ZeroGear
2016-12-02, 12:02 AM
Before I start, allow me to preface this by saying this is more a discussion of fluff and not actual game mechanics, as these ideas can be adapted to fit any system or world. Now, on with the topic:
We all know that fantasy worlds and our real world can differ significantly, especially with the existence of magic. That being said, one of the most important things to help players immerse themselves in the game is making sure that everything in the setting exists within the realm of believability. As such, I would like to initiate small discussion on what rules magic actually follows. This is more of a thought-experiment, and anyone is free to contribute and/or adapt these ideas to suit their games. Remember, there are few absolutes in terms of being right or wrong here.
To start with, let's take a look at how various forms of fire magic could work within the universe:
When talking about fire in scientific terms, it is easy to conclude that it is a reaction that comes from fuel combining with oxygen and a spark to generate both heat and smoke. Therefore one can assume that fire magic works in a similar fashion. The difference here is the type of 'fuel' that is consumed and the resulting product. Unlike conventional fire, magical flames do not burn wood, coal, or paper. Instead, they use the 'spark' generated by ambient magical energy (commonly referred to as 'mana') to burn through the manifestation of cold. In short, magically created fire uses cold and air in order to burn and create heat.
However, while the heat-creating red flames are the most common, they are not the only form of fire magic. If one reverses the process, it is possible to produce blue flames that feed on heat and generate cold in their stead, freezing everything within its vicinity.
Similarly, yellow fire feeds on components of insulation and burns at such a high intensity that it turns into electrical current.
By contrast, indigo flames are fueled by conductivity, producing a caustic acid that melts though most materials.
There are also the gold flames (orange) that burn disease and inadvertently heal sickness as a result.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the toxic violet flames consume resistance and immunity to produce a virulent poison.
Then there are the light consuming black flame that produces near impenetrable darkness, and the shadow consuming white flame that creates pure, shadowless light.
Finally, there's the viridian flame of nature that consumes decay to produce fertile areas that accelerate plant growth.
All these variants of fire magic operate under similar rules:
-The magic requires the appropriate fuel to sustain itself.
-The magic 'burns' the appropriate fuel to generate its effect.
-The magic requires air in order to function (and can be stopped by cutting off its air supply).
-The magic generates smoke, although exact coloration will vary depending on the type of flame.
-Opposed flames, such as red and blue, of equal strength will cancel each other out.
-All forms of magic are sustained by the 'spark', and will cease to function if the source of mana is cut off.
So, anyone else have a set of rules by which magic functions?
We all know that fantasy worlds and our real world can differ significantly, especially with the existence of magic. That being said, one of the most important things to help players immerse themselves in the game is making sure that everything in the setting exists within the realm of believability. As such, I would like to initiate small discussion on what rules magic actually follows. This is more of a thought-experiment, and anyone is free to contribute and/or adapt these ideas to suit their games. Remember, there are few absolutes in terms of being right or wrong here.
To start with, let's take a look at how various forms of fire magic could work within the universe:
When talking about fire in scientific terms, it is easy to conclude that it is a reaction that comes from fuel combining with oxygen and a spark to generate both heat and smoke. Therefore one can assume that fire magic works in a similar fashion. The difference here is the type of 'fuel' that is consumed and the resulting product. Unlike conventional fire, magical flames do not burn wood, coal, or paper. Instead, they use the 'spark' generated by ambient magical energy (commonly referred to as 'mana') to burn through the manifestation of cold. In short, magically created fire uses cold and air in order to burn and create heat.
However, while the heat-creating red flames are the most common, they are not the only form of fire magic. If one reverses the process, it is possible to produce blue flames that feed on heat and generate cold in their stead, freezing everything within its vicinity.
Similarly, yellow fire feeds on components of insulation and burns at such a high intensity that it turns into electrical current.
By contrast, indigo flames are fueled by conductivity, producing a caustic acid that melts though most materials.
There are also the gold flames (orange) that burn disease and inadvertently heal sickness as a result.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the toxic violet flames consume resistance and immunity to produce a virulent poison.
Then there are the light consuming black flame that produces near impenetrable darkness, and the shadow consuming white flame that creates pure, shadowless light.
Finally, there's the viridian flame of nature that consumes decay to produce fertile areas that accelerate plant growth.
All these variants of fire magic operate under similar rules:
-The magic requires the appropriate fuel to sustain itself.
-The magic 'burns' the appropriate fuel to generate its effect.
-The magic requires air in order to function (and can be stopped by cutting off its air supply).
-The magic generates smoke, although exact coloration will vary depending on the type of flame.
-Opposed flames, such as red and blue, of equal strength will cancel each other out.
-All forms of magic are sustained by the 'spark', and will cease to function if the source of mana is cut off.
So, anyone else have a set of rules by which magic functions?