The Children of Man Official Group discussion

This thread is to discuss any question about the magic in The Children of Man.

Magic within the Children of Man series is, generally speaking, comprised of the colors found within the white light spectrum. Although, dark (or black) magic does exist in conjunction with color magic.

Color magic manifests differently in any person with the sensitivity to see and harness it. Though each color has a general speciality or use, no two people use or harness their magic in the same way, because no two people have the exact same color combination (or blending) both in colors and proportions.

The two characters in Shatter with the most similar blendings are Kade and Sheridan, yet even their use of purple differs. They might think very similarly, but they do not think identically. There will always be variation on some level. But to give clarity regarding the generalities of each type of magic, I'll break them down.

Red:

Red is healing magic that is channeled primarily through blood and blood bonds. Because of this, red magic can also be used to kill quite easily.

Red magic is not restricted to just physical healing, but also can manifest as mind healing, which can generally be understood as a type of telepathy/empathy. This is a rare form of red magic though and usually drives the magic user insane.

Red magic also has the ability to affect memory, both to recover someone's memories or to erase them. This is difficult for more red magic users, but is second nature for mind healers.

Red magic is trained by the Tereskan temple within the Orders. They are located in Kilrood, Mergoria.

Next up: Orange magic.

Elizabeth wrote: "Next up: Orange magic."

...you stopped...

I did. <_< I got busy, but I can jump back into describing them!

I 2nd that....Please Contiune! :) So Fascinating!

Orange:

Orange magic is protective magic. It utilizes both sides of protection in that it is both offensive and defensive magic.

Orange magic creates and channels fire as an energy source. You can think of it as pyrokinesis for the initial ignition.

Orange magic can create tracking, shielding, binding, truth, and judgment spells. These are not the breadth of its uses, but it is how Daniyelans are taught to wield orange magic. Judgment spells haven't been shown in the books much yet, but Tomas' plan to burn Rivka and Vaughn's bodies to destroy their bodies and souls is a judgment spell. Like much of color magic, all these spells are multifaceted and organic in their execution. Binding spells can physically incapacitate a person, like Caleb does to Carlisle in "The Luthier of Keman." They can also tether a person to another, like Eve does with Kade in Shatter. They can also bind an oath or vow to ensure its execution, like Caleb does with Rivka in Shatter.

Orange magic, like red, can be used combatively, and this is one of its primary uses. Almost any of its spells can be used combatively. But it's more than just fiery weapons and looking cool. The fiery weapons are a focus for the magic when in combat. It channels the magic, and it can be formed into any of its spells reflexively, like Kade's shield against Gareth's attack in Shatter.

Tracking spells can have an interesting application in combat. They can be used to essentially telegraph an opponent's movements before they occur, but this is not taught by Daniyelans. It's not like Talise's misdirection in combat with yellow, but it gives an orange wielder an enhanced ability to recognize feints and exploit openings. This requires a good deal of talent for orange, some imagination, extensive combat training and experience to utilize. You see Kade doing this when he kills the bounty hunters in Shatter. Caleb taught him this application, which he learned from the Deoraghans.

Orange magic is also inherently dangerous, like most of the magics, because if the user loses control after summoning fire, it can consume the user. This is why Kade is so concerned with calming Eve down when she finds him in Shatter.

Orange magic is trained by the Daniyelan temple within the Orders, which is located in Finalaran, Taronpia.

Yellow magic incoming...

Lol stopped again! We need a key to wind you up every once in a while ;) I'm only joking, I can imagine how busy you must be!