Shadow Magic (Persistence Canon)

"Manipulating a shadow could, through contagion, manipulate the object or force which cast it."

- First Shadowkey Scroll

Shadow Magic was the art of shadow manipulation, it was relatively common in the provinces Hammerfell, High Rock and Skyrim during the Third Era, but gradually declined. By the Fourth Era only a handful remained.

Utilization
Shadow Magic was said to have had the power to change the past, present, and future. It was powerful enough to rival even the legendary Elder Scrolls. Though it has weakened severly through the later years of the Empire.

Shadow Magic can be used to create Shadowgates, that can be opened using Shadowkeys. Shadows can be absorbed to strengthen one's self, or could be molded in to physical forms, such as weapons.

Some shadowmages are also capable of draining the lifeforce and health from their foes. However, Shadowmages are often twisted by the very nature of their Magic, and for that reason Shadowmages are largely distrusted, especially within Skyrim.

History
After the discovery of shadow properties, Azra Nightwielder tried to merge all the possible worlds created by shadows in to one, so he would exist in all worlds. His ritual was stopped by Redguard soldiers, who feared his power. Azra lost control of the magic, and it caused an explosion. A crater remained that could still be seen at Azra's Crossing.

Shadow Magic also played an important role in the War of Bend'r-Mahk, which created an entity known as Umbra' Keth, or the Shadow of Conflict. Multiple parties, such as Jagar Tharn and Pergan Asuul, attempted to gain control of the shadow. But the Hero of Azra's Crossing, being assisted by Skelos Undriel and Azra Nightwielder, was able to collect the Star Teeth and use them to destroy the Umbra' Keth and defeat Pergan Asuul.