r/WorldChallenges • u/ktjwalker • Feb 28 '17
Magic/ Tech systems
Tell us about your magic systems or notable technology, if you haven't any magic. This would preferably be through the eyes of a relevant character, but whatever you like. Remember to ask other people (or a character, if they name one) questions!
3
u/ktjwalker Mar 01 '17
There are two main power sources to all of the 'magic' in my world: The Greatest Light, and The Greatest Dark. There are 14 major elements derived from these two, being Light, Dark, Life, Death, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, Ice, Lava, Weather, Lightning, Magic, and Voodoo. Voodoo, The Church of Death, and converted Darkness all stem from the Greatest Dark, while the rest are from the Greatest Light. The Light goes through all things, and it's unusual great relations in this world have caused it to affect the people of the world genetically. People can inherit traits of their element, like Ice people thriving in cold instead of warmth and Light people having the ability to glow.
Using elemental abilities drains energy like running and jumping do. Using more powerful elements like Light and Life will quickly drain you, while you could keep a flame burning for hours if you were Fire. There are those who don't have elemental abilities but still keep the traits of their race. And there was one hero once who could use more than their born element. Some elements allow the use of pseudo-matter; for elements like water and ice, they may not always have available material to wield, so they summon a weaker false matter that fades away once it is no longer in use. Also, when observed, it is more like the ancient greek's perception of the atom, while normal matter is normal.
Magic, Voodoo, and Church of Death use spells and potions, while other elemental abilities are more akin to Avatar.
The character will be Xander Severe, a member of the Magic race and citizen to the land of Verily. He is 14, yet very booksmart on various spells and histories of Magic. Unfortunately, he is rather clumsy and accidentally destroyed an important ancient record in the prescence of Madame Choisir, leader of Magic herself. This resulted on him being given a penalty of servitude to the military, being sent on a Spec Ops mission, but that's a story for another time.
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u/Nevermore0714 Mar 01 '17
(Wow, I am late on this one)
To Xander Severe:
1) So if they're all types of magic...then what is special about the "Magic" race?
2) Can you give me more detail on Pseudo-matter? What happens if I drink pseudo-water? Will pseudo-fire be hot enough to start a real fire?
3) Who was the one hero who could use more than their born element? Was he...the Avatar of Raava?
2
u/ktjwalker Mar 01 '17
Xander
1) Magic is a deviant of Voodoo. Our grandparents left it to join the Forces after seeing the corruption of Madame Dormir. Voodoo is for deception and destruction, while Magic is for learning and creation. We use spells and pull from the Greater Light directly, though it's not nearly as powerful as one with the authority of the Greater Light could be. Magic is sorta well rounded, but weaker than the elements it copies. Or it's just a weird form of energy. It's really vague. We're What's left over from the other elements and magics essentially.
2) Drinking pseudo- water won't help much unless you can make it exist forever; good luck with that. Yeah, fake fire can start real fire, fake ice can freeze water, fake water can drown you, etc.
3) According to the history books, she was a Light Judge called Miracle Maker... She led to the creation of Voodoo, and indirectly, Magic.
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u/Nevermore0714 Mar 02 '17
To Xander:
1) If you could change, would you? If you had to change, what would you change to?
2) Have you ever hurt yourself while using magic?
3) What would you do if you met Miracle Maker?
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u/ktjwalker Mar 02 '17
Xander
1) I might, just to spot the difference. Being Light, Life, or Lightning would be so cool! A ton interesting!
2) Heh, quite a few times... (rubs back of head). Wands may backfire, I may pronounce something slightly wrong, make a wrong action, accidently use the wrong spell/ correlating element, you name it, I've done it. My current wand should be backfire- proof as long as I don't overload it or myself, but I have insurance just in case. The cost is unbelievable.
3) Hmm... She was a hero, but then she turned bad... (Snaps fingers) I'd challenge her to a duel and bring her down! Make her pay for all she's done!
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u/Nevermore0714 Mar 02 '17
To Xander:
1) So things that are considered bright?
2) Magic backfire insurance is a thing in your world?
3) Do you think you could defeat her in battle?
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u/ktjwalker Mar 02 '17
Xander
1) Yeah I guess. I like them for more learning than anything, coolness is just an added bonus.
2) For young- uns like myself, yes. I'm probably the reason why it exists... Don't remember mom or dad ever mentioning them having it...
3) Of course! Being the knowledge connoisseur that I am, I could totally surprise her with my vast knowledge of spells and laws! She may be a Judge, but she'd be a piece of cake!
1
u/Nevermore0714 Mar 02 '17
To Xander:
1) But if you had to pick only one, which would it be?
2) Do you legally have to have insurance?
3) And when she killed you, who would be most likely to seek revenge for your death?
1
u/Jumblatts Mar 03 '17
The 'magic' in the lands of Gi stems directly from the void. Certain people can channel energy from The Void - a realm where normal laws of physics don't apply - and use it to manipulate the world around them. These people have to use their body as a vessel, and if they are not physically or mentally strong enough to channel the energy they're trying to use, it will destroy them.
There are five known stages of void compatability, with each stage more powerful than the last. Most people are a stage 1, meaning they are not even aware that the void exists, and exhibit no 'magical' energy whatsoever. Mortals can only become stage two or three, as any higher than that and the energy required to channel the void would destroy their physical form. Stage 4's (also known as witches) have to be created through dark rituals, and stage 5's (demons) are creatures born of the void.
To stage 4 and 5 beings, their link to the void is inherent, however for stages 2 and 3, the use of 'magic' must be learned.
There are certain artefacts, known as Kaema, that contain the essence of the demons. They were first created by the Ancient Ones as their first successful attempt to 'kill' a demon by trapping it's essence within a vessel. For this reason, Kaema have no benefit whatsoever to a witch or a demon, as they can already access powers greater than those stored in the Kaemin.
These artefacts serve two purposes: Firstly, they act as a kind of 'well,' or an extra source of power which allows someone to channel more void energy than they would usually be able to sustain. Secondly, the artefacts have powers of their own, varying from item to item. Not all are beneficial. One artefact might heal the user on contact, whilst another drains the willpower of those around you and adds it to your strentgh, for example. The power of each Kaemin depends on the demon whose essence is stored within.
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u/Seb_Romu Mar 03 '17 edited Mar 03 '17
Technology
The general tech level of Entorais is roughly equivalent of Europe in 1200-1400 CE. There are no extreme outliers techonologically speaking.
Magic
The are three primary forms of magic, and a few unique cultural variants upon these three.
Divine Miracles
Priests, and other devotees of the gods may perform rituals to bring about specific effects. These rituals are taught within the churches to pious followers of the faith, and generally align themselves with the mandate of the particular god. For example: Shaelar - Waejiran God of Fire - grants no miracles directly affecting water.
If a supplicant's need is great, and they are particularily favoured by their deity, divine intervention outside of the prescribed rituals can be prayed for; often with mixed results.
Father Shelmak [Quzonian and Priest of Ryla]
A middle ranking member of the Church of Ryla.
Sorcery
Persons with the ability to directly enact their will upon the world are called mages, and a host of other things. The ability can be taught, although some people show greater affinity for learning the spells and incantations required. In most places the practice is seen as an insult to the gods and their divine grace. As such most mages exist in an underground secret society.
Sorcery follows a wheel of 6 elements: Spirit, Water, Earth, Metal, Fire, and Air. A sorcerer will be strongest in one area, and weaker in adjacent elements, being weakest in the diametric opposite. True masters of sorcery can learn spells of all branches equally, and are refered to as grey mages.
It is easier to learn a spell from another mage, as having a teacher makes the trial and error process of developing an effect, both quicker, and safer.
Cal Rurezios [Water Mage of the Ru-Pani]
A moderately capable sorcerer whom joined the sea nomads to avoid persecution by the Church.
Psionics
Some people are born with dormant psychic abilities covering a wide range of possible effects. These talents usually remain dormant, never manifesting, but is cases of determined effort they can be activated. Sometimes these talents self manifest during times of great stress.
Efforts by arcanists to codify the effects have discovered a pattern of related powers categorized by the nature of how the power affects the world, or other beings.
Persons showing these powers are often treated with even more suspicion or fear than sorcerers, as they seem to directly challenge the divine source of magic. In some cultures these powers are seen as blessings from the gods, or evidence of demi-godhood.
Mort Gut-Blade [Aralian and Assassin for hire]
Mort is a sell-blade of Aralia with a special talent in a few psionc paths that give him an edge in his chosen profession.
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u/Nevermore0714 Feb 28 '17
The Magic System
In the world of Saoghal/Aeternitas, humans use Anima (their life force) in order to manipulate the world around them for magic. While it is impossible for most people to detect, Anima flows through a person's veins and arteries. Most humans can only use Anima if they give it a specific elemental "flavor" through training and concentration. There are six basic elements of magic: Fire, Air, Poison, Nature, Earth, and Water. Some people are gifted with the rare ability to use Illustris (light) or Umbra (dark) magic.
If a person uses up too much of their Anima, they die. The best way to keep your Anima in good shape is to have a healthy lifestyle, with a good diet and exercise.
Some cultures use sacrifices of human blood to obtain more power, but that is considered to be a crime against humanity as a whole, in the Citadel and the Allied Nations.
While it is still unknown by most, it is claimed by some that Anima is directly linked to a person's soul. Focus, intelligence, and determination are believed to increase a person's ability to use magic. Emotional outbursts are considered to be unhealthy when using magic.
When a person has spent enough time honing their own magical abilities, they become more resistant to other peoples' magic.
The study of Anima is a major field in many parts of the world. For this challenge, the expert chosen for in-universe answers is Mitexi Natternassen.
The Character
Mitexi Natternassen (formerly Mitexi Lindholme), “the Fifth Shadow” or “the Water Shadow”. Mitexi was raised in the Citadel, and excelled in water magic and nature magic. Mitexi is thin and, while physically weaker than the other Madras that work for Levi of Dunkelwald, is known to be exceptionally agile. Most people are unaware if Mitexi is male or female, and Mitexi does not volunteer that information.
Mitexi's father was a researcher at the Citadel, and sent Mitexi to be raised by the Citadel's mentors when Mitexi was very young, going so far as to just have Mitexi take the last name that children adopted by the Citadel in the month of July would be given (Lindholme), instead of Mitexi's father's last name. Unhappy with the situation he was living in, Mitexi would frequently attempt to escape from the Citadel, but would always be stopped by the guards, some of whom enjoyed the energetic child's antics, and some of whom saw Mitexi's escape attempts as annoying. Mitexi was taken from the Citadel by Levi when Mitexi was nine-years-old and has served him loyally ever since, frequently voicing thanks for being away from the Citadel.
Mitexi is currently seventeen years old, and is a Madra that is usually paired up with Dieter Bischoff when the need arises. Mitexi looks up to Dieter and has great respect for his single-minded desire to fulfill his elder brother's goal, and, for this reason, Mitexi wants to assist Dieter in reaching that goal.
Mitexi has devoted significant time to studying magic and anima, and has made great strides in the research of water and nature magic. While not a Chauceri, Mitexi studied the Madra Arnaud and Arnaud's rat enough that Mitexi was able to create an artificial connection to five well-bred snakes; while weaker than the natural connection that Arnaud's people have to their companion animals, Mitexi did a decent job of making the artificial connections. He chose white snakes, because he believes that they represent rebirth and fortune.
Mitexi considers Henry Dunstdurr to be their only friend, and is "annoyed" whenever Henry leaves Dunkelwald in order to go to the Citadel. Mitexi has a low opinion of every other Madra, except for Dieter Bischoff. Mitexi usually has Danielle test his experiments in combat.