jvj

Another topic that I have been struggling with is a system of magic that doesnt borrow too heavily from somone elses work, or just seems too stupid be believed.

I know magic is an "X" factor in these stories and you can pretty much do what you want with it but there have to be some guidelines. The magic needs limits or else the protaganist could just snap the fingers and the story would be over, problem solved, everyone happy.

Having said this I think i have come up with a system that I like, that works in my opinion and I am going to integrate into my story. I just hope it looks as good on paper.

Yeah, IMHO the concept of magic in fantasy can really be a make-or-break element. As a reader, I'm willing to forego a lot of science for the good of the story. As a writer though, I find it hard to create a world that strays too far; I try to make everything explainable, which can be tough and, bluntly, defeats the whole point of magic. But you're right, there has to be some sort of balancing of magic, e.g. it makes the user weak, or has unintended consequences, etc.

I can say this, I am more a fan of sword vs. sorcery. I loathe magic users in books that use spells, incantations, sacrifices, etc. I prefer a lighter brand of fantasy than all that, but that's just me and my tastes.

If you ever get stuck, just throw a red priestess in your book somewhere, everyone else does.

Yeah Kross I understand the less = more approach you are describing and fully appreciate it, George R.R Martin is a perfect example of that. More swords less sorcery.

Plus sometimes people feel writers put too much magic into a story, I have heard this critique in regards to Harry Potter and Xanth by Piers Anthony. I dont really feel that way, but I can see how people might feel it waters down the story.

EDIT:

Maybe ill add an orange Priest/Priestess just to be different.

If you haven't read the Death Gate Cycle by Weis and Hickman definitely check that out. It has one of the most unique approaches to magic that I've seen.

Once read a book called "Master of Five Magic" ([url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_the_Five_Magics]here[\url]. It was an interesting take, although i remember struggling through the book.

Magic in and of itself is a complex issue. How about magical henna that attracts spirits who gift the user with magical abilities? They draw sigils of magic onto their skin which are seals for certain outerworld spirits. In exchange for giving the mage power they also tap their energy, they can get by this if their under a full moon or at certain astrological times of the year. The henna washes off but you have to draw the sigils on your skin to cast spells and the tattoo burns off after the spell lets loose. The mage is then drained of energy. This also makes the mages suseptable to possession by these entities. Wearing certain Gems marked with the sigils will also store the magical entity/power with no ill effects to the user, so these gems are worth more than money. So you have dangerous mages running around with these spell talismans on. ?