"Curiosity and a desire to have what they do not," he answers. "Knowledge of the Fade that is found in understanding and not fear would prevent it more than the solutions I have seen used."

Again, it came down to a matter of what each nation thought was 'best' for managing magic. The limitations of the circles, the use of the rite of tranquility, and the brutality that came with much of it--all were an attempt to control a power that many feared. Possession seemed to be the worst outcome for any mage learning to wield their powers.

"Spirits are named by what they represent. Compassion, justice, wisdom--they embody these values. It is when they are corrupted by those of us they meet that their understanding of themselves changes and poses a threat."