An Introductory Analysis to the Taint
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Having lived in Magnagora for 137 years, I never once questioned the
true nature of the Taint. I always assumed, much like the Serenwilders,
Glomdoring and even Celestines that it was the remnants of the now
ancient arrival of Ketheru upon our Primal plane-- a disease of sorts
that touched the land, that had unexpected side effects. I had no idea
one could be so wrong, the following is an introductory scientific
analysis of the composition of the "Taint" and my subsequent findings.

Starting preparations involved the preparation of Tainted cells for
inspection via microscope, which I received for use in my labs on loan
from the Gnomish people. Those unawares of the device may desire to know
that it allows extremely detailed views of tiny objects known as
cells, far beyond what is visible with the naked eye, which comprise
all objects. It is comprised of a series of polished glass pieces much
like a spyglass, though in reverse so as to magnify that which is very
close rather than very far. The preparations involved the use of a glass
slide, upon which I placed metal scrapings of the Temple of Lord
Ashtorath located within the plane of Nil. In addition, I prepared a
slide of metal scrapings stolen from one of the Temples in the Plane of
Celestia for comparison.

Initial observations provided a curious clue to the workings of the
taint, it appears the cells of the sample prepared from the plane of
Nil had been altered via a binding of the Taint upon several key chains
in the structuring of the metallic crystals. The tainted cells,
unlike my initial expectations, did not appear to be inert as would be
thought. Instead, they throbbed slightly and were comprised of multiple
flagella (tiny hairs that act as appendages) extending from a core of
black that appeared to be transmutating the structure of the metal. As
expected, the slide of the shavings brought from Celestia showed a
distinct lack of mutation and the structure of the metal crystals was
inert completely. As a curious side note, regardless of my attempts to
isolate the sample from possible contamination, shortly after my initial
observations I discovered that the cells comprising the Taint had
indeed begun to affect the sample. In curiosity I continued to watch,
and noticed that they did in fact act almost alive, reproducing by means
of cytokinesis (the process by which the cell splits, asexually
producing another cell). Shortly after the untainted sample had been
exposed, it was already being mutated, most likely due to the nature of
my lab which is situated upon Tainted ground.

This intriguing finding piqued my curiosity, and so I moved to the next
logical step-- that of testing live cells of a Tainted creature. With
the gracious acceptance of several of my peers, I collected samples of
their skin cells for observation. Upon examining the cells I discovered
what appeared to be a wholly different subset of the Taint. Unlike the
inert metal shavings with which they had interacted with and taken their
form from, the live skin cells displayed a unique and curious example of
interaction. As opposed to a complete takeover the of the cell and
subsequent mutation as was displayed in the examples brought from Nil,
the skin cell structure was bound to the Taint in a manner consistent
with cellular symbiosis. The observation revealed the relationship to
hold true across all examples, though it appeared to be strongest within
the cells of Geomancers. I theorize that the reasoning behind the
strengthened symbiosis is due to the nature of the expiation of fluids
from the Geomancer's body, an ancient and powerful ritual they undergo
when moving towards their Magehood. Such a dry body would provide a
better bed for reproduction by the Taint cells, and subsequently the
symbiotic nature was strengthened in the sample.

I also theorize that this unique relationship with the Taint and the
Geomancers is what allows them the capability to Taint the area around
them. In observation of the cells, when electrical stimulation was
applied to the sample consistent with that which we Geomancers
experience when applying our magics to Taint our surroundings, the
growth of the Tainted cells was nearly exponential. This unique
interaction is further stimulated by means of the introduction of the
Tainted Censer, which I obtained on loan to use within my experiments.
It appears the curious smoke is comprised of an odd collection of
materials: Void salts, ether and alcohol combined in a manner consistent
with that which only a Divine could accomplish provide a smoke that
enhances the reproductive growth of Taint cells in accordance with the
magics of the Geomancer wielding it. Subsequently, it enables Geomancers
to apply Taint to their surroundings and recover that much more quickly
due to the lessened energy requirements of creating the cells. Such
strengthened bonds allow only the Geomancer to command the Taint, while
other factions of the city of Magnagora are unable to do so themselves.

Thusly I conclude from my findings that the Taint is not a virus, not a
"disease" as has been said before. Instead, it is a living organism, a
symbiotic void creature brought forth from the tear created by Project
Cosmic Hope and the subsequent release of Ketheru. Indeed, I theorize
that Ketheru itself is comprised of these cells. It would appear
that when allowed to reproduce uncontrollably, or when exposed to a
large quantity, that the creature they inhabit appears to become
transmutated beyond recognition (as is perfectly demonstrated by Lord
Gorgulu and most probably Ketheru as well). But, when introduced in
relatively small quantities the creature binds with its host to provide
a plethora of unique and powerful modifications to their cellular
structure, as is demonstrated by the Viscanti race and the denizens of
the city of Magnagora (which was most affected by it). Indeed many of
these modifications appear to be the basis surrounding the enhanced
structural resilience and magical capabilities experienced by those who
allow the binding of their cells with the Taint.

In conclusion to my paper I'd like to thank the Gnomish people for their
generous lending of their microscope technology, as well as my fellow
city members in Magnagora for their provision of samples for my testing.

Written this 6th of Shanthin, 309CE, by Kalas Hyde, the Crimson Puppet.