Filtiarn's Fist

Overview

Filtiarn's Fist was the name given to the dark shadow that periodically covered the full moon during the rise of Filtiarn and his forces.

The shadow resembled a gauntleted fist, evoking the imagery associated with Filtiarn and his followers. It became a visible symbol of Filtiarn's growing power and the darkness that accompanied his attempted return.

The Full-Moon Darkness

During the period later known as Dark Times, the first appearance of Filtiarn's Fist produced a period of perpetual darkness lasting approximately three days.

The darkness corresponded to the duration of the full moon. At the end of the third day, the eclipsed moon passed below the horizon and dawn finally returned.

The phenomenon was not a permanent eclipse. Instead, it recurred during the full moon each month.

The recurring darkness became a significant feature of the world during the conflict with Filtiarn. It also benefited Cain's undead forces, who were restricted in their operations by daylight.

Symbolism

The shadow's shape resembled a fist wearing a gauntlet, closely matching the imagery associated with Filtiarn's followers.

The name "Filtiarn's Fist" was therefore both a description of its appearance and an expression of its association with Filtiarn.

Whether Filtiarn himself created the phenomenon, whether it was produced through the power of the Aspects, or whether it had another magical cause was not established by the surviving records.

Significance

Filtiarn's Fist became one of the most recognizable signs of Filtiarn's influence during the later stages of the conflict.

Its recurring darkness provided the forces of Filtiarn and Cain with an important environmental advantage while also serving as a visible reminder that the supernatural crisis had not ended.

The phenomenon should not be confused with a normal lunar eclipse. Its recurring nature and prolonged darkness demonstrate that it was a supernatural event, although its exact mechanism remains unknown.

Uncertain Information

The surviving records do not establish:

• The exact source of Filtiarn's Fist.
• Whether Filtiarn directly created it.
• The precise magical effect responsible for the prolonged darkness.