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So this is my very first post on this site. I just wanted to throw this magic system out there for people to see and get their thoughts on. This magic system was created for my first ever original fantasy story--Fantasia. Fantasia is an anthology series that is separated into different sagas. These sagas take place in different points in time, one book could take place in a modern time period while another book is set during ancient times, and another in the far future. These sagas also have their own characters and conflicts, all taking place in the same world but not interconnected enough that you'll feel lost, unless they're direct sequels to each other. Overview In Fantasia, magic is the manipulation of the elements. I've taken inspiration for this system from other series like Avatar, the Witchlands book series, and the anime series Magi. Since I've never been a fan of the whole "magical gene" story element that seems to be famous these days, I've made magic as something anyone is open to learn, like music and art. But like music and art, only certain types of people are talented and skilled enough to use magic properly. Before we get into that, though, I have to get into what makes magic possible--Mana. Mana Mana is a metaphysical energy that exists in all forms of life. It exists and flows through nature and within people. The specific abilities and strengths of mana differ from individual to individual, and are dependent on a number of factors, such as experience, training and innate skill. The manipulation of mana is not magic, and there are many non-magicians who can control their mana but can't do magic. Mana can be channeled throughout the body to increase the user's physical abilities, such as strength, speed, and durability. Users can cloak their bodies in mana to protect themselves from most physical and environmental threats. They can still feel pain, though, and feel sensations such as heat and cold. Mana can be used in its raw form--as pure energy. It can be projected from the body as pure concussive force, heat and light. Mana can also be used to create energy constructs such as shields, weapons, platforms, domes, or stepping-stones. These constructs can be summoned from any part of the user's body (arms, legs and feet). Experienced users can even vary the tensile strength of their constructs to some extent, rendering it soft and yielding enough to cushion a fall from a great height. All living beings generate the same amount of mana, though this differs depending on their species. As an individual trains in mana manipulation, their body's ability to generate mana grows, increasing their reserves. A person's mana reserves degrade with use until they are left weakened or even incapacitated. An individual can recharge their mana with time, food and rest, but this recharge time differs between people. Magic Magic is the manipulation of the elements. In nature, mana flows throughout the world and everything within it. Fluctuations in this flow of mana cause events such as storms, earthquakes and tsunamis in the physical world. Magic is the art of using mana to give commands to the elements within nature to reproduce these natural events. All magic in the world is connected to the six elements: four physical--air, water, earth and fire, and two spiritual, aether and void. A mage can draw upon these elements to cast different spells. For example, a mage using air magic can cast wind and lightning spells. The art of casting a spell is done by directing one’s energy to give ceremonial commands to an element and direct that energy towards accomplishing a particular goal, often through the use of incantations and physical movements. From simple snaps to complicated hand gestures, all movements of the hands and feet are used to harness the elements and produce the desired magical effect(s). High level magicians are capable of casting spells without an audible incantation. All creatures are born with an affinity to one of the six elements. Magicians have an easier time learning to control an element that matches their affinity, although even then it may take a number of years. Mages are not limited to the element they have an affinity for, and it is in fact common for master magicians to have mastered two elements. Although it is technically possible to master all six elements, it is very rare because of how much training is involved. Few mages have total mastery of their element, as they usually specialize in a certain part of it. If a user overexerts their magical capabilities too much, it physically takes a toll on their body causing them fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness or fainting. It could also cause their energy to be drained or depleted, leaving them unable to use their magic until it recharges, leaving them defenseless. If the magician isn’t powerful enough and don’t know how to cast them effectively, they will be unable to cast incredibly powerful spells. Aether Aether is the spiritual element associated with life and the heavens. Said to be the purest of the six elements, aether magic is the art of manipulating the substance that forms the celestial heavens and affects the mind. Subtypes of aether magic include light magic, psychic magic, illusion magic, gravity magic, and space-time magic. Air Air is the physical element associated with the sky and storms. Air magic is the art of manipulating air and wind. Subtypes of air magic is lightning magic, sound magic, and weather magic. Water Water is the physical element associated with both fluids on the earth and fluids in the body. Water magic is the art of manipulating water in all its forms. It is considered to be the most versatile element. Subtypes of water magic include ice magic. Earth Earth is the physical element associated with all things linked to the earth-from stones and metals to plants and animals. Earth magic is the art of manipulating earth and earthen materials in all its various forms. Subtypes of earth magic include metal magic, plant magic and animal magic. Fire Fire is the physical element associated with heat and flames. Fire magic is the art of creating and manipulating fire. Void Void is the spiritual element associated with death and the underworld. Considered to be the darkest of the six elements, void magic is the art of controlling the chthonic substance that flows between the realm of the living and the dead. Subtypes of void magic include shadow magic, bone magic, blood magic, poison magic, and death magic. So that's my magic system for my story. I'll add another entry to this topic describing some of the subtypes of the six elements, but this is the gist of it. Thanks for reading!
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