Arthur C. Clarke's idea taken to logical conclusion
December 4, 2010 10:53 AM Subscribe
Looking for examples and ideas relating to mimicking magic through technology in a fantasy setting, specifically World of Warcraft.
On Tuesday I create a goblin shaman in World of Warcraft, on a roleplaying server. I wish to make a magic-seeming character that doesn't actually use magic, but instead uses wacky technology to mimick magical effects.
I'm looking for examples in other media of characters who've done this, preferably in a fantasy setting. Also I'd love to find some resources that will help me with names; for instance, my "lightning bolt" will instead be an Electro-Enzappenator. In addition, if you have any ideas on the subject I'd love to hear them. Familiarity with WoW not required; think steampunk.
On Tuesday I create a goblin shaman in World of Warcraft, on a roleplaying server. I wish to make a magic-seeming character that doesn't actually use magic, but instead uses wacky technology to mimick magical effects.
I'm looking for examples in other media of characters who've done this, preferably in a fantasy setting. Also I'd love to find some resources that will help me with names; for instance, my "lightning bolt" will instead be an Electro-Enzappenator. In addition, if you have any ideas on the subject I'd love to hear them. Familiarity with WoW not required; think steampunk.
I can't help you with World of Warcraft, but the novel you want to read is "The Warlock, in spite of himself", by Christopher Stasheff.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 10:57 AM on December 4, 2010
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 10:57 AM on December 4, 2010
David Brin's short story "Temptation" (set in his Uplift universe) involves a very technologically advanced species trying to use technology to re-create magic. If you haven't read the Uplift books, I'm not sure how much sense the story will make (or how spoilerific it might be), because it's set some time after the last novel he wrote in the series.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 10:59 AM on December 4, 2010
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 10:59 AM on December 4, 2010
In World of Warcraft there is Brymidaine Zecker that get mentioned a few times also here is a list of Techno Mages some of which only use tech to make magical effects.
posted by metex at 11:20 AM on December 4, 2010
posted by metex at 11:20 AM on December 4, 2010
If you happen to be on LJ, you'd probably have more luck with this question here.
From my perspective, "reskinning" of various things makes intuitive sense. Flame throwers, spark generators, turbofans, whatever.
posted by kavasa at 1:29 PM on December 4, 2010
From my perspective, "reskinning" of various things makes intuitive sense. Flame throwers, spark generators, turbofans, whatever.
posted by kavasa at 1:29 PM on December 4, 2010
I was going to memail you, but you have it disabled.
It doesn't matter that you're not a lady, I'm not either. It's still the one place I know of that will get the most interested, thought-out, lengthy responses to your question.
If you're still uncomfortable with it, I can only suggest the official forums.
posted by kavasa at 8:41 PM on December 4, 2010
It doesn't matter that you're not a lady, I'm not either. It's still the one place I know of that will get the most interested, thought-out, lengthy responses to your question.
If you're still uncomfortable with it, I can only suggest the official forums.
posted by kavasa at 8:41 PM on December 4, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Stormfeather at 10:56 AM on December 4, 2010