No, not like the classical elements, or an alternate system based on eastern philosophy, nor even the RL physical elements though the idea is closer; I'm trying to come up with a conceptual, effect-based system to model spellcasting. Using the following, can you think of an effect that CAN'T be done?
Actions:
separate
unite
move (as in A to C via B, "attract" and "repel" are also included via To or From)
->inertia is cancelled automatically for the force imparted by Move, but remains after the spell ends if the target is still in motion, and friction/lightspeed/time dialation effects are in full force unless specifically counteracted by other parts of the spell. Move spells must have a reference that they move relative to, which defaults to whatever the caster considers their own frame of reference but can be specified explicitly.
transfer (as in A to C, no waypoints)
->the relative motion of a physical target is not affected unless adjusted by a Move component, as compared to the caster's frame of reference or a specified secondary target. This makes teleporting long distances tricky if there is a significant change in altitude or latitude on a planetary surface, and even more so (for example) in a surface-to-moon transfer.
increase
decrease
create
negate
reshape (while observing conservation of mass and energy)
detect
conceal
Targets:
Matter/Energy (really, it's all energy, but some is bound up in little clumps)
-> solid, liquid, gas, plasma, Bose-Einstein condensate, kinetic, thermal, light, etc. (Yes, this includes all specific objects, from an enemy's body to a planet, as long as it is conceptually a single item.)
Space/Time
-> volume, distance, duration, stasis (area effects go in this category)
Mind/Soul (setting aside theology for the purpose of the discussion, a soul is a mind accumulating experience as it moves through time)
-> luck, telepathy, emotions (often used as a precursor stage for spells with ongoing effects so they can be mentally controlled)
Group
-> "red fruits" "glass objects" "members of (organization)" "children of (specify) bloodline" (a Space target to limit the area of effect is almost always also required, to avoid draining the mage to death while trying to affect every red fruit in the universe)
Magic
-> currently active effects can also be targeted, though the results of a spell that has finished are permanent unless a different spell is used to change them again. Two clashing effects with the same strength will draw increasing levels of power until one runs out or the caster cuts it off, though it is also possible to counter an effect in a way that does not directly conflict with it, such as changing the reference point of a shield's spatial location rather than overcoming its protection. Interlocking protections against such work rounds are the hallmark of capable and experienced casters.
Syntax elements:
To
From
With
And
Not
While
If/Then/Else
Or
Greater
Lesser
Equal
True/False
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows
Actions:
separate
unite
move (as in A to C via B, "attract" and "repel" are also included via To or From)
->inertia is cancelled automatically for the force imparted by Move, but remains after the spell ends if the target is still in motion, and friction/lightspeed/time dialation effects are in full force unless specifically counteracted by other parts of the spell. Move spells must have a reference that they move relative to, which defaults to whatever the caster considers their own frame of reference but can be specified explicitly.
transfer (as in A to C, no waypoints)
->the relative motion of a physical target is not affected unless adjusted by a Move component, as compared to the caster's frame of reference or a specified secondary target. This makes teleporting long distances tricky if there is a significant change in altitude or latitude on a planetary surface, and even more so (for example) in a surface-to-moon transfer.
increase
decrease
create
negate
reshape (while observing conservation of mass and energy)
detect
conceal
Targets:
Matter/Energy (really, it's all energy, but some is bound up in little clumps)
-> solid, liquid, gas, plasma, Bose-Einstein condensate, kinetic, thermal, light, etc. (Yes, this includes all specific objects, from an enemy's body to a planet, as long as it is conceptually a single item.)
Space/Time
-> volume, distance, duration, stasis (area effects go in this category)
Mind/Soul (setting aside theology for the purpose of the discussion, a soul is a mind accumulating experience as it moves through time)
-> luck, telepathy, emotions (often used as a precursor stage for spells with ongoing effects so they can be mentally controlled)
Group
-> "red fruits" "glass objects" "members of (organization)" "children of (specify) bloodline" (a Space target to limit the area of effect is almost always also required, to avoid draining the mage to death while trying to affect every red fruit in the universe)
Magic
-> currently active effects can also be targeted, though the results of a spell that has finished are permanent unless a different spell is used to change them again. Two clashing effects with the same strength will draw increasing levels of power until one runs out or the caster cuts it off, though it is also possible to counter an effect in a way that does not directly conflict with it, such as changing the reference point of a shield's spatial location rather than overcoming its protection. Interlocking protections against such work rounds are the hallmark of capable and experienced casters.
Syntax elements:
To
From
With
And
Not
While
If/Then/Else
Or
Greater
Lesser
Equal
True/False
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows