The Dark Rift is a perilous place between the higher paths and Nightmaria. It is not part of the realms of nightmare itself or an Outrealm, it is far darker and unfathomable. It is more of a peril of traveling through Nightmaria and the aether and astral streams that flow through all. Even the creatures of Nightmaria fear the Dark Rift – for all paths running through The Dark Rift eventually lead to The Void. There are several creatures who are native denizens of this place, alien and horrific to behold – Cacodaemons; Creatures of the Outer Dark.
There are the 3 Realms of Outer Darkness within The Dark Rift; all paths running through eventually lead to The Void. There is no escape except through The Void. Into these realms those who’s Essence was consigned to void must pass or who come seeking knowledge of The Void without entering it must summon from. Either way, any who partake of the experience of knowledge of the Outer Darkness risk their own Sanity. Only Lovigdril works in the Outer Darkness (The Dark Rift) – no other Magic.
These three realms are the home of some of the most vile and merciless beings ever spawned. They are realms so violent and carnal that not one visitor has ever left with their Sanity intact. Each realm has 8 dukes which rule over different lands, forever themselves locked in a struggle for power against their masters and themselves. These dukes are ‘The Keepers’ – they convey the souls of the dead and create the channels of power for the murderous and hateful divinities tied to these realms, who send to them the souls of their followers – both sides needing the services of the other to maintain their powers.