The Magic of the Mushroom Kingdom
*claps hands together*
Alrighty... been a while since I went full headcanon-mode on one-a these things. Might wanna get comfy for this one folks, because... I had way too many ideas in store. Enjoy my midnight ramblings and caffeine-infused insanity because this is exactly what we're doing.
Tag Time: @eleventhhourfactor @peaches2217 @bberetd @silenzahra @loud-kid2 @i-put-the-bi-in-nonbinary @supergay-64 @rainbogen @vulpixfairy1985 @roscolate @alex-procrastinates @pepperycar @smokszyvverstar @toko-naegi (and anyone else who'd like something to read; no pressure at all, as always 💗).
AHEM.
Premise
No big surprise, magic is HEAVILY ingrained in the Mushroom Kingdom and its sister countries (Beanbean Kingdom, Sarasaland, Jewelry Land, etc.). Each kingdom has their own magic and uses of it, but for the sake of time, we'll just stick to the basics of it, including how it's obtained and how it affects the user.
There are four basic types of magic that someone can obtain. Now, there are types of magic that someone can have outside of these, but those ones are usually temporary and don't affect whoever has it too drastically. Pretty much, these ones are just ones that CAN be permanent/leave permanent effects on the user. These are the ones that everyone knows about:
Birth
Gifted
Taught
Cursed
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Birth
As expected from the name, this form of magic is given at birth. This one is the most common and is found among numerous species (one example being the Beanish folk in the Beanbean Kingdom). Important notes:
Heritability: HEAVILY inheritable. Chances are, if you have a kid, your kid is likely gonna have the same powers if you or your partner have magic. It's common for it to skip a generation, but very rarely (think of this as the dominant trait, lol).
Environmental: It gathers a heavy influence depending on the environment it thrives within. For example, if you're born around a lot of wood areas and you do a lot of things pertaining to that, your magic is going to revolve around nature.
Infinite Energy: It cannot be altered in any way. So, no need to worry about your magic being taken away! However, this doesn't mean there aren't ways to prevent you from using it.
One-Way Ticket: The only way this magic can be obtained is, duh, through conception. So, sadly, it can't be taught to anyone, regardless of what you try to do.
Childhood Friend: You grow up instinctively learning how to use it. As such, most magic-users have a mastery of it at an early age (think of it as learning to walk). You could even learn how to use it as it evolves and strengthens! However, depending on the user, this could mean that those born with a more powerful, evolved ability might create conflict.
Personal: Your personality is what guarantees your abilities (and strength). For example, someone who is smart and good-natured can wield tremendous power in a way that serves the best benefit to all involved.
Magic-users of this variety:
Prince Peasley: Plant-speak, summoning, and healing.
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Gifted
This magic is gifted to someone by a higher power; this is usually from the Star Spirits, but it can be from other sources as well (such as the guardians with the Firebrand and the Thunderhand). What's important is that this magic is given to you by (essentially) someone with high prestige. As you can expect, this one is a lot rarer as... well, when are you just gonna find a deity roaming the streets? Important notes:
Non-Heritable: Yeah... sorry, your kids won't be born with this one. Since it's only given to YOU, it doesn't pass onto your kiddos. You can teach them, but it's not the same. The only way your kids can get this is by finding the same person who gave you yours.
After-Effects: It shows on your body in some way. For example, with the bros, Mario has a slightly sunburnt look due to the heat of the Firebrand and has a much higher body temperature. Luigi, meanwhile, has a cooler body temperature, and sometimes experiences tremors due to the lightning.
You Get What You Pay For: Whatever magic you're given, that's it. You can't just ask another deity to grant you powers (they only do that on special occasions only they deem necessary). This also means that whichever person you get your magic from, your knowledge comes from them, so there's not much in the way of evolution, unless you can figure it out for yourself. Also means that if your gift-giver isn't good... you're kinda outta luck.
Tailor-Made: Only those deemed worthy of such magic are granted it, often in a way that matches you as a person. For example, Peach; Peach is often really sweet and protective over her citizens. Thus, the Star Spirits granted her the ability to shield her subjects from harm and even heal them.
Great Expectations: Now... because a deity gave you power, you're placed under high scrutiny. This means that you have to act in a way that your powers are designed for, or else it's immediately taken from you (and... sometimes worse, depending on the giver). Thankfully, if you're able to do that and not abuse your powers to hurt other people, you're good... though you might be a little leery about having a higher power judging you from afar.
High Class: These types of magic-users are well-respected by others, considering that it shows that YOU were chosen specifically for it. Enjoy that prestige but remember that some might try to expel your powers you out if they're jealous... or if you disrespect them.
Magic-users of this variety include:
Mario: Firebrand
Luigi: Thunderhand
Princess Peach: Divine Healing & Protection
Rosalina: Cosmic Overseer
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Taught
Think of this one as one that you teach yourself, rather than someone higher up teaching you. Now, you can have someone supervise you for safety, but it's important to note that you're the only one doing the magic involved in this case. Typically, taught magic is only done under strict supervision and given permission from a leader (usually by royalty). Important notes:
Schooled: Usually formal, this magic is taught in a very rigid structure that doesn't allow much creativity (mostly so it doesn't get out of control. Because there is no other power providing it to you, it can be dangerous for one person to have. Thus, it's slowly learned over time, and in a very meticulous manner.
Non-Heritable: Just like gifted magic, this one isn't inheritable. You can teach your kiddos about it, and even how to use it though.
Triple Threat: There are three forms of this kind of magic involved, all of which have different statuses and power. There's your beginner level where you're just starting out; your powers are still really weak, but you do have some control over them. Advanced, you meet a middle ground where you are a bit stronger, but you still have a lotta limitations holding you back. Intermediate, you have full control of your power, BUT...
Eye for an Eye: One of the biggest risks that comes with this magic is that you have to give up part of yourself to use it. This can be something small, such as a sentimental item... but for more advanced practices (ESPECIALLY intermediate), you might have to give up something else, such as blood, hair... or more. Very rare that you have to do this, but if you're sure... be prepared.
Strict Supervision: Much like gifted magic, this one places you under high supervision to ensure you don't get too power-hungry. Granted, it's not as big of a threat as being struck down by a god, but it's still pretty bad. Depending on how long you've used your magic, if you use it poorly, it's gonna be taken out of you... usually through a really painful ritual. It's only happened to a few people, and... well... they're too scared to say what happened.
Book-Smart: This magic is taught according to a spellbook, which are kept under lock and key by the leader involved. As you can imagine, you're going by what the book says, not really what you're going by (you can't escape SCHOOL).
Magic-users of this variety:
Princex Daisy: Flower Song and Summoning (Intermediate)
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Cursed
Now... this one is one that NOBODY really wants (for obvious reasons). This one is extremely rare to come across, only really arising when the person involved is weakened to the point where it affects them (kinda like a parasite). Usually, it's nipped in the bud right away, but for a few, it's managed to slip through. Important notes:
Unconventional: On the spot, you're granted with a bunch of abilities that you otherwise wouldn't have. Think of this one as the intermediate magic, but with a cheat sheet. It can take you a while to really know just how much power you have; and even when you do, there's no telling to what extent.
Wide Range: Because of how unstable it is, there is no definitive range of this magic. It's also important to note that no two curses are EXACTLY the same. While one person might have certain effects, someone else might not. So, there's no real way to know just how powerful someone is.
Stigmatized: As you can imagine... there's a lot of negative feelings surrounding this one. You can't just walk up to someone and say that you're cursed... well, I mean, unless you want to start up a riot. It can be pretty isolating for those involved, often turning them to reclusion or just being afraid of themselves in general. But if you want a villain origin story, here ya go!
Heavy Cost: Yeah... much like taught magic, you give up part of yourself (albeit without your say/knowledge). This can range from mild to... near death, depending on the curse. Some folks can live without much affecting them, but others... aren't so lucky. The best example I can give of this is the ring from Lord of the Rings: great power, but it eventually consumes you. Oh, and a cure? You... can't. Once you've been cursed, you're permanently marked.
Heritable: This one is heritable. Much like birth magic, this one is passed down... and usually with the same effects as you. You can learn to adapt with it and even learn how to use it to your advantage, but it is difficult, especially with no one there to guide you.
After-Effects: Much like gifted magic, the effects of this one can be shown pretty prevalently (usually, it's something you don't want). As an example, Luigi has an EXTREMELY pale appearance... and is often observed heavily by higher authorities (Star Spirits, Star Sprites, etc.) to ensure that he's not dead.
Magic-Users of this variety:
Luigi: Levitation, Spiritual Communication, Supernatural Hearing, and (???)
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Aaaaaaand dazz it. Hopefully you enjoyed reading through this, and I do apologize for the massive length 🙏💗
