Well, yes and no. Magic includes more than just modifying and manipulating energy. While that is a basic fundamental of magic itself, you're not grasping the whole picture of things. Magic has been theorized in millions of ways as to how it works and what it does. Here, magic can best be described as
the use of natural resources in a supernatural way to achieve results otherwise impossible or more difficult to achieve. Or, to break it down,
magic is using the things around us through the use of the body, stars, space, or life itself to make life easier.Outside of
Galactic Empires, there are several theories of magic. Included are natural theories and balance theories, among others. Natural magic basically states that everything is connected with everything else, and that the universe is one. As such, concentration with nature and the universe is the key to using magic, under this theory . The Balance Theory basically states that everything has its opposite, and is very similar to the Natural Theory (Lewitin). A good work available free online is A Theory Of Magic by Ann Macela which explains her idea of magic in a more complex form. Despite these theories,
Galactic Empires has its own system for magic as well.
Main Types Of Casters
There are quite a few main kinds of magic casters. These 'kinds of castors' are not determined by race or any genetic attribute, but by the choice of the caster. The most fundamental time to decide which kind of caster you are is when you first begin to practice magic. For the user, Out Of Character, you would probably do this at character creation unless the character does not start out with training or practice in magic, in which case you would have the character determine which caster type he/she is when they begin to learn magic. Also note that many magic users have multiple casting types and this is not all predetermined by what casting type your character first chooses. Below I outline a few of the caster types:
Witches/WizardDraw on natural elements of existence to use their magic. These casters usually have a strong connection with nature.
EnchantersEnchanters use affection or other emotions to cast emotional infliction on their enemies.
Mage/"Elementalist"While a mage generally refers to any magic user, mage is the common name as well for elemental mages. These magic users call upon the elements of the universe (such as 'fire', 'earth', 'air', 'water', 'lightening', etc..) and use those elements in magic.
NecromancersVery dark magic users.. Necromancers commonly call spirits from the dead and wield them to their use. Almost all of their spells are dark and include death somehow.
Review
Answer the following questions:
1. What are three theories of magic?
2. List two kinds of magic casters and describe in your own words how their magic works.
3. What do witches and wizards rely on for their magic?
4. When/how are caster types generally determined?
5. Do magic users only have one caster type?
6. Compare and contrast magic casting types and theories of magic.
Works Cited
Lewitin, J.L.N. "Theories Of Magic." Ancient Thoughts. 30/10/2007. Ancient Thoughts, Web. 20 Jan 2010. <http://ancientthoughts.com/magic/theory.htm>.