Shadow Magic

A type of magic that draws from the Shadowfell and the Far Realms. Many believe Shadow Magic involves only manipulating darkness, but in actuality, it involves aspects of space, physics, and cognition that are far beyond the mental conceptions of most people. The vast majority of those who study Shadow Magic have gone mad as their minds are unable to process some of the concepts and ideas behind it. Like pouring water on a letter, the new, jarring information spreads across the psyche and damages it permanently.

Shadow Magic is far more powerful than more common types of magic, and thus many in the past sought out its secrets despite the risks.