Random Idea #72: Spellcasting Headcanons

Foreword

1. Because I am dumb and spent way too much time trying to rationalize how “thinking hard” = “fireball”
2. The first section is about spell-casting and spell making
3. I spent way too much time thinking about whether “mana” is also a fundamental particle or something that’s more “outside of reality”
4. This is a continuation of my Magical Hierarchies blog

So, after many nights of staring at the ceiling, I’ve decided to base this system (which is probably going to propagate into most of my pony-centric stories, anyways) on some frankenstein’d amalgation of electrical engineering/programming (which is already dark magic to me), biological catalysts inspired, FM:A alchemy, and a tiny sprinkling of the Force from Star Wars.

So, how does this relate to our world of technicolor horses?

The base system of “thinking hard” -> “fireball” is 

1. Planet/universe(?) is magically infused, sorta kinda like the Force
2. This infuses the food and creatures that draw upon it
3. This creates stored mana within a creature, though in certain scenarios you can draw from the environment, though more diffuse
4. Mana is used/consumed to fuel an effect
5. To create said Effect, it needs to form a certain shape, aka spellcircles

To create more complicated spells, they can either have more “catalysts” layered within another, or have a bunch of separate modules feed into one another.

Unicorns

Horns are their primary casting tool, and specialized at being not specialized, compared to the other tribes. (Ignoring OP Sparkle and Wow! Glimmer!)Most unicorns have the ability to have a couple of tricks, though cutie marks do allow some things easier to be channeled. However, the lack of specilization requires more effort in creating the spell circles in the first place.

The horn’s main utility is being flexible enough to form said spell circles within itself, though it is limited in complexity. Twilight and Starlight are unique in having horns that are more flexible than normal, and having the mana reserves to power them. Coming over from the previous blog (Magical Hierachies), most unicorns are relatively low on the mana output scale, so even if they were to learn a spell, powering it would be difficult.

The horn’s second utility is to project the exit point of the spell circle, giving them range. This means they can shoot a fireball out of the horn, and start an ignition point from far away (line of sight). This takes energy though, so not much point unless surprise is the goal. This also allows telekinesis of anything more than a foot away.

Grabbing shit: usually through telekinesis, though they can cast limited telekinesis via their hooves. The concentration required doesn’t make it much worth it, but doable. Can also curl their hooves around larger objects, I guess.

Pegasi

Wings are their primary casting tool. They generally default to air-fluid manipulation, very easily, and it allows some slight casting by using mana infused air to aid the creation of spell circles. By “throwing” this mana infused air, pegasi can get a limited range out of their spells. 

In general use, it is used to create an aero-shield for lift, drag reduction, and thrust. It is also easier for them to energize or cool down air, and when combined with air-fluid manipulation, the control of weather, movement of clouds, etc.

This air control allows for wing hands, by using a boundary layer of air as muscles, and rather efficiently. Their mana pools are slightly better than the average unicorn.

Grabbing Shit: Wing hands, air bubble around hooves, magnetization through static.

EarthTerrasire

Hooves, and to a limited extent, their skin, are their primary casting tool. (Their specialty is internal spells). They generally default to solids-fluids manipulation. To cast spells externally, they need to be touching the object they want to affect. It is easier for them to manually draw or use pre-drawn circles, though earth manipulation/sensing can speed this up a bit. (FM:A)

Their bodies themselves are what’s most commonly casted upon. This gives them their famous strength and durability. It can also be temporarily transferred to an external piece, like the ground, or to armor, or tools, for better grip and resilience. 

Terrasi tend to have the best mana pools, being able to have their “strength” basically active at all times.

Grabbing Shit: “Holding Firm” something they’re touching. Terrasire families prefer longer manes and tails since they can grab shit with it.

Magical Engineering

This is where the programming shit comes in. Spell Circuits allow for auto-casting by having an external source, either a fuel or a caster, powering it. Multiple circuits feeding into each other allows for the reduction in complexity needed for complex spells, not needing multiple circles within each other.

Circles don’t actually need to be round, they are just much harder to make due to mana not being balanced across the entire thing. 3-D circles are also a thing one can do to reduce the size, leading to spell spheres.