Erryd
“The Shadow Self”
Erryd is the dark half of Ryder’s magic incarnate, his Shadow Self. Unlike Ryder’s other muses, Erryd embodies all of his doubts, insecurities, and fears, making him a reflection of the harshest parts of Ryder’s mind. Shadow selves are often seen as a person’s nastier side, and Erryd fulfills that role all too well. He is relentless in his criticism, using everything in his arsenal—big or small—to torment Ryder. From minor slip-ups to larger failures, Erryd is always there, eager to magnify each mistake and push Ryder into a spiral of self-doubt.
Unlike Ryder’s other muses, Erryd has not been able to be controlled or quieted. He rises unbidden, emerging in moments of weakness to whisper harsh truths, constantly undermining Ryder’s confidence. His words, sharp and cutting, echo in Ryder’s mind: “You’re not good enough,” “You’ll never get this.” It was in the depths of Ryder’s nightmares that Erryd first appeared, taking form when Ryder’s belief in himself faltered. Since then, he has been a consistent shadowy presence, always waiting for the right moment to strike.
Physically, Erryd is spitting mirror image of Ryder, except for his magic, which manifests as a sinister, dark blood-red energy. This stark contrast makes Erryd appear more menacing, an embodiment of the darker emotions he channels. Erryd’s power comes from the recesses of Ryder’s mind, born from doubt rather than external magic.
Erryd thrives in chaos, believing he needs no rune to fulfill his purpose. His existence is rooted in dragging Ryder down, feeding off his fears and insecurities. Yet, while Erryd may seem like nothing more than a villain, he is also a part of Ryder—a reflection of the inner battles he must face, even when they seem impossible to overcome.
His speech color is #8B0000.