Light vs Dark politics and Dark Lords

Welcome to Dark Lord Seduction Plan! In a world torn by a conflict between the Light and the Dark, Dark mage Alina only cares about seducing the Dark Lord and getting him to marry her... Come read about her plans, and the world where she lives!
Introduction to the story | Alina | Runic magic | Novel upcoming

Table of Contents

Light and Dark are fundamental concepts that have now divided our society for several centuries. From simple magical definitions, they've become political concepts to which ideas of morality are deeply attached.   The Dark Lord is the leader of the Dark society, and whatever meaning of the word Dark is used, you can always be sure that we are a harbinger of change—especially the violent kind!
 
 

History of the "Light" and "Dark" terms

 
"Light" and "Dark" are ancient magical, moral, and political concepts whose meanings have changed over time.
 
Initital meanings
The feel one got from certain types of magic.   E.g. 1: Ritual magic = heavy and heady sensation = Dark magic.   E.g. 2: Elemental magic = spark of lightning = Light magic.   Simple magical concepts, no moral or politics attached.
"Light" evolution
1) Light = revelation, knowledge, and wisdom.   2) Practioners of Light magic are enlightened and have progressive views vs people stuck in the ignorance of darkness.   Light = positive elements like honesty, happiness, purity of all kind but especially moral.
"Dark" evolution
1) Dark = used by Light mages for their enemies—Dark magic practitioners, "traditionalist" politicians, and criminals embarked in "shady" dealings alike.   2) Dark = negative elements like immorality, dishonesty, and outlaws.
Recent history
The Light party has been in power for a few centuries and used this propaganda to turn the general public against the Dark.   They outlawed one by one each field of Dark magic, making Dark a synonym for illegal.
First among them was ritual magic, highlighting its most horrible subbranches (human sacrifice, cannibalism, necromancy) despite other harmless and life-saving rituals.   A centuries ago, Light mages finally succeeded in outlawing the Dark political party itself.
 
 

The resistance

 
All of this did not happen without opposition, of course.
 
Dark society
The Light's ennemies started by decrying the concept of Light and Dark as an obvious manipulation, but since the terms staid, they've come to reclaim them.   They gathered together in a "Dark society" who shares magical practices, social events, and political objectives.
Dark Lords
Sometimes a Dark mage so far above everyone else in power and charisma emerges. People instinctively gather around them and look up to this "Dark Lord".   Dark Lords are designed by consensus among the Dark society, but the Light also delight in applying the title to criminal gang leaders so as to further tarnish the Dark's image.
Our Dark Lord
The Dark political party has been outlawed, but opposition to the Light and its Lord is not dead. Dark mages linger in the shadow, scheming their returns.   A new Dark Lord has risen, more powerful and intelligent—and handsome and charming—than all those who have preceded him. War is coming...
 
Contrary to what the Light think, the world isn't black and white. Light mages are hypocrites and manipulators, but they also share positive values such as tolerance and generosity. In theory. And many of them sincerely believing that banning even more magic will make our country safer for everyone.   On the other hand, because the Dark welcomes so many forbidden practices and refuse any constraint on magic, it has become a haven for criminals and those only looking for a chance to cause troubles and let free their sadistic impulses.   Thus, there isn't clearly anyone who is absolutely right or wrong. Believing so—and worse, basing your politics on this—is as dangerous as it is outrageous. I, however, much prefer to be stabbed in the front than in the back.
 
 

Current holder of the title

     
 

Related Articles

 
Light vs Dark
Factions Light vs Dark politics and Dark Lords · Light Lords · Dark Society · Light Society
Dark Players Dark Lord (Lord Enélien Cenlys) · Previous Dark Lord (Lord Malchène) · Dark secretary (Louis Nayer) · Dark lieutenants (Lady Sandeux, Lord Royenne) · Dark soldiers (Master Sérénius de Coroy, Mistress Alina Lange) · Dark civilians (Alina's family, Christopher Ashenfaures - Alina's fiancé, Miss Royenne, The lost Snowflake kitten)
Light Players Light Lord (Lord Justinien de Labruyère) · Light lieutenants (Master Jean Lannoie, Lord Mérein) · Light soldiers (Ritual Hunters)
Locations Old Esteille neighbourhood · The Dark Lord's Lair · The Mouth of Garna
Events The last war · A new Dark Lord has arrived · The Dark Lord's recruitment campaign · Demilitarised campaign · Letter from the Dark Lord · History of runaway rituals
Culture Religious stakes (The ancient religion, Calendar & celebrations) · Controversial Magic (Rituals, Astral rituals, Runaway ritual magic, Plants contaminated with runaway ritual magic, Exposure to runaway ritual magic, Nail tattoos) · Bird Symbols (Terror Birds, Ridiculous chicken)


Cover image: Light vs Dark by I_g0rZh on DepositPhotos

Comments

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Jul 16, 2022 17:57 by Chris L

Lovely inversion of the usual tropes. Reminds me a little bit too much of modern politics, but I love your article!


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Jul 16, 2022 20:03 by Amélie I. S. Debruyne

Thanks :D Yes, I'm aware of (and annoyed with) how it can be interpreted because of recent politics XD I'm going to lean more on presenting the Light as a totalitarian regime aspect and that the reader will agree with that assessment

To see what I am up to: my Summer Camp 2024.
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