The Shadow Entity's Claim

major Active Sessions 19–19

Consent and ancient bargains, the price of happiness, predatory supernatural entities, infantile binding, isolation through fear

central narrative

Description

A terrifying Shadow Entity manifests to Daria immediately after she kisses Bastion at her birthday party, revealing an ancient binding made when she was still an infant. The creature—which tilts its head past where anatomy should allow—speaks directly into her mind, claiming they are 'bound to one another as the sea is bound to the frost, as the shadows cling to the waves.' When Daria demands to know who agreed to this, the entity reveals someone made the deal when she was too young to consent—a price set before she had choice. It threatens to take Bastion's hand if she doesn't release him, promising 'I will be all that is left' as it systematically strips away everything she loves. This manifestation transforms the watching shadow from previous sessions into active predator, and Daria flees from happiness she cannot keep.

Timeline

Session 19 "In the space between a prince's kiss and a shadow's claim, happiness proves the cruelest currency."

First Kisses and Final Sorrows

The Shadow Entity appears for the first time in its full horror, manifesting immediately after Daria allows herself a moment of romantic happiness with Bastion. It reveals the ancient binding made when she was an infant, threatens to take Bastion if she doesn't release him, and promises to strip away everything she has until 'I am all that is left.' Daria chooses to protect Bastion by fleeing rather than risk him being taken, the entity's claim shattering what should have been a joyful moment.