Magic in Neo

Resonance Magic and Alchemy

Resonance Magic

How it works

Every physical object has a natural frequency at which it vibrates, meaning it will respond differently to different frequencies of energy applied to it; this is often referred to as its frequency response. The Magic on Neo relies on achieving Resonance, which is when an external force (like an amplifier stone) matches another object's natural frequency, causing large-amplitude vibrations or amplified current that can be used to affect different forms of reality.

• Low frequency response things are stronger and can be used for ranged spells
• Low frequency response things are stronger and can be used for ranged spells

Alchemy

How it works

The most common form of magic is alchemy. There are different combinations of materials for different actions. Humans and other species have figured out ways to incorporate this into daily life, making powders, potions, thread, food, and other items that all have very slight magical effects.

Alchemy takes years of practice. Professional resource engineers create combinations that are then published for the public to learn in an academy or through other means like a guild or temple. Some cultures have their own ways of mixing and using materials that they consider to be a closed pracitce and is not taught to outsiders under penalty of law, depending on the region.

Below are different ways the people of Neo use Resonance magic & Alchemy

Sewing Magic into Fabric and Handmade Objects

• Concept: Magic can be “stitched” into physical objects, imbuing everyday items with protective, enhancing, or transformative properties.

Physical Enhancements via Magic

• Concept: Magic isn’t only about spells; it can also enhance the physical body. This can range from temporary boosts in strength or agility to permanent modifications. Warriors might use enchanted potions or undergo ritualistic procedures to enhance combat prowess, while laborers might seek physical enhancements for demanding tasks.

Alchemy, Potion Making

• Concept: practitioners experiment with the vibrational properties of herbs and minerals. Using a “magical frequency response” approach, they determine the ideal conditions under which a potion’s efficacy is maximized.

The Written Word as Magic

• Concept: When written by hand with intentions, words carry a magical resonance that can alter reality. The physical act of writing imbues the text with power. Specialists who craft grimoires and enchanted scrolls, where each letter or symbol is drawn with precision to harness specific frequencies. Master calligraphers might perform rituals where the written word is both a record and a dynamic, living spell.

Frequency Responses and Resonance Engineers

• Concept: Some practitioners take on roles similar to engineers. They test and model the frequency responses of magical objects using methods reminiscent of data-driven system identification. Their work may involve collecting “input-output” data from magical interactions to predict outcomes.

The Resonant Order: A Sect of Voice-Based Resonance Magic Users

• Concept: This sect, known as The Resonant Order, is a mystical group of humans and creatures who manipulate magic using their voices. They focus on the principles of resonance, harmonics, and vibration to shape reality, alter emotions, heal, or even cause destruction.

How Gravity Affects Resonance-Based Magic

Since gravitational force influences how objects vibrate, different gravitational conditions will modify how magic interacts with materials, living beings, and even written spells.

High-Gravity Zones (Ebera's Crater, areas of Titan’s Cradle)

• Effects on Magic: Higher gravity increases an object’s effective mass, altering its natural frequency. Vibrational energy will have a harder time propagating, meaning spells might require more energy or higher precision to activate properly.
• Magical Professions in High Gravity:
• Resonance Smiths: Experts in forging high-density magical artifacts that can still respond to spells.
• Gravity Mages: Practitioners who adjust their own resonance to account for increased mass and friction.
• Crater Alchemists: Those who specialize in potions that thin the blood or enhance stamina, helping people survive in high-G areas.

Special Adaptations: Spells may require more drawn-out incantations or special conductive materials that counteract the dampening effect of gravity.

Low-Gravity Zones (Velora, floating islands, areas with anti-gravitational minerals)

• Effects on Magic: Lower gravity results in objects having higher natural frequencies, meaning resonance happens faster and with less effort. However, this can lead to instability and over-amplification, making magic volatile and unpredictable.
• Magical Professions in Low Gravity:
• Skyborne Spellcasters: Mages trained to control spells that become erratic in floating regions.
• Aether Weavers: Tailors who stitch anti-gravity threads into clothing to help people control their movement.
• Frequency Stabilizers: Engineers who create tuning devices that anchor magic frequencies to prevent runaway resonance.
• Special Adaptations: Magic may need to be "grounded" or require resonance dampeners to prevent spells from overloading.

Variable Gravity Zones (Unstable or Changing Gravitational Fields)

• Effects on Magic: Magic in these areas is completely unpredictable. Spells may stretch, compress, or oscillate wildly as gravity shifts.
• Magical Professions in Unstable Zones:
• Resonance Cartographers: Experts who map out the safest routes through unstable magic fields.
• Void Mages: Those who specialize in spells that auto-adjust to gravity shifts.
• Flux Scholars: Researchers who study how gravitational changes impact the frequency response of different magical materials.
• Special Adaptations: Spells might require adaptive catalysts—materials that actively adjust their vibration in real-time.

Example Scenarios of Magic in Different Gravity Zones

• A Scholar on Velora (Low Gravity) Writes an Enchanted Scroll
• The ink resonates too quickly, leading to a glowing, unstable script.
• If left unchecked, the spell might trigger itself spontaneously
• The scholar must use a special stone stylus to slow the writing process and align it with Velora’s altered frequencies.
• An Alchemist in an Unstable Gravity Zone Tries to Brew a Potion
• The potion’s ingredients shift in weight and density during brewing, altering its chemical reaction.
• The alchemist uses a floating resonance sphere to keep the mixture balanced and ensure the intended effects remain stable.

World-Building Implications

• Magic Universities and Research Facilities in High Gravity Zones would have modified study materials—books and scrolls made from heavier paper to resist rapid degradation.
• Floating Cities Would Have Special Wards to prevent spells from becoming too chaotic.
• Resonance Mapping Would Be a Key Science, much like modern-day earthquake research or fluid dynamics studies.