Is a magician's lifetime normally longer or shorter than average? Why? Does this vary for different races/species? Are there races/species all of whose members are magicians?
No--magia wielders are no different from those that don't when it comes to lifespan.
While every race is capable of wielding magia, elves and fairies are less likely to have members that can't or don't wield magia, since their cultures rely on magia more than humans, dwarves, and avris. That said, there are a few elves and fairies that can't wield magia for whatever reason.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
By Request: Paying for Training
Tia of Fantasy Debut (http://fantasydebut.blogspot.com/) brought up an important question a few days ago: How do people pay for magia training?
The short answer: They usually don't.
The long answer: Since magia can be sensed and used by almost anyone, and training is needed to be a good spellcaster, said training is usually offered freely. In the rural areas, either the town Seer or a resident mage will do the training, sometimes in exchange for food.
In the middle class areas (such as Telrain), magia training is a proper subject in the school system (effectively replacing science). Those that can't wield magia for whatever reason use the period as a study hall or as training in their desired trade.
The upper class has several options open to them--they can undergo private lessons with a master mage at their house (for a fee), take free training along with everyone else, or enroll in a magia academy (which has a hefty price for tuition, room, and board, as well as a selective entrance process.) Some academies will also admit those of the lower classes, complete with a number of scholarships to ease the financial burden on those that aren't quite well off.
Hope this answers your question!
The short answer: They usually don't.
The long answer: Since magia can be sensed and used by almost anyone, and training is needed to be a good spellcaster, said training is usually offered freely. In the rural areas, either the town Seer or a resident mage will do the training, sometimes in exchange for food.
In the middle class areas (such as Telrain), magia training is a proper subject in the school system (effectively replacing science). Those that can't wield magia for whatever reason use the period as a study hall or as training in their desired trade.
The upper class has several options open to them--they can undergo private lessons with a master mage at their house (for a fee), take free training along with everyone else, or enroll in a magia academy (which has a hefty price for tuition, room, and board, as well as a selective entrance process.) Some academies will also admit those of the lower classes, complete with a number of scholarships to ease the financial burden on those that aren't quite well off.
Hope this answers your question!
The State of the Chronicles, February 2009
Wow! Interest in my series is really taking off!
Lets recap what happened in the past month:
--Joined the CherryD community (which you can go to here: http://cherryd.ning.com/) and gained a few more fans
--Was interviewed for The Old Bat's Belfry (what transpired can be found here: http://oldbatsbelfry.blogspot.com/2009/02/reader-appreciation-interview.html)
--Finished developing the characters, and commenced serious worldbuilding.
To everyone that reads the blog, thank you!
Lets recap what happened in the past month:
--Joined the CherryD community (which you can go to here: http://cherryd.ning.com/) and gained a few more fans
--Was interviewed for The Old Bat's Belfry (what transpired can be found here: http://oldbatsbelfry.blogspot.com/2009/02/reader-appreciation-interview.html)
--Finished developing the characters, and commenced serious worldbuilding.
To everyone that reads the blog, thank you!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Concerning magia users...
Our first question on magia users themselves:
Is there a numerical limit to the number of wizards in the world? Why?
If we define wizard as a magic user in general, then no; there is not--any being can potentially use magia because the Twelve Stones constantly generate it.
If we define wizard as a high powered wielder of magia, then yes, there is a sort of limit--only 144 wizards (the twelve Holders (guardians) of the Twelve Stones, and each Holder's twelve attendants) have access to the very high powered spells--the kinds that can wreck havoc on the world if put in the wrong hands. Potential candidates go through a rigorous application process that includes a written exam, a spellcasting demonstration, an interview, and a quest determined by the Holder (if the candidate is applying for an attendant), or the High Seer (if the attendant is applying to be a Holder), among other things
Is there a numerical limit to the number of wizards in the world? Why?
If we define wizard as a magic user in general, then no; there is not--any being can potentially use magia because the Twelve Stones constantly generate it.
If we define wizard as a high powered wielder of magia, then yes, there is a sort of limit--only 144 wizards (the twelve Holders (guardians) of the Twelve Stones, and each Holder's twelve attendants) have access to the very high powered spells--the kinds that can wreck havoc on the world if put in the wrong hands. Potential candidates go through a rigorous application process that includes a written exam, a spellcasting demonstration, an interview, and a quest determined by the Holder (if the candidate is applying for an attendant), or the High Seer (if the attendant is applying to be a Holder), among other things
Friday, February 27, 2009
The rules of magia, day 15
Last question on this topic:
What is the price magicians pay in order to be magicians?
In order to harness magia properly, a wielder usually undergoes several years of training to hone their skills and learn to manage magia induced fatigue.
My next set of questions have to do with magic users themselves
What is the price magicians pay in order to be magicians?
In order to harness magia properly, a wielder usually undergoes several years of training to hone their skills and learn to manage magia induced fatigue.
My next set of questions have to do with magic users themselves
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The rules of magia, day 14
Can the ability to do magic be forcibly taken away? If so, how and by whom?
Yes, but only when it is found that someone is using magia improperly. It is usually done by the Seer, by casting the spell Mystical Bane, a Spirit elemental spell that forms a magical lock around the target's heart, trapping the magia inside and preventing it from being sensed
Yes, but only when it is found that someone is using magia improperly. It is usually done by the Seer, by casting the spell Mystical Bane, a Spirit elemental spell that forms a magical lock around the target's heart, trapping the magia inside and preventing it from being sensed
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The rules of magia, day 13
Can the ability to do magic be lost? If so, how -- overdoing it, "burning out," brain damage due to fever or a blow, magical attack, etc.?
While an innate power cannot be lost naturally, influencing powers can shift, making a person lose the ability to cast magia of one element, and gain the ability to cast magia of a new element (that still compliments their innate power)
While an innate power cannot be lost naturally, influencing powers can shift, making a person lose the ability to cast magia of one element, and gain the ability to cast magia of a new element (that still compliments their innate power)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The rules of magia, day 12
Does a magician's magical ability or power change over time -- e.g., growing stronger or weaker during puberty, or with increasing age? Can a magician "use up" all of his/her magic, thus ceasing to be a magician? If this happens, what does the ex-magician do--die, retire, take up teaching, go into a second career?
When someone's magia first awakens, it is not very strong--as the wielder grows and keeps using it, it will grow stronger.
Magia can never be used up, as the Twelve Stones are constantly generating it.
When someone's magia first awakens, it is not very strong--as the wielder grows and keeps using it, it will grow stronger.
Magia can never be used up, as the Twelve Stones are constantly generating it.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The rules of magia, Day 11
Are certain kinds of magic practiced solely or chiefly by one sex or another? By one race or culture or another?
Magia is practiced among both genders, but herbalism and potion making were traditionally female jobs untill around 200 years ago, when the rulers of the 5 races began recognizing male herbalists and apothecaries.
Likewise, all five races are able to use all three kinds of magic.
Magia is practiced among both genders, but herbalism and potion making were traditionally female jobs untill around 200 years ago, when the rulers of the 5 races began recognizing male herbalists and apothecaries.
Likewise, all five races are able to use all three kinds of magic.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The rules of magia, day 10
What general varieties of magic are practiced (e.g., herbal potions, ritual magic, alchemical magic, demonology, necromancy, etc.)? Do any work better than others, or does only one variety actually work?
Besides magia, potion brewing and herbalism are also practiced--and it works about the same as, if not better than, magia.
Besides magia, potion brewing and herbalism are also practiced--and it works about the same as, if not better than, magia.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The rules of magia, Day 9
How much is known about the laws of magic? How much of what is "known" is wrong (as Aristotle's ideas about human anatomy were wrong, but accepted for centuries)?
Different races have different levels of understanding about how magia works, but what magia cannot do is universally agreed on. The elves and fairies rely on magia more in their cultures, so they are usually the ones that discover new spells and new ways to use it. All known information about magia, including all named spells and accepted uses, is compiled into a compendium each year--although it has been known to be updated more often when a major breakthrough is discovered.
It was once thought only a certain number of the Twelve Stones could be wielded, but this was quickly disproved when elven scholars found that all twelve elements were possible to wield. The spell list is constatly being revised as new spells are found and those that no longer work are removed (which it was thought there was only a certain number of spells. The ability to wield magia through weapons and other objects is also a recent development, as it was once thought that instruments were the only objects capable of channeling magia.
Different races have different levels of understanding about how magia works, but what magia cannot do is universally agreed on. The elves and fairies rely on magia more in their cultures, so they are usually the ones that discover new spells and new ways to use it. All known information about magia, including all named spells and accepted uses, is compiled into a compendium each year--although it has been known to be updated more often when a major breakthrough is discovered.
It was once thought only a certain number of the Twelve Stones could be wielded, but this was quickly disproved when elven scholars found that all twelve elements were possible to wield. The spell list is constatly being revised as new spells are found and those that no longer work are removed (which it was thought there was only a certain number of spells. The ability to wield magia through weapons and other objects is also a recent development, as it was once thought that instruments were the only objects capable of channeling magia.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Running my heroine through a litmus test
Let's see how Miresa, my heroine, scores on this character litmus test:
1. Is the name the same as yours? (5 points) (no, her name is Miresa)
2. A close variation of yours? (e.g., your name is Kelly and the character's name is Kelli or Kielli) (5 points) (no)
3. Your screen name or psuedonym? (5 points) (no!)
4. The name that you wish your parents had named you? (5 points). (no, I got it through a fantasy name generator and thought it sounded pretty)
5. Is the name "special" even in the story's setting? For example, your story is supposed to be set in modern America but the character is named Guinevere, or your setting is in a medieval world and the character's name is Krystalynne. (5 points). (no, it is a normal girl's name in my world)
6. Does the name have some destined, special, or magical significance? Being named after a famous hero of the family or world counts. (7 points). (no)
7. Does the name have a meaning in some other language, such as Japanese, French, or- gods forbid- Quenya? (5 points). (as far as I know, Miresa doesn't mean anything)
8. Is the character a princess? (10 points). (nope)
9. Is the character a peasant who turns out to be a princess? (10 points). (nope, her family line has no royal connections)
10. Is the character the most powerful magical talent in her family? (5 points). (far from it, she's trying and failing to harness it with very few successes)
11. ...even though everyone thinks she's of small account? (add 2 points) (again, she's nowhere near the best, but keeps trying)
12. ...the most powerful in the entire country/kingdom? (add 2 points) (definitely not)
13. ...the most powerful in centuries? (add 3 points) (nope)
14. ...the most powerful in the world, or fated to become so? (add 7 points. Or you could turn in your test and try to think up a good reason she's this way) (although the Gemsinger wields all twelve elements, as she is fated to become, they are oftentimes bested by something else, and she isn't going to become the number one).
15. Is your character a girl who comes from modern Earth? (10 points). (no, the story comepletely takes place in my own world)
16. ...teenager? (add 5 points) (N/A).
17. ...angsty teenager whose parents don't understand her? (N/A).
18. ...who "has always felt she's never quite belonged here?" (N/A).
19. ...and is really the princess of the other world she goes to? (add 7 points). (N/A)
20. ...or the hero destined to save it? (add 7 points). (N/A)
21. ...both its hero and its princess? (add 14 points). (N/A)
22. ...who was sent to Earth to keep her safe from some danger? (add 4 points) (N/A)
23. Does the character have a mysterious parent? (add 5 points) (no, both parents are known and alive).
24. ...that she resembles greatly? (add 2 points) (no)
25. ...who left soon after her birth for mysterious and unknown reasons? (add 3 points) (no)
26. Is the character a bastard? (5 points) (no)
27. ...who angsts all the time about being a bastard? (Some perspective is necessary here. If your society is set up to, say, deny inheritance rights to bastards, and your character doesn't know what she's going to be doing in the future, she may have a legitimate reason to angst. But if everyone seems basically unconcerned except for her, something is wrong). (add 5 points) (no)
28. ...who is scorned for being a bastard but has her own spunky self-esteem to cheer her up? (add 4 points) (no)
29. Does the character have abusive parents? (add 7 points) (no, both parents love her very much)
30. Was the character raped by a parent/sibling/close family friend? (add 7 points) (N/A)
31. Has the abuse/rape given her "a heart as hard as stone" or "features as cold as ice?" (add 4 points). (N/A)
32. Is the character enormously talented at magic? (add 7 points). (Far from it)
33. ...a kind of magic that is very rare? (add 5 points). (no)
34. ...a kind of magic that there are very real reasons she should not have, according to the magical laws of your world? (add 6 points). (no)
35. ...that the local bullies are jealous of her for? (add 4 points). (no)
36. Does your character have to go in for special training of her magic? (add 2 points). (she is in training for use of magic, so +2)
37. ...and she turns out to be the most talented student at the school? (add 4 points). (far from it, she's remembered more for the mishaps)
38. ...and all her teachers hate her? (add 3 points). (no, they try to help)
39. ...and everyone save one or two close friends are mean to her for no real reason? (add 5 points). (no, she has quite a few friends)
40. ...She's talented at everything and the mean and evil characters are the ones who hate her? (add 8 points). (no, she is good at some things and bad at others--and good at some things she never realized she was good at)
41. Is the character a talented singer? (3 points) (yes, 5 points so far)
42. ...the most talented singer in a hundred years? (add 4 points). (no, she would be beaten in this regard)
43. ...without any training? (add 2 points). (no, she's taken lessons)
44. ...and her music is the most beautiful thing everyone has ever heard? (add 3 points) (no, there's a number of beings, both magical and non-magical, that would beat her out)
45. Do you write cheesy romance songs- or, worse, borrow Terran pop tunes- and give them to your character to sing? (Be honest, now). (add 5 points) (no, but you'd have to imagine the tunes to them.)
46. Is your character just the most talented thing with a sword ever? (4 points). (not THE most, but she is quite good)
47. ...Without training? (add 4 points) (no, she has trained and is still training)
.48. She can wield a broadsword even though she's petite? (add 5 points). (no, she's tried)
49. ...and she never gets tired? (add 4 points). (no)
50. Does she have long flowing hair? (2 points). (no, medium length)
51. ...that never gets dirty or loses its luster, snarls, or has split ends? (add 3 points). (no, we do see hair washing, tangles, and split ends)
52. ...that you describe continually? (add 3 points). (I won't go on for three pages about it, just say what color it is, and how long it is, and that's it)
53. Does she have blonde hair that you call "golden?" (2 points) (no, a deep brown hair)
54. Does she have dark hair that you call "raven?" (3 points) (no)
55. Does she have red hair that you compare to the heat of her temper? (3 points) (no)
56. Does she have some very definitely non-human color of hair- white hair from birth, silver hair, dark blue hair- with no explanation given (e.g., albinism for white hair) and that no one finds strange? (4 points) (no)
57. Does she have black hair except for one white streak? (4 points) (no)
58. Does she have large, sparkling eyes? (3 points) (large, no; sparkling, yes)
59. Deep, tragic, mysterious ones? (3 points) (no)
60. Blue eyes that you usually name as "cerulean" or "azure?" (4 points) (no)
61. Black eyes? (4 points) (no)
62. Green eyes that you call "emerald?" (5 points) (yes, 10 points so far)
63. Silver eyes? (5 points) (no)
64. Violet eyes? (6 points) (no)
65. Eyes with flecks of another color? (3 points) (no)
66. Eyes that change color with her mood? (6 points) (no)
67. Will her eyes become a plot point? (6 points)(Hint: Heroines of any fantasy novels only rarely have gray, brown, or even hazel eyes. There are colors you can use without falling into the cliché trap). (course not)
68. Is the heroine beautiful? (2 points). (she is good looking, but not beautiful per se)
69. ...the most gorgeous thing to walk the planet? (add 4 points). (not so much)
70. ...so beautiful that she melts the heart of the main villain/someone who has a lot of tragedy in his life? (add 4 points). (no)
71. Is she beautiful but unaware of it? (4 points). (no, she is proud of how she looks)
72. ...and angsts about not being pretty enough? (5 points). (no, she has better things to worry about)
73. Is she as spunky as the day is long? (4 points). (yes, 14 points so far)
74. ...even when she shouldn't be? (add 1 point). (no, she knows when to calm down/be quiet)
75. And she doesn't get angry? (add 2 points). (oh she gets mad, all right...)
76. ...Ever? (add 2 points). (no)
77. ...Never ever? (add 4 points). (no)
78. Is she spirited and rebellious? (3 points) (spirited, yes; rebellious, no)
79. ...a princess who hates being a princess? (add 10 points. It was original the first time only. Now it should just go away). (no, her family has no royal connections)
80. ...a woman who dislikes men holding her back? (add 10 points. Misplaced feminism is no longer very amusing, either). (no)
81. ...a lady who dislikes being "ladylike?" (add 5 points). (no)
82. ...an adolescent whose parents "just don't understand?" (add 5 points). (no, she can talk to her mom and dad about almost anything)
83. Is she depressed to the point of suicide? (4 points). (hardly)
84. ...over relatively minor things? (Be honest). (add 4 points). (nope)
85. ...and the reader is meant to sympathize with her and not laugh aloud at the angstier passages? (add 6 points). (no way)
86. Does she fall in love at first sight? (10 points). (love will not play that big a role in the story, so no)
87. ...within a few days? (10 points). (no)
88. Is she the center of a love triangle? (12 points. Reconsider. PLEASE). (no)
89. Does the main villain desire her so much he'll give up world conquest to have her? (10 points). (no, the demon lord doesn't even know what love is, nor does he want to know)
90. Does she bicker with her intended mate until she realizes at last "just how much she loves him?" (10 points).(Notice there are many scenarios I didn't mention. In general, the longer a love relationship takes to develop and the less perfect it is, the more likely it will escape the cliches). (no)
91. Will she save the world? (7 points). (yes, 21 points so far)
92. ...without help? (10 points). (she will have a party)
93. ...without any qualms? (10 points). (she'll ask a lot of questions at first, but grow into it as the adventure goes on)
94. ...with just enough whining that you want to smack her instead of feel sorry for her? (10 points). (no)
95. Does she live happily ever after? (4 points). (yes, 25 points so far)
96. ...with just a few scars to show for it? (add 6 points). (pretty battered, but alive)
97. ...completely unscathed? (add 7 points). (no)
98. If she dies, is there an angsty deathbed scene? (8 points). (no, she will live)
99. Does she die looking on the face of her lover? (10 points). (no)
100. Is she honored and remembered as a hero forever? (10 points. Consider having her NOT be remembered). (her name will be forgotten, but her title, the Sixth Gemsinger, will live on)
Final score: 25/521 (I think that's the right number)
I got the test here http://limyaael.livejournal.com/30981.html
1. Is the name the same as yours? (5 points) (no, her name is Miresa)
2. A close variation of yours? (e.g., your name is Kelly and the character's name is Kelli or Kielli) (5 points) (no)
3. Your screen name or psuedonym? (5 points) (no!)
4. The name that you wish your parents had named you? (5 points). (no, I got it through a fantasy name generator and thought it sounded pretty)
5. Is the name "special" even in the story's setting? For example, your story is supposed to be set in modern America but the character is named Guinevere, or your setting is in a medieval world and the character's name is Krystalynne. (5 points). (no, it is a normal girl's name in my world)
6. Does the name have some destined, special, or magical significance? Being named after a famous hero of the family or world counts. (7 points). (no)
7. Does the name have a meaning in some other language, such as Japanese, French, or- gods forbid- Quenya? (5 points). (as far as I know, Miresa doesn't mean anything)
8. Is the character a princess? (10 points). (nope)
9. Is the character a peasant who turns out to be a princess? (10 points). (nope, her family line has no royal connections)
10. Is the character the most powerful magical talent in her family? (5 points). (far from it, she's trying and failing to harness it with very few successes)
11. ...even though everyone thinks she's of small account? (add 2 points) (again, she's nowhere near the best, but keeps trying)
12. ...the most powerful in the entire country/kingdom? (add 2 points) (definitely not)
13. ...the most powerful in centuries? (add 3 points) (nope)
14. ...the most powerful in the world, or fated to become so? (add 7 points. Or you could turn in your test and try to think up a good reason she's this way) (although the Gemsinger wields all twelve elements, as she is fated to become, they are oftentimes bested by something else, and she isn't going to become the number one).
15. Is your character a girl who comes from modern Earth? (10 points). (no, the story comepletely takes place in my own world)
16. ...teenager? (add 5 points) (N/A).
17. ...angsty teenager whose parents don't understand her? (N/A).
18. ...who "has always felt she's never quite belonged here?" (N/A).
19. ...and is really the princess of the other world she goes to? (add 7 points). (N/A)
20. ...or the hero destined to save it? (add 7 points). (N/A)
21. ...both its hero and its princess? (add 14 points). (N/A)
22. ...who was sent to Earth to keep her safe from some danger? (add 4 points) (N/A)
23. Does the character have a mysterious parent? (add 5 points) (no, both parents are known and alive).
24. ...that she resembles greatly? (add 2 points) (no)
25. ...who left soon after her birth for mysterious and unknown reasons? (add 3 points) (no)
26. Is the character a bastard? (5 points) (no)
27. ...who angsts all the time about being a bastard? (Some perspective is necessary here. If your society is set up to, say, deny inheritance rights to bastards, and your character doesn't know what she's going to be doing in the future, she may have a legitimate reason to angst. But if everyone seems basically unconcerned except for her, something is wrong). (add 5 points) (no)
28. ...who is scorned for being a bastard but has her own spunky self-esteem to cheer her up? (add 4 points) (no)
29. Does the character have abusive parents? (add 7 points) (no, both parents love her very much)
30. Was the character raped by a parent/sibling/close family friend? (add 7 points) (N/A)
31. Has the abuse/rape given her "a heart as hard as stone" or "features as cold as ice?" (add 4 points). (N/A)
32. Is the character enormously talented at magic? (add 7 points). (Far from it)
33. ...a kind of magic that is very rare? (add 5 points). (no)
34. ...a kind of magic that there are very real reasons she should not have, according to the magical laws of your world? (add 6 points). (no)
35. ...that the local bullies are jealous of her for? (add 4 points). (no)
36. Does your character have to go in for special training of her magic? (add 2 points). (she is in training for use of magic, so +2)
37. ...and she turns out to be the most talented student at the school? (add 4 points). (far from it, she's remembered more for the mishaps)
38. ...and all her teachers hate her? (add 3 points). (no, they try to help)
39. ...and everyone save one or two close friends are mean to her for no real reason? (add 5 points). (no, she has quite a few friends)
40. ...She's talented at everything and the mean and evil characters are the ones who hate her? (add 8 points). (no, she is good at some things and bad at others--and good at some things she never realized she was good at)
41. Is the character a talented singer? (3 points) (yes, 5 points so far)
42. ...the most talented singer in a hundred years? (add 4 points). (no, she would be beaten in this regard)
43. ...without any training? (add 2 points). (no, she's taken lessons)
44. ...and her music is the most beautiful thing everyone has ever heard? (add 3 points) (no, there's a number of beings, both magical and non-magical, that would beat her out)
45. Do you write cheesy romance songs- or, worse, borrow Terran pop tunes- and give them to your character to sing? (Be honest, now). (add 5 points) (no, but you'd have to imagine the tunes to them.)
46. Is your character just the most talented thing with a sword ever? (4 points). (not THE most, but she is quite good)
47. ...Without training? (add 4 points) (no, she has trained and is still training)
.48. She can wield a broadsword even though she's petite? (add 5 points). (no, she's tried)
49. ...and she never gets tired? (add 4 points). (no)
50. Does she have long flowing hair? (2 points). (no, medium length)
51. ...that never gets dirty or loses its luster, snarls, or has split ends? (add 3 points). (no, we do see hair washing, tangles, and split ends)
52. ...that you describe continually? (add 3 points). (I won't go on for three pages about it, just say what color it is, and how long it is, and that's it)
53. Does she have blonde hair that you call "golden?" (2 points) (no, a deep brown hair)
54. Does she have dark hair that you call "raven?" (3 points) (no)
55. Does she have red hair that you compare to the heat of her temper? (3 points) (no)
56. Does she have some very definitely non-human color of hair- white hair from birth, silver hair, dark blue hair- with no explanation given (e.g., albinism for white hair) and that no one finds strange? (4 points) (no)
57. Does she have black hair except for one white streak? (4 points) (no)
58. Does she have large, sparkling eyes? (3 points) (large, no; sparkling, yes)
59. Deep, tragic, mysterious ones? (3 points) (no)
60. Blue eyes that you usually name as "cerulean" or "azure?" (4 points) (no)
61. Black eyes? (4 points) (no)
62. Green eyes that you call "emerald?" (5 points) (yes, 10 points so far)
63. Silver eyes? (5 points) (no)
64. Violet eyes? (6 points) (no)
65. Eyes with flecks of another color? (3 points) (no)
66. Eyes that change color with her mood? (6 points) (no)
67. Will her eyes become a plot point? (6 points)(Hint: Heroines of any fantasy novels only rarely have gray, brown, or even hazel eyes. There are colors you can use without falling into the cliché trap). (course not)
68. Is the heroine beautiful? (2 points). (she is good looking, but not beautiful per se)
69. ...the most gorgeous thing to walk the planet? (add 4 points). (not so much)
70. ...so beautiful that she melts the heart of the main villain/someone who has a lot of tragedy in his life? (add 4 points). (no)
71. Is she beautiful but unaware of it? (4 points). (no, she is proud of how she looks)
72. ...and angsts about not being pretty enough? (5 points). (no, she has better things to worry about)
73. Is she as spunky as the day is long? (4 points). (yes, 14 points so far)
74. ...even when she shouldn't be? (add 1 point). (no, she knows when to calm down/be quiet)
75. And she doesn't get angry? (add 2 points). (oh she gets mad, all right...)
76. ...Ever? (add 2 points). (no)
77. ...Never ever? (add 4 points). (no)
78. Is she spirited and rebellious? (3 points) (spirited, yes; rebellious, no)
79. ...a princess who hates being a princess? (add 10 points. It was original the first time only. Now it should just go away). (no, her family has no royal connections)
80. ...a woman who dislikes men holding her back? (add 10 points. Misplaced feminism is no longer very amusing, either). (no)
81. ...a lady who dislikes being "ladylike?" (add 5 points). (no)
82. ...an adolescent whose parents "just don't understand?" (add 5 points). (no, she can talk to her mom and dad about almost anything)
83. Is she depressed to the point of suicide? (4 points). (hardly)
84. ...over relatively minor things? (Be honest). (add 4 points). (nope)
85. ...and the reader is meant to sympathize with her and not laugh aloud at the angstier passages? (add 6 points). (no way)
86. Does she fall in love at first sight? (10 points). (love will not play that big a role in the story, so no)
87. ...within a few days? (10 points). (no)
88. Is she the center of a love triangle? (12 points. Reconsider. PLEASE). (no)
89. Does the main villain desire her so much he'll give up world conquest to have her? (10 points). (no, the demon lord doesn't even know what love is, nor does he want to know)
90. Does she bicker with her intended mate until she realizes at last "just how much she loves him?" (10 points).(Notice there are many scenarios I didn't mention. In general, the longer a love relationship takes to develop and the less perfect it is, the more likely it will escape the cliches). (no)
91. Will she save the world? (7 points). (yes, 21 points so far)
92. ...without help? (10 points). (she will have a party)
93. ...without any qualms? (10 points). (she'll ask a lot of questions at first, but grow into it as the adventure goes on)
94. ...with just enough whining that you want to smack her instead of feel sorry for her? (10 points). (no)
95. Does she live happily ever after? (4 points). (yes, 25 points so far)
96. ...with just a few scars to show for it? (add 6 points). (pretty battered, but alive)
97. ...completely unscathed? (add 7 points). (no)
98. If she dies, is there an angsty deathbed scene? (8 points). (no, she will live)
99. Does she die looking on the face of her lover? (10 points). (no)
100. Is she honored and remembered as a hero forever? (10 points. Consider having her NOT be remembered). (her name will be forgotten, but her title, the Sixth Gemsinger, will live on)
Final score: 25/521 (I think that's the right number)
I got the test here http://limyaael.livejournal.com/30981.html
The rules of magia, Day 8
Does practicing magic have any detrimental effect on the magician (such as being addictive, slowly driving the magician insane, or shortening the magicians life-span)? If so, is there any way to prevent these effects? Are the effects inevitable in all magicians, or do they affect only those with some sort of predisposition? Do the effects progress at the same rate in everyone?
Since magia requires expending a little of your own energy with every spell, if you use too much magia too quickly (how much this limit is differs from wielder to wielder), you will tire from magia-induced fatigue, which require the wielder to rest for a while before using magia again. While you cannot die from using magia, it is possible to exhaust yourself to the point where you could die (which would require a long rest period)
There are charms that either reduce the symptom's severity or stop it from occuring altogether that are readily bought for a reasonable price, but the best way to prevent the fatigue is using your magia responsibly.
Everyone that can wield magia suffers from magia induced fatigue as some point or another, but how quickly symptoms set in depends on how long the patient has used magia, and is calculated under the presumption the user is casting spells without a rest. A new mage's apprentice might feel the first symptoms in twenty minutes if casting constantly, while a wizard that has casted magia for years might not feel the first symptoms for 2 or 3 hours. Keep in mind that physical fatigue and magia induced fatigue are two diferent things.
Since magia requires expending a little of your own energy with every spell, if you use too much magia too quickly (how much this limit is differs from wielder to wielder), you will tire from magia-induced fatigue, which require the wielder to rest for a while before using magia again. While you cannot die from using magia, it is possible to exhaust yourself to the point where you could die (which would require a long rest period)
There are charms that either reduce the symptom's severity or stop it from occuring altogether that are readily bought for a reasonable price, but the best way to prevent the fatigue is using your magia responsibly.
Everyone that can wield magia suffers from magia induced fatigue as some point or another, but how quickly symptoms set in depends on how long the patient has used magia, and is calculated under the presumption the user is casting spells without a rest. A new mage's apprentice might feel the first symptoms in twenty minutes if casting constantly, while a wizard that has casted magia for years might not feel the first symptoms for 2 or 3 hours. Keep in mind that physical fatigue and magia induced fatigue are two diferent things.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The rules of magia, Day 7
Can two or more wizards combine their power to cast a stronger spell, or is magic done only by individuals? What makes one wizard more powerful than another--knowledge of more spells, ability to handle greater quantities of mana, having a more powerful god as patron, etc.?
Two (or more) people can combine spells to create a new spell, but the individual components have to be cast by the people combining powers. They then have to name the combined spell in order to command the different magias to combine into the new spell.
A Singer's power level is determined by the number of spells they know, how long they have been wielding magia, and how much magia they can handle before magia fatigue sets in
Two (or more) people can combine spells to create a new spell, but the individual components have to be cast by the people combining powers. They then have to name the combined spell in order to command the different magias to combine into the new spell.
A Singer's power level is determined by the number of spells they know, how long they have been wielding magia, and how much magia they can handle before magia fatigue sets in
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The rules of magia, Day 6
How long does it take to cast a spell? Can spells be stored for later, instant use? Do spells take lots of long ritual, or is magic a "point and shoot" kind of thing?
Depending on how strong a spell you want to cast and the material of what you're channeling the magia through, the charge time is around 3-10 seconds. While most magia wielders choose to channel it through an instrument, magia is mainly a "point and shoot" matter. An "instant" version would be to wield a spell through a weapon--just name the spell and it will be cast
Depending on how strong a spell you want to cast and the material of what you're channeling the magia through, the charge time is around 3-10 seconds. While most magia wielders choose to channel it through an instrument, magia is mainly a "point and shoot" matter. An "instant" version would be to wield a spell through a weapon--just name the spell and it will be cast
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Sampling from "Gemsinger" 's Spellbook
Here's a few examples of spells you might expect to see in "Gemsinger":
1. Lava Ring
Element: Fire
What it does: This spell surrounds the target with a circle of flames that burns whatever touches them. It can also be used to protect the caster and their allies.
2. Sapphire Calling
Element: Holy
What it does: One of a family of gem summoning spells, this summons a sapphire for the user to cast one Holy spell of their choosing, even if they don't have Holy magia within them. To do this, they name the spell they want to cast, and the appropriate magia is channeled through the stone. This is one way that magia users can safely wield an elemental outside of what they can normally wield.
3. Dark Spheres
Element: Darkness
What it does: Sends orbs of darkness energy at the target for damage.
4. Crystal Shields
Element: Ice
What it does: Creates a shield around the caster and his/her allies for a short time.
1. Lava Ring
Element: Fire
What it does: This spell surrounds the target with a circle of flames that burns whatever touches them. It can also be used to protect the caster and their allies.
2. Sapphire Calling
Element: Holy
What it does: One of a family of gem summoning spells, this summons a sapphire for the user to cast one Holy spell of their choosing, even if they don't have Holy magia within them. To do this, they name the spell they want to cast, and the appropriate magia is channeled through the stone. This is one way that magia users can safely wield an elemental outside of what they can normally wield.
3. Dark Spheres
Element: Darkness
What it does: Sends orbs of darkness energy at the target for damage.
4. Crystal Shields
Element: Ice
What it does: Creates a shield around the caster and his/her allies for a short time.
The rules of magia, Day 5
What does one need to do to cast a spell -- design an elaborate ritual, recite poetry, mix the right ingredients in a pot? Are there things like a staff, a wand, a familiar, a crystal ball, that are necessary or useful to have before casting spells? If so, where and how do wizards get these things?
All one needs to cast a spell is a suitable object to channel the magia through, usually a musical instrument or a weapon. (both of which are readily availiable around the world To cast a spell using an instument, the caster must name the spell, (you know you've named a spell when your instrument or weapon glows in the color of the element you're going to cast) then play a song--this song can be anything from random notes to special songs designed especially for this purpose. That said, not every form of music is magical--just playing something without naming a spell won't do anything.
If you're using a weapon to wield magia, just point at the target and name the spell. After a brief charging time (anywhere from 3-10 seconds, depending on how strong your spell is and the material your weapon is made of)
All one needs to cast a spell is a suitable object to channel the magia through, usually a musical instrument or a weapon. (both of which are readily availiable around the world To cast a spell using an instument, the caster must name the spell, (you know you've named a spell when your instrument or weapon glows in the color of the element you're going to cast) then play a song--this song can be anything from random notes to special songs designed especially for this purpose. That said, not every form of music is magical--just playing something without naming a spell won't do anything.
If you're using a weapon to wield magia, just point at the target and name the spell. After a brief charging time (anywhere from 3-10 seconds, depending on how strong your spell is and the material your weapon is made of)
Monday, February 16, 2009
The rules of magia, Day 4
How does a magician tap magical power? Does becoming a magician require some rite of passage (investing one's power in an object, being chosen by the gods, constructing or being given a permanent link to the source of power, successfully summoning a demon, etc.) or does it just happen naturally, as a result of study or as a part of growing up?
Since every being potentially has the power to wield magia, discerning those that can requires the master mage to cast the spell Gem's Knowing (which allows the caster to see what elementals lie in the target's heart.) What colors they see (if any) determines which elements the target can safely wield. Knowing this, a Gemsinger's heart, when revealed this way, will glow exceptionally bright with all twelve colors of magia.
Magia can awaken in a person as early as four or five years old, but the person's innate power (the element tied to their birth month) is the first one to appear, usually before they begin school (five-seven years old). If I lived in Sekiya, my innate power would be Holy magia; for example
Since every being potentially has the power to wield magia, discerning those that can requires the master mage to cast the spell Gem's Knowing (which allows the caster to see what elementals lie in the target's heart.) What colors they see (if any) determines which elements the target can safely wield. Knowing this, a Gemsinger's heart, when revealed this way, will glow exceptionally bright with all twelve colors of magia.
Magia can awaken in a person as early as four or five years old, but the person's innate power (the element tied to their birth month) is the first one to appear, usually before they begin school (five-seven years old). If I lived in Sekiya, my innate power would be Holy magia; for example
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The rules of magia, Day 3
Where does magic power come from: the gods, "mana" (cf. Larry Niven's Warlock stories), the personal will-power of the magician, etc.? Is it an exhaustible resource?
Magia comes from the Twelve Stones, which are physical manifestations of the elements created by the High Goddess Meikon. (and correspond to the twelve birthstones of the Earth calendar) They are constantly generating this energy, so it never runs out.
Magia comes from the Twelve Stones, which are physical manifestations of the elements created by the High Goddess Meikon. (and correspond to the twelve birthstones of the Earth calendar) They are constantly generating this energy, so it never runs out.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The rules of magia, Day 2
Is there a difference between miracles and magic? If so, how are they distinguished?
Yes, albeit a very slight one--miracles are defined as something happening that magia would not be able to do normally, such as bringing someone back to life.
Yes, albeit a very slight one--miracles are defined as something happening that magia would not be able to do normally, such as bringing someone back to life.
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