text; un: beatrix [1]

[fiendennor]

Do you believe in magic?
If so, what do you know about it?

Comments

[fiendennor]

[Not inaccurate.] The idea of a world where magic has never been more than a myth is surprising to me, I agree. I'm not sure what particularly could be the reason why some worlds have magic and others do not. May I ask what sparks your interest in it?

[meinwaifu]

Because I, too, come from such a world were the vast majority of people believe things such as magic or the supernatural to be myth.
But that doesn't necessarily imply that there is no magic present, as I myself am capable of it!

It leads me to wonder then, whether anyone is capable of learning magic, or if there's some sort of prerequisite to learning it, that the ancestors of those who come from worlds devoid of magic simply never obtained.
And with just how many refugees come from such worlds, it would be a shame if they were incapable of ever learning the magic of this world.

[fiendennor]

I've heard differing things from differing people. It would be foolish to assume that every world's magic worked in the same way.

Though, you are saying that in your world, magic exists, but most people don't know about it?

[meinwaifu]

That's right!

I'm certain the source of magic between our worlds is rather different.
In the case of mine, there are few who would actually use the word magic to describe it at all -- but for lack of a better term, I find it easiest when explaining such things.

The magic of my world is intrinsically tied to supernatural beings such as gods and demons.
For a human to possess such abilities on their own, they must form a bond or a contract with such a being to borrow their power!
But seeing as only a very small fraction of the populace can even see these beings in the first place, those born with such a gift are ultimately quite rare.

[fiendennor]

So the only path to magic for a human is a contract with a supernatural creature?

Have you made such a pact, or are you such a creature?

[meinwaifu]

My, that's quite the question!
Are you accusing me of being a demon?

[RUDE-- well, uh. Also true. But still, rude.]

But I've made a number of contracts with demons over the years, many of whom serve as my familiars now.
However, although I still have access to the power they've afforded me, it seems I'm rather incapable of summoning them in the flesh anymore, as they've been quarantined by the Natha on Thesa.
:(

[There are a lot of complex feelings in that frowny face.]

[fiendennor]

There was clearly a second option there. Nor did I specify "demon." It is curious that you immediately leaped to that conclusion, however. Do all contracts afford the power to literally summon the other party?

[meinwaifu]

Gods, angels, demons... it doesn't make a difference to me.
In my old line of work, we used the term "demon" as a blanket term for all such supernatural beings from the other side.
But I know there are many here who would have an adverse reaction to that word-- and for good reason, of course!
They're rather dangerous, after all.

[Which is true, even with regards to himself -- though he called himself a demon, he'd sooner consider himself a god.]

And that depends entirely on the demon itself!
Some are so powerful that no single human could hope to summon them, and instead make a pact through their continuing bloodline.
But most of my familiars are of the weaker sort, and normally could be brought to my side with a simple snap of my fingers.

Ah, but I'm just rambling now, aren't I?
I'm a professor, so I suppose I slipped into lecture mode without even thinking about it.

[fiendennor]

That's all right. I find this sort of thing very interesting. You're saying that you're not a demon, but one of the human summoners, then. [She's suspicious, but not going to say anything.]