Shadow was created by the tension between Order and Chaos, as exemplifed by the Pattern and the Logrus, or perhaps between the Unicorn and the Serpent. Most promontories with opposing powers have them on the same edifice; Shadow is a rare thing in the multiverse.

During an attack by the Black Council, the Serpent moved. Shadow fell into the Sea of Chance. Most of the Golden Circle Kingdoms of Amber and the Black Zone of Chaos fell onto the shores of those promontories, and survived in altered form. Some portions of the Grey Zone of Chaos also survived, but many locations there were lost.

In the Courts, the Abyss slammed shut, blocking the most well-known Fringe Gate.