The Shadowdancers and Magnagora

As a Shadowdancer and a citizen of Magnagora, my proession has been the subject of some conversation. It was not originally my intention to cling to any relics of the Wyrd. But in the time I spent debating where I fit as a new cog in the Engine, I discovered my familiarity with it might be of some use. And I am not opposed to the skills themselves, but only to the ideals and the misinformation held by others who possess it.

It suits me for the moment. But it does raise questions, some of which have been stated directly:
- Does keeping the profession go against the teachings or culture of Magnagora?
- Why do I keep it, despite considering those of the Wyrd enemies? - What ties do I still have to Faethorn, or to Mother Night?

To these, I have an argument, based on study and the days I have given in contemplation of it.



On Magnagora

First, to clarify: I have no objection to any of Magnagora's professions. I am fond of all aspects of the Engine - art, culture, history, and the strength perseverance of its people. There are times that I am apart from the rest of the city, due to this choice. More than anything else, that has difficult to accept.

But is the choice anti-Magnagoran? Context matters here. If Glomdoring and Magnagora were allies, it might be so. As it is, they are the worst of our enemies.

Magnagora is founded as a city of Taint, the product of a Soulless who sought to eliminate those of the Basin. The Elders who grace our city choose to use the essence of the Soulless to fight against them. They recognized the value in understanding one's enemies, and using their knowledge against them.

When the touch of the Soulless Kethuru scarred the basin, Magnagora embraced it, and became stronger in consequence. We have learned to use every advantage to thrive amidst adversity. If the skills of our enemies can be of use, then we have an obligation to history to use them. As our Lord Fain once chose, so do we benefit from the same.

Not in all cases. There must be a purpose behind it, and the foresight to make good use of it.


On Shadowdancers and Glomdoring

The nature of the abilities matters, too. A Shadowdancer is tied to the Wyrd, and the legacy of the dark forest. The same Soulless essence of Taint that sustains Magnagora flows through the Wyrd. It is woven, inextricably, through every shadow in Glomdoring. Both Rowena Nightshade and Brennan Stormcrow rose as undead creatures when touched by it... and the coming of the Wyrd has done nothing to change either of them back. The forest remains Tainted.

Undeath is a gift restricted now to those of Magnagora, though the Wyrd retains their connection with the crow cloaks, and Rowena and Brennan. The Wyrd and the Taint are linked, however much Glomdoring denies it. It is unfortunate they do, though it gives me a measure of relief to no longer be bound by deception.

Likewise the spirits of Night and Crow were Tainted, along with Glomdoring's Ethereal side. A Shadowdancer draws upon this power, their own skills marked by it. Perhaps not to the same extent as Magnagora's, given the years of study and refinement - nevertheless, the connection remains.

Thus, I see little conflict between Magnagora, and the skills themselves.


On the Ethereal and the Spirits

There is also a connection between Shadowdancers and the ethereal, the fae, and to the Spirits. These are not concepts that Magnagora places much importance. And yet, as I still draw power from them, they do hold importance to me.

I made vows to protect the fae, and appreciate those that still come to my service. Even now, they are still a source of power and knowledge, part of the life of the Basin. Thus, they must be protected. The question regarding the fae is how they might best be protected. Currently, they are weak, confused between loyalty to Glomdoring or Serenwilde and pressed into service, willingly or not. Binding them with shadows helps ensure control and loyalty. But it does not go far enough.

As I wrote before, the spirits of Night and Crow were Tainted, and Kethuru's touch extended even into Glomdoring's Ethereal reflection. The fae, too, were touched by it, and Queen Maeve has acknowledged these Tainted ones are now part of herself. Given these facts, and that Magnagora has had the longest history of accepting and working with the taint, they are best qualified to manage these fae, and the Spirits themselves.

Magnagora's influence will be beneficial. I believe it is the Engine's destiny to conquer the Basin, as well as the Ethereal and the other planes. When that day comes, the fae will be taught discipline and order. They will be better, and stronger than what they are now, with no more confusion as to their loyalty.