Anxiety: An Unseen

Anxiety’s form is as formless as the fears it represents. It appears as a swirling mass of mist and shadow, constantly shifting and contorting as though it cannot settle. Its movements are erratic and jerky, creating an air of instability that reflects its influence. The mist surrounding Anxiety is darker and denser than that of other Unseen, tinged with a faint blue-grey hue that deepens when it feeds. The face of Anxiety is perhaps its most unnerving feature. It is not fixed, instead flickering between expressions of terror, dread, and despair. To mortals, it might appear as their own face, distorted by fear, or as the face of someone they love, twisted in anguish. This mirroring effect deepens its impact, making its victims feel as though their own fears are staring back at them.   Its movements are unpredictable, shifting from sluggish and deliberate to frantic and chaotic in an instant. This erratic behavior mirrors the feelings of uncertainty it sows, leaving those who encounter it constantly on edge. Anxiety often drifts closer to its targets than other Unseen, wrapping its tendrils of mist around them like a suffocating shroud.

Anxiety does not attack outright but works its way into the minds of its victims with agonizing subtlety. It begins with a whisper, a fleeting doubt that takes root and grows. Over time, Anxiety amplifies these doubts, filling its victims with a sense of impending doom. Decisions become fraught with imagined consequences, and even the most mundane actions are seen as potential disasters. Unlike some of its kin, Anxiety’s influence is not confined to a single individual. It can spread through groups, amplifying collective unease and turning unity into chaos. A village plagued by Anxiety might find its people unable to work together, each paralyzed by their own fears. Leaders may second-guess their every decision, leaving their communities directionless and vulnerable.   Anxiety interacts with its environment in subtle but chilling ways. Shadows deepen and stretch unnaturally in its presence, and faint whispers seem to come from nowhere. The air grows heavier, carrying an almost imperceptible hum that grates on the nerves. Mortals under its influence might feel as though they are being watched, though no one is there.

Within The Veil, Anxiety acts as a disruptor, unraveling the stability of both its environment and its victims. It thrives on the energy generated by fear and indecision, feeding off the turmoil it creates. While its actions may seem purely destructive, some speculate that Anxiety serves a greater purpose, forcing mortals to confront their fears and grow stronger as a result. Sisters of the Shroud, who oversee the emotional balance of The Veil, view Anxiety with a mixture of wariness and curiosity. They understand its potential to cause harm but also recognise its role in revealing hidden truths. Anxiety, like all Unseen, is neither good nor evil; its purpose is tied to the natural order of The Veil, a realm where emotions are both a source of power and a force of change.

Stories of Anxiety are common across the Terrestrial Realm, often serving as cautionary tales about the dangers of succumbing to fear. In one such tale, a fisherman is said to have encountered Anxiety while lost in a thick fog. Unable to see more than a few feet ahead, he began to imagine the dangers lurking in the water—monsters, storms, and unseen obstacles. Overwhelmed by his fears, he abandoned his nets and fled, only to find that he had been mere moments from safety. Another legend speaks of a ruler who, under Anxiety’s influence, became paralyzed by indecision. Convinced that every choice would lead to disaster, he refused to act, allowing his kingdom to fall into ruin. The story is often told as a lesson in the importance of courage and decisiveness, though its darker undertones reflect the deep-seated fear mortals have of Anxiety’s power.   Despite its fearsome reputation, some cultures view Anxiety as a necessary force, believing that its influence reveals hidden dangers and forces individuals to confront their vulnerabilities. In these tales, Anxiety is not a villain but a teacher, guiding mortals toward growth through adversity.

Anxiety is a solitary creature, avoiding direct interaction with other beings of The Veil. The Dread Knights, ever vigilant wardens, maintain a respectful distance from it, knowing that even their iron resolve could falter under its influence. The Sisters of the Shroud occasionally observe Anxiety from afar, studying its behavior to better understand the role of fear within the emotional spectrum of The Veil. For mortals, encounters with Anxiety are deeply personal and often transformative. Unlike the more overtly destructive Unseen, Anxiety’s impact is internal, leaving no visible scars but profoundly altering the way its victims perceive the world. Some emerge from the experience stronger, having faced their fears head-on, while others are left broken, unable to overcome the weight of their own minds.   The effects of Anxiety on mortals are profound and long-lasting. Its victims often find themselves trapped in a cycle of fear and indecision, unable to move forward or escape the shadows of their own minds. Relationships may falter as trust erodes, and communities can crumble under the weight of collective unease. For some, however, the encounter with Anxiety becomes a turning point. By facing their fears and overcoming the paralysis it induces, they emerge stronger and more resilient. These stories, while rare, serve as a reminder that even the most destructive forces can lead to growth and understanding.