Lesson 4: Spell Of Shifting Shadows

Pognetti's Pages of Thaumaturgy
Written By: Taylor Howe

Dear Magnus,

As you dance back and forth across the blurred lines between the light and the shadow...I feel you have been able to find a good balance...

Since you have been able to achieve a more enlightened mind, in the temporal reaches from beyond the Void...I feel our connection has grown stronger. 

This brings a smile to my face, my son...your Magi training has been going well...and you are far beyond your starting point...despite the challenging times you are facing...

I must ask, have you felt the rippling effects of 'The Great Sunder' reach you yet my boy?

I know from where I am, the effects are being felt as though they are rippling through the Mystic Waters of the Brackus, coming from your world...

I will continue to do what I can from my side of the Void...as we are making good progress, in the grand scheme of all things...

However...it is you, that I cannot help but continue to worry about...the division between the light and the dark becomes ever more present...and so I find myself asking yet another tall task from you Magnus...

I am going to need you to call upon the darkness of your soul for this next lesson...the Sisters Three, sadly must take another piece of you now my boy...they are owed this after all...

As the fates continue to twist into their favour...we must once again dabble in the ways of Ancient Blood Majik...I do not condone this, but given the circumstances...we really have no other options.

The spell I am about to teach you...I myself, have only ever used once...you need not be alarmed though my boy...for it does work!

Perhaps a little too well...

The Spell Of Shifting Shadows...is a matter of seriousness...this incantation stretches the threads of life to their breaking point...

Taught to only some of the most gifted of Magi...the users soul becomes temporarily enveloped by the Embrace Of Evermore...

For this spell Magnus...I will need you to be laying down...your body will drift into what will seem like a deep sleep...but your soul will latch onto the shifting shadows of fate that dance around your being...

This spell will transport your soul into the presence of one of the most powerful, yet respected, of Ancient Blood Majik practitioners...

A long time rival of mine...yet comparatively my equal...the Orc Shaman referred to as Uthrall, The Blood Shaman...

From this moment on...He too will have his hand in on your future guidance now as well...

Before you lay...go to my study and seek the hidden bookshelf...I know you know the one I'm taking about Magnus...I may be old, but not foolish...I know you found it as a young boy...

Find the Daggers Of Kismet...yes the ones upon the top shelf of my study...the daggers I always told you not to touch or play with...they should be there still...you will be needing these now for this dark ritual...

Unsheathe them...but please, make sure you do not look directly into the shimmering shape-shifting blades...for they will trap your gaze...and make you do unruly things...

Unsheathe them gently from their golden husk...closing your eyes and maintaining focus...

Now, lay yourself down onto a firm yet comfortable surface...repeat these words aloud over and over again Magnus...repeat them as you trace the Daggers Of Kismet down both sides of your face just below your closed eyes...

I know the next thing I'm about to tell you will sound malicious...and borderline crazy...but unfortunately there is no other way...

Raise the blades to your face...one to each side of your nose...just below your eyes...press them against your skin and pierce the flesh...

Make sure you draw blood...the Sisters Three will demand it...

Run the blades straight down to your jawline...carving into your very being...as you repeat these words...slowly until you drift off into the darkness of the Embrace Of Evermore... 

"Darkness come to ease this pain
Blood have blood, my tears be rain
Fall into this cold embrace
Scar for a scar upon my face
Sisters Three, I speak to thee
I must learn, what not I see
Let my body lay in peace
Bend my soul along the crease
Edge of darkness hear my call
Shifting Shadows, one and all
Take me to the brink of death
Let me hold my final breathe
Kismet, Kismet free this cage
Take me too the darkest sage..."

Once this is completed, the Spell Of Shifting Shadows should have transported you to your destination...you should be standing in the doorway to the Temple Of Duskzog...this is the home of the Blood Shaman himself...

Uthrall will know you will be coming...for the shadows will tell him of your planned arrival...

Listen to his words like you have done with mine thus far, Magnus...He knows of the pathway ahead of us all, and he cannot deny you assistance...for I know the outcome of 'The Great Sunder' will have too benefited him...and his kind once more...

When you have finished his lesson...return to your body quickly...hopefully your threads of life will not be severed by then...the Sisters Three are temptresses of fate...do not give them more than is required!

It's hard to believe...that our lifeline...hangs upon the thread of yours...

Be hasty Magnus...Uthrall is awaiting you!

...I hope you get the chance to continue to read these pages of my spellbook...after this venture into the Embrace Of Evermore...

Come back to me...you must! You still have much to learn...

- Personalized Lesson Page from the scattering's of Pognetti's SpellBook