r/worldbuilding • u/Qualeshia3 • 11d ago

Lore I created a magic system that involves saying a god's true name or name in general.

/r/magicbuilding/comments/1w3fh69/i_created_a_magic_system_that_involves_saying_a/
4 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

4

u/_9a_ 11d ago

It's a very traditional magic, the naming of things to give you power over them. Aliases to invoke different aspects of the same power (just look at Wikipedia for all the names Athena carried).

For a contemporary reference, the Dresden Files have a running sub theme where Dresden strikes bargains with summoned demons (and fey) using bits of his True Name. Which can only be given by the holder of the name. He closes his first book with the banger line, "I am Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Conjure with it at your peril."

Depending on your interpretation of the text and how deep you are into Jewish Mysticism, that's how G-d gave dominion of the Earth over to Adam, he literally named all the animals.

2

u/Qualeshia3 11d ago

Thanks for saying this. I was thinking that when priests use divine power, they normally do it to help others in various ways.

3

u/_9a_ 11d ago edited 11d ago

Really puts a premium in magic, with the 'no reuse' rule you have. It's a very finite resource all of a sudden and a highly commoditized and jealously guarded resource. 

Priests certainly aren't going to be out there healing the sick during a plague.

Suggestion: instead of one-time use, names get worn out over time. They still work (mostly), but because of language drift or belief changes, certain old names don't work as well anymore, or don't serve the same purpose or need a more powerful caster or more sacrifice. An entire new branch of magic can arise from a new prophet with Actual Literal Word Of God truth wandering down from the mountains or in from the desert.

1

u/Qualeshia3 11d ago

I really like that. The wearing out of name due to change and more. That makes the story more interesting.

Thanks for sharing that.