The Darkness

The Darkness swallows all light, snuffing out lanterns and stars and spirits like they were never there at all. It consumes your sight, your feelings, your mind until the bone-deep terror of being made into nothingness roots in your soul and shreds it to pieces. You'll be lucky if you only become nothing.

— A Sailor, cured from Corruption

The Darkness is a strange, unknown force that surrounds the island of Ogygia, for as long as most inhabitants can remember.

Origin

To all scholars (and the author currently), the origins of this strange force are unknown. It is believed by some that the ruins of Scaesal hold ties to the creation or unleashing of The Darkness.

Most studies of the Darkness surround its corrupting monsters and how to save those who have been affected, though there are those attempting to study the origin of this phenomenon. So far, there are only theories.

Known Theories

Every native of Ogygia has different theories regarding the Darkness's origins, ranging in complexity, feasibility, and reasoning. Those in academic spheres report three predominant theories, with the occasional 

1. Whatever formed the Darkness, Scaesal was a key aspect of it. Its ruined deserts contrast with ancient records that tell of impressive mountains.
2. A powerful outside force cursed the island and its inhabitants due to some past folly of its rulers or its people.
3. A disconnect formed between the inhabitants and the land they live on and with, and the divide became so great that nature itself is punishing the inhabitants for being so cruel to it.

Of course, there is no theory that is considered the truth, and new additions are always being proposed and developed. Most common folk believe a mixture of these theories, or one of their own.

Current State

The Darkness, as it exists now, is a harsh black line in the sand and sea about 300 yards out from the shore, covered by a devastating storm. Those who have attempted to venture beyond The Darkness have suffered greatly, turning almost instantly against each other and themselves and rendering their own ship asunder in the mayhem of intense corruption. These people almost always turn into monsters embodying Fear or Desperation, and are considered to be past saving.
Because of this, many wrecks line the sea floor leading up to this barrier. After the first few waves of attempted ventures beyond, many know of the destruction wrought by the Darkness and forbid further endeavors past it. Every few decades there is another foolhardy attempt and another succinct demonstration of the futileness of this endeavor.
From The Darkness, many creatures are corrupted or perhaps even born of this mysterious matter. The seas are swimming with distorted sea life, twisted almost beyond recognition and hungry to share their destructive origins to be others' ends.
The storm that rages above and around this line ensures that navigating itself is dangerous, as pouring rain obscures vision and towering waves somehow pull away from the shore, deeper into the darkness and unknown.

Type

Metaphysical, Demonic