Dark Ones

An example of a "Dark One"

## Species

The **Dark Ones** are an ancient species that coexisted with humanity in the early years of civilization. They are beings made of pure dark and are the conscious manifestation of darkness itself.

## History

*"In the Beginning there was Darkness..."*

The Darkness are a collective hivemind, all originating back to their source. They have existed in many forms since the dawn of life on earth. Nature evolved and transformed in many paths, one more fierce and primal. Darkness began to take shape and form, and slowly become aware of itself. Its offspring would do the same. Like dividing endlessly, it slowly expanded itself by being tethered to its main source. It would take various forms, many very animalistic. Some forms almost humanlike, illusory, or ecological. Some were capable of speech, as they evolved to intimidate and hunt humans. Others could be transparent like shadows, invincible to any physical attack. They could not die by any known physical means at the time, but needed food to survive well. Mammals of various sizes were their main pleasure, but nothing more sought after than human flesh.
At the birth of humanity, the Dark Ones treated them like play things. This early history is the very reason humans are afraid of the dark. Humans were a great source of energy, but the Dark Ones were tepid in their desire. Humans were a very small populated species in the early years. If they were to go extinct, the Dark Ones would lose a great deal. They carefully allowed humanity to expand, at a rate they desired, so they could progressively harness their resources. They found creative ways to do this. Some of which was infecting, manipulating, and controlling them. This process grew for a millennium until a human was born, who would change this course of history forever.

The Dark Ones would eventually go extinct, due to their weaknesses exposed. One of which in being a hive species. Humanity would finally take control of their destiny over their removal. Although gone, and having no physical bodies left, their presence still lingers. The fear of darkness remains, along with the ways mankind manifest evil for itself. They dwell between everything, waiting for a way to return. Leaving goosebumps as a sign to humanity.

## Names

Many names were given to the species throughout the years:

* "Dark Forces"
* "Darkness"
* "Demons"
* "Monsters"
* "Malum"
* "The Unpleasant"
* "The Malevolent"
* "Amartía"

## Differences from Humans

While the Dark Ones are a collective hivemind, human beings are an infinite consciousness, that can expand indefinitely. The Dark Ones on a microscale can change their forms by shapeshifting, but for eons they will remain the same species. Humans on the other hand, given enough time, will expand their civilizations, knowledge, and capabilities on a macroscale. Being conscious representations of Darkness, the Dark Ones are physiologically different from humans. In fact the opposite in many ways:

* The Dark Ones work as a hive-mind with their leader. Destroy one and it will eventually come back.
* Being similar to shadows, many Dark Ones are hollow in their form, and cannot be touched physically.
* While humans remain the same form, Dark Ones can change their shape at will.
* Overtime, the Dark Ones will remain the same species with the same capabilities. Humans however, will expand their capabilities and grow as a species.
* The Dark Ones power are in shadows. Human power is in energy.

## Trivia

* The Dark Ones are responsible for humans fear of the dark.
* Many of humans early evil acts can be attributed to the Dark Ones.