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View Full Version : Explanation for magic



DanielLC
2007-09-21, 08:56 PM
In order to work well, magic must follow certain rules, such as:
There must be more to a fight than whoever gets their spell in first.
It must be flashy (no causing strokes).
There must be more than one best way to do essentially the same thing (fireball, lightning).
It must something that can't be taught, or can only be taught to a certain extent, otherwise it would be more science than magic.

In order to be realistic, it must also follow these:
They must follow simple, elegant rules.
All magic must come from those rules.
All consequences of those rules must be carried out.
Magic must not be able to destroy the world, at least not without months or years of preparation by a sapient being (imagine a protozoan that evolved create food and drink).

The last one is a special case of the one above it that can't be overemphasized.

Something like belief or will is not simple, and rules that are based on them aren't simple rules. If you don't believe me, try looking at a brain and telling me if the owner was an atheist. Even asking the person requires years of practicing language (you weren't born knowing how to talk).

Has anyone found an explanation for magic that follows all of those rules?

Has anyone come close?