The Spellbound Archives - Introduction to the Shadow Key

Creating a Magical System for the fantastical world of Erudus.

Susan Rader

Jun 26, 2026

The Shadow Key - Evil Magic

"The Shadow Key never asks whether you are worthy, only what you are willing to surrender.”

The Ancient text of Shadows from the Ashes - Destroyed 1020 sols ago

What is the Shadow Key?

The Shadow Key, evil magic, occurs when an individual lacks the ability to overcome temptation, obsession or grief, and uses one of the keys to gain hidden knowledge, power, or fame. Often the magical being will justify their actions by love.

Stories of individual’s who are practitioners of the shadow key, are always tragic. Magical beings are pulled into hurting, killing or maiming others. This usually occurs because they have undergone a trauma of their own. Sometimes, the trauma pulls them into dark sorcery, but often they are influenced and brainwashed by others who desire power.

Sometimes, the magical beings who follow the Shadow Key, become obsessed with a supernatural being. The person begins to worship the entity who is often an unseen god, demon or legendary creature. Every bout of suffering, murder or hatred, is done for the creature’s benefit.

The shadow key is actually not a type of magic by itself. Each one of the 13 forms of magic can be used for evil. So, cases where magical beings have rejected the norm for their craft, are said to be practitioners of the “Shadow Key.”

The color of this magic.

Deep Fire Engine Red

Famous Individual’s Who Have Fallen into the Shadow Key?

Dorian Wolffbound - Chaiz’s great-great uncle. Dorian was a guard who worked for the Magaus Alliance. He became involved with Krinta Mojo, who was trying to infiltrate the Magaus Alliance, to kill the the Arch Mage Orion Wegen. Dorian became obsessed with Krinta and tried to kill Orion. He was caught and spent the rest of his life on the prison planet of Urtia.
Mernia Manot - Had relatively minor powers in prophecy. Turned to the shadow key when she wanted to gain power. Killed several members of the council on Torian.
Obryn Moonblood - Minor powers in several keys. Turned to the shadow key when his wife died and he became obsessed with bringing her back to life. Used several types of dark magic to suck the power from the souls of people when they die. He believed that if he killed enough people he will have enough power to bring back his wife.
Mernia Manot

Limitations and Costs of the Shadow Key

Once a magical being becomes involved with the shadow key it is very hard to recover. The temptation to continue working towards gaining more power becomes greater.

Individuals who become obsessed with something or someone and turn to the shadow key, often forget to take care of daily tasks. These individuals may shun others, or forget who their loved ones are. Although they may be followed by others, these individuals are usually used for their power and influence, if they fail or if they die, their followers usually may abandon, betray or kill them.

Society and Daily Structures

Societies have been influenced by masters of the shadow key many times. Local leadership is often targeted by practitioners of evil magic. Magical beings often want the connections, power and influence that the leaders have.