Morgana's powerset and magic
Hi Boards! Haven't posted in a while, so I'm back with a thread on Morgana, and more particularly her powers and magic.
A few days ago I was asked by a really kind gentleman what I'd like to see for Morgana regarding her powers in lore. I decided to give it a bit more thought, and so here I am! Untitled King, if you read this, this thread's for you!
Obligatory bait pic, it's a commission of mine drawn by Bekkomi!
######Dark Fire and Celestial powers
So as we all know, Morgana is inherently gifted in the use of dark fire. It burns, of course, but there are other things that could be done with it, on a wider, more metaphysical scale. Celestial Magic is supposed to be the weirdest magic type out there, as it does not originate from Runeterra. So let's get into it!
Reflection and truth in darkness
So first of all, Morgana's darkness seem to be linked to the idea of reflection, as well as that of truth (though of course it's also the case for Kayle's light). This stems from the fact that their power originates from the Aspect of Justice, but it's worth mentioning regardless.
"They are not ready for the reflections within my darkness." "Truth is a dark mirror." "Darkness reveals our truth, Zed." "I am your darkness, I am your truth." "Darkness reveals truth!" "The earth reflects your torment!"
These are some of her quotes, referring to Darkness in relation to Truth and/or Reflection. Additionally, in Prayer to a Crumbling Shrine
“Through the chains that bound them, the Veiled One forced him to endure all the shame, suffering, and loneliness he had inflicted on his pupils. For an instant, the Cleric’s heart stopped, as a great weight he had never known constricted his very soul. He fell to his knees, fixed in place by bitter torment, as shadowed flames licked his flesh.
Another funny tidbit that I like, tho it may be a stretch to assume this was done on purpose -
In Morgana’s face, Kayle saw herself reflected;
Celestial glory marred by mortal passion.
It is no news that Morgana's dark chains can force people to endure the pain they have caused. It is actually a close replication of the famous Penance Stare from Ghost Rider. I think the most interesting question is why? There is a reason why we talk of "darkest, deepest secrets". What we don't want to see about ourselves, we shuffle them deep inside of us, into 'darkness', to avoid looking at them. This truth is hidden in the dark, because we have suppressed it. Or I'm just going way too far, but that's the fun part!
Now why did I mention something that we already know? Because there's a few intriguing possibilities regarding this power. Could Morgana trap someone inside their own mind, with their deepest, darkest fears...? Could she use your most well-hidden secrets against you...? I think this is something that can (and should!) be explored.
Truth-seeing eyes
Another power related to Justice is that of seeing the truth.
“The Veiled One peered at the Cleric. Behind the shroud, her eyes seemed to bore into him.
From her color story
"I know what my enemies feel. They are right to be afraid." "We shall see through their lies."
From her quotes.
Now this is less of a "OMG SO STRONG" power and more of an interesting ability. Let's note, first of all, that this is an ability that is probably possessed by both sisters ("Kayle's golden light saw all, she knew what lurked in evil hearts,")
Intrinsically linked to the concept of Justice, this power is useful in that it allows to be a better judge. You just can't lie to Kayle and Morgana, because they can see through it. Now this is something that has come back often on the lore server, but for a different character, but to what extent do "lies" go? Does that mean they can potentially see through illusion, which are but mockery of reality? It would make sense for me.
So yeah, the ability to see through lies isn't necessarily useful in combat, but given everything isn't a combat, and given K&M's role in lore, I do think this ability is cool? What do you think?
Pain
This is linked to the first topic I mentioned, but I'd like to delve deeper into pain, which is a central point of Morgana's story.
"They shall feel my pain, and fear for their souls." "I don't hide my pain, I wield it." "Know me by my pain!" "Feel my pain!" "Share in my torment!"
Now this is something that I find interesting in that it implies that not only Morgana can make people feel the pain they've caused, but she can make them feel her own pain. And I even like the idea that this can be both on a spiritual level (her emotion, bitterness, etc) and on a physical level (wounds, etc). I know kits aren't canon etc, but I like the idea that Morgana can transfer her pain to others so like, her passive) in order to heal herself? That'd be a hell of a power.
Chains and Shields of Dark Fire
I feel like this isn't a necessary part, but I'd like to be as extensive as possible.
Chains
Let's talk about chains first. There's quite a lot to do with that. I mean, more than shackling people with burning fire (poor Ronas... :^)), chains can be used protectively, and do a whole lot of things, do most of them would be way too gore to fit in any League story.
Shields
Again, I'll be quick. Shields are just shields, they protect from attacks y'know... Tho something interesting that we theorized on the lore server was that a barrier of dark fire could not only shield the person inside, but also burn the attacker.
In that moment, Morgana rushed to shield him, burning his attackers to ash.
Take that as you will, it can either be literal, she used a magical shield to burn the attackers, or she just burned the attackers directly...
######Learnt skills and magic
This is a more... Controversial topic (much to my surprise). I've always loved Morgana as the witch in the wood kind of archetype, she's inherently gifted in magic, but would also be versed in skills other than her comfort zone. Why? First, because Morgana resents her natural celestial powers, but her bio definitely hints towards her knowing she'll have to confront Kayle. It would make sense for her to dive into other magics (such as Spirit Magic or Elemental Magic). Then, because Morgana loves the mortal world. I like to think she has genuine interest in Runeterran magics.
Knowing what it was to be a refugee, she wandered the wilds, talking to wayward mages and others cast out for the dangers they might bring.
This doesn't support much, but again I assume she manifested interest in magic after talking with these people, and that even if she hates her divine heritage, she would still like the more 'mortal' types of magic.
Curses and Hexes
Morgana used to be a potent mistress of the dark arts. Now, 'dark arts' sounds a bit "evil" (take that word with a grain of salt) for Morgana. But I do think it's important for Morgana to remain that witch who possesses vast knowledge of curses and hexes. I think Morgana being inherently too benevolent does prevent that in some manner, but I can see her being selfish enough to have learnt those, even if only as a weapon against her sister.
Typical witchy stuff
Don't have much to add on that one. I do think Morgana should know the basics of the witch/wizard archetype. Things like wards, seals, barriers, etc. I guess you can add potions to the bunch? Morgana brewing some potions would be cool. I know her color story does mention strange potions lining the wall, but I'm weary of such tales.
######Fighter skills
I know that, thematically, this isn't what one would expect from Morgana. She's more of a spellcaster than a fighter. But we have precedents of her wielding a sword so I feel like this deserves a mention.
Swordswoman
Morgana was a swordswoman back in the days. However, I can't quite picture her as the same ruthless fighter that is Kayle. So this is more of headcanon/theory territory. I like to assume Morgana was more of an agile fighter. Think Shinobu from Kimetsu no Yaiba?
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/571291646080188427/678588152784617485/Shinobu_1.gif
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/571291646080188427/678588151652155433/Shinobu_2.gif
Now maybe this is just wishful thinking, but that's the only way I can see Morgana wielding a sword? Not to say she didn't know how to use it in any other way, as I imagine Kayle would want her to know how to fight properly, but I do think something akin to this was her best way of fighting? Small, but precise, deadly cuts.
Physical prowesses
Okay this a BIG stretch. But well. I think Morgana (and Kayle), due to their celestial heritage, have increased strength (and probably stamina, etc, etc). I mean, have you seen those metal chains she's wearing? If she can comfortably walk around with that, she must have quite the strength. I do not think Morgana is the kind of people to fight barehand or anything. But I think she can do it. Just thought it deserved a mention.
Also add to that that she's probably very skilled in flying. She may have lost her touch after this many years of bound wings, but she was able to battle Kayle on equal footing in the skies back then, so surely she can maneuver and all!
I think that's about it for me! I'm mostly theorizing! Tell me what you think, if you'd like to see Morgana do some of those things, and also if you have anything else you'd like to see her do! I'm very happy Kayle and Morgana finally got updated last year, and I'm looking forward to their next story, whenever that might be! As usual, I'll leave another poll below. I'm interested in seeing your answers!
