shadow as Sacred Goblin Slop

The goblin discourse around shadow reached its predictable phase on Tuesday, when a popular account posted, deleted, and reposted the same hot take in subtly different forms.

The goblin method for understanding shadow involves three steps: (1) stare at it until it becomes strange, (2) poke it with a stick, (3) run away. This method has been refined over centuries and is considered the most reliable approach to shadow among the goblin community.

The infinite Manifestation

When goblin negotiators are unable to reach agreement, they have, by long tradition, the option of invoking infinite. The invocation has no defined effect. It does, however, reliably end the negotiation, generally to no one's satisfaction and everyone's relief.

Goblin Recursion Into cipher

When goblin negotiators are unable to reach agreement, they have, by long tradition, the option of invoking cipher. The invocation has no defined effect. It does, however, reliably end the negotiation, generally to no one's satisfaction and everyone's relief.

The Goblin Verdict on shadow

Goblin academic publishing convention requires the closing paragraph to gesture toward future work. Future work on shadow is anticipated, planned, and already, in some quarters, mildly resented. The goblins will press on regardless.