Elemental magic - Writers Forum

Rhea · 12-02-2005, 03:56 AM

Hello, can anyone give me ideas and information about magic/powers based on the four elements fire, earth, air and water? I haven't read a lot of fantasy so I'm kind of stuck on what you can do with these elements. I've got vague ideas of throwing balls of fire, creating swirls of fire to engulf your enemy in, a tornado/whirlpool of water/air, pinning you enemy using the air, haveing a hole suddenly appear in the earth to swallow your enemy, burying your enemy alive in earth...

So, yeah, I need help. Something subtle, perhaps? Not too showy?

CZ · 12-02-2005, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhea

I haven't read a lot of fantasy so I'm kind of stuck on what you can do with these elements.

It really helps to read fantasy if you want to write it. Getting a feel for the genre, seeing what types of magical systems there are out there (D&D vs. Aes Sedai vs. Malerissi vs. Raymond Feist-style vs. pseudo-science based...) is invaluable to you as a writer. I would also suggest studying real life "magic" - druids, Wicca, Satanism, shamanism, etc.

Kimahri · 12-02-2005, 12:27 PM

Yeah definitely read as much fantasy as you can if you plan on writing it. Concerning the magic system of using elements, it has been used a lot and will probably be used time and time again but somehow it never gets old when you read it--at least not for me. I myself use them in my own story but not as the primary source. I would suggest coming up with new ways to use it though other than the ways you listed. I think the elements cannot only be used as weapons but as defenses and also ways to improve life as well. Something you could do is sit down and research the uses of the elements. All of them are a natural part of life but as humanity and society have advanced so have the uses of the elements. This may spark some kind of beginning to your problem. Hope that helps in some way.

kimahri

CZ · 12-02-2005, 04:58 PM

I think I should clarify that when I say "read fantasy" to get ideas, I *don't* mean "copy ideas" - although you probably already knew that.

Reading can help you develop your own ideas and thats what I was getting at. Sometimes when I feel completely stuck, I'll take a few days break and read a novel in the library or peruse some nonfiction.

karnautrahl · 12-26-2005, 07:42 AM

Mercedes Lackey-Fire Rose and a handful of other books in that series use this concept.
Its a Greek model of magic if I remember correctly. For me what is gripping is the process of mastering magic. In real life I work with magic and healing work-something sceptics have an issue with, however there is a definite effort and mental+physical process that involves the whole self to it. In a story setting, this process can be engaging.

What you have to do with your will, emotions, imagination, beliefs and desire to make it work and to learn how to do more with it. I just like to read about the journey a wizard/sorcerer/mage becoming has to go through. Just my two cents worth.

yep, I'm a total newbie to writing-so I'm only talking from an experienced readers viewpoint LOL.

Edit: Sorry folks, I just performed the art of forum necromancy. Need a slap for not reading the date on the post!

Rhea · 01-01-2006, 08:57 PM

Well, I'd still like all the thoughts and ideas I can get, even though I posted the thread a while ago

LouDog11 · 01-02-2006, 03:35 PM

Just as perhaps an idea-starter, you may want to check out the Final Fantasy game series. Not saying to steal their ideas, but they have always used the 4 elements of magic, and you can check out the newer games for good animation of how the mage performs this activity.

I know they balance the 4 elements by having each element have a complementing element. So, water complements lightning, and fire complements ice. Of course, you could compliment them anyway you which.

So, many of the foes you face in the game have a particular element that they identify with. For instance, if you were traveling through the 'Misty Wetlands' (I just made that up), then the majority of enemies would have Water power and can cast water spells. (In Final Fantasy, it is just simply called 'Water' or 'Watera' [with increasing power]) But, perhaps you could just have a group of Water enemies, with spells casted such as 'Tsunami', 'Tidal Wave', or 'Flood of the Tigris'. I'm very weird.. I don't know. Therefore, the person in your party that casts spells would want to use his/her Lightning attacks, as they would do the most damage against Water enemies.

You can play off of this, but I thought it was an idea. They also add a new twist by giving the enemies the ability to absorb its particular element. So, perhaps your story could have your characters befuddled in trying to identify the element of a particular foe, and accidentaly casting a spell that increases the enemy's magic and power.

Just an idea. RPG games are a good source for this, as many games flirt with this basic idea. Final Fantasy is just the most known and a long-lasting series. You can check out the simplicity of NES and the elaborate graphics of XBox 360.

Also, try Captain Planet for more element ideas (kind of a joke).

Hope this helps!

Rhea · 01-03-2006, 01:29 AM

Lolz, Captain Planet...I used to watch that when I was a kid =D I was looking more something more subtle, though...thanks anyway! But the idea is something I will think about.

Dresdor · 01-03-2006, 03:39 AM

I've always enjoyed the idea of magic in a fantasy setting. For fifth horde, I'm using it as an explanation for why things happen. There isn't much real magic in that story, but those cave dwelling people sure believe there is.

But for a more practical and hands-on flashy form of magic, there's always options. I suggest reading the Eberron handbook for D&D, the world there is created very nicely and uses magic very heavily. Everything from the standard sort of D&D spells (fireball, earthquake, etc) to bound elementals in armor, weapons, and even ships and locomotives. It is an excellent example of raw magical energy and it's effect on the world.

Oracle · 01-04-2006, 08:52 PM

Well, you can be as original as you want, but typically it goes like this:

Fire:

The opposite of water. It represents offensive, aggressive magic, and passion. It often causes the most damage and makes the biggest booms. It's spontanious, powerful, and uncontrollable.

Water:

The opposite of fire. It represents healing, calmness, and serenity. On the other hand, it can represent as much emotional passion as fire, and can wreak just as much havoc. It varies from calm to raging, and sometimes it even encompasses ice. It's the most flexible of the elements, and can vary greatly in spell range.

Air:

The opposite of Earth. It represents freedom, speed, and flight. It usually involves wind, but sometimes involves lightning.

Earth:

The opposite of air. It represents stability, defense, and endurance. It usually involves earthquakes, nature, and defensive spells.

Silvereagle · 01-05-2006, 10:29 PM

Yup, just like that...only. Make up some of the stuff youself. Like use the elements and form them to your will. Fire cannot very well make mist, but it could also lead to 'dry heat' and all this sorta junk...I agree that reading alot of books are important, but then afterwards I believe you can go off and create your own fighting/ healing things with them. Good luck to you!