In my world, magic is basically a power over physical objects and elements exerted by the mind. Scholars over the centuries have discovered different elements and patterns of this power, and have developed a system of "spells" and "gestures" to categorize the different ways to use it. Unlike in books like Harry Potter, where the character waves the wand and magic just happens, the magic in my world is a power that is built into the mind. It must be exercised, organized, and practiced. It can be accentuated by different objects, objects that conduct or obstruct magic well.

So essentially, every person in my world has "magic", but some have higher powers of concentration, brainpower, and confidence, which make them better wizards.

So it's not like "You, young boy-who-has-no-name, are the only wizard in existence beside myself. ", it's "you can throw people through walls. Big deal! I can turn water to ice!" kind of thing?

Well, sort of, but magic is still not commonly used, especially in times of peace and prosperity, when people don't want to take the time and trouble to learn how to use it. Sometimes magic-users are looked down on and alienated as well. So it's not like a lot of people are using magic.

Interesting. Why are magic-users treated badly?

Maybe it's an Israelite community?

joking, joking, haha.

Very interesting Loki! To what degree would you consider your magic system to be "science-like"? Are there specific things that can be done, repeatably? Would you be able to describe the limits of what magic can and cannot do, and how people progress in learning to use it? I, for one, am a big fan of having 'magic' available to all people. No meticlorians, just practise! Cool stuff!

In times of peace and prosperity, as I mentioned, people aren't interested in learning how to utilize magic. It takes a long time to master and people don't perceive it as necessary or helpful. Eventually, magicians become a very small minority, and magical methods and teachings become scarce. Magicians are viewed as behind-the-times, head-in-the-clouds, good-for-nothings. I may even include that they are suspected of dark arts, in a witch-hunting kind of way.



To what degree: A very high degree, although it is predictable only to a certain level, and depends fully on personal mental strength.
Repeatably: Studies of magic show patterns in its behavior as a result of the magician's actions. Students of magic use these patterns to develop a system of "spells", basically a word or phrase, a gesture, that acts as a mnemonicm, to allow the brain to unconciously execute the pattern. Obviously, this takes a long time and beginning students start out without trying to use "spells", just trying to get a consistent effect each time using patterns. There would come a point, if the magicians mental powers were strong enough, where he could make things happen without really thinking about it.
Limits: This type of magic is obviously more limited than more traditional types. The magician would be unable to enchant objects (i.e. Harry Potter), although he would be able to penetrate temporarily something that has a mind. I haven't fully thought through the limits of this magic. I am thinking that the magician may only change an element's form through his magic (water to ice, sand to glass, etc) although I'm afraid it might make it TOO limited. What do you guys think?

Cool, Loki! Very interesting!!

Ah. Makes sense.

So by thinking certain patterns a magician can cause an element to react as if it was being affected by extreme temperatures?

What do you mean they would not be able to enchant objects?
Fascinating Loki! How would magic be used in everyday life?

Yes, and other effects such as shape and texture.



Basically, the magician's mind must be actively affecting the object. He can cause a frying pan to dance, but he can't enchant it to dance around even when he's not actively influencing it. As soon as he breaks his concentration, the frying pan will just stop dancing.

Your second question: Haven't really thought of that. Any ideas?

One thing: I've been thinking that magicians would have lots of power over other people's minds. Some magicians use this power to make people have different perceptions of their appearance. These shape-"shifters" are called Dragons, since they often take that form.

Interesting.

It sounds like magicians have to be very disciplined, motivated, and mentally active, so I would imagine they would have very successful lives if they kept their magical activities in the dark so to speak, since those qualities tend to make one knowledgeable and respected.

Also, I do not think your magic is too limited. I LOVE fantasy worlds where magic is difficult and fey, and may not behave quite the way it's intended.

*edit* P.S. I love your username.

When magic is used, I like for it to be very mental, so I like that quality in your magic. I also don't like for it to be easy.

Have you developed this further?

Any particular reason you chose to use the term Wizard?

Ahem.

Yeah, I've not been active recently. But I'm back for now. Thanks for the kind words everybody, I actually am trying to develop this into some sort of novel/something. I've actually written about 1000 words without losing interest, which is new for me. I plan to write in first-person, but the person whose viewpoint the is narrated is not the main character. I will post what I have of the prologue in another thread here pretty soon.

@Airiana: the term wizard is used purely because that's what I think of when I think of magic-user. If anyone has a better term, fire away!

Just want to say this discussion in particular has really helped me to nail down my own definition of magical power in my book.

that is all.