History Main / FunctionalMagic

** Still other types of magic exist, which don't fit neatly into the "schools" at all. One example is the [[MakeMeWannaShout Thu'um]], the [[OurDragonsAreDifferent draconic]] LanguageOfMagic which allows for small scale [[RealityWarper Reality Warping]]. The Thu'um crosses over Force magic with Divine magic, since ''ES'' dragons are [[DragonsAreDivine divine Aedric]] beings. Another example is the magic channeled from the [[CosmicKeystone Heart of Lorkhan]], the [[GodIsDead "dead" creator god]] of Mundus. It too is similar to Divine magic, but with a much more [[EldritchAbomination eldritch]] twist. Its power has been used to [[DeityOfHumanOrigin turn mortals]] into {{Physical God}}s, as well as create a MysticalPlague which warps and twists the affected into [[BodyHorror terrifying]] {{Humanoid Abomination}}s.

* In Webcomic/LastRes0rt magic is powered by soul energy. Most sapient beings have a stable, or “sterling”, soul that they can use to power a burst of creativity every now and then, but having more or less than a sterling of soul disrupts that stability and allows one to draw more energy. Usually this is a case of Inherent Gift, as with [[WingedHumanoid Celeste hybrids, Touched]] and [[NeurodiversityIsSupernatural Light Children]]; but a sterling who survives a sufficiently traumatic experience might find their soul “shattering”, allowing them to become a djinni-si or [[TheUndead Dead Inside.]]

* Most of the magic in ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'' falls into three categories; Durkon uses Theurgy by praying to Thor, Vaarsuvius uses Rule Magic and the Gates are based on Relic Magic. However, since the webcomic's universe is specifically based on ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'', all of the magical types shown in its entry above will likely apply at some point to a supporting character.

* '''Theurgy''': Magic is cast by [[ReligionIsMagic spirits, gods, and cosmic entities]] with whom the "caster" makes deals; the "caster" in this case knows nothing more than a glorified phone number -- and preferably how to negotiate really well. The fictionalized version of "Wiccan" magic seen in ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' and, to a lesser extent, ''Series/Charmed1998'' is mostly Theurgy. The clerics of ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' and the Priests of ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' both practice Theurgy (as does any real-world religion whose deity or deities are said to answer prayers of the faithful with miracles and/or intercessions). When Magic ''itself'' is a kind of entity with which casters make bargains and cut deals, this becomes a variety of Wild Magic (below). Modern conceptions of necromancy are generally portrayed as this, or Rule Magic with this in varying amounts. Usually, the highest level of this type of magic is SummonMagic, in which the caster summons the entity itself and bosses it around. As one might imagine, this can easily lead to a DealWithTheDevil scenario where the entity [[TurnedAgainstTheirMasters turns on its would-be temporary master]] if done wrong, especially if the entity is a demon or some other form of AlwaysChaoticEvil. Remember, kids -- EvilIsNotAToy!

Rule magic can sometimes be {{Sufficiently Analyzed| Magic}} to the point that a standardized system of FormulaicMagic is developed to allow precision construction of complex spells akin to computer programs. One example of this variety of rule magic takes the form of GeometricMagic based on systems of complex figures, or matrices of InstantRunes, connected by TronLines implied to function somewhat like a circuit board. (This type is a common feature of the AdvancedAncientAcropolis.) Another flavor [[EEqualsMCHammer uses complex arcane equations]] as a superior replacement for the antiquated LanguageOfMagic to focus and channel the mystical energies. (This form tends to be favored by {{Fantastic Scien|ce}}tists and other scholarly mages.)

Magic that works. Maybe not exactly the way anyone wanted it to work, but it is not imaginary in the story and you may rely on it to do ''something.'' This style of {{phlebotinum}} is sometimes subject to {{magibabble}}, its own flavor of {{technobabble}}. Depending on the story, it may leave the {{Willing Suspension of Disbelief}} somewhat unstable.

* ''Literature/ACertainMagicalIndex'':
** The main theory in magic is "Idol Theory", a form of The Law of Contagion and thus a form of Rule Magic where an "idol" or a duplicate of a holy object receives power from the actual object. That is, if one were to make a duplicate of the cross on which Christ died, the duplicate will receive power from the actual cross, although it's a very small fraction, similar to how the Sun provides energy to solar panels, but the solar panels cannot reach the same amount of energy that the actual Sun provides.
** Due to Idol Theory, Device Magic is employed to make use of it.
** Force Magic is alluded to occasionally; Volume 14 has mentions of ley lines, and mana and telesma are mentioned as sources of magic power.
** Index uses MagicMusic and mental codes to cast spells.
** The [[PsychicPowers espers]] also effectively fall into this, being Inherent Gift magic under a different name. Subverted in that [[SufficientlyAnalyzedMagic they eventually figured out]] (before the series started) how to artificially "gift" people.
** God's Right Seat uses a limited form of Theurgy combined with the Idol Theory above -- each of them has a particular angel from which they draw their powers, and a [[HolyHandGrenade special ability]] derived from a certain aspect of God.

* ''Literature/ReZero'' features three distinct forms of magic, though only one of these is seen as "proper" magic, while the other two are considered to be powers of a different sort, albeit all three are supernatural:
** Magic with a capital M is a combination of Rule Magic, Force Magic, and Inherent Gift magic. Every person in the world is born with a Gate, a piece of their soul that allows them to store and channel mana through their body. Each Gate is aligned with at least one of the six elements - Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Yin (Shadow), and Yang (Light). Though every person is born with the potential to cast spells, not everyone has a Gate capable of such a feat, and most people allow their talent to remain dormant for their entire life. Those who decide to study and learn to control magic cast spells by focusing on their Gate, imagining their desired effect, and speaking the proper spell (which usually involves a signature word associated with each of the elements (Goa for Fire, Huma for Water, Dona for Earth, Fula for Wind, Shamak for Yin and Jiwald for Yang). The caster can also choose whether he wishes to utilise his own mana or to forge a contract with a Spirit and draw mana from the surrounding atmosphere.
** Divine Protections are an Inherent Talent distributed to all beings at birth by the Od Laguna, a mysterious thing which is variously speculated to be God, Soul of the World, or the Creation Box. Allegedly, Divine Protections are received by the people "loved by the world", and cannot be tampered with, copied, or removed. They are simpler to use than proper magic and can take pretty much any form, however, most of them are barely perceptible to their holders. The ratio of Divine Protection holders is 1:100 for useless ones, 1:1,000 for useful ones, 1:10,000 for somewhat rare ones, 1:100,000 for really useful ones, 1:1,000,000 for unique ones, 1:10,000,000 for more than one, and the existence of those with more than one Divine Protection is considered strange. Anyone with a Divine Protection can also learn magic.
** Authorities are the dark inverse of Divine Protections - themed after the Seven Deadly sins, only nine Authorities are known to exist, yet all nine can become exceptionally powerful if wielded by the correct user. Upon the user's demise, the Witch Factor carrying the Authority will try to find its way into the nearest compatible host, unless preemptively sealed. Authorities cannot be inherited by people with Divine Protections, and should the user be incompatible with the Authority, usage of it will likely result in physical and mental deterioration. Historically, the Authorities were inherited by the Witches of Sin, a collection of highly compatible individuals, until Satella, the Witch of Envy, went insane after taking in an incompatible Witch Factor and swallowed up her fellow Witches along with half of the world, before being sealed away. However, versions of all the authorities found their way back into the world and are now held by the Sin Archibishops, chosen commanders of the Witch's Cult dedicated to Satella's worship.

* As stated above, Force Magic, when explained in detail, can sometimes shade into ScienceFiction. If, for instance, a space traveler from a high-tech culture lands on a planet with "magic" that turns out to [[DoingInTheWizard have a scientific justification]] (or more commonly a HollywoodScience justification), then it's usually revealed to be either MagicFromTechnology or PsychicPowers. ''Literature/TheWarlockInSpiteOfHimself'' and ''The Cyborg and the Sorcerers'' both use this premise.

* ''Literature/MagicByTheNumbers'': The series has five magic systems: they are Thaumaturgy (SympatheticMagic), Alchemy (magic potions), Magic (creation of new [[AncientArtifact ancient artofacts), Sorcery (MindManipulation), and Wizardry (Summoning Ritual). Given that the author, Creator/LyndonHardy, is a physicist, they have a scientific precision and internal consistency, with the books exploring the many implications/uses they all have.

** Vessels tend to use Device Magic, their connection to the Ancient One they are bound to being facilitated by a specific object that may also double as a type of SpellBook (note Ina's connecting item being a literal book that lists her spells).
** Traits and authorities both fall under Inherent Gifts, with both of them being innate to the specific individual.

* The [[FightingSpirit Stands]] of ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure'' combine many forms of magic together. It is predominantly a combination of Theurgy and SummonMagic, where Stands are materialized forms of their users' spirits and psyches. It also incorporates Rule Magic, as there are rules that all Stands follow, the most prominent being 1) People are limited to one Stand each, although a Stand can evolve into a more powerful form in certain conditions (Star Platinum, Echoes, Whitesnake and its evolutions, Tusk); 2) any damage incurred by a Stand is shared with its user, and vice versa (if a Stand loses a limb, the user will also lose the respective limb, and vice versa); and 3) Stands are InvisibleToNormals: only those with a Stand can see other Stands (unless the Stand is bound to a physical object) and appear as psychic phenomena to normals. The individual capabilities of Stands draw upon other forms of Functional Magic: Magician's Red uses ElementalPowers, specifically [[PlayingWithFire fire]]; Hermit Purple can use Divination in the form of psychography with cameras and televisions; Ebony Devil combines Device Magic with Black Magic, being bound to a doll and gaining power the more its user is injured; and Gold Experience can use Transmutation to turn objects into living creatures, just to name some examples. Stands also incorporate elements of Inherent Gift: many people are born naturally with Stands, while others can only acquire Stands by using the Bow and Arrow. But then there's people like Tonio Trussardi who spontaneously acquired his Stand because he wanted to further his culinary skills by studying various cooking techniques (albeit [[spoiler:his brother had to be stabbed with the Arrow as well]].

* '''Inherent Gift''': Along the lines of Creator/PiersAnthony's ''Literature/{{Xanth}}'' books, in which characters are born with abilities that are quite specifically defined, in addition to their superhuman ability to survive [[{{Pun}} puns]]. This also can happen in MagicRealism. Often the Inherent Gift is simply the ability to use magic; usually [[ElementalPowers elemental powers]]. The Gift may be [[SuperpowerfulGenetics inherited]] or it may [[RandomlyGifted appear seemingly at random]]. In some settings, TrainingTheGiftOfMagic is required to do anything useful with this innate magic -- or even to keep the Gifted from burning out or going insane.

* ''Literature/MagicByTheNumbers'': The series has five magic systems: they are Thaumaturgy (SympatheticMagic), Alchemy (magic potions), Magic (creation of new AncientArtifacts), Sorcery (MindManipulation), and Wizardry (Summoning Ritual). Given that the author, Creator/LyndonHardy, is a physicist, they have a scientific precision and internal consistency, with the books exploring the many implications/uses they all have.

* ''Fanfic/GhostsAndDreams'': All of the magic abilities Jae and Aegon have are the Inherent Gift kind.
** Jae is the most magical member to be born in either of his families for generations. He can't burn, has prophetic dreams, is bonded to a dragon egg (and will also be bonded to a direwolf), and, if this aligns with canon, may even be a warg. Many of the ghosts have noticed this, and after doing some speculating and math, believe this to be because he was conceived on the Isle of Faces, during Rhaegar and Lyanna's wedding night.
** While Aegon doesn't have as many magical gifts as Jae, he has arguably the most powerful one -- he's a water wizard, allowing his to manipulate water in ways that people could only dream of. This is due to having more Martell (and thus, Rhoynar) blood than Jae, due to his biological mother being Elia Martell.

* '''Rule Magic''': An underlying magical rule system lets users alter reality; for example, the use of [[IKnowYourTrueName "True Names"]], SympatheticMagic, or RitualMagic. Most "study spells and say [[WordsCanBreakMyBones words of power]]" magic systems seen in fantasy literature, films, and TV shows are Rule Magic. Real-world examples include [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca Wicca]], [[HermeticMagic Hermeticism]], [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalah Kabbalah]], and UsefulNotes/{{Onmyodo}}. VancianMagic is a completely fictional example. This variety is where you find things like the [[LocardsTheory "Law of Contagion"]] -- that is, if you have a piece of the target, you can affect it from afar since it's still part of a "whole", even if it's miles or kilometers distant. This is, however, usually just one rule in a larger system. This form is heavily dependent on TheLawsOfMagic or the author's own custom-made limitations. \\

* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'': Kidou is a form of Rule Magic that can be used offensively, defensively, and also for healing, tracking, and long-distance communication. In the hands of a skilled practitioner and at high enough levels, it can even manipulate space and time. The main requirement for being able to use even basic levels of kidou is the possession of [[LifeEnergy spiritual power]] but Shinigami can only excel at kidou if their [[AllThereInTheManual spiritual strength is great enough]]. Kidou is taught via incantation that requires a spellcasting chant as well as specifying the classification, level and individual name of the spell. With increasing levels of skill and talent, kidou users can skip chants, double-chant[[note]] cast two spells at the same time[[/note]], hide spells within other spells[[note]]which can even be done in multiple layers. At one point Urahara hides a spell inside a spell that's hidden inside yet another spell... and distracts the target first by casting a chain of half a dozen ''other'' spells[[/note]], and even delay verbalizing the classification/level/name part of the spell until after the spell has been cast[[note]] very useful for emergency barriers that need to be activated swiftly in combat[[/note]]. There are even some hints that one or two very high-level kidou users can cast kidou entirely non-verbally. The catch is that the less verbalization involved in the casting, the weaker the spell actually is when released. This means it doesn't just require technical skill to start discarding the verbal component, it also requires great spiritual strength to be able to pull off weakened spells that are still strong enough to do their jobs.

** It's Amestrian Alchemy that uses the movement of the tectonic plates (Father is suppressing it somewhat, and totally later on), alkahestry uses "the dragon's pulse" which seems to be something along the idea of Ley Lines and the third is the PhilosophersStone [[spoiler: condensed human souls]]. Those three are from the manga and Brotherhood, the first anime had only one: human souls, albeit from two places. Condensed into a philosopher's stone in that world, but all other alchemy was powered by souls from another([[spoiler: our]]) world.

* ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'': The most prevalent kind is Inherent Gift, but you have Device Magic in the form of Mjolnir, the Darkhold, and [[spoiler: the Green Lantern Ring.]] Force Magic and Theurgy are mentioned, with, apparently, [[BackgroundMagicField Magic being a fundamental force of the universe,]] and there's an all-encompassing element of WildMagic, with many characters noting that magic is just a tiny bit alive.

** In ''Literature/{{Elantris}}'', all magic is Force Magic powered by an energy called the Dor. There are several ways to access this energy with different results -- the [[PhysicalGod Elantrians]] draw complex runic structures in the air in a system call AonDor to achieve a wide variety of magical effects. The art of Chay Shan can provide temporary bursts of strength and speed, and the [[EvilSorcerer Monks of Dakhor]] use a combination of runes and blood sacrifice to gain various powerful abilities. The novella ''Literature/TheEmperorsSoul'', which takes place in the same world, introduces two more- Forgery, where an individual [[{{Retconjuration}} rewrites an object's history]] with a plausible alternative that is encoded into a magical stamp which is used on the object, and Bloodsealing, a form of necromancy that uses similar stamps to reanimate the dead, which have the ability to track anyone whose blood they've sampled. All of these magic systems share the use of specific symbols to access magical force, as AonDor, Forging, and Bloodsealing involve carefully writing out the specific effect one wants to have, while Chay Shan and Dakhor magic involve making the shapes with one's body instead. In Chay Shan, this is done with a martial-arts-like routine of movements, while the Dakhor system involves human sacrifices which will cause the target's bones to grow and twist to form the necessary shapes to give them superhuman powers.

** In ''Literature/TheStormlightArchive'', the magic we've seen so far (only four of ten books have been released) is powered by the titular [[{{Mana}} Stormlight]] which is infused into gemstones by [[HostileWeather highstorms]], which can be used to run devices called fabrials. Soulcasters are the most relevant form of fabrials, allowing the user to transform objects from one material to another, creating food, metal, or stone structures easily. Some people, called Knights Radiant, [[spoiler: who are bonded to specific types of spren (spirits)]] can draw out the Stormlight from the gems to use as {{Mana}} to fuel magical abilities called Surgebinding. There are ten surges, only two of which can be accessed by any given type of Radiant. Gravitation (which allows the user to change the effect of gravity on a person or object) and Adhesion (which allows binding objects together, as well as [[spoiler: "binding" people, to allow them to understand each other's languages]]) are the two surges most heavily featured this far in the series, although Illumination (which can be used to create illusions) is also used heavily. [[spoiler: As it turns out, Soulcasting can be accomplished by certain Radiants or with Fabrials, although how the Fabrials duplicate this functionality is unclear]].

* Magic in Creator/CSLewis's ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfNarnia'' is usually Rule Magic using words, gestures, and other symbols, although some devices exist, such as Susan's horn and Jadis' wand. Hints of necromancy exist. Divination is practiced -- most often by centaurs. One witch also uses mentalism, magic music, and shape-shifting. The character Aslan uses an inherent gift to create almost any effect he desires [[spoiler: since he's actually Lewis' allegory for [[{{God}} God the Son]].]] However Aslan states that he has limitations with his magic, but these limitations are self-imposed. He says he "follows his own rules." Aslan himself also used song in order to create Narnia.

** The Tidal Fae is connected to the motions of the planet Erna itself. Its power varies greatly- sometimes it is the most powerful form of Fae, and sometimes it's barely there at all. Humans can't use it, but the [[ProudWarriorRace Rakh]] can, especially the females, who do so instinctively. [[spoiler: In the second book, it is revealed that some human adepts are beginning to be born who ''can'' use this form of Fae]].

** Inherent Gift: Everyone has some spark of magic in them and can manipulate magic - in ''Backup'' Thomas says anyone can learn it to some degree or another, comparing his own skills to Harry's as taking a six-month correspondence course to having Ph.Ds from three separate Ivy League schools. There is also some measure of hereditary talent passed on matrilineally. However, if the talent is outright rejected by the time you reach a certain point in your life you lose it altogether, and you lose the ability to pass it on to your descendants. [[spoiler: Molly Carpenter]] narrowly avoided this deadline; [[spoiler: her mother]] rejected her magical talent because [[spoiler: she got in deep with some a dark magical cult as a young woman, and narrowly avoided being sacrificed to a dragon for power by its leader, before being saved by her future husband, Sir Michael Carpenter, Knight of the Cross. After that, she buried her power, associating it with dark magic - unsurprising, given her awful experiences with it. She became a deeply religious woman, and, well, the Bible does say a bunch of nasty stuff about witches, which is discussed in a later book - though her objections seem to mostly be rooted in the danger her daughter is exposing herself to.]])

** There is a specific attribute of certain beings called "Intellectus" which is seemingly a form of limited omniscience. They don't know everything all the time, however they will know the answer to any question through virtue of asking it. Harry compares to a normal person who would have to go through the process of solving a quadratic equation, whereas a being with Intellectus would just look at the problem and know the answer without having to actually go through the process of solving it. It is also mentioned that beings who have this ability are ridiculously old and powerful. [[spoiler: You can also gain this ability by becoming Warden of Demonreach, though in that case, it only works on the island, and related to island-specific things, such as being able to know where and how many people-or other ''things''-are on the island]].

* In ''Literature/ForgingDivinity', there are multiple magic systems.

** Edon's apparent divinity [[spoiler: may actually be a third type of magic, Artifact Sorcery, that draws power from ancient magical items.]]

** Rule magic is present; gaining someone's true name means absolute control over them. Spells also require knowledge of words of power that make up an entire different language. [[spoiler: Galbatorix finds the language's true name and gains absolute dominance over magic.]]

* In ''Literature/{{Monster}},'' the most common form of magic is predominantly Rule Magic, utilised with either runes, gestures or incantations; it can be used by just about anyone, though it takes a good deal of education to make a living out of it. However, given [[TheMagicGoesAway the current state of magic in the world]], most people in the world are unable to even see the supernatural in action, and those who can have a lot of trouble remembering spells -- hence the eponymous character's rune handbook. [[spoiler: Following the death of Lotus, TheMagicComesBack, allowing Muggles to see supernatural activity and removing the memory haze.]]

* There are three main types of magic-user in ''Literature/ThePowderMageTrilogy'' by Brian McClellan. All three types have a "third eye" that allows them to "see" magic (and identify other magic-users), in addition to more specialized abilities. The types are:

* Magic in Creator/TerryGoodkind's ''Literature/SwordOfTruth'' can be used to do anything and thus falls into the category of Force Magic, at least in theory. In reality, most of the magic users stick to established uses for their abilities (light webs, wizard's fire, etc). Everybody [[spoiler: except Richard]] uses [[WhiteMagic Additive Magic]] although [[BlackMagic Subtractive Magic]] is not unheard of. Device Magic is also fairly common.

** The abilities of most magic users are Inherent Gifts; [[spoiler: Richard]] and the other students at the magic school are referred to as "gifted," and when such abilities awaken in them, they are tracked down by magical nuns who bring them back to the magic school to have their abilities refined. Further, many people with specific magical talents are also gifted by birth, such as Confessors and Dreamwalkers.

** Still later in the series, other characters attempt to explain that magic is extremely limited in what it can and can't do, defining it as Rule Magic, only for [[spoiler: Richard]] to ignore them and prove that it really is Force Magic after all.

* Present on ''Series/TrueBlood''. Inherent Gift seems to be fundamental to exactly how much magical power one can truly achieve without additional help. For example, Marnie was a mediocre practitioner of Rule Magic at best despite a lifetime of practice [[spoiler: until she was possessed by Antonia]], whereas [[spoiler: Lafayette]] seemed to exhibit considerable magical potential without any training. [[TheFairFolk Fairies]] and at least some of their [[HalfHumanHybrid part-human descendants]] also have an Inherent Gift for Force Magic. Maryanne the Maenad employed powerful [[ReligionIsMagic Theurgy]] and BloodMagic as part of her worship of Dionysus.

** "Enlightened" Martial Artists (read: ChopSockey fighters) believe they're using their LifeEnergy to brutal effect, but [[spoiler: it's actually a type of Force Magic]].

** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX2'': The Garment Grid system is a form of Device Magic, allowing the girls to access the abilities of the person whose memories are held within the sphere ([[spoiler:e.g. Lenne, a popular performer in ancient Zanarkand, is the one whose memories make up the Songstress Dressphere]]); the magic the girls gain access to ''from'' the spheres comes in virtually all flavors, (Black Mage covers [[ElementalPowers Elemental Magic]], Songstress uses MagicMusic, the Beastmaster uses SummonMagic, etc) making it very versatile overall.

** Anna and Catherine disproved the former as well, being from Earth and Riven respectively as opposed to D'ni descent. Catherine also displayed a talent for bending the rules to their breaking point; it's possible Yeesha's gift is merely an extension of this [[spoiler: explaining why her belief that she was [[MessianicArchetype the Messiah]] ultimately doomed her attempt to free the Bahro in ''Myst V: End of Ages'']].

* ''VideoGame/PhantasyStar'' uses different types of magic over the course of the series. While [[VideoGame/PhantasyStarI the first game]] uses a non-descript type of magic, ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarII'' introduces the concept of "techniques", which are considered to be distinct from actual magic in ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarIV''. ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'' conceptualizes techniques as a form of DeviceMagic via MagicFromTechnology that is learned from special discs and encompass an array of ElemantalPowers, including [[PlayingWithFire fire]], [[ShockAndAwe lightning]], [[AnIceGuy ice]], and so on. Inherent Gift is also at play: humans can learn magic, but newmans excel at it, while [[ArmorAndMagicDontMix robots make for poor casters (and in some games, can't use magic at all)]].

** ''VideoGame/TalesOfVesperia'' uses a bit of Force Magic and Device Magic together: to perform magic, one must use a Blastia to weave the Aer around them into a spell to use. [[spoiler: The exceptions to this are the Children of the Full Moon. They have no need for blastia and tend to be extremely powerful.]]

* In ''Webcomic/TrueVillains'' the magic seems to be made up of some weird mix of Inherent Magic which [[spoiler: Mia]] possesses, Alchemy which Sebastian uses, and then one of the other types for the rest of it- possibly Theurgy, as [[spoiler: Bayn goes to see his god, Ket, to restore his power after he loses it.]] However, Sindal was noted to "study" wizardry, so maybe Rule Magic too? Maybe all of them.
* This is a crucial element of the world in ''Webcomic/{{Unsounded}}''. Magic is so commonplace it's not even called "magic", because that word implies something mystical or unknown -- instead, it's called "pymary". Specifically, it's Rule Magic, controlled by speaking a LanguageOfMagic. It works on Equivalent Exchange, the transfer of physical characteristics from one place to another [[note]]ex. empowering a {{glamour}} using the visual aspect of a flower bouquet[[/note]], and has many rules that must be strictly adhered to lest bad things happen -- WordOfGod has compared it to computer programming. When the system gets overloaded, though, it turns into WildMagic, and random objects may start melting or levitating, or [[http://www.casualvillain.com/Unsounded/comic/ch06/ch06_02.html your coffee might attain sentience.]]

* ''Literature/{{ARCHON}}'' uses several versions, including ElementalPowers, NecroMancy, and WhiteMagic (Though the latter is through 'Carnemancy', magic that can heal or damage flesh), in its [[http://www.archonseries.webs.com/loremagic.htm extra lore]]. All forms of magic use WhateverMancy naming conventions.

** [[spoiler: Inherent Magic: This is magic that comes from within a person. It depends on the magical abilities of the person concerned and it broadly follows the 4 elements: earth, air, water, and fire.]]
** [[spoiler: Trance Magic: This is when someone utilizes the magic in the stuff around them. One needs to go into a trance to access it and it is more flexible.]]

** The ''Gun and Sorcery'' arc later revealed that all magic in this universe is WhiteMagic: All magic is connected to the soul, and the soul is inherently good, magic cannot be used for evil. The only exceptions are the above ritual (which involved an entity from a dimension where the rules are different) and [[WebVideo/SuburbanKnights Malachite]] (who was powerful enough to overpower the rules). It's also revealed that most of the arsenal of freedom is a mixture of Rule and Device magic: Linkara has a book of spells, one of which lets him turn an effigy of something into the real thing (ie., a toy [[Series/DoctorWho sonic screwdriver]] becomes a real sonic screwdriver). When Harvey asks why Linkara never tried making a 'destroy the bad guy button', Linkara explains that there are rules that even he doesn't understand. [[spoiler: When Linkara was [[FaceHeelTurn starting to turn evil]], due to the above mentioned nature of magic, his arsenal [[BroughtDownToNormal started turning back to toys]] ]].

** Each element requires a different, and largely incompatible, approach to control. While Uncle Iroh is shown to use a Firebending technique inspired by the principles of Waterbending to [[spoiler: deflect a Lightning strike from Azula]], it is said that even this takes a lot of spiritual flexibility. Actually bending two different elements would be unthinkable.

** According to multiple sources, the Rule Magic of the humans and gargoyles doesn't mix with the Inherent Magic of TheFairFolk, who expressly forbade human magics on Avalon, their home. It should be noted that neither was inherently superior as [[spoiler: Owen/Puck]] was thrice affected by human magic and could do nothing about it because of this mix.

** Wild magic is mentioned by name as a dangerous force [[spoiler: though this is later heavily implied to be an outright lie concieved by Emperor Belos for use of fearmongering]]. To minimize wild magic, the society of the Isles relies on the "coven system" that permits the people to have access to one of [[GangofHats nine major forms of magic]], including MagicMusic and [[AlchemyisMagic Alchemy]].

** We also have MagicMusic from the [[OurMermaidsAreDifferent Merpeople]]. Really, Harry Potter uses all forms of magic except for Theurgy.

* ''LightNovel/ACertainMagicalIndex'':

* ''LightNovel/ReZero'' features three distinct forms of magic, though only one of these is seen as "proper" magic, while the other two are considered to be powers of a different sort, albeit all three are supernatural:

* ''LightNovel/ScrappedPrincess'' appears to use a form of theurgy, except the gods that are invoked are unthinking machines that follow commands without judgment.

* ''LightNovel/{{Slayers}}'' uses all of the above-listed types at some point. Most humans are restricted to Theurgy and Rule Magic with a bit of Alchemy thrown in for good measure. The Mazoku and Dragons use a combination of Inherent Gifts and Rule Magic. A lot of the Theurgy in this setting calls upon the really powerful Mazoku. Wild Magic shows up when Lina finds out that Giga Slave has the capability of actually summoning the Lord of Nightmares, Chaos herself, into the world, and if the casting is performed incorrectly, allows Chaos free rein to do anything she likes.
* ''LightNovel/SorcererStabberOrphen'' gives us Voice Magic, a simplified form of MagicMusic where an incantation (which varies from person to person) simply needs to be spoken aloud in order to cast the spell. ([[{{Macekre}} In the English dub, not so much.]]) It also combines it with Inherent Gift as well -– in the manga, it is explained that Voice Magic originally belonged to the Noronir, [[OurDragonsAreDifferent one of six different races of dragons]], and the only one to have [[HalfHumanHybrid bred with humanity]]; only those with Noronir descent have the ability to become sorcerors.

* ''LightNovel/TheUnexploredSummonBloodSign'': The primary form of magic that humans can use is SummonMagic, with all of their other powers being associated with it. The modern form of this is the Third Summoning Ceremony, which requires two people - a summoner and a vessel. Vessels need to have a disposition for being easily possessed by spirits (Inherent Gift), which is usually hereditary but can also be implanted artificially. In order to summon, a summoner has to bind a blood contract with a vessel, drawing on the power of one of the setting's god-like figures (Theurgy). The actual process of summoning is extremely complicated and governed by numerous rules (Rule Magic). Summoners make use of long poles, the titular Blood Signs, as tools in the ceremony (Device Magic). Through all of this effort, summoners are able to summon Materials, the supernatural denizens of another world, and have them possess their vessels. This transforms the vessel into the Material, giving them SuperStrength, SuperSpeed, and [[NighInvulnerability immunity to non-magical means of attack]].

** (limited) Inherent Gift -- Humans need at least the Magic Circuit to use magecraft, and individuals born with a higher number of (or better) Circuits will have an inherent advantage. There are also Mystic Eyes, a form of Magic Circuits inherent to the eyes, the most powerful of which are the [[LightNovel/TheGardenOfSinners Mystic Eyes of]] [[VisualNovel/{{Tsukihime}} Death Perception]], which allow the user to "see" death as a concept and be able to fully realize it.

* '''Device Magic''': Magic performed with some form of mystical device or relic. The device may be inherently magical (usable by the average Joe to cast spells) or a conduit for magic within the caster (usable by inherently magical people but a regular device to everyone else). Making new devices is sometimes a trade in magic-heavy worlds. Some settings [[DoingInTheWizard reveal pre-existing artifacts]] to be ImportedAlienPhlebotinum or LostTechnology. See also MagicWand, {{Magitek}}, GreenRocks, GreenLanternRing, MagicFromTechnology.

** Divine magic users (Clerics, Druids, Paladins, and Rangers among others) mainly use Theurgy.
** Wizards use Rule Magic, and in the earlier editions, this was Vancian.
** Sorcerer magic is Inherent Gift magic that casts most of the same spells as Wizards, but without the Vancian requirement to "prepare" spells ahead of time.