Okay. So they're more... hmm. They don't have the substance of creatures of this dimension, then.
Ah. From your description, I don't think I'd want to see one, personally. They sound frightful. I can imagine most people would be petrified of them.
Do the tattoos protect you in any way? Do these beings ever attack anyone? Now as a Herald - you were already able to walk freely through their dimension, so does the tattoo mark you as Herald for the Shadows, or for other people who are also Heralds?
I've had my fair share of being looked at like that. You wouldn't believe how many people can't wrap their heads around a talking car. I prefer to learn as much as I can about new people.