Magical Enforcement of the Physical

[tal1n]

The Channeling of Magical Forces into Weaponry

People seem to think that, just because they can use magic, that they can also use that magic to manipulate their armaments.

Completely Untrue.

All the ability to use magic gives you is the potential to perform such a task. Moving a fireball through the air is much easier than setting a sword's blade on fire to add a little extra damage. For the most part, I'll use the 'Flaming Sword' concept as an example, as so far, that is the one I've seen most of.

The basics of combusting a sword-blade is simple- for those who can cast a simple fire spell, if you wish it, simply oil up the blade and tap it with a quick spark, and there you go.

Unfortunately, not all of us have quite that much time in the heat of battle, correct?

The principle of it is much harder- most try to start externally, at the surface of the blade. WRONG. The key is to heat the blade's core until the very air around it ignites. Now, with regular swords... this isn't going to happen. The blade will simple warp and weaken, and will be nothing more than a puddle before you get much of a spark. So, of course, it takes a special sword to do this.

Basically, what this means is that a weapon is a conduit- a channel. Think of magic like electricity. You have to focus the power through the hilt and handle and into the blade. Which means that the power starts from the INSIDE, not out. Whether it be heat or cold, electricity, or pure Arcane energy- the exception, of course, being light (That uses a weapon's reflective ability, usually, and magnifies already existing light) or darkness (a weapon's ability to ABSORB light- it usually has to look fairly reflective as well). Don't assume that it's as easy as tossing a ball of fire or throwing a stream of lightning, because it's not. Far from it, ladies and gents.

[Lateralus]

The applied concept of magic that you're giving us is your own, of course, so to define it as absolute and true when it's such an ambiguous topic would make no sense. Not saying you are, just making sure others don't interpret it wrong. Also, you need to consider other standards of difficulty. Perhaps it is hard for your character to perform the tasks you speak of, but others' characters are not objective to the standards you lay before them; especially when there's justly different variables and ways for anyone to choose from in the use of this ideal "magic." No one, though, has the ability to limit my, or anyone else's, character's aptitude - and I'm sure my character is different in all ways than your own. So who's to say you can judge what you don't know?

Not directed at you, unless you fit within those lines of reason - just my input that doubled itself.

[tal1n]

Again, Lateralus, I see your point. But it's just that metal is hardly flammable unless you reach extreme heats, and by then, the metal has been rendered useless. But of course, I did fail to mention the differences in materials, and such- and again, as you mentioned in my notation on the Psionic thread, it's all theorized. But you must admit, at the very least, that my theory sounds reasonable.

[Mesi]

You're acting under the guise that magic has to follow basic principles like that.

The metal doesn't need to be flammable. Some mages can create and maintain a flame burning not from elemental or physical properties but from their arcane energy. A normal flame cannot burn without oxygen to feed it. That arcane flame however needs no source other then the mages power. To say then that mage cannot in a legit way subdue his sword to the flame is fool hardy.

Magic itself is a very broad subject for loose interpretation. There are no finite rules for magic as it's supposed to be supernatural and creativity is allowed to run wild. So long as its balanced, and makes sense as to why it happens the way it does there are no limits like you have implied.

As Lateralus had said perhaps in your system, but several people have magic systems of their own and are not bound by those rules. No on can claim theirs as absolute.

[atonement]

That and some weapons are forged with arcane energy. Some characters have no magical potential all their own, but when they start wielding magical weapons they gain fantastical abilities. Sorry, but you're a bit misguided. Magic makes the impossible, possible.

[tal1n]

You're right, I've been basing my theories on Elementalism moreso than basic generalism. But some people tend to deny the laws of physics al-together when invoking magic, which is what I'm trying t get at. And yes, I did mention the need for special weapons, and yes there are magical weapons which gain the ability on their own rather than channeled by their wielder- Case in point, for example, the sword Giantsmiter in the Rise of Solamnia trilogy (Dragonlance books). And yes, in re-reading my own post, it does seem that I sound quite a bit close-minded- I discounted Arcanism and the like and based my own writings purely on Elementalism, and that is my mistake. But you cannot discount that fire IS fire, and unless you have a weapon specifically crafted to withstand the extreme heat required to ignite the blade, it will damage the sword.

[Lateralus]

I respect the consideration of the Universe's laws. I fucking hate people who generate things they cannot logically explain, therefore basing it as/on magic. Though, I mean it for those who do it on a more massive basis - I really don't care how you manipulate your attacks - mind, even magic here, whatever - but the attack itself should have a legitimate idea, understanding, and background. I use Psionics sometimes, but I alternate the theories in how I do it, too. Keep it spicy, but don't contradict yourself.

[tal1n]

Amen, Lateralus. For instance, I hate people who, when they make a mistake, suddenly harness Chronomancy and turn back time so that this time, they can re-do it. This is roleplay, not Prince of Persia. You make a mistake, you deal with it and try and recover as best you can- that's how the game works.

[The Librarian]

There are very few things I really consider godmoding when they are well thought out, but one of those is manipulating time to go back and change things.

Yes there are plenty of characters with the ability to change time, but when you get into that kind of fight it's just going to be a messed up cycle of one person after the other going back to try and change what just happened.

[tal1n]

I repeat: Amen.

[Lateralus]

Go back in time and kick the mom in the stomach.

Perfect.

[The Librarian]

I will admit I've done that before. When I first started RPing I went back in time to the moment the person first got their power and kicked their ass before they learned to use it. Then I stole it from them. That was many many years ago.

[tal1n]

I've never messed with chronomancy- just makes things too easy, while complicating it at the same time. I mean, you gotta know WHEN to go and WHERE and it's all just... bleh

[The Librarian]

Jun 27, 2008 14:30:13 GMT -7 tal1n said:

I mean, you gotta know WHEN to go and WHERE and it's all just... bleh

This is where you can screw with the other person if you also have any form of time manipulation. Divert their path, create paradoxes, do all sorts of fun stuff.

[tal1n]

Also true- you screw up their concentration, and send them back to the Stone Age. Or better. Send them FORWARD. Then they have no effin' clue what the hell is going on.