Shadow

Basic Information

Anatomy

While the anatomy of a shadow can match any other existing creature that is capable of being corrupted by shadow magic, the physical being of a shadow is exactly that: shadow magic. They do not have a physical form outside of the magic itself, and how dense that magic is will depend on how powerful the subject was before their death. There doesn't appear to be any limiting factor to the size and density of a shadow outside of the strength and size of the entity it used to be. There is also no limit to how this amorphous mass moves around. In fact it has a tendency to slip through the smallest cracks, and move around like a 2D image until something either piques their interest, or light is shined on to them.

Ecology and Habitats

Generally their habitats include very dark locations--pitch black if possible. While it's not impossible, they can be spotted extremely rarely at day. However, they tend to appear at night, or within dark enclosures, due to being nocturnal creatures. Afterall, the magic used to form them is most powerful at night.

Behaviour

Nominally shadows are mostly harmless creatures that are the lingering memory of those who succumbed to some form of darkness, but either perished in the process or were killed while corrupted. While there are myths that shadows will attack people, and have caused physical harm to others, the more than likely case is that those people were driven mad by one and committed some form of self harm.
Shadows are either curious to a fault, idly lingering in dim locations, or, if they are strong enough or have enough memory, may attempt to communicate or seek out specific people or locations. It's not rare for them to be mistaken as ghosts for this reason, and to a degree they are.
Sometimes they can be malevolent, however they themselves are incapable of harming anyone outside of psychological damage. Instead, their presence should be considered an omen, since it implies that shadow magic is present in the area.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Generally speaking, shadows are found all over the world. Where there is black magic being practiced, there is a possibility for shadows to crop up. In cities where this type of magic is heavily policed, shadows tend to be less prevalent. Though, due to there always being someone trying to apply shadow magic to their lives, there is always a shadow to be found somewhere in the world. The only locations where shadows aren't really found are holy locations, such as temples that worship the light.

Average Intelligence

The intelligence of a shadow is usually lower than the intelligence of the creature it was before, with the exception of wild creatures with very low intelligence to begin with. Those tend to mimic the creature they used to be in the past. That being said, there is the possibility of intelligent shadows where the subject is powerful enough to retain memories, even in their tainted shadow form.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Due to being pure magic they have a rather heightened sense towards other magics. The stronger someone's magic is, the easier it becomes for a shadow to detect and track down the source. The only type of magic that they are blind to is light magic.

Lifespan

Lifespans correlate with the remaining ambient shadow energy

Average Height

Varies

Average Length

Varies

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Shadows are distinct for their ooze-like appearance; like actual shadows, but able to peel away from the surfaces that normal shadows typically appear on. Usually they are an opaque inky black, however the density and solidness of the shadow can change depending on its strength. Aside from being a black blob that outlines what it once was, it has no other features that are specific to itself.