Origin of Light and Shadow

In the beginning, it is said, the Creator forged Terra from the elements: earth, fire, water, and air. The Creator invented many wondrous things by using and combining these elements: the plants in the fields, the storms that watered them, the music that helped them grow. And when the Creator brought forth humankind, they were given a chance to use the elements alongside the Creator.
Yet Darkwalkers, beings of evil, saw Terra and hated it. They worked to corrupt this new place, swaying humans with promises of power that the Creator kept from them. Some believed, and used their new abilities to bring destruction and strife.
The Creator cast out the Darkwalkers, but knew that as long as humankind could be swayed by their lies, then Darkwalkers could eventually return. So the Creator created one more gift for Terra: the element of light. Light could be used to heal and to drive back the Darkwalkers. Those few with an affinity for light received an extraordinary gift, one meant to care for all of creation.
Yet even some chosen by the Creator could not resist the lure of power. They began to use their gift for selfish ends, caring for themselves more than anyone or anything else. The light within them slowly flickered out, leaving only shadows. Even now, those with light affinities may fall, their affinity changed to shadow by their actions.

Summary

According to the myth, elemental affinities were given to humanity by the Creator. While this allowed humanity to live in harmony, Darkwalkers arrived to promise power, granting their own power to those who pledged to forsake the Creator. The Creator cast out the Darkwalkers, but knew they could be invited back. So the Creator granted one last gift to humanity: the light affinity. The light affinity could be used for healing and for driving back Darkwalkers and their followers. However, some with the light affinity fell to selfishness and malice, corrupting their gift into a shadow affinity. To this day it is believed that shadow affinities are the mark of selfish, dangerous, or evil souls, while a light affinity is a gift from the Creator that should be used for healing and protection.

Historical Basis

Affinities do, in fact, date back to the creation of the world. However, light and shadow affinities have always been possible. Meanwhile, light affinities are extremely helpful against Darkwalkers, followers of Darkwalkers, and deliberate undead. There have been cases of people with light affinities having their affinity changed to shadow, though whether the cause was immoral actions remains debatable.

Spread

The legend is common knowledge, though some regard it as mere superstition. Still, many people with shadow affinities are regarded with suspicion, and those with light affinities are readily welcomed.

Variations & Mutation

There is some contention over whether shadow affinities are inherently the mark of a bad person, whether it is possible for it to occur naturally or from corruption, or whether the whole thing is simply distrust of the element "opposite" to light. Many arguments have occurred concerning people born with shadow affinities, though their rarity only adds fuel to the flame.

Cultural Reception

The idea of light affinities as gifts from the Creator is especially popular where the Way of Roses is most established, such as the Charybdan Coast and the Central Kingdom. However, prejudice against shadow affinities is more prevalent along the Coast than in the Kingdom. The Scyllan Coast, meanwhile, does not have a strong connection to the legend, and many Scyllans regard it as nothing more than superstition. The Winterlands barely acknowledge the idea that light and shadow affinities are any different from other affinities.

In Literature

Heroes are very often portrayed as having light affinities, while villains have shadow affinities. It's especially egregious in Barleycorn's Tales of Heroes Past.

Related Organizations

• The Way of Roses