Sometimes magic is more scientific in feel, so the mage might make the gun not work, somehow. This might be altering the rules so the powder doesn't ignite anymore, or changing the composition of the powder to jeweler's rouge.

Magic powerful enough to create a bullet-proof shield might feel somewhat like a superhero to many readers.

Subtle magic might just cause the bullet to miss, or even seem to miss.

I watched some episodes of the Dresden Files over the weekend. He has a shield-charm bracelet. He activated it before someone fired a gun at him, and the bullets hit the bracelet, which still hurt his wrist badly. Later, he had it all wrapped up like it was sprained or broken--but he was alive.
 

I find the idea of a powerful mage felled by a stray round very appealing, being powerful or influential does not mean you aren't subject to the same fickleness of fate as the rest of us. The ending of Bakshi's Wizards, comes to mind.

-and back to my original post-

The big thing you have to watch out for when using magic in a modern or rational society is that at some point the scientific method will be applied to it and rules of action and reaction etc will be explored.

Once this happens you need a very solid underlying rational for why things work a certain way, especially if you are going for a realistic feel as opposed to fantastic.

A mage casting a spell that immediately kills the target is not that big a deal, how it kills the target is. Did the spell interrupt blood flow to the brain, which can cause immediate unconsciousness and death rapidly follows. Did he force the targets heart to stop by shocking it or some such.

So long as you have a strong rational and are consistent you will be fine.

Stopping a bullet is not that big an achievement, kevlar vests are obtainable for $500-800 in most cities. A very feasible utilization would be a spell that attracts the bullet, then place the spell on a bullet proof vest or somesuch.

To avoid the bullet entirely I'd probably say it's easier to affect the shooter than the actual bullet. Perhaps a glamor that compels the shooter to shift his aim, rather than something that actually shifts or moves the bullet in flight.

Good luck!

[This message has been edited by HuntGod (edited September 24, 2007).]
 

If you tell me magic can't stop bullets, I'll believe you. If you tell me that it can, I'll believe you. That's what makes magic magic.
 

Grant
 

This then raises the question of how the 'charm' senses the intent of an opponent of whom the mage may otherwise be unaware. Is the charm sentient or intelligent or sentient and intelligent? This relates to the nature and rules of your magic. What supernatural agency is at work? What role does magic play in your universe?

In my opinion, if you work out the rules for your magic and you will get the answer to your question.

[This message has been edited by hoptoad (edited September 25, 2007).]
 

well i would not know. magic is one of those things that noone realy understands. it think it would be able to stop a round depending on the spell cast. there i cant help.

it would also have to do with the Cal of the round. different rounds and Loads will have different velocitys and will react different to different spells i would think.

Rommel Fenrir Wolf II
 

I think the easiest way for a mage to fight gunmen would be if there was some way for him to cause gun powder to ignite in the gun. After a few "Bad guys" lose their hands from exploding guns no one's gonna want to pull a gun on a mage.

[This message has been edited by JasonVaughn (edited September 25, 2007).]
 

quote:

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Magic is like technology.

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[This message has been edited by hoptoad (edited September 26, 2007).]
 

You could change traffic lights
Wouldn't need a lighter to get the pilot light going on the water heater
Elevator would always be waiting
Change channels without a remote
 

Depending on how "serious" your magic is these are the kinds of things I might avoid. Assuming there is a realistic cost to the use of magic, why use up that energy when there are perfectly ordinary methods for doing the same. If there is not a significant cost to doing these sorts of mundane things then the items may not even exist. How prevalent and pervasive is the magic in your world? Does the general public accept or condone it's use? Does the general public have access to it?

In a Potterish universe these are fine, but in a world that uses a more unified and scientific approach you are going to have problems.

If they person can generate enough heat flame to start a water heater, they could just as easilly use the ability to start fires elsewhere, including someones gas tank or throat maybe.

If traffic lights can be changed the same "spell" could similarly affect other electronic devices, how exactly does he change the light, is he mentally flipping the timer a la telekinesis?

Elevator always waiting? Because people are flying? Not sure what you meant by this one.

Change the channel without a remote? Again is this being done by telekinesis or actually affecting the electronic device on some base level, which has innumerable other applications if you are able to do this without artifice.

I know you were being tongue in cheek, but if magic is being applied in a modern technologic society you need to apply the same rigors of science to it and at least be aware of the possible ramifications of even the simplest spell.

The same holds true for mundane items, heck MacGuyver was based on making the extraordinary or unexpected out of the mundane.
 

The whole list is actually a thinly veiled reference to all the stuff that Darrin didn't like Samantha to do on the TV version of Bewitched. Sigh. Kids today.

[This message has been edited by debhoag (edited September 26, 2007).]