The Void

> The Void, young one, is not merely an absence of light or life. It's a canvas of infinite possibility, where past and future blur, and where souls, both lost and found, dance in the silent ballet of eternity.
>
> — Daedalus, "The Old Man"

### Location

Beyond the confines of the known universe, outside the grasp of reality.

## Description

The Void, a realm of boundless space and incomprehensible vastness, stands at the crossroads of the unknown and the intangible. An enigmatic plane that exists outside the grasp of reality, The Void serves as the final resting place for some while acting as a prison for others. It is both a sanctuary for lost souls and a realm of unending isolation.

## Known Inhabitants

* Diablo Manveri's Soul:

The legendary demi-god, Diablo Manveri, found his soul cast into the depths of The Void upon his death. However, his demise was not a complete extinguishing of his spirit. Diablo's inherently benevolent nature allowed his soul to remain undisturbed and intact even within The Void's vast expanse. It floats serenely, akin to a lantern's light over an infinite ocean. To find his soul would require not only immense power but also an intimate connection, which is the pursuit that Emily embarks upon through her nightly rituals. Her attempts are poignant and symbolic - a lone beacon of hope in an endless abyss

* Typhon:

Contrary to Diablo, Typhon, an ethereal being of unmatched malevolence, was wholly cast into The Void. This was not a gentle resting place for him but a prison designed to contain his catastrophic essence. While Diablo's presence in The Void is peaceful and harmonious, Typhon's essence is chaotic and disruptive. The ritual to resurrect Typhon required immense energy, akin to setting the ocean's surface ablaze. Even a partial resurrection of Typhon posed a grave threat to the world, emphasizing the unimaginable power he holds at full strength.

* Lost Souls:

Countless spirits, both known and unknown, who've found their way into The Void over eons. Their presence varies from peaceful resonances to restless echoes, depending on their nature and circumstances of their entry.

* Ephemeral Entities:

Mysterious and ancient beings that are native to The Void, seldom seen or understood by those from the material realm. Their purposes, desires, and origins remain one of The Void's many enigmas.

* Chaos:

An ancient entity of true neutrality, Chaos stands apart from the conventional dichotomies of good and evil. With an eloquence that bridges between poetic and enigmatic, he provides monologues that punctuate significant twists and events, offering insight, reflection, and sometimes more questions than answers. Occasionally, he materializes within the dreams of individuals like Emily and Aldrich, guiding, questioning, or simply observing. His intent and the reasons for his interest in particular events or individuals are inscrutable, making him one of the most enigmatic presences within The Void.

## Trivia

* The concept of the Void in various myths and cultures served as inspiration for its portrayal in the tales of Diablo and Aldrich. In many of these traditions, the Void represents both nothingness and everything at once.
* Chaos, although a neutral entity in the stories, is often theorized by those who know of his existence to be the very embodiment of the Void itself, guiding and informing those who find themselves drawn to its enigma.
* Daedalus' deep knowledge of the Void has led to speculations that he might have ventured into it during his youth, providing a foundation for his unmatched magical prowess, and granting him wisdom far beyond anything naturally possible.
* Some scrolls discovered in ancient Ruins hint that the Void is not unique to this realm alone, suggesting the existence of multiple dimensions or universes.
* The ritual performed by Emily, while seemingly ineffective, bears a stark resemblance to an ancient rite used by the Druids of old to communicate with the departed, lending credibility to her endeavors.
* Typhon's ethereal existence in the Void contradicts most known magical principles, leading scholars to believe that his nature might predate even the gods themselves.
* Although the Void is often seen as a realm of banishment or a place where souls are lost, there are poetic references throughout history lauding its beauty and describing it as a vast, star-filled expanse, illuminating the concept of life and death.
* The Void's nature to transcend time itself has baffled many. Within its expanse, one can witness everything from the dawn of time to its ultimate end. This timeless dimension offers a plausible explanation for the Old Man's expansive knowledge and Emily's uncanny prescience. After the tragic demise of Diablo, a calamity caused by the Syndicate’s attack on Fenville led to a temporary rift that pulled Emily into the Void. It was there she reunited with Diablo, witnessing a plethora of events that were yet to unfold. Their heartfelt conversation within the Void is as follows:
	+ Emily: "Diablo, can you- can you hear me?"
	+ Emily (with tears of relief): "I thought I'd lost you too."
	+ Diablo (voice distant and dazed): "What happened?"
	+ Emily: "The Syndicate... they attacked Fenville and... in the ensuing chaos, you died."
	+ Emily: "When the Syndicate struck, it caused chaos in the spiritual realm. Their clash with you caused a rupture. We barely made it through as it fell apart."
	+ Emily (voice breaking): "Well... some of us made it."
	+ Emily (seeing the future, relieved): "But then Aldrich came... The Syndicate, Trask, it's finished."
	+ Diablo (with finality): "It's finished."
	+ Emily: "I'll cast a beacon in hopes to find your soul but it might be awhile before anyone can reach you."
	+ Emily: "Years, even." Emily (teary-eyed): "I'll miss you."
* Upon realizing the future and understanding her true destiny, Emily found calm amidst the uncertainty. She had to leave the Void, for she did not belong in this ethereal realm and had a long path of life ahead of her.