His forty-five-foot frame folded neatly into the lotus position, leaning against a wall strong enough to support his weight, Rigel's been pondering a few things
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"As a rule o'thumb, magic's a talent-based thing. It's called 'the mystic arts' fer a reason. Science, though - science works for anybody, even without study."
The dornbeast pulls out two metal cylinders. "This here? Magic wand of light. Doesn't work for anybody that doesn't have a bit of potential fer magic. This other cylinder? Flashlight. Works for anybody, s'long as the batteries ain't dead. A body doesn't need t'be anything special to make nickel-cadmium batteries or halogen bulbs work."
"They do the same thing, except the wand won't need new batteries, ever."
"Is it always such, though? I've seen magical devices -- or what were said to be such things -- here in this Nexus that anyone could use, magically inclined or no."
"By the same token there are certain objects, and abilities, in my own world that only certain individuals can make use of; but we have no concept of magic."
The dornbeast laughs. "Good points. But that's why they call it a 'rule of thumb,' y'know. There's exceptions. But the tech gear that's limited stuff, it's usually possible fer anybody with the right stuff - training, passwords, or other objects - t'use that gear. Assumin', of course, that it ain't somethin' like a paraplegic with a bicycle."
"And it's possible t'make a magic item that powers itself, or to magically alter somethin', makin' it magical but not needin' a mage t'use it. But they can't be created without a heavy-duty mage t'lay down the spells."
"Pretty much that, yeah. There's 'Johnny One-spell' sorts out there, only good enough t'make one low-power magic item, an' they don't have t'be all that strong. It's actually a pretty good business in some places. But most serious creations're the product of people who took years t'build their skills."
"Oh, I forgot about the standard magic weapon. Those're actually fairly easy in comparison t'some things, since they build on the item's...well, I call it 'purpose.' It's easier t'make a weapon more accurate 'n' do more damage because that's its purpose. Not so easy to do that with, say, a fountain pen. Making a flaming sword, on the other hand, is a bit trickier."
"Mm. I should like to make the comparison between what you describe and the effects manifested by some back home, but I haven't the time at the moment. Aah, for lost opportunies ..."
"Erm. Sorry, I wasn't clear there. Most folks make the weapon normally, 'n' upgrade it with magic. Sharper sword, more accurate bow, that sorta thing."
"No. I've sat in on a few enchantments, 'n' I know the theory, but I've got a few years before I c'n do the basics. Really, a critter as big 'n' tough as I am doesn't need t'know magic. And if I'd stayed dumb, I wouldn't've learned any."
The dornbeast pulls out two metal cylinders. "This here? Magic wand of light. Doesn't work for anybody that doesn't have a bit of potential fer magic. This other cylinder? Flashlight. Works for anybody, s'long as the batteries ain't dead. A body doesn't need t'be anything special to make nickel-cadmium batteries or halogen bulbs work."
"They do the same thing, except the wand won't need new batteries, ever."
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"By the same token there are certain objects, and abilities, in my own world that only certain individuals can make use of; but we have no concept of magic."
"Another difference of definition, do you think?"
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"And it's possible t'make a magic item that powers itself, or to magically alter somethin', makin' it magical but not needin' a mage t'use it. But they can't be created without a heavy-duty mage t'lay down the spells."
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"I see yet more parallels along with the differences when I compare to what I've seen, and what I have experience of."
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"Pretty much that, yeah. There's 'Johnny One-spell' sorts out there, only good enough t'make one low-power magic item, an' they don't have t'be all that strong. It's actually a pretty good business in some places. But most serious creations're the product of people who took years t'build their skills."
"Oh, I forgot about the standard magic weapon. Those're actually fairly easy in comparison t'some things, since they build on the item's...well, I call it 'purpose.' It's easier t'make a weapon more accurate 'n' do more damage because that's its purpose. Not so easy to do that with, say, a fountain pen. Making a flaming sword, on the other hand, is a bit trickier."
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"But -- weaponry? Why create a weapon via magic?"
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