On Magic

For me it depends. I like fantasy over all as a rule of thumb, But like a great many things I'm also picky about it at the same time. Plus theres a difference between Modern Fantasy, Fantasy that takes place in our world in the modern era. and Medieval Fantasy - Anything involving swords, rather its within our world or in another world.

I watched LOTR. Seen Seeker of Truth and the first season of Shannara Chronicles (Which is based upon the Sword of Shannara) and a bit of the show Merlin.

I've also read Robin McKinly's Hero and the Crown and its loose squeal Blue Sword (Although they were published in reverse. So really The Hero and the Crown is a prequel xD) Which involves magic and swords and dragons. Though it doesnt have elves or anything like that.

I've read all 17 books in Tamora Pierce's Tortallan 'Verse. And its very magic heavy.

Theres a number of movies. Anything involving King Arthur or Robin Hood as a whole tends to run the gambit of fantasy categories. and range from good, to terrible.

The Emberverse series by S.M.Stirling (Which is 13 novels currently, with the 14th due out sometime next month, plus like 21 short stories in the same verse all published since 2008 further proof that GRRM can suck a nut) is billed as a "Post-apocalyptic alt history" but as the series continues theres implied magic, but rather its actual magic or something else is open to interpretation.

Harry Potter is a fantasy. But a modern one. Narnia is a cross Modern/Medieval Fantasy. Technically it could be argued that Starwars is a fantasy =D. Outlander is a Historical Fantasy. DragonHeart is also an historical fantasy.

I genreally am not picky regarding the type of fantasy. I'm very much into anything with swords.

If I had to pick though. I'd go with Fantasy 2.0 with strong leanings of Historical Fantasy. I like understanding the powers that be and things that make logical sense which realism in historical fantasies help with that. A simple "its magic" doesnt really do it for me.

This does say it all.

You fit here perfectly, and are amongst (nerdy and proud) friends =D

I would like to put forward another category for fantasy. - Scifi Fantasy. 

Fantasy that takes place within a futuristic or distopian verse but contains powers which are extordenary or otherwise magical in nature. 
Examples. Mass Effects and Biotics. or.. more popular. Starwars and the Force. 

Also. I would like to also put foward that besides books, shows and movies that I have seen that fall under the fantasy categories. There is also a slew of videogames. 

Such as The Elder Scrolls series, Dragon Age. Mass Effects - as mentioned above, Jade Empire. A number of others that I'm too brain dead to actually name off the top of my dead, but will totally look at my steam to recall. 

Basically, I'm at the point where I am seriously contemplating how magic will work in my OF world. It's something I need to iron out before I consider a few key plot points.

I've decided I want there to be some sort of logical system in place for magic, so that cause and effect can be understood. I've also chosen this road because I want to step away from the 'bloodline magic' trope a bit, not because it's bad (there's a reason it's still used successfully to this day), but because it ends up maintaining power only within certain individuals/families. I want to open up possibilities beyond that for certain characters. Also, there are some economic facets I want linked with magic too - ie, certain reagents can be worth a lot of $$$, which will play in to some of the politics in certain areas.

It's a tricky thing, to come up with something unique. But something random will end up giving me that spark of inspiration I need...

Or, whiskey. That might help me see things in a real magical way too XD

So you're going less of the "Blood of the Old Kings/Gods" magic system and more like... 

.... Well, The Elder Scrolls - pre skyrim at least. Where potentially anyone could have magic, but there are races and individual people who have a natural aptitude / are gifted in it; and those that have had to work really really hard to get to where they are at (Natural talent, vs so.much.practice) 

So a character who starts off as a warrior class, could, over the course of the story become a battle mage even though they'd never be good at a character that started as a magic user.

( I say Pre-Skyrim TES, because Skyrim did away with the class system basically totally. And got rid of the major/minor skills. And really just dumbed shit down as far as the in depth rpg mechanics) 

As far as a magic system goes. If you are writing a magical society having magic be some what accessible to everyone within that world makes a hell of a lot more sense then restricting it to bloodlines. Of course, you could still build in social-economic class / bloodline based differences from the snotty "My father got me into the exclusive Arcane University. i have had the best training and education in the arcane since I was six" to the arrogant "I am the decedent of the Old Kings! Heir of the Elder Gods! Power is my divine right; you are nothing! Less than nothing compared to me!"  to the more mundane family potion recipes and tonics from your two times great grandmother that is a sure cure for the common cold. Or the village alchemist / healer. Or that crazy old hermit that supposingly was once the grand enchanter to the royal court. Or that Wild witch that everyone is pretty sure practices blood magic and eats little babies.. but no one can prove it. 

Or maybe magic was a thing, but isnt a thing any more but is now a thing thats coming back because plot. 

Or maybe magic is a thing, but its a heavily restricted thing. And only the wicked have magic. or something. (Dragon age. Lol) 

Also. Whisky will give you something already. A trip to the alter of the porcelain goddess and a hangover. 

This is absolutely part of the plan. For example - one city in particular is the only place a certain rare reagent is found. And it's the most valuable in the world due to its usage on top of that, so the ability to trade that single commodity allows that city the economic freedom to live independently of the rest of the world/continents.



Exactly this. Without really spoiling anything or saying too much, magic was always present in some fashion in the world, but it didn't take the spotlight until a devastating event. That was a wake up call, and the world at large set aside their ignorance in order to prevent further.. problems, and start harnessing some of this power. So while magic users aren't common, per se (there is still a stigma associated with it amongst many groups) they are not restricted to ruling classes/old families/non-explicable bloodline connections, etc. The people who wield it will have some common trait and/or tool that allows them to do so, but it won't be based on who yo momma or daddy was.



Oooh.. Revan has had some Bad Experiences!

Revan, it wounds me that you even had to ask!

Yes, in my massive OF world, there are lesbians. In particular Danae Aedrian Losliach, commonly known as 'the Bastard Princess', and Keane, the Spurned.

**and yes, 'Danae' is an intentional nod to my beloved Danarya OTP.