❓The Ethical Question of Qrodin’s Magic

Qrodin uses psychological magic that he learned from his Ama before he became an orphan. Ama called it Mind Magic, and all magic was referred to as Itan by his people, the Karatolii.

The Right Tool

While on the streets of Riversmeet, Qrodin used Itan to keep himself and his friend, Talim, safe. Magic was a mechanism, a tool in his survival toolbox. It allowed him to subtly manipulate the feelings of those nearby to either calm them (using Soothe), or gently persuade them to see things his way (Coax).

Let’s take a look at this quote from Chapter Four of Catching Qat, where Talim and Qrodin are having a conversation in her office above The Lightning Strike tavern.

Her eyes narrow to thin strips of cerulean flame, and her breath hisses between clenched teeth. “Why do you even try?” She stares hard at Qrow. “You can’t distract me the way you do everyone else. I’ve heard your verbal acrobatics for too long. I know all your tricks. That you use it now? On me? Like I’m your opponent? That hurts. Qrow.” She doesn’t look hurt. She looks angry. Furious. “And don’t you dare try any of that calming shit with me.” Her nostrils flare.

He hadn’t been. Had he? Use Soothe? Perhaps he would have. Controlling the emotional temperature of a room is as natural to him as breathing.

Qrodin says that it’s less effective when a person knows they’re being manipulated, but does that make it okay not to inform them? He knows people don’t want to be a target. Even as a child, it was difficult to convince others in their troupe to allow him to practice on them.

At what point did that no longer matter? Does surviving the streets by coaxing street vendors to give him food count as an ethical point for or against him? What about using it to discourage a rival gang when they threaten violence?

Magic comes at a cost. Every spell takes energy. So why does he do it without thought? Why exhaust himself? Wouldn’t it be easier to allow everyone their flights or fantasy? What’s in it for him to de-escalate Bell and Llani’s disagreements while they’re on the road? Wouldn’t it be easier to let them fall behind or go ahead on the trail?

Then there is deformaenti magic–that which causes fear and pain–like the Terror spell he uses in Chapter Ten. He was forced to cast it once as a child, but realized the cost was too great to use it again…until Qat’s life was in danger. Qrodin admits that life would probably be easier if he used it to get what he wants in business, but he draws the line at causing pain… except in the fight for life and limb.

Does that line excuse him for using Soothe or Coax when the stakes are lower?

Memory is tied to emotion. By taking away people’s ability to feel strongly, is he removing their ability to hold onto life lessons? To remember key moments in their lives?

And even if he wasn’t, should he be the one to decide what others should feel? Or, instead of relying on magic, wouldn’t he be more effective (and trustworthy) if he learned non-magical ways of de-escalating disagreements?

Magic vs. Mundane

How are Qrodin’s methods different from his twin’s? Qat doesn’t use magic, but has learned other ways to manipulate. Here’s an example from Chapter Fifteen where Bell is hesitant to disagree with Llani, and Qat tries to convince her to voice her feelings:

I motion her to a mirror and drape the cotton before her, leaning down to match my height to hers, one of the many tricks I’ve learned to manipulate people’s emotions. In this case, to make her feel less nervous and more of an equal. “I think emerald is your color. What do you think?”

And Qat’s not above using disguises, fake accents, mirroring mannerisms and postures, or employing one of Rogen’s Rules to get to the truth:

Another rule I learned from the captain is to keep people off balance. ‘Change the topic lightning fast,’ he’d say. ‘Interrupt them. Answer their question with a question, but don’t wait for an answer. Eventually, you’ll wear them down and get an honest answer, even if only from their expression.’

Is Qat’s version better because ae doesn’t use magic, or is all manipulation unethical?

Qrodin believes that his use of Itan is beneficial. It allows conversations to take place without the heat of anger, the pain of sadness, or the burn of resentment. It allows those around him to use the executive function of their brains, rather than be swept away in a fight or flight frenzy when the amygdala takes over.

But is it beneficial? Does removing someone’s free will to feel — without their consent — benefit everyone? Or just him?

Would it be okay if he asked permission first?

How might his habit affect him and the Solitary Comrades going forward?

What are your thoughts? Leave them in the comments.

Until tomorrow… or tomorrow!

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