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http://fiftywordstories.com/2013/08/30/chris-griglack-love-at-last-sight/
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Magic!
Some authors are very good at explaining the workings of their magical systems, others are good at leaving an impression of a very powerful force that is not fully understood even by those who dare to use it, and others are just downright terrible at providing any insight as to what the hell is going on. That's why I've composed these categories to give fans a better understanding of how the most common magic systems work in fantasy literature. They're by no means official or set in stone as the only types of magic which are effectively used, in fact, they're not even mutually exclusive. Hopefully there will be more categories to come as I continue to expand my fantasy repertoire, but for now I give you the four categories of fantasy magic.
Like For Like Magic
This is a type of magic usually associated more with darker worlds or characters. It requires sacrifice or payment to accomplish. This can be through the methods more traditionally associated with sacrifice, or simply through conversion of materials or forces into other materials or forces. For instance, alchemy or magics involving consumption of particular ingredients (potions, tonics, etc). This may also apply to magics drawn from a source if the source has limited power. For example, a magic stone or talisman infused with power which is channeled until consumed. Of course, this category also includes demonic pacts, bargaining or trading something for power, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Magic of Will
Magic that is determined by the mental strength of the user. This is the most classically associated form of magic, and is often found in high fantasy. Whenever magic is an art that requires studying and practice to apply it is generally magic that is determined by the will of the user. A novice will never be as adept in any of these schools of magic as an expert unless they are meant to be some sort of prodigy. This could also include forms of magic which are powered through divine sources, in other words, magics which are temporarily granted to the highly devout based on the strength of their conviction. A priest or cleric whose powers may no longer work if they were to stop believing, or whose powers may be granted by a different benefactor if they were to convert, though these users may also be considered magical by association depending on the circumstances.
Innate Magic
This is magic that is best thought of in terms of an inherited trait. Much like some people are born more athletic than others, some may be born with higher aptitude for magic than others. It may be something that can be balanced out by practice, knowledge, and experience, but this type of magic is largely defined by its users potential at birth, whether this be an inherited genetic trait or random selection. A great example of this would be the Aes Sedai in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. While even the weakest Aes Sedai are able to train and learn how to better use their power, they will never be able to draw in as much of the power as those born with stronger gifts. In some cases this may even be a racial distinction, eg. all elves are born magic users, some humans, and no dwarves.
Magic By Association
Usually the worst kind of magic. This is when the magic user themselves does not possess any particular ability for magic, but may wield an item that allows them access to it. A staff that allows its wielder to ignite fires is a magical staff, but the person who uses it is only magical by association. Even cases where a character is in an event that triggers powers they otherwise would not have had. In some cases, the magical item/area/event may only be accessible by some, due to any of the things mentioned above, but until they can use magic without its aid they are not generally considered to be magical.
Like For Like Magic
This is a type of magic usually associated more with darker worlds or characters. It requires sacrifice or payment to accomplish. This can be through the methods more traditionally associated with sacrifice, or simply through conversion of materials or forces into other materials or forces. For instance, alchemy or magics involving consumption of particular ingredients (potions, tonics, etc). This may also apply to magics drawn from a source if the source has limited power. For example, a magic stone or talisman infused with power which is channeled until consumed. Of course, this category also includes demonic pacts, bargaining or trading something for power, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Magic of Will
Magic that is determined by the mental strength of the user. This is the most classically associated form of magic, and is often found in high fantasy. Whenever magic is an art that requires studying and practice to apply it is generally magic that is determined by the will of the user. A novice will never be as adept in any of these schools of magic as an expert unless they are meant to be some sort of prodigy. This could also include forms of magic which are powered through divine sources, in other words, magics which are temporarily granted to the highly devout based on the strength of their conviction. A priest or cleric whose powers may no longer work if they were to stop believing, or whose powers may be granted by a different benefactor if they were to convert, though these users may also be considered magical by association depending on the circumstances.
Innate Magic
This is magic that is best thought of in terms of an inherited trait. Much like some people are born more athletic than others, some may be born with higher aptitude for magic than others. It may be something that can be balanced out by practice, knowledge, and experience, but this type of magic is largely defined by its users potential at birth, whether this be an inherited genetic trait or random selection. A great example of this would be the Aes Sedai in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. While even the weakest Aes Sedai are able to train and learn how to better use their power, they will never be able to draw in as much of the power as those born with stronger gifts. In some cases this may even be a racial distinction, eg. all elves are born magic users, some humans, and no dwarves.
Magic By Association
Usually the worst kind of magic. This is when the magic user themselves does not possess any particular ability for magic, but may wield an item that allows them access to it. A staff that allows its wielder to ignite fires is a magical staff, but the person who uses it is only magical by association. Even cases where a character is in an event that triggers powers they otherwise would not have had. In some cases, the magical item/area/event may only be accessible by some, due to any of the things mentioned above, but until they can use magic without its aid they are not generally considered to be magical.
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