Shadow Realm

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The Shadow Realm is a realm that is, in some sense, a hidden part of Gielinor rather than a separate dimension. It forms an invisible layer of reality seemingly spanning the entire world. Objects and people that are inside the Shadow Realm are normally not visible to people outside of it, although it is still possible to see them using a ring of visibility or a ring of shadows. Some beings, such as certain Gods and Mahjarrat, are also able to see things hiding in the Shadow Realm, seemingly without any external aid. Dark beasts also have a natural connection to the shadows, giving them a greater connection to the Shadow Realm.

The Shadow Realm is said to be home to an entity^[1] that can subjugate beings' souls.^[2][3] The Ancient Pillar allows its influence to spread into the normal world ^[4], which was ultimately responsible for the fall of both Imcandoria and Lassar Undercity.

Objects from the Shadow Realm are featured in several quests and miniquests such as the entrance to the Shadow Dungeon in Desert Treasure I, the ghostly robes in the Curse of the Empty Lord, and the shadow sword in The General's Shadow. In addition, the player is able to be present in the Shadow Realm by being targeted to guide the maze during the fight with Sotetseg in the Theatre of Blood, and while possessing the blackstone fragment and entering the puddles in Lassar Undercity during and after Desert Treasure II. Entering the Shadow Realm is also a prominent mechanic in the fight with The Whisperer. The salvaging relics are each inscribed with phrases heard within the Shadow Realm.

The influence of the Shadow Realm is immense in Lassar's undercity due to the blackstone pillar, and players who attempt to enter wearing a ring of shadows will find it immediately slipped off their fingers. Although unconfirmed, the Shadow Realm likely has influence in the Cursed Archipelago, as tendrils similar to the ones in Lassar can be found in its waters, which are known as profane waters. Identical shadow-black hands can also be seen coming out of the waters beside the ancient forge in Grimstone Dungeon, and in the shadow version of Port Piscarilius that the Judge of Yama takes players to during A Kingdom Divided.

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  The Shadow Realm during the Sotetseg fight.
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  Concept art of the Shadow Realm version of the buildings and objects in the Lassar Undercity.
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  Concept art of the Shadow Realm version of the Palace in the Lassar Undercity.
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  The shadow version of Port Piscarilius the Judge of Yama transports the player to.
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  Shadowy hands emerging from the water in the shadow version of Port Piscarilius.
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  Shadowy hands emerging from the water in the Grimstone Dungeon.

• The Shaeded Beast appears to be trapped in the Shadow Realm, as it is only visible when wearing a ring of visibility, and it claims that it is trying to find a person it can use as a puppet to help it return to Gielinor.
• Zombie pirates with shadowy hands wrapped around their bodies were present in the Sailing Beta, which were likely intended to have some connection to the Shadow Realm, though they did not make it into the final release of Sailing.