We, Lightkeepers, have spent far too long fearing the Wither. Let it be known now that we are the natural enemy of the Wither. The Wither fears us.

The Wither cannot stand in Light. Lightkeepers have a natural tendency for Light, but not just in our spirits—we are not just striving for goodness, not just filled with affinity, but instead also physical Light-makers. A Candle Noodle’s flame, a Lumendra’s lure, a Tortuvina’s mist: all are Light, and all repel the darkness—that is, the Wither. We have before studied the healing properties of Light… something so keen on death and destruction cannot possibly stand something so pure.

We have collected samples now of Wither, liquefied. We extracted this purified Wither from Withered plants that were brought to us by a farmer in Oreta. After their crops suffered from waterlogging, they died… the soil and climate not worth the work, it was left for a few days. Most plants died, but those under shade, near the farmer’s home nonetheless, somehow became Withered… tall, grotesque, unnatural; a cursed second coming after death. 

It has shied away from the Light our researchers expell. It is not sentient, yet it retreats in its container like it might be, trying to preserve itself let it fade away.

There is no particular difference between the effectiveness between a Candle Noodle and Lumendra, or between a Lumendra and Tortuvina. Pure Light is enough to drive away the darkness. However, it can be noted that by natural forms of light—a candle, a torch, a lamp—those with flame are significantly more effective. The Wither fears heat, and flame is the perfect source of it. 

In forcing contact with Light (which must be abrupt, or cornered, lest it move away), Wither can simply do nothing but burn up into wisps of smoke. In its pure form, Wither becomes the most regular elements of our air. At degrees of num Inventor,  it will whisk away into air, though the natural earth of Faia never reaches that heat (save for, our volcanoes).

We surmise Wither is like shadow—cast from darkness, an absence of Light. Therefore, it must cower there, to breed and thrive… it cannot stand to be in the open, to face purity. Somehow, it is connected to death, as it was born there in the sure-dead plant. We must do further testing on its effects to living things, as to be aware of what damages it might cause, and determine where it may come from, so that we may avoid its shadow.