Lore:Layers of Reality

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A rift leading to a different reality layer

Vaermina's Nightmare, a being that resides in a different reality layer

The Layers of Reality are the different sections or layers making up the planes of existence of Aurbis. Overlapping spatially and near indistinct from one another visually, different layers of reality within a given realm can be accessed via the use of magic which shifts people and objects between them. Things shifted to a different reality layer generally can't be perceived or be interacted with by those in a different layer who lack the required magic themselves, thus such magic has been used by groups wishing to avoid detection, strike safely at their foes from a different layer, or conceal objects they do not wish found.

The Hidden Kindred, a cult composed of followers of the Daedric Princes Vaermina and Peryite used such layer shifting magic to conceal their agents from the gaze of Hermaeus Mora during their invasion of Apocrypha alongside the Dremora Torvesard in 2E 582, as even the Great Eye could not immediately track their movements through the different layers. The magic was also used to conceal the cult's Censers of Corruption, relics which spread an arcane plague formed of Peryite's disease and Vaermina's dream essence that infected and corroded Apocrypha's fabric, tormented, blinded, and frenzied Mora's servants, and gradually incapacitated even the Prince himself, threatening to eventually dissolve Apocrypha and sever Mora's link to his domain entirely. In addition to the affliction, the corruption of the Censers was also the source of the Kindred's ability to conceal their agents and objects in different layers, and soon spread both within the realm proper and adjacent dimensions such as the Infinite Panopticon. Some Mind Terrors and servants of Vaermina have been known to use the ability to shift layers during combat, while shifted these Daedra appear to the viewer as an indistict silhouette. Mages of House Telvanni have also been known to use similar magic in order to conceal the anchors of their arcane wards in a manner that renders them inacessible to those without the proper magic, thus preventing their wards from being undone. One of the Telvanni, Shelreni Baro, was responsible for enhancing the effectiveness of the plague mixture's concealing properties. Ghost Sight, an art contained in one of the Black Books of Hermaeus Mora, The Tormenting Eye, allows for one to perceive and interact with things located in different layers, expanding one's senses to see the hidden, the imperceivable and unseen.} The ghost of the Telvanni Magister Meln the Mouthless used this Sight to allow the Vestige to locate the minions and Censers of the invading Princes and vanquish them, and even to help in combat against a manifestation of Vaermina herself, thus preventing the dissolution of Apocrypha, an event with ripples of fate that would have impacted all of Aurbis.

Entering a portal created in a location where reality is being manipulated by powerful magic, such as the one used to shift objects and beings to different layers of reality, can have unforeseen effects. Under such circumstances, it is possible for the portal to fracture, depositing those who enter in different locations or reality layers than the intended destination, or even ejecting them to become lost to the Void.

Gallery

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  Shelreni Baro, the Telvanni Master who enhanced the effectiveness of the concoction

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  Magister Meln Rendys, wielder of the Ghost Sight