State of Matter Magic

In my as-yet-unnamed world, magic and science are intertwined to such a degree that to differentiate the two would come across as splitting hairs to an average citizen. For example, alchemistry (stress the 'chem') is the study of both the physical and magical properties of given substances. In-universe magic as performed by mages is primarily based on the states of matter. It's by no means complete, but I'd like to get some opinions on how it sounds and how it can be improved.

• Sterokinetics control solids, like ice, stone, and metals. Because of their rigid structures, it takes a long time to learn how to properly manipulate them without destroying it. Most choose to specialize in one or two specific substances. A blacksmith might choose to focus his time on manipulating iron, a carpenter on wood, or a jeweller on diamonds.
• Ygrokinetics control liquids, like water, lava, and mercury. It is the hardest to control because of the fluidity of the molecules, and while one may learn it fast, it requires a great deal of focus and discipline to be used practically. It's popular with farmers, who use it to easily irrigate crops, and fisherman.
• Aerokinetics control gases, like steam and air. The difficult part about controlling gases is keeping it in a gaseous state, as it is easy to accidentally condense it into something the user has no control over. For example, careless manipulation of humid air may cause a cloud to form and rain all over the mage. A powerful-enough mage can propel a fairly large sailing ship.
• There are no known plasmakinetics, and its plausibility is hotly debated amongst in-universe academia. They would theoretically be able to produce and control lightning and fire (which I am aware is not actually plasma).

I really like this idea. I'm so used to seeing magic systems being based on classical types of elements, but I don't know if I've ever seen one based on the actual physical state.

Not really an improvement, but an idea: Would controlling a substance which is technically a mixture of two states of matter require knowledge of more than one type of kinetics? For example, perhaps control over an aerosol like mist or smoke would require some knowledge of Ygro or Sterokinetics as well as Aerokinetics, or a Sol like blood might require some knowledge of Sterokinetics on top of Ygrokinetics.

Another question to consider: Are magicians capable of actively transforming one state of matter into another, or does this have to be done through mundane means, and they can only magically control things in their pre-existing state?

Although there is nothing wrong with calling it "Magic", what you are describing is really closer to a type of psychic power.

Psychic powers are a type of magic so...

@ Little Billy Haggardy: I was thinking that there would be enough study involved in mastering a single state that only a very old mage who's spent a great deal of time learning both would be able to manipulate a second one separately, let alone at the same time. In the event something like an aerosol would need to be controlled, a second mage would use their knowledge to assist the first and they would work together. There would naturally be an exception or two, but it would be very uncommon. I'm undecided about magically being able to transform matter, however. It could definitely happen by accident, as stated with the aerokinetic example.

@ demarquis: Just out of curiosity, what makes it sound more like psychic power than "magic?"

edited 17th Jul '13 11:11:39 PM by CaptchaTheFlag

It's probably the use of -kinetic.

Oh, that would make sense. I was using the names as placeholders, so if anyone has something more magic-y sounding I'd be willing to listen.

Sterokinetics sounds like it would lend itself easily to become a magical form of materials science and engineering.

I like. :D

Ygrokinetics could be useful for smelting, casting, making purer/better/higher quality metals/alloys.

If you want names that sound a little more magic-related, perhaps try the suffix "-urge/y" instead of "kinetics", giving you something like Aerurgy, Sterurgy, Ygrurgy and Plasmurgy.

It's perhaps a little awkward with your chosen prefixes, but you might find names that are more pleasing to the ear with a little more work at it.

@Noaqiyeum and m8e: Those are good, thank you!

@Ars: The -urgy idea is a good one. If I can come up with less awkward-sounding prefixes, I think I'll go with that.