This a theory based off of nothing: Nelis was originally a regular shadowling who learned the secrets of immortality. Over a long period of time, she learned to better control her psy powers to the point where no one could challenge her. She then took over the Shadowlands and declared herself 'Queen'. The Shadowling Queen rewrote history and outlived anyone who rememebers her mortal beginnings. By the time of TRPG2, every shadowling believes that Nelis is a god who created the shadowling race.