| Category | Depressions |
| Alias | Synnbarri |
| Type | Shade Farm |
| Continent | Brucrumus |
| Region | Tribe Steppes |
| Focus | Shadow |
| Alias | Synnbarri |
| Map | Sava'loth |
In the Year 49, hordes of Jara overwhelmed the Ak'mrîtun Empire (842 HE - 49) . Its inhabitants, predominantly Theegans, were dispersed into two factions. Those residing near the fallen capital of Binê Sadôr fled southward into the Maegorion forest, ultimately reaching Skycius. Meanwhile, those occupying the upper wooded tracts along the Ithen braced themselves for the inevitable arrival of the heavy barges and their bloodthirsty passengers.
Most Jara are apprehensive of the aquatic environment. They are centaurs, part-equine, yet dissimilar to horses, they do not appear to possess the innate instinct of animals to swim, as their emotions overwhelm them, causing them to flounder about, sinking like a stone.
Zig, an esteemed ranger of the Singarban Reapers, hailing from the lands of Marakellûth, recounts a tale entitled "Jara and Water"
For three decades, Singarban's holdouts endured constant peril. This came to a resolution in the Year 77 with the establishment of the first Jara Horde. United under a single leader, they surged into the forest with nearly 12,000 mounts. They crossed the Ašetal lake on a fleet of heavy barges and constructed pontoon bridges to traverse the rivers north and south of this lake. The "tribe" that spearheaded the retreat towards what was then still called Synnbarri was the Calijoth. It proved a prudent choice, for the Jara feared the confined and often treacherous paths descending into the canyon. When they dared to attack, the Jara suffered severe losses. Synnbarri became the new home for the Calijoths and others fortunate enough to escape the Jara.
In the Second Epoch, the Shadow Curse ( 1302 - 1317 ) swept the region. This left a dark stain on the land, with areas of perpetual shadows even on the brightest days, and transforming many into creatures of shadow. The canyon sprang leaks, conduits to Bal-Kriav's dark moon Deaths Kindle. Long known as Synnbarri, a Giant term given by Glangveif's chief cartographer, after the curse it became more commonly known as the Shadow Rift.
Shadow Rift is loosely governed by the Ink-Shad. The two city-states comprising this federation are the largest strongholds within the rift. They contend for commerce and sway in the Nînilzar, the magocracy that governs Ink-Shad. Accusations of preferential treatment towards one city over the other perpetually engender discord. The malevolent origins of shadow energy reside within many of the rift's residents, resulting in incessant, bloody conflicts and vendettas.
Since the time of the Shadow Curse, thirty-three rifts have been opened to the moon Deaths Kindle, tapping into its shadow energy. Robust protective measures are in place, including vaults surrounding the rifts and well-garrisoned keeps defending them, yet alien incursions still occur with alarming frequency. Over the past five centuries, Shadow Rift has witnessed numerous conflicts with undead entities and power-hungry tyrants seeking to disrupt the established system. The larger rifts are utilized to facilitate the transportation of goods between Bal-Kriav and its dark moon. Two of the most prominent commodities traversing these rifts are Goomstar and Kindlite.
The eerie, shadowy ambiance of Shadow Rift is continually augmented by the application of arcane magic. Guilds operating at the behest of formidable Ink-Shad shadow wizards strive to maintain the rift in a state of subdued illumination. Consequently, denizens of the Underdark can be encountered within Ink-Shad's fortified holdings or traversing the canyon.
The cities of Ink-Shad serve as gateways to the Underdark, facilitating a significant flow of trade and traffic in the region. In addition to rare items from the moon, the Shadow Rift has long been renowned for its abundant mineral resources. During the Horgon Era, Glangveif mined the upper tracts, with all the slave laborers going deaf from the demanding work. Currently, Ink-Shad mines the areas south of The Deafening , utilizing both mortal miners and constructs to extract copper, salt, platinum, and other valuable resources. The introduction of constructs for this purpose coincided with the arrival of a rogue modron named Tetretz, who in 1531 found the rift's high concentration of shadow energy to be a boon for creating mass numbers of automations, such as hammers and pulverizer constructs.
The Shadow Rift serves as a focal point for Shadow Energy, granting all shadow spells a +2 bonus to their Difficulty Class. Additionally, Shades, shadow mastiffs, and other shadow creatures gain a +1 divine enchantment to their armor class and a 10% boost to their temporary hit points while within the Shadow Rift.