More stuff

One aspect of the tale I’m working on, (and probably most of the stories I write) involves magic. Since magic can be whatever you want, there is a tendency for many authors to just “whip that rabbit out of the hat” when it’s needed. Bad technique. I’ve put a lot of thought into how magic works in D’oril. At first, I just sort of appended the IFGS system, without much consideration as to how it would fit. In truth, it’s a handy template, a familiar starting point. I’m not a big fan of “character classes” in fiction though, it reeks of writing about role playing games.

So classes, per se, are the first thing to go out the window. Instead, the main characters have some things they’re really good at (Cerryn and the 5 forms of sword dance she’s mastered), and some things they’re not at all able to do. (Cerryn and defensive magic) Not unlike real life, (me and keeping planes from meeting unexpectedly, probably a form of defensive magic, or me and getting a clue in social situations)

Once classes are out, I started looking at how magic is made. I”m still working on the details, but I’ve pretty much decided that there are a few forms of magic, such as elemental magics, natural magics, spiritual magic, mental magic, and innate magic. (There are a few others I’m still deciding if they’re independent forms, or sub forms) Within each form, there are likely some crossover effects (for example, elemental magic fire, and spiritual magic fire, though coming from different sources, may sometimes appear the same). Forms are differentiated by source, ritual (how the form is summoned) and side effects. Within this framework, I”ll be able to let characters develop who aren’t omnipotent, who are believable.

For example, Randir is a k’tath questor (known as a companion of Elorna during Brandis’ time). Magically, he’s somewhere between a cleric and a ranger (using some rather broad IFGS categories). He’s a skilled healer, which comes from a spiritual source, has some empath abilities (mental forms), and knows some basic natural magics. Since the story revolves around his spiritual side, naturally that aspect has been fleshed out the most so far...

That brings up the question, how does healing work. In my world, true healers are very rare, but there are more who have basic skills that would equate to modern day field medic abilities. The “medics” would use a mix of basic first aid with some limited empathy to detect and eliminate corruptions in wounds (infections). They can set bones, and with their empathic skills, ease pain a little. The next level up, “surgeons”, would share many basic skills with your basic general practitioner. Healers, full blown miracle workers, could conceivably do anything, but... There’s the consequences issue. Massive healing takes both massive energy (either from the healer, or the healers supporters) and has physical, mental, and spiritual repercussions to the healer. Thus, Randir can bring someone back from the brink of death, but... He’ll be unconscious, or near death himself, and more. The more is where a twist in the story begins...

Anyway... More to come...