Word of the Day -- Illusionist

The word illusionist has its roots all the way back to the 14th century.  Like the hero in our last Lord of Winter post, an illusionist is someone who performs some sort of magic.  This can mean a wide variety of things, from the magician who performs in front of thousands of people, conjuring rabbits in half or sawing a person in half, to what we Trolls are more wont to use the word for, someone with mythical and mystical powers who can protect or destroy a place with their powers.  What I found most revealing about this word however, is its origins.  It comes from Latin, illusio, which is translated as mocking, or ironic.  This seems to suggest a contempt for the audience, but i believe that no longer holds water.  Most people today see magicians and illusionists to be fooled, or tricked.  They enter into an agreement with the performer, you entertain me and I will disregard your trickery, or rather be marveled by it.  It's that old "willful suspension of disbelief" we hear so much about in movies these days.  Or perhaps it's also that old line of "how'd they do that?" that we engage in.  Regardless, illusionists, either in fiction or in real life, are people who perform magic.  And for us Trolls and Crusaders, we love the illusory side of life.  It's the reason we game in the first place, isn't it?  So enjoy your illusions, they keep the mysteries of living with us.  -- Tim Burns