarantine after the discovery of Sananko “the Shadow God” Correctional Facility within Sananko Forest (locally called “The Shadow Forest” or “Evil's Forest”), a forest that currently covers 70% of the landmass of the planet and spreading.

Originally built as a prison hundreds of years ago, Sananko has captured vast majorities of the population, spreading the forest and gaining more power by using its prisoners as blood supply in its rituals.

If you are reading this message while in the World of Shadow and Blood, commit it memory, then burn after reading.

On Magic:

There are two main types of magic used by residents of this world:

• “Light Magic.” Often simple utility spells such as basic fireballs, healing techniques, potions, and basic rituals, used by the human population on a regular basis. There is no requirement or regulation for you to know or use this magic yourself since nonmagical people exist.

To learn more about what counts as light magic, books of spells exist in light mage-controlled cities. Do not ask people about light magic unless you are planning to join an official light mage organization.

• “Dark Magic.” This is your blood magic and shadow magic, only used by those associated with Sananko.

If you don't know how to do this type of magic do not learn it. There is no way to safely ask what counts as dark magic, so if you wish to be cautious, avoid any magic that isn't specifically approved by native light mages.

You will sometimes see light mages using blood magic in private. Do not bring that up. Pretend like you didn't notice and go about your day. It is well known that the most powerful light mages are hypocrites.

Use of dark magic has two primary consequences for you.

A. You draw more attention from Sananko to yourself. B. Powerful light mages notice and punish you for using dark magic.

Remember, you do not want to be noticed by the reason the universe is under quarantine.

Option B is no better for different reasons that will be explained a bit later.

Soul magic does not exist in this world. Do not tell anyone it exists.

Future vision/prophecy magic/seer abilities do exist, however these should not be talked about. Sananko is well known for specifically targeting seers.

On Light Mages:

Light Mages rule some of the biggest cities, and those that are considered least likely to be consumed by the spread of Sananko's forest. These may seem like a safe place to stay, but be aware. Rules and laws can be more strictly enforced than you may expect.

Learn local laws like your life depends on it.

Despite being ruled by light mages, these cities, like Keln, are still not fully protected from Sananko. For certain offences, Sananko has been known to take citizens to the forest. For others, the light mages may choose to exile you, either directly to the forest, which counts as a sacrifice to Sananko, or they may exile you just outside the walls where you are still free to travel.

Learn what punishments are standard within your light mage ruled city if you choose to reside there.

Light Mages are not above torture, so long as it doesn't publically involve blood magic, and in some cases, it does.

On Sananko and the Forest.

As described earlier, Sananko is the reason this universe is under quarantine.

It has complete mastery of all forms of blood magic, and has even optimized several aspects of it used throughout the multiverse, such as blood replenishing potions powerful enough to replenish an entire body's worth of blood, and the technique to maintain the life of someone who has been fully drained of blood. You may recognize these techniques as ones being used by the Belmont Blood Drive.

With this power, it focuses on expanding its territory through extreme amounts of blood harvest. Reports have come in that some prisoners are fully drained of their blood up to 50 times a day.

Sananko has also reportedly made its prisoners immortal.

Should you be captured by Sananko (or should you willingly surrender yourself for whatever reason), it is highly likely you will be a power source for the prison for the rest of your life.

On Being Captured and Sananko's Forest:

There are many ways to be captured and many paths to a fate worse than death. To avoid them, you must:

• Avoid all forests, including mentions of them.

Remember, most forests belong to Sananko and cover most land. Trespassing on them is grounds for immediate capture. Unfortunately, there is no labelling on which forest belongs to whom, so it's best to just avoid them.

The native population also know about this rule and follow it (with the exception of those who choose to sacrifice themselves). They do not look favorably on those who mention Sananko or anything related for understandable reasons.

• Do not resist the forest's spread.

There is no way to stop it from spreading, residents of the world have tried already, including a group of the most powerful light mages in the land.

Be prepared to leave your home if you live nearby. You will get a warning if the forest will overtake your home though, if it's any consolation.

• No one will help you, but you should try to help others

People are either all associated with the light, Sananko, or are looking out for themselves. Their assistance, if they provide any, will likely be useless.

Helping others though, is a known way to avoid being taken to the forest. Just be aware of who you help and who is watching. In a light mage ruled city, do not assist their enemies.

As a last note, we do not have all the information about this world to make a concrete list of rules. This is only a partial document and unlikely to be updated.

It was the last option she had available. Trapped between a rock and a hard place, Tzezia could only go forward into the Shadow Forest, or stay and let herself be killed by the citizens of Keln.

Definite death or possible death. But in most cases, death. The Shadow Forest, sometimes called “Evil's Forest” or the “Murder Forest” was well known for being a place of no return. Sometimes people would be banished there, and it was rumored those who worshipped that dark god worshipped the forest too.

Even so, it was Tzezia’s only hope of escape. Maybe the beasts inside would be merciful. She knew what the Keln mages would do to her if they caught her. Death would be far slower

So Tzezia ran head first into the woods, dodging trees and only looking back when none of the people chasing her dared to follow.

She heard them laugh, saw them dust their hands together with shrugs, and turn back. To them, Tzezia was as good as dead.

The forest was silent. No birds called, no trees rustled. Her footsteps barely made a sound.

“Magic forest thing?”

An empty forest didn't kill. Not as much as this one did.

“Err, magic forest thing?”

Tzezia's voice wavered.

“Please don't kill me. I'm just passing through. I mean no harm.”

No response.

She kept walking. Deeper and deeper into the woods, it seemed like the sun didn't breach the treeline. The sky was still visible, but it was almost as if the forest was in eternal night.

Fingers crossed, toes scrunched, Tzezia tried to keep as silent as possible. Maybe she could live. It was a distant hope.

“Trespasser,” something suddenly whispered. The voice was smooth and deep, yet still soft.

“I-I'm sorry.”

“Trespasser,” it repeated.

Tzezia froze, slowly turning her head back and forth. No one was there but the shadows cast by the trees.

But it is dark. Why are they shadows?

“Come with me trespasser.”

The shadows reached out, almost human. Tendrils of dark, surprisingly solid, wrapped around her arms.

“Let us sort this out together, trespasser.”

There was no way to resist. Tzezia reluctantly nodded, wondering if this thing could see. She let the shadow gently pull her forward, pick her up and carry her through the woods.

Soon trees sped by as the shadow kept its iron grip.

“Here we are, trespasser.”

A large building of stone and metal. Tzezia felt it watch her, gaze through her and at her soul.

“Your new home, trespasser.”

A dungeon. That was the best comparison Tzezia had for the building and the endless rows of cells they passed. Many, she noted, were occupied by people wearing the same outfit.

The shadow placed her in one of those cells too, on the bed in the corner that she just melted into. She just barely noticed the desk, bookshelf, window, torch, and tapestry that also furnished the room.

Why is this so comfortable?

Is this how the forest kills me?

“You are clearly tired, trespasser. Rest, and tomorrow we shall discuss your future.”

Tzezia yawned. Only now on the bed did she feel tired. Maybe the adrenaline wore off.

Still, she was cognizant enough to mumble, “you're not going to kill me?”

“No, trespasser.”

The torch went out, and soon she was asleep. Inspired by this prompt here.

Part of The World of Shadow and Blood subseries.

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