Researching magic - Writers Forum

Lord Raiden · 06-17-2005, 11:25 PM

My knowledge of magic is a bit rusty (or so I've noticed working on my current fantasy novel) and I'm interested in finding out some of the types and classes of spells as well as possibly a variety of actual spells from each group that are good ones to use in a fantasy novel. I don't need anything dealing with witchcraft, but rather something you'd see in a typical fantasy book. I know that there's elemental spells, spells for working with spirits, healing, etc like that and I'm trying to figure out what's out there and maybe use some of the ones that are better known and maybe use some of the others as guides to create my own unique spells that are variations, combinations, or even completely unique versions of existing spells. Might even get to create a few of my own with some of these ideas.

Thing is, I'm not sure where or how to research this. Any suggestions or pointers?

Hodge · 06-18-2005, 02:11 AM

My advice: stay away from "typical" fantasy novel stuff...

But you don't have to heed it. Most fantasy these days (with the awesome exception of George R. R. Martin) is based off of Dungeons & Dragons (which is based off of Tolkien). Go pick up an old player's handbook or something and flip through it—they're pretty meaty and have lots of spells.

Talia_Brie · 06-19-2005, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hodge

But you don't have to heed it. Most fantasy these days (with the awesome exception of George R. R. Martin) . . .

And Steven Erikson. Go read Steven Erikson. Everyone.

Go on. Off you go.

Talia_Brie · 06-19-2005, 10:35 PM

It took some finding, but here's another thread that had a good discussion on magic in books.

http://www.writingforums.com/viewtop...r=asc&start=20

Hopefully that'll help.

playstation60 · 06-20-2005, 04:42 PM

I recently read a definition of Science Fiction as what is possible, and Fantasy as what is not. If fantasy is what is not possible, and magic where to fall into it's grip, that would mean you could create your own spells, how they are cast, the different levels of spells, and all that would go along with them.

Xeen · 06-29-2005, 08:55 PM

Actually, witchcraft would make interesting magic in a fantasy novel. It would be such a refreshing read. Consider doing that sometime. Just a suggestion

jta_8888 · 06-29-2005, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xeen

WANTED: Writers in Southern Oregon.

City, if I can inquire?

*Southern Oregonian*

Sareth · 07-01-2005, 04:10 PM

As an interesting alternative view of magic to that typical in fantasy, may I suggest you check ou the RPG Ars Magica. It presents a very good magic concept that is totally unrelated to the D&D/Tolkien model.

Xeen · 07-01-2005, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jta_8888

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xeen

WANTED: Writers in Southern Oregon.

City, if I can inquire?

*Southern Oregonian*

I'll PM you right now, to keep the topic from straying too much :0

Kira the wanderer · 07-01-2005, 07:45 PM

Make it up yourself. The typical things you find become really cliche. Come up with something new.

Xeen · 07-01-2005, 07:57 PM

The problem, Kira, is coming up with something original.

Best to steal a few ideas from a few different sources, put them in a good blender, and add a dash of what you -think- is new, and using that.

I'd rather do that then create a new system and then find out that it has been used in Such'n'Such Popular fantasy series for 50+ years.

I hate it when that happens.

playstation60 · 07-01-2005, 08:55 PM

If you go and read Orson Scott Card's book on writing Science Fiction there's a lot of really good information on creating magic, and how to have the different systems work. It's a great book for anyone that is thinking of writing any kind of speculative fiction. Definately something you should look at picking up.

Xeen · 07-02-2005, 02:43 PM

Oh yeah... something you might want to keep in mind when creating a magic system: Know your world. Know what works and doesn't work and how and why it works. That would be a good place to start, actually.

Even figuring out something as simple as moon cycles and planetary movements and all that shiznit may help.