Wands vs. Laws: Magic in Societies and Governments
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video we first explore the deep-rooted connection between magic and governance across different cultures and eras. Right after, we look into how societies in a fantasy world could have integrated magic into their political and social structures. Discover the fascinating interplay between mythical forces and real-world governance, and how historical magic can inspire modern fantasy worldbuilding.
Whether you're crafting your own magical world or delving into the complexities of fictional societies, this video offers unique insights and practical guidelines to enhance your creativity. You'll learn how to weave magic into societal structures, balance power dynamics, and create believable, immersive magical societies.
If you find this video helpful, please consider giving it a like, and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more content on storytelling, worldbuilding and fantasy writing.
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00:00 Magic in Societies
00:39 Magic in History
04:02 Ethical Considerations
07:45 Magic & Power Dynamics
10:04 Cultural Diversity
12:13 Evolution of Magic
13:38 Propaganda & Public Perception
15:32 Magical vs. Non-Magical
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One of my main characters is the last in a long line of witchfinders. Once, there were many who hunted down anyone accused of using magic. They would determine the truth of these accusations and execute witches. Now, however, magic has been legitimized after a group of witches publicly saved the kingdom some fifty years ago. The witchfinder has been relegated to investigating magical crimes within the kingdom's capital.
That must make the magical community feel uncomfortable. The same people investigating the crimes are the group that once hunted and executed them for magic.
@@Andrewtr6 I had a similar thought here, yes. Certainly lots of room for conflict and mistrust here it seems :)
Interesting especially if the secondary main character is a normal person trained as a witch catching detective but as such has to be able to use a few charms and spells but nothing more than that.
That could make for a good story about overcoming ones own prejudice.
@@MrEffectfilms Hmmm. Did you beta read for me?
@@michaelburke4048 Beta read? No, I don't actually know what that is.
I really love the concept and ideology of magic vs technology. I really wanted to see a cyberpunk civilization face off against a high magic society on ideals and what is right, wrong, and in the middle.
This video gave me a similar idea. A technologically advanced world that powers their tech with magic. However, since technology disrupts magic, they have to steal it from other places.
This certainly can be an interesting setting, yes :) It does require some thoughtful setup though to ensure that neither is clearly superior, so you'd have to balance magic and technology quite well. Otherwise, there wouldn't be much interesting conflict if one civilization could just steamroll the other :)
Great video! I’ve struggled with the obvious but boring aspects of “high magic” and “low magic” in my dnd games. You’ve given me a lot of ideas for more storytelling nuance
Glad to hear there was something useful for you in the video :)
This was a video I very much needed as I have a vision for a world congested and steeped heavily in magic as well as laws and the recognition of how important and fragile these laws are
Appreciate you taking the time for that comment. Glad to hear the video can help you on your journey :)
@@TheTaleTinkerer thank you for making a magical video
A pretty cool Manga I found with that makes use of Wands is called "Searching for the Wizard of Absolution", where wands are requires to use magic, the MC uses an Old Wand (Old like World War 2 Old.) called "Sword Wand". Very interesting.
I'm not really an avid anime/manga reader/viewer myself but thank you for that share nontheless. Might take a peak if I find time :)
I'm definitely playing around with this in my world, especially the "can someone without magic rise to a position of leadership?" in a setting that's very high magic.
Most of the high military officials in my world are casters, and one of the few that isn't (the head of the mercenary/adventurer's guild) is perpetually stressed out with trying to keep justifying her position to her superiors. It causes friction in the politics. (This, on top of certain KINDS of casters being distrusted. No one likes people who made pacts with the Fae, and many casters who get their powers from a divine domain are scrutinized heavily for problems of dual loyalty)
"perpetually stressed out with trying to keep justifying her position to her superiors"
Sounds like an interesting character to write about when it comes to their particular circumstances :)
She's the 10th Dentist on the Panel for promoting a product.
Any tips and tricks you have to share for this topic? Don't hesitate to leave them here :)
Okay so...the middleages. What is exactly meant with "Clashing with political and religious powers"? Because the Church regarded magic and witchcraft as non-existent. The first instance of this was the concil of Paderborn in the 9th century if I remember correctly. The number of Church officials who did believe in witchcraft (For example Heinrich Kramer, the author of the "Hexenhammer" who released his work at the, or depending on the point of view, after the end of the middleages) were a group of fringe radicals. Heinrich Krammer was exiled from Innsbruck by the local bishop for attempting to persecute a woman for witchcraft. While believe in witches could not be eredicated, there was no large scale persecution in the middle ages. It was mostly protestant areas in the subsequent periods.
Thank you for your insightful comment. You're absolutely right about the complex and evolving views on magic and witchcraft during the Middle Ages and the transition into the Renaissance. The Church's stance on witchcraft and magic did indeed fluctuate over time.
The "clashing" mentioned in the video refers to this evolving and often contradictory nature of the relationship between magic, witchcraft, and religious and political powers. On one hand, there was a long-standing skepticism and dismissal, while on the other, a growing fear and persecution, especially as Europe moved into the Renaissance and early modern period.
It is often quite tricky to find the right balance of historical depth versus a focus on the main aspects of this channel which are Storytelling, Worldbuilding and Fantasy Writing. Without a doubt, I might end up not being detailed or clear enough in some cases in an attempt to avoid creating a history lesson, so I appreciate the feedback here :)
@@TheTaleTinkerer Thank you for the clarification. I hope my comment did not seem overly harsh. I was merely worried about people being given the wrong impression. It's a struggle to transmit a historical authentic image of the middleages (the good and the bad) to people after they were exposed to a biased one for so long.
History evolves. The mistake that lead to the warped perception of the middleages was committed by historians (Edward Gibbon, Petrarch). In some sense it may be justice that we need to fight against this narrative now.
@@chrismath149No worries :) I don't mind criticism. Quite the contrary, I welcome it (even if - like for most people - my ego sometimes might disagree). People make mistakes sometimes, so of course, I will too.
And yes, history evolves, new perspectives are developed, and more importantly - we always need to remember that we can only judge what was preserved (which almost always requires the question of trustworthiness too) :)
The city state where I am setting my current story is a republic ruled by a council of burgermeisters because I didn't think rule by conquest would work when any guerrilla resistance can cast fireballs and lightning bolts.
Magic to them is like mathematics to us, Most people can only do basic stuff like keep a budget but many do sudoku and there are even people who count cards in casinos or track sport statistics and that isn't including those who use Maths professionally like engineers. So it is with my city, You might be a big bad battlemage but there's only one of you so we aren't about to bow down to you in a hurry.
Sounds like a powder keg of ambition and power waiting to explode :)
For ttrpgs different magic styles utilise different attributes that affect things too. People can't see the scores of intelligence, wisdom, or charisma, but they can react to their expressions. The common go to is magic being based on intelligence and learning. It is consistent, understandable, and affected by economic disparity as real-world education is.
But if your magic leaders rely more on communion or alignment with a more changeable source, be that divine, philosophical, natural, or self-understanding, your magical leaders may be more hands-off guides. The mundane affairs would likely have less or non-magical bureaucrats with the leader shaping the greater vision, with occasional direct intervention.
Where magic comes hand in hand with performative charisma it becomes harder to assess whether the magic makes the leader. They'd be demagogues with two ways to distract you from whether they are actually competent for the position. They'd likely be bubbles of government, racing ahead of consequences or truthful analysis, or entirely lucky to have competence as well charisma. But this is a model that has cropped up often in the real world. Magic would just enhance it, not make something new of it.
Sorcerers are interesting though as their magic is often portrayed as will power and self-control manipulating overwhelming magic. It would seem odd to give governmental power to such an unstable magic user. However, if magic was very common, powerful, and volatile then someone with a noticeably strong control of that might be valued as a bridge of understanding between the non-magical and the magical people or force. This would position their rulership as distinctly a mediator or a figurehead of a "good" magic affected citizen.
Some great insights / thoughts shared here, appreciate that - as I'm sure others stumbling across this comment will too :)
In part of the Magic System I'm working on, there are 10 Aspects that modify the properties and that there are commonly 10 different Spell Foci that focus on these Aspects.
Weapons can also be utilized as Spell Foci after being Imbued, but are only half as efficient when casting spells.
What exactly do you regard as an "aspect" if I may ask? :)
@@TheTaleTinkerer
I had left my computer at work and only just got it back. I didn't want to recall the information off the top of my head incorrectly.
"Aspects are the pathways for which Mana flows throughout a Template (Spell Circle) and to its Tiers, thus allowing the modification of Magic in different ways, each predicting upon which Aspect's pathway has mana poured into it. "
The different Aspects are:
Area
Condition
Duration
Efficiency
Mass
Potency
Range
Speed
Tracking
Volley
TLDR:
Each of these Aspects amplify and modifies the innate properties of the Anchor (Foundation for the Magic) that are pre-established by the material used for the Anchor.
An example: Throwing Knife
As an Anchor for the Magic, any conjured spell would take the form of the Throwing Knife when cast.
Area would cause the single target of the Throwing Knife to instead create an Area of Effect that affects all nearby targets. More mana increases that affected area.
Condition reduces the amount of exposure required to afflict the target, but only if the Anchor innately carries an affliction that it can deal.
Duration increases the amount of time before the magic's effect ends, this includes any carried afflictions.
Efficiency refines the Template further and reduces the amount of mana required to activate the Magic, returning any excess mana back to the Practitioner.
Mass increases the size and weight of any projected attack, potentially making the attack harder to avoid and withstand.
Potency increases the effectiveness of the Magic, in the case of the Throwing Knife, it increases the damage it deals and other potential damage riders such as any coated afflictions.
Range increases the travel distance of the Magic before dispersing, allowing the Practitioner to attack targets far beyond the Anchor's original range.
Speed increases the travel speed of the magic, potentially making the attack hit the opponent before they can react.
Tracking increases the likelihood of the Magic hitting the target as it moves closer to intercept.
Volley increases the number of conjured projectiles, potentially damaging and hindering opponents with suppressive fire.
Using these Anchors, Aspects and the offered power range of the various Tiers, the Magic System in the setting I'm creating allows a massive variety of unique skills and spells for characters to use.
@@TheTaleTinkerer
Lol, I made a lengthy reply but I guess TH-cam didn't like it.
@@Battleguild Sorry to hear that, but thanks for the effort anyway :)
@@TheTaleTinkerer
The 10 Aspects are:
Area
Condition
Duration
Efficiency
Mass
Potency
Range
Speed
Tracking
Volley
Each of which modify the properties in various ways, creating a plethora of available choices when creating spells.
Magic is very common in my fantasy setting. At least 90% of the population is born with magic. I don't have exact numbers yet, but part of the population will be able to learn magic through rituals, training, and study. The smallest portion will be left completely unable to wield magic. However, it wasn't always the case. When the races (humans, elves, fairies, and possible a few original races) were introduced to the world by gods, they didn't yet understand magic. After 100 - 1,000 years a primitive and rudimentary form of magic had developed but calling the wielders of it mages or sorcerers wouldn't be fitting.
From this, there are a few ways I could go. A) true magic is taught to the races by a goddess of magic. B) As the races get more advanced, they study magic and refine it into systems. There's also C) a completely different idea that I think of later.
Either way, magic would be uncommon at this stage as it slowly developed over centuries. Some of these early mages might use magic to gain power. However, eventually, the races start to worship the gods and magic becomes sacred, only being used in the service of the gods. Not all would follow this idea though. Soon, magic would become common. A lot of kingdoms might be ruled by magic-ocracies; the most powerful mages. This leads to arranged marriages and even inbreeding to "keep the bloodlines pure" and produce offspring with more magic (which doesn't actually work)- many of these dynasties go the way of the Habsburg's and die out due to infertility caused by genetic deformity.
In the past 200 years from the modern day, forensic magic was developed to help solve crimes. I'm still working this out but what I have is based on my knowledge of real forensics. It would be really easy to have it were magic could be used to instantly solve a crime, but I don't want this. For example, necromancy (communing with the dead) exists in my world, but I made it were summoning the spirit of someone who was just murdered could interrupt their departure to the afterlife. Smart criminals can even take measure to prevent seances using the body (some of these measures allow the soul to be reached but it's like trying to talk to someone underwater). However, every mage's magic is like a fingerprint, not two are exactly the same. Wands could even be examined like firearms- wands have unique "ballistics". I wanna think of some cool stuff though that wouldn't just be a magic version of real forensics. Again, there's communing with the dead, but that could be overpowered quickly; same with true potions or mind reading.
My world also has a god/goddess of justice and punishment which represents the court system. I want to work this in to the worldbuilding in multiple ways. For example, judges but also law enforcement could take oaths on these gods to uphold the law. The law enforcement wouldn't be cops, but rather a part of the city guard that specializes in solving crimes. I guess they could be considered police since they patrol the city and fill the same role.
Something that magic users can learn is how to spot illusion magic, enchantments etc. With enough training, a mage can even tell exactly what type of enchantment has been placed on an object or person just by looking at them. For illusions, every caster is different; this means it would be easier to fool a small crowed as it would be more likely someone would spot the illusion in a large one. It would be common with people with a keen ability to detect this type of magic to be hired just to spot if it's being used. It wouldn't be completely impossible to fool these people or even large crowds, but the deceiver would need to be an expert illusionist.
Unfortunately, electrical appliances have been almost completely banned from the realm. Students traveling from Earth are allowed to keep their cellphones (not much good though since there's no service; it can still be used to take pictures), but only the super-rich have more advanced tech. Stuff like radios and mp3 players might show up from time to time at a thrift store. But a lot of it is considered contraband. In some cities where magic is less common, they still aren't allowed to have modern tech which would make their lives easier. And more unfortunately for anyone without magic, potions are more likely to kill them then heal them. Life in this realm without magic would not be fun. The world is very haves and the have-nots when it comes to magic.
Thank you for the detailed insights here. I especially like the fact that magic has undergone an evolution rather than being static, as well as the fact that wands can be uniquely identified similar to gun ballistics in the real world :)
Every religion = magic, you are logicaly inconsistent claiming medieval europe did not have 2 diffrent magic systems. Also I think that it realy depends now how magic works, you touched it briefly (birth right, power of god, studing), scarsity and viability. This is important as it dictates impact of societies.
I appreciate your feedback, but I have a hard time following this statement of yours: "claiming medieval europe did not have 2 diffrent magic systems"
Care to elaborate? I cannot remember claiming anything about a quantity of different magic. I was just talking about magic in general :)
@@TheTaleTinkerer As far I did undestand your wording it comes to me that you did not count medivial europian religion as magic. That is logicaly inconsistency.
btw. Totaly difrent topic. Cool concept for magic based in religion could be as religion change from like inherent problems from spreading and needs of translation, will that change the magic outcome?
@@jatsantsa It depends how you define "religion" here. Personally, I would count divine magic as a part of magic, yes - which is something I do bring up every now and then in videos as well when taking about gods and divine beings.
Religion itself would be something I personally look at separately though, more as a cultural/societal aspect rather than a magic system element :)
@@TheTaleTinkerer Yet you listed old religion practices as magical ones, but in moment we are speaking cristianity is have special status. Why? That is inconsistent.