The Dark Tide is a Waveworn Phenomenon native to Rinascita. It manifests as a dark, swirling mass of clouds that gathers and eventually breaks, pouring down in torrents like a waterfall. Wherever the Dark Tide strikes, it spawns Tacet Discords, and the area around its point of origin becomes a new Tacet Field.
There have been two significant Dark Tides in Ragunna's history. The first, according to the Order of the Deep, was stopped by Napoli II, the first Primus of the Order. The second was quelled by the martyrdom of the Blessed Maiden Fleurdelys.
This Waveworn Phenomenon is the manifestation of Leviathan’s power. Becoming corrupted by it, be it by proximity or direct contact, means that one enters a trance — akin to possession — and moves to enact the Threnodian’s will. It is capable of “preserving or reviving” souls under its influence. In the right light, it functions as a repository of humanity, much like the Etheric Sea.
While people have been known to resist its whispers, only a handful of people are actually nearly resistant to its effects, namely Cartethyia and Galbrena. Both of whom have deep connections to either Leviathan or the Dark Tide itself.
The Dark Tide also has been recognized to have a will of its own; separate from Leviathan, and has a physical manifestation known as the False Sovereign. While it may have its own agenda, it still acts in accordance with Leviathan’s will.
“In the beginning, the Dark Tide would claim only the areas it touched, assimilating all life as its vanguard to clear the way for its spread. The dead... they would grow mouths and sing hymns, day and night. They didn't need eyes or ears, for their purpose was to spread blindness and madness. Even those who did not believe were drawn irresistibly to the Leviathan's creed. And for those already deceived, it was all but inevitable. When a soul is corrupted to its core, it will sing hymns without end on its sleepless journey to merge with the Dark Tide. And when every faithful soul has returned to "Paradise," the land consumed by the Dark Tide will begin its pilgrimage, drawn by darkened skies, spreading its "gospel" to wherever it lands next. The final act of the Dark Tide is.... the "Journeying Paradise."”
— Cartethyia, Chapter 2: Act 4 — The Maiden, The Crier, The Death Defier
The dark figure we faced in Asphodel Barrens was, in fact, an embodiment of the Dark Tide. We call it the "False Sovereign." Unlike other Dark Tide creations, it can devour and reshape the scattered powers of its maker.
— Iuno, Chapter 2: Act 9 — By Sun’s Burning Hand
“They [the Hollow Figures] were once our own—brave Gladiators, loyal citizens of Septimont. The Dark Tide not only twisted their minds, it also raised their corpses and turned them into mindless puppets. Not even death could set them free. Mark my words, it will pay for this malevolence.”
— Augusta, Chapter 2: Act 9 — By Sun’s Burning Hand