Whenever malevolent forces overrun a world, there’s only one thing standing in their way, a magic they fear above all others: light magic. It’s something they literally cannot touch, for it will instantaneously kill them. Also known as holy magic, it utilizes the heavenly power of light, which comes from above, to smite all those who attempt to bring ruin upon the world.
Doubtless, by now you’ve surmised that light is one of nine branches of elemental magic. Its holy connection makes light magic one of two elements that stand above all others. While the others have their own strengths and weaknesses, light is unique in that it’s strong and vulnerable to another element. Dark, its polar opposite, is said element.
Much like in the real world, light and dark cannot exist without the other. They are the yin and yang of fantasy, the source of all the problems every world faces. Light magic is used by the forces of good to prevent evil from taking over and is locked in an eternal contest for supremacy against darkness.
This is the eighth in a series analyzing the different kinds of elemental magic. To look at one of our previous articles on this series, take a look at our blog page. Like before, we’ll look at what spells light practitioners use against their enemies, both to attack and to defend. We’ll also examine the characteristics of the average light magician.
I bet you can’t wait to keep reading, so let’s just dive right in!
Light magic deals massive damage against the servants of darkness, especially those who practice magic. Hands down, it’s one of the most powerful elements to use in battle, especially since it has so many spells that can be used to attack. Since light and darkness are in a no-holds-barred endless war, only spells that kill are used. While light warlocks don’t relish killing, they recognize that the other side won’t hesitate to murder nor will they offer mercy.
Evil thrives and flourishes in places with little to no light. Using the simple spell of sunlight blinds them, creating an opening for light wizards to effortlessly dispatch them. The wizard performs an incantation and a ball of pure light envelops the area, comforting those fighting on the side of good, and fills the hearts of the minions of darkness with fear.
Some spells use the spirit of animals to tear into the forces of evil. The type of spell depends on the animal used. For instance, an eagle could attack monsters from above with their talons or a buck can gallop on the ground and use his horns to impale them. The animal spirit used reflects who the caster is at heart.
One mainstay of this magic is sending a shaft of light, either coming from a wand or from a wizard’s hands, and sending it towards his adversary. The shaft flies through the air at breakneck speed, meaning that his foe has nanoseconds to dodge or deflect the spell. Should the spell be true, the shaft of light will obliterate him.
Another spell is to cast rays of light upon the ground with the intent to either immobilize the enemy or disintegrate him. Scattered throughout the battleground, they make it hard for the demon to navigate around, that is if he dodged the falling rays, without getting hit or winding up dead.
With so many spells that’s used in attacking, it’s easy to assume that light magic can only be used on the offensive. However, did you know that it’s equally great to use on the defensive? Indeed, it has a wide selection of spells that come with as many effects, all of which can prove helpful in a particularly challenging battle.
Light, due to its holy affiliation, is the strongest in terms of healing powers. Its healing capabilities are many, from recovering lost health to repairing damaged limbs. A witch simply has to point her wand up in the air to call forth a spell that will fully recover her. The limbs could range from scars incurred from a heated fight to poison or corruption she suffered. All she has to do is tap the wand over the afflicted area and mutter an incantation and lo and presto! it’s almost as if nothing happened! Note: This power only applies to injuries received during battle, not natural diseases!
Should a wizard find himself facing off against a tough foe, he can summon a light shield that can hold him at bay. The shield varies by wizard. Some use an spirit animal, others use an object capable of emitting light. The shield blinds the foe, rendering him unable to attack for a bit, giving the wizard time to catch his breath or launch a quick counterattack.
Radiating light is another excellent spell. The way it works is that small objects filled with light appear above the wand and the wizard sends them flying against the target, one by one. Some smash into him, others circle him. Designed to impair his enemy’s vision, they create an opening for the wizard to exploit. Unable to see through the brightness, his adversary is unable to mount an attack, let alone defend himself from an oncoming spell.
The sole motivator all light practitioners have in common is the desire to stop evil in its tracks. Knowing that darkness never sleeps, they constantly work to either slow its growth or cut off the source. They know that should they fail, the world they love will be consumed by the forces of evil.
To stop evil requires great courage and perseverance, which they all have in great spades. But patience and intelligence are needed as well. The war between good and evil is a chess match that never ends and both sides are always planning five, ten moves ahead.
Light warlocks are always gathering news, both in times of peace and war, for the other side is constantly on the move. They have to sift through the information they receive and separate the good and bad, for disinformation is one of evil’s strongest weapons.
The price to become one means they must always keep an eye on the state of the world. Essentially they’re sacrificing theirselves in service of a greater good. While everyone else gets to live happy lives, they work endlessly behind the scenes to thwart the servants of darkness, their work going unnoticed by the majority of the populace. Only a select few know about their efforts and they go out of their way to thank them.
Since they’re active participants in the eternal war between good and evil, they tend to be eccentric or outcasts. They see things differently than everyone else, they see things that most people miss. When they sense an ominous change in the wind, they warn the people of the world to prepare for hard times. Oblivious to the growing darkness, many people shun them, labeling them eccentric and fools.
The power of light is a cornerstone of many stories in the fantasy genre. Light magic epitomizes the power of those who stand on the side of good, working tirelessly to stymie those who scheme to destroy the world. This power is the only thing the minions of darkness fear.
The eternal struggle between good and evil is a large part of fantasy. As such, light magic is a necessity in the world you’re building, for wizards who’ve chosen to fight evil need something to fight with, something that they fear above all else.
Light magic has a deep reservoir of spells to work with, both for attacking and defending. All you have to do is come up with your own. Don’t forget to develop characters capable of wielding such power.
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