Writing a Glossary

I have noticed that an increasing number of Science Fiction and Fantasy Series have set a standard of including a glossary.  The existence of such an reference is to help ease the reader when they have finished the novel.

Many of the new stories including mine, have an incredibly large cast of characters.  In addition, Magic systems are getting far more sophisticated.  When Science Fiction and Fantasy start to mingle, the number of terms a reader needs to keep track to aid the reader.

Below I have listed the early attempts of creating a glossary of my own.  Feedback for this project is appreciated.  Once finished it will be included in the fully published End of Utopia on Amazon.

System of Magic

Magic adheres to the rules of physics, although not in the ways one would expect.  Magic could be described as the amount of change from reality, thus when a Magic User casts a spell, energy in the form of mana is expended equal to the amount of change required for the spell to function.

There are Six different types of mages all drawing upon one type.  As far as chronicled, no person is capable of using more than one type of Magic.

The Six types of magic are as follows:

Solid:  Masters of manipulating solid objects.  Examples of powers include causing earthquakes, calling forth earthen armor, summoning a barrage of boulders or metal.

Liquid:  Masters of manipulating liquid objects.  Examples of powers include summoning tidal waves, healing with soothing fluids, scalding blasts

Gas:  Masters of manipulating gaseous objects. Examples of powers include controlled tornadoes, limited flight, assuming an intangible form.

Plasma:  Masters of manipulating plasma objects.  Examples of powers include calling streams of fire, summoning a lightning storm

Light: Masters of manipulating light.  Examples of powers include bright flashes, illusions, searing blasts.

Dark:  Masters of manipulating darkness.  Examples of powers include blocking out natural light, calling forth vortexes, entering dreams

Within this system, there are forbidden techniques.  One for each type.  These abilities are rare.  They are also very dangerous.  Being much more powerful in how they affect reality, these magic forms become very addictive.  The user craves to draw on these powers more and more.

Solid: Shapeshifting

Liquid: Blood

Gas: Sound

Plasma: Nuclear

Light: Rewrite

Dark: Necromancy

Terms

• Apathy : A supernatural Runeblade that steals adrenaline and gives it to its wielder.  Its origin is unknown.
• Cult of Oracles: An organization that worships Demons.  Their intent is unknown but it is unlikely that Humanity's survival is included.
• Equator Zone: The only part of the planet that is safe for Human existence
• Green Mountains: A mountain range south of Streamwood that is empty of Human creations
• Mana: A renewable resource that forms in the blood of a Magic.  This resource allows a mage
• Mount Asheru:  An active volcano in the southeast Narik Desert
• Narik Desert: A vast desert in the very center of the world.
• Promethean Empire: An Empire that apparently resides in the south of the world beyond the safe zone.  They are fierce enemies of the Cult of Oracles.
• Royal City: The only safe place in the Narik Desert.  A sprawling metropolis in a sea of nothingness.
• Streamwood: A forest nestled in the west of the safe zone.
• Telekinesis: A seeming side effect of manifesting Magic.  Allows one to move objects with their mind
• Telepathy: A seeming side effect of manifesting Magic.  Allows one to communicate with others using their thoughts. Once someone who possesses this ability makes a connection with one who lacks it, Magic is no longer required to continue communication.