How much can magic do?

[MKBlackbird]

Warning: Lots of nonsensical questions.

Firstly, magic circles. According to the lore doc, “Magic circles are created to shape magic energy into an element or other kind of form in order to carry out the caster’s intent”, so would it be possible to harness “unshaped” magic energy without the use of a magic circle? What would this look like? Mizeria (mentioned in Shieldguard) seems to strangle her victims with “magic energy” as opposed to any mentioned type of magic, so does this indicate you can still project intent upon unrefined magic? What are the properties of unrefined magic?

Are there known limits as to where a magic circle can manifest? For example, Jujutsu Kaisen forbids techniques from being activated within one’s innate domain which encompasses their body. Would something similar be the case for magic? If not, what’s stopping a mage from summoning a placed explosion of metal or fire within an opponent’s body? There must be something that protects against it, or else fights between mages would be a race to see who can conjure a ball of their magic in the opponent’s skull first.

Is there a minimum or maximum size for a magic circle? It’s hard to imagine that a powerful enough mage could blot out the sky with a magic circle, so there has to be SOME theoretical limit. The opposite is true - a magic circle that’s barely bigger than a molecule wouldn’t be feasible to keep focus on, so where would the limits begin and end? The size of a nail? Of a finger? A palm?

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How much can magic accomplish without needing a magic circle? Trace magic is already capable of creating a metal coating around your legs, making you invisible, and shielding you from explosions. Could a mage create tangible illusions based off previous people their opponent has fought that fight for them?

If fighting styles can only tap into trace magic, surely mages with full access would be able to use it in far more novel ways. Why would they remain relatively stagnant with their applications of magic, opting for traditional uses instead of the many unique possibilities they have at their disposal? Could a mage potentially mess with someone’s perception of time, slowing their mind to the point they’re unable to properly defend themselves?

Are there limits to what an enchanted item could do? Beyond the simple bonuses or mind protection, could it perhaps work in the opposite way? Would an enchanted (or cursed, I suppose) mask be able to slowly brainwash it’s wearer, or at least negatively impact their mind?

But most importantly, why can’t a mage change the color they intend their magic to be? Are you born with both the magic and it’s color preassigned, or is it something the mage simply chooses? From my understanding, it makes more sense for the element and properties of the magic to be predetermined, as color would certainly be more variable.

[sock]

@MKBlackbird

so would it be possible to harness “unshaped” magic energy without the use of a magic circle? What would this look like?

sort of, this is the aura that weapon and fighting style builds use, though you can’t impose as much intent on it as with magic, and in fact most people who use it are just doing it by accident

@MKBlackbird

If not, what’s stopping a mage from summoning a placed explosion of metal or fire within an opponent’s body? There must be something that protects against it, or else fights between mages would be a race to see who can conjure a ball of their magic in the opponent’s skull first

i assume the thing stopping this would be the magic energy in the opponent’s body automatically blocking it, sort of acting as a barrier. it might still be possible to summon a spell within someone if the difference between your magic levels is great enough though

@MKBlackbird

Is there a minimum or maximum size for a magic circle?

probably not tbh, the reason we don’t see extreme sizes is probably cause they’re just impractical or too draining

@MKBlackbird

Could a mage create tangible illusions based off previous people their opponent has fought that fight for them?

god i hope we get a summon spell, i’d use it 'til the end of the game

@MKBlackbird

Could a mage potentially mess with someone’s perception of time, slowing their mind to the point they’re unable to properly defend themselves?

idk maybe, but that sounds like it’d be pretty complex to do, which is also likely why most mages use more traditional uses, they’re just easier

@MKBlackbird

Would an enchanted (or cursed, I suppose) mask be able to slowly brainwash it’s wearer, or at least negatively impact their mind?

atlantean essence inflicting insanity does open up the possibility for this i think

@MKBlackbird

But most importantly, why can’t a mage change the color they intend their magic to be? Are you born with both the magic and it’s color preassigned, or is it something the mage simply chooses?

the colour a mage gets in lore is determined by which one most fits their personality, but with how learning new magics works now it might be possible to change it with enough work

[MKBlackbird]

@sock

sort of, this is the aura that weapon and fighting style builds use, though you can’t impose as much intent on it as with magic, and in fact most people who use it are just doing it by accident

Aura isn’t consciously used, it’s only trace magic. I was more referring to raw magic energy, which we currently have no reference for. The capabilities of aura do seem to better reflect the potential of magic, however.

@sock

it might still be possible to summon a spell within someone if the difference between your magic levels is great enough though

Further proof that mages have more potential than non-mages, could also bring an interesting possibility for a fight. One side trying to overpower the magic energy of another to kill them from the inside.

@sock

probably not tbh, the reason we don’t see extreme sizes is probably cause they’re just impractical or too draining

Massive spells, sure, however small circles used for precision would be decently practical. Being a fire/plasma mage would let you always have a portable lighter.

@sock

god i hope we get a summon spell, i’d use it 'til the end of the game

Ruby Crystal Warlock + Illusion spells = Infinite build.

@sock

idk maybe, but that sounds like it’d be pretty complex to do, which is also likely why most mages use more traditional uses, they’re just easier

Hopefully if we fight older mages, they’ll use neat tricks such as that. They’d have the time to learn and refine the more complex aspects of magic instead of sticking to the basics.

@sock

atlantean essence inflicting insanity does open up the possibility for this i think

It’d likely take an extremely powerful enchant, given how atlantean essence is from those exposed for years - likely decades. The magic pollution from the dark sea also takes a long time to apply despite the overwhelming intensity, so whatever enchant would be highly draining for the caster.

[Amuka]

@sock

god i hope we get a summon spell, i’d use it 'til the end of the game

Same, the “go do it for me” spell, I’d love it

[ItsNotMe]

Tldr: everything and more

[fartman1314]

@sock

i hope we get a summon spell

those who know

[sock]

magic still lacks on though