Prejudice: An Unseen

Prejudice manifests as a tall, shadowy figure cloaked in the mist of The Veil. Its form is jagged and uneven, as though its very existence is at odds with the natural order. The edges of its body shift and flicker, never fully defined, giving it an unsettling, fragmented appearance. Mortals who see Prejudice often describe its presence as “sickening,” as if its very being warps the space around it. The face of Prejudice is its most distinctive and terrifying feature. Twisted into a permanent grimace of hatred and disdain, its visage reflects the worst biases and judgments harbored by those who behold it. The face is not fixed; instead, it adapts, showing mortals the reflection of their own prejudices or the distorted perceptions they hold of others. This personalized touch makes its influence all the more potent.   The mist surrounding Prejudice takes on a dark, almost bruised hue when it is dormant, but when it actively feeds, the mist turns a vivid crimson, pulsating with the intensity of its victim’s emotions. Its movements are sharp and angular, as though it is slicing through the air rather than flowing like its kin.

Prejudice is not a being that attacks outright; instead, it lingers at the edges of perception, whispering doubts and fears into the minds of those it targets. It seeks out mortals who are already prone to bias or those who find themselves in situations where trust and unity are fragile. Its influence is subtle at first—a fleeting thought, a moment of distrust—but it grows steadily, weaving itself into the fabric of its victim’s mind. Once Prejudice takes hold, it amplifies the biases already present, turning minor disagreements into irreparable divisions. A merchant might begin to suspect their competitor of foul play, a leader might view their allies as enemies, and a friend might see betrayal where none exists. Prejudice thrives in environments where it can sow discord, and it often targets groups rather than individuals, magnifying societal tensions to catastrophic levels.   Prejudice interacts with its environment by twisting perceptions. Shadows grow darker in its presence, and sounds become distorted, as though even the world itself is reflecting its malevolence. Mortals influenced by Prejudice may find themselves seeing threats where there are none or misinterpreting the actions of others in the worst possible light.

Within The Veil, Prejudice serves as a force of disruption. While many of the Unseen act as mirrors for mortal emotions, Prejudice acts more like a prism, fracturing and distorting the light of truth. It feeds on the emotional energy generated by division, growing stronger with each act of hatred or betrayal it inspires. Prejudice’s role in The Veil is tied to its ability to create imbalance. Scholars speculate that its actions may serve a greater purpose, perhaps keeping The Veil in a state of flux to prevent stagnation. Others argue that Prejudice exists purely as a force of chaos, its purpose unknowable even to itself.

Prejudice has been woven into countless myths and legends across the Terrestrial Realm. In one tale, a village near Aberston once known for its harmony fell into chaos when a shadowy figure appeared among them. Neighbor turned against neighbor, each accusing the other of treachery and deceit. By the time the figure vanished, the village was abandoned, its people scattered and broken. Another story speaks of a great war between two ancient kingdoms, sparked by the influence of Prejudice. It is said that the shadow appeared in the court of one king, whispering doubts about his allies and stoking fears of betrayal. The king, consumed by paranoia, struck first, igniting a conflict that claimed thousands of lives. Long after the war ended, survivors spoke of a figure that watched from the battlefield, feeding on the chaos it had created.   Despite its destructive nature, some cultures see Prejudice as a necessary evil. They believe that its presence forces mortals to confront their biases, exposing hidden truths that might otherwise remain buried. This view, while rare, suggests that even the most malevolent of The Unseen might serve a higher purpose.

Among the Creatures of The Veil, Prejudice is both feared and avoided. The Sisters of the Shroud are known to watch Prejudice from afar, wary of its influence but unwilling to intervene. The Dread Knights, ever vigilant wardens of The Veil, tread carefully in its presence, knowing that even their indomitable resolve could be fractured by its power. Mortals who encounter Prejudice often mistake it for a demon or malevolent spirit, though its true nature is far more insidious. Stories of Prejudice in the Terrestrial Realm often depict it as an instigator of conflict, a shadowy figure that whispers lies into the ears of kings and commoners alike. These tales rarely end well, as the divisions it creates leave lasting scars.     The influence of Prejudice on mortals is profound and far-reaching. Those who fall under its sway often find their relationships strained or destroyed, as it amplifies the worst aspects of their personalities. Communities torn apart by prejudice may take generations to heal, if they recover at all. For individuals, the encounter can be life-altering. Some emerge from the experience with a heightened awareness of their own flaws, determined to overcome the biases that Prejudice brought to light. Others, however, are consumed by the hatred and distrust it fosters, becoming shadows of their former selves.   The scars left by Prejudice are not always visible, but they are deeply felt. It is a force that challenges mortals to confront their darkest instincts, often at great cost. In this way, Prejudice acts as both a destroyer and a teacher, leaving its mark on all who cross its path.