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Auras in fantasy

Firlefanz
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Auras in fantasy

It seems that auras are often mentioned when paranormal effects are claimed. However, I've rarely seen them used in fantasy.

Is there a reason why? Or have authors simply ignored auras?

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- Firlefanz

Reading: "Tabula Rasa", SF Anthology
Writing: "Die arische Frau" - short story

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3/16/2007, 8:15 am

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Loud G
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Re: Auras in fantasy

Do you mean like glowy lights around a person or thing?

Or are you talking about aura as an intangible feeling?

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Reading: Mistborn
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3/16/2007, 3:03 pm

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Firlefanz
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Re: Auras in fantasy

Hmm. I've read that people can see / perceive them in both ways.

Personally, I find a light display more interesting in terms of fantasy, but even having certain feelings might work for a story.

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- Firlefanz

Reading: "Tabula Rasa", SF Anthology
Writing: "Die arische Frau" - short story

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3/16/2007, 3:09 pm

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Loud G
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Re: Auras in fantasy

Robert Jordan uses two types of auras in his Wheel of Time books.

The first is a glow or nimbus that surrounds a person who is using magic.

The second is a with a character that sees images which hover around certain people which if understood give a glimpse of that person's future.

Apart from Jordan though I cannot think of anyone who uses them.

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Reading: Mistborn
Writing: Eriadhin
"Life is like a book, except it takes longer to get to the climax."

3/16/2007, 4:54 pm

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Firlefanz
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Re: Auras in fantasy

Interesting. I wonder if anyone else remembers stories with auras.

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- Firlefanz

Reading: "Tabula Rasa", SF Anthology
Writing: "Die arische Frau" - short story

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3/16/2007, 5:16 pm

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Spycedchai
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Re: Auras in fantasy

Mystery Walk - I think it was by Robert McCammon. I read it ages ago, but recall enjoying it alot.

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3/17/2007, 8:26 am

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mspatric
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Re: Auras in fantasy

Firle, you and I must not be reading the same fantasy novels. I've read dozens of novels with visible auras (by that and a dozen other names) mentioned. They are fairly common, particularly in relation to using magic.

Oftentimes they are only seen by those with gifts/skills, though. They don't have to be visible though. In a few novels, and I cannot recall the names before anyone asks, they were an invisble force that could be "read" (felt would be more accurate). One with the gift could just glance at you and get insight into who you "really" were.

4/6/2007, 1:14 am

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Firlefanz
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Re: Auras in fantasy

Ah, it's good to know they are almost a staple where magic is concerned.

That means I can use them and have readers "know" what they are. I love such shortcuts - they are almost essential for writing tight short stories.

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- Firlefanz

Writing: "Kiera und der Gauklerjunge" - novel