Worldbuilding
3 min read

How to define your magic users

A trio of spellcasters learning to use magic.

In the realm of fiction, magic users come in various forms and flavours, each bringing their unique abilities and characteristics to a story. Understanding the different types of magic users can help you create well-defined, memorable characters that captivate readers. In this article, we'll explore ten common types of magic users and provide tips for crafting each one.

Alchemists

Alchemists are practitioners of mystical science that combines chemistry, metallurgy, and magic. They seek to transform base materials into more valuable substances, such as turning lead into gold or creating the elusive elixir of life. To define an alchemist's character, focus on their pursuit of knowledge, experiments, and the mysterious substances they create.

Clerics and religious magic users

Clerics and religious magic users derive their powers from their faith in a divine being or pantheon of gods. They often have healing abilities and can call upon divine intervention to aid them in their quests. Emphasize their devotion to their faith, knowledge of religious texts, and the divine miracles they can perform.

Djinn

Djinn, also known as genies, are magical beings with the power to grant wishes and manipulate reality. They may be bound to an object, such as a lamp or a ring, and serve the person who possesses it. To create a distinct djinn character, explore their motivations, the limits of their powers, and the consequences of the wishes they grant.

Druids

Druids are nature-based magic users who draw their power from the natural world, such as plants, animals, and the elements. They often act as guardians and protectors of the environment. To define a druid character, focus on their connection to nature, their reverence for the balance of the ecosystem, and the nature-themed spells and abilities they can wield.

Mages

Mages are general practitioners of magic who study and harness a wide range of arcane powers. They may specialize in a particular magic school, such as illusion, enchantment, or evocation. Define your mage character by their area of expertise, their dedication to magical study, and the diverse array of spells they can cast.

Magicians

Magicians are skilled performers who use sleight of hand, misdirection, and illusions to entertain and deceive their audiences. While their magic may be more mundane than other magic users, their mastery of deception and showmanship sets them apart. Develop your magician character by focusing on their charisma, their stage presence, and the intricate tricks they perform.

Necromancers

Necromancers are dark magic users who specialize in manipulating life and death. They can raise the dead, communicate with spirits, and wield curses. To define a necromancer character, explore their fascination with death, macabre rituals, and the undead creatures they can summon and control.

Sorcerers

Sorcerers are born with innate magical abilities, often due to a magical lineage or a supernatural event. Their powers are more intuitive than those of other magic users, and they may struggle to control them. Emphasize a sorcerer's raw, untamed power, unique magical heritage, and challenges in harnessing their abilities.

Warlocks

Warlocks gain magical powers through pacts with supernatural beings, such as demons, fey, or ancient gods. Their abilities often reflect the nature of the entity they serve. Define your warlock character by the terms of their pact, their relationship with their patron, and the dark, otherworldly powers they wield.

Witches

Witches are magic users who often draw their power from the forces of nature, the spirit world, or ancient deities. They may practice folk magic, herbalism, and divination. To create a distinct witch character, focus on their connection to the natural and supernatural realms, the rituals and spells they practice, and the moral or ethical code they follow.

Wizards

Wizards are scholarly magic users who acquire their powers through years of study and dedication. They often possess vast knowledge of spells, magical theory, and arcane lore. Define your wizard character by their intellectual curiosity, their mastery of various schools of magic, and the grimoires or magical artefacts they possess.

Creating unique and engaging magic users is essential for crafting a captivating story. By understanding the characteristics and motivations of different types of magic users, you can develop well-rounded, memorable characters that bring your magical world to life. Remember to experiment with combinations and variations of these archetypes to create magic users that are truly your own.