RNT: How Does Air Magic Interact With Physics?

[Bridger]

We see Harry throw around Wind spells a lot (any other examples of Air Magic?). What is happening on a scientific level when this occurs? Is Harry forcing air from one place to another? Is he creating areas of Low Pressure so that air rushes into the void? Is he pulling air from the NeverNever to create areas of high pressure to force air somewhere else?

This question will be discussed on the next episode of Recorded Neutral Territory, with the most insightful answers being featured on the show.

RNT is a chapter-by-chapter re-read podcast for the Dresden Files. Storm Front: Episode 9 just released today. In that episode Harry reminisces about his father before finally cracking the case with the help of a film canister. After that, he confronts Monica Sells and she finally tells him the truth about her husband. At the end of the episode we also discuss what Nemesis' plan might have been in Storm Front.

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[Talby16]

We know that the author has said that magic obeys the laws of the universe and Harry has said that magic obeys the laws of physics. For wind to happen, energy must be invested from Harry. That energy then goes out and has an impact on the world according to the laws of physics. It makes sense that the wind is created the same way natural wind is created: either temperature and/or pressure. Hot temperature creates low pressure and cold air creates high pressure. High pressure air moves to low pressure areas creating wind. Harry could be manipulating either temperature or pressure when he uses a wind spell. If he makes the air in front of him colder the atmospheric temperature that should drive air away from him. Or he compacts the air in front of him creating a higher pressure spot driving the air away from him. I would hypothesize that his will gives it shape and refined direction.

[g33k]

FWIW, Langtry is an Air mage; fundamentally, that's the magic he used to simul-speak everyone in the Council chamber (when Peabody cracked containment on the mistfiend).

IIRC, Bob has been described as an "airy spirit" and a "spirit of intellect" -- thoughts are tied in the Dresdenverse to the element of Air.

[Talby16]

FWIW, Langtry is an Air mage; fundamentally, that's the magic he used to simul-speak everyone in the Council chamber (when Peabody cracked containment on the mistfiend).

IIRC, Bob has been described as an "airy spirit" and a "spirit of intellect" -- thoughts are tied in the Dresdenverse to the element of Air.

I never thought of Air Magic being the method of conveying his speech to everyone in the Council. I assumed it was some form of sanctioned mind magic.

[g33k]

I never thought of Air Magic being the method of conveying his speech to everyone in the Council. I assumed it was some form of sanctioned mind magic.

It's per WoJ.
The transcription is reported as:

Basically the air magic folks are, uhh, they can do, depending on how much magical muscle they have, alot of things with wind. But they are also really good at communication type stuff. The Merlin is a fantastic air mage. And that's kind of the basis of his 'I can communicate with everybody at the speed of thought now everyone shut up and lets get this plan together'. And that's where that kinda comes from for him.

Reportedly from this AMA (video) recorded at a bookstore in Seattle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDJDn-ggqOo
(but I'm taking the reported quotation at face value:  the vid is almost 2H long, and I didn't listen through to find the precise quote)

[Talby16]

It's per WoJ.
The transcription is reported as:
Reportedly from this AMA (video) recorded at a bookstore in Seattle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDJDn-ggqOo
(but I'm taking the reported quotation at face value:  the vid is almost 2H long, and I didn't listen through to find the precise quote)

Thanks for the link. I'm not surprised that the Langtry is an air mage, adept at communication and is also the Merlin of the White Council. Would love to see a true Air Mage in combat.

[g33k]

... I assumed it was some form of sanctioned mind magic.

Mind magic is Air magic in the Dresdenverse.

There may be other similar things, e.g. bodily magic is I think Water magic:  but if you crank up (bodily, hormonal) lust you mostly get someone who's hitting on everything that moves; if you hit the right cortisol & epinephrine notes, your target becomes fearful; etc.

You can likely suppress the hormonal states, calm the fear & lust &c.

These act like mind-control in many ways, but are bodily tweaks.