The Shadowlands are a parallel realm, mirroring almost exactly the form of
the Judgement Fields, but different in subtle, important ways.  Most
significantly, other beings reside in the Shadowlands.  Combat can, and
does, take place, and death leaves little to plunder.  Phantoms who study
the revenance skill are given the choice in the Umbra to venture into the
Shadowlands or into the Judgement Fields.  

Why enter the Shadowlands?  That's hard to say.  Many think it's insanity
to enter a violent realm, possibly more dangerous than the material
Retroverse.  Others seek the adventure.  Still others whispers the rumors
of ancient necropoli that faded completely into oblivion -- but in
actuality, slipped into the Shadowlands.  Could lost lands once known to
the Retroverse denizens be hidden there?

It is in the Shadowlands that the Gods wage their invisible wars, unseen by
their devoted followers.  Here, demons and angels slaughter each other,
only to rise up again each day for another battle.  Here, shambling nature
spirits rise up from the dark ether to do Gaia's bidding.  Here,
Armagg-Odhin's Reavers live out a glorious orgy of death and dismemberment
upon all that moves.  The Shadowlands are gray, dark, and depressing, but
they are a land of emotional extremes that only the strongest psyches dare
explore.