The Curse of Darkness

Example

For as long as people can remember darkness has meant danger. It acts as a portal for the forces of evil to enter the world and any settlement must be well lit come nightfall or risk death.

Monsters

Most monsters are afraid of light. Of course a certain amount of light is required, a torch may keep them wary but if one needs to set up camp a campfire in each cardinal direction will be needed to ensure safety. Cities, towns and farming settlements regularly put up a barriers of firewood to keep themselves protected.

The Dead

The dead also rise when darkness falls. Some uninteligent and some not, but even if they retain their memories they are now filled with nothing but hate and loathing towards life. Haad is a godess specifically dedicated to putting these acursed souls to rest. To ensure a body does not rise some treat the body with salt, others cut off its limbs including head and bury it six feet underground. Though of course this only prevents the body from surfacing, it still reanimates in its twisted state. Only a priestess of Haad can ensure a body does not rise from the dead. Save that one must burn the corpse and then crush the bones into fine dust.

The lumber industry

Massive caravans travel to and from cities and settlements daily to supply everyone with sufficient firewood to survive. Some mountainous areas with little wood depend on coal mines such as Ulvera, Mortevia and Barrania.