Magic permeates many fantasy worlds. It comes in different forms, see The 4 Great Styles of Fantasy Magic for more info. The one type that’s generally considered to be a staple in the genre is elemental magic. This is the first in a series of articles focusing on the different types of elemental magic and it’s all about forest magic.
This article, and all subsequent others in this series, looks at the three components that go into elemental magic: attacker spells, defensive spells, and the type of user. The first focuses on harnessing the power of the element on the battlefield whereas the second revolves around using it to guard against attacks. The last category pertains to the character of the wizard as each element draws a certain kind of personality to it.
We begin with one necessary for life to flourish: forest. Many spells within this group features trees in some capacity. There are also spells that stimulate growth and nourishment. While many people prefer fire or lightning magic for their flashiness, forest spells can help snatch victory from the jaws of defeat due to the power they wield.
No single element dominates the other. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. In the case of forest, it’s weak to fire and ice. However, water and earth stand no chance against it.
With leaves swaying in front of us, let’s jump in and take a good look at what the forest element has to offer, shall we?
While forest magic is primarily defensive, it has several spells that’s used on offense. In the heat of battle, a forest wizard unleashes a massive tree that pops out of the ground and sends his opponent flying. Said tree then disappears as if it never existed.
Perhaps the wizard opts to use slapping vines to whittle down his enemy’s health. Or he can animate a tree to help him defeat a tough foe. Blades of grass could suddenly grow and throttle the fiend, choking the life out of him. Bushes could shoot out their thorns and each thorn becomes a homing missile, all smashing into the enemy and burrowing their way inside to cause even more pain.
There’s many ways wizards can use the power of the forest on the battlefield and many of them catch their opponent by surprise, since they don’t consider that this element comes with its own set of spells to be used when attacking. Underestimate those who specialize in forest magic at your peril.
While the forest element boasts some fantastic offensive capabilities, its true power is its ability to withstand attacks. Indeed, the great majority of spells are designed to protect people from getting hurt.
An example of this would be raising a large tree from the ground in-between the wizard and his enemy. The enemy unleashes a series of spells in rapid succession where the wizard wouldn’t be able to get through unscathed without the tree. It absorbs each hit as the wizard positions himself to launch his counterattack. As the wizard makes his move, the tree, having played his role, vanishes instantly, allowing the wizard to emerge and mount a shattering response to his foe’s actions.
Another instance would be to use plants that produce an intoxicating aroma to bamboozle an opponent. Before long, the aroma dulls his senses, making him unable to find where the wizard is. In this circumstance, the plants help the wizard by weakening his enemy and making him easier to take down.
One major advantage forest magic has over the others is its healing capacity due to the relationship it has with life. Healing helps people survive bruising attacks which just might mean the difference between life and death. Many of these spells also focus on the user healing himself or other people.
Since plants represent life, all healing spells within this element feature them in varying degrees. Some use them outright, having them wrap around the injured person to help them recuperate. Others focus on adding them into elixirs that speed up the healing process.
Those who choose to specialize in forest magic tend to be thoughtful, considerate people. They listen to other people and offer them wise advice. Indeed, many people seek out their counsel. They see things other people miss, things that might prove crucial later on.
They also care about growing things. Plants and trees are constantly on their mind, for they worry about whether a sickly plant will survive. Besides the flora and fauna, they have a natural affinity for the critters who call the forest home. Birds and squirrels and bunnies go to them whenever they’re wounded or to deliver messages from the outside world.
Recognizing that there’s a natural order to things, they’re usually reluctant to interfere in other people’s matters, believing that things ought to occur in a normal fashion. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re isolationist. Rather, they always keep their eyes and ears open for news, both within and outside.
Forests are ideal hiding places, both for good and evil, but especially the latter. Since wooded areas are the first victims of the rising darkness, forest wizards are the first to discover the threat. They learn about it by seeing vile creatures not ordinarily found in forests such as large arachnids or seeing poison water in places that once had clean, pristine water.
Forests and other wooded areas are their solace, the place they reside in. Since forests are a quiet place, they’re ideal for people who are loners or those who prefer to be by themselves. Forest wizards can study in peace, not having to worry about much except the occasional disruption.
They also tend to be stubborn people. Living by themselves makes them entirely self-dependent, meaning they have a mighty difficult time accepting help from other people. The only time they’ll seek out help is when they have absolutely no other choice.
Forest magic stands on its own among the others. While not as powerful as several others, it has a lot going for it. It offers things the others don’t like its many potent healing powers.
Should you decide to bring this branch into your world, the only thing you need to keep in mind is that the possibilities are endless when it comes to the imagination. Invent new powers or put your unique spin on an existing one. Design a magic staff made entirely out of tree bark or leaves. Whatever you want, for the sky’s the limit!
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Sunfire
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