#Lore24 – Entry #76 – Fantasy Month #16 – Greatmother Magda

From the journal of Angeliqua “Goldeneyes” Cartacustos:

I’ll admit that I’m not as well-versed in the particulars of the orcish Badaxe clan as I should be, but they are a rather secretive lot, and very closely tied to the Emperor in significant ways, making up the bulk of his elite honor guard, in fact.  Gray Tiger has spoken highly of his people, and has shared many stories of them, but the inner workings of the orcs are still very much mysterious.  Yet, in spite of my lack of knowledge of the clan on a more nuanced level, I am familiar with the name Greatmother Magda. 

Magda is the eldest of the Badaxe clan’s shamans, ancient even by humanity’s standards, let alone the generally shorter lifespans of the orcs.  Though I haven’t seen or met her myself, she is reportedly frail and very much crone-like, but still regarded as tough as the stone of the mountainous clan-home itself and shows no sign of slowing down even with her advanced age.  She is always accompanied by her loyal guards, and rumored husbands, Scrumpy and Wurzel, who likewise are ancient, and are often seen to be guarding the gates to the clan-home.  Gray Tiger has mentioned many times when he had witnessed them covered in frost on the mornings following their vigils, yet they can still fight better than most warriors a quarter of their age. 

Magda herself, as a shaman, is in close contact with the spirits and in tune with the natural world like few others but is further renowned for her talents of farseeing and prophecy.  Many have sought entry into the clan-home to seek her wisdom, though few have been successful as the orcs tend to charge a hefty price set by Magda herself in return for her services (though at least a few accounts exist in the records of individuals who she has allowed to see her for as little as a few copper pieces or a seemingly worthless bauble).  She has frequently been spotted within Draconis Magna at the Imperial palace accompanied by her guardians and members of the elite orcish Black Guard, and the Emperor has long relied upon her guidance.  Though I could not pull any specifics from Gray Tiger, he has at least confirmed that Magda is well-versed in crafting curses as well and will not hesitate to lay one upon any who would offend her or her people. 

The current clan-chief, Mantok Badaxe, likewise holds her wisdom in high regard, as is proper for a wise orcish leader, I’m told by Gray Tiger.  Heeding her advice has led to further gains by the clan outside of their ties to the Emperor, and led to newly established settlements for the Badaxe orcs around the Empire, and, as slow as it is, greater acceptance in general society by humanity and, however begrudgingly, the elves and dwarves. 

I cannot, however, get confirmation from Gray Tiger on the nature of the rumored dour prophecies given by Magda in recent years.  These have been kept very well under wraps by the Emperor, and may in fact have world-shaking implications, though whether these are kept hidden to ease the potential for panic in the populace or in an attempt to circumvent them, I can’t honestly say.  Perhaps one day soon I will have an opportunity to meet Magda myself; she has visited the Great Library on a few occasions, though before my time, so there is always a chance.  Though I would certainly value the chance to meet her, I cannot help but be afraid of what I may learn of my own fate, should she deem me worthy of sharing such knowledge.