Aina

Lore & Background

In *Worlds Without End*, Aina is an immortal elf. The plot centers on her encounter with an evil astral creature known as a Horror. The novel is part of the Shadowrun setting and concludes a crossover trilogy that bridges Shadowrun with the world of Earthdawn. Notably, the first two novels of that trilogy were published after *Worlds Without End* was released. Andy Butcher reviewed the novel for *Arcane* magazine, giving it a 5 out of 10 overall. Butcher commented: 'As the first real cross-over between Earthdawn and Shadowrun, Worlds Without End is something of a disappointment. It starts well and reveals some interesting details about the real powers in the world of Shadowrun, but the climax arrives all too soon, and is less than stunning. Part of the problem is that you're left with the distinct feeling that you've missed a lot of what's going on - perhaps once the two prequels have been released, it'll all make a bit more sense...'

In Their Own Story

The air in the abandoned arcology was thick with the smell of ozone and decay. Aina's hands crackled with pale blue energy as she scanned the astral space ahead. 'Three spirits, bound to a human mage. He's waiting for us,' she whispered to Jake. The team moved forward, guns and spells ready. When the enemy mage unleashed a wave of fire, Aina stepped in front of it, her own barrier flaring white. 'Not today,' she muttered, then answered with a blast of mana that sent the man crashing into a wall. But as she turned to check on her comrades, a sniper's round found its mark. Aina fell without a sound, her magic dying with her. The team fought on, but the loss of their mage left a void that no spell could fill.

Reader's Guide

Aina is a mage class character in *Shadowrun* (2007), built for players who prefer to rain arcane destruction rather than spray lead. Her role is dual: devastating offensive caster and magical support, making her a flexible linchpin in any squad.

Her spellbook includes direct damage spells like 'Fireball' and 'Mana Bolt,' which chew through both flesh and circuitry. She can also cast 'Heal' and 'Armor' to keep teammates alive, and 'Barrier' to block incoming fire. Her 'Astral Perception' ability reveals hidden enemies and magical traps, turning the tide of ambushes before they start.

Aina's Achilles' heel is her fragility and dependence on essence (mana). Let her essence drain dry, and she becomes a sitting duck. Play her from a distance, conserve her mana for critical moments, and position her behind cover or tanks. She's a glass cannon—but when her spells hit, they hit like a thunderbolt.

Did You Know?

• Aina is an immortal elf who encounters an evil astral creature called a Horror in *Worlds Without End*.
• The novel was published by Roc Fantasy in 1995.
• *Worlds Without End* is the final book in a crossover trilogy that started with the world of Earthdawn.
• The first two novels in that trilogy were released after *Worlds Without End*.
• Andy Butcher rated the novel a 5 out of 10 in *Arcane* magazine, calling it 'something of a disappointment'.