Fantasy spell cards are a popular element in role-playing games and fantasy-themed card games. These cards depict magical spells that characters can use in the game to cast powerful abilities or effects. In many fantasy spell card games, players build decks of spell cards that represent their character's spells and abilities. Each card usually has a unique name, cost, and effect. For example, a fireball spell card might have a cost of five mana and deal damage to all enemies in a specific area. Spell cards often come in different types, such as offensive spells, defensive spells, or utility spells.
Ooohhhh, talkin’ ’bout magic
As it blasts from a small blue transistor radio in my tiny teenage bedroom I m clattering along on a full drum kit I d made out of all manner of things my dad had been able to bring home from work in response to a son whining Daaaad, do you think you could get me DIY music. A brief glance at Do You Believe in Magic s tracklisting suggests it s Do You Believe in Magic, Younger Girl and Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind apart a warm-up for bigger and better things to come.
Spell cards often come in different types, such as offensive spells, defensive spells, or utility spells. Offensive spells are used to deal damage to enemies or weaken them, while defensive spells can be used to protect the player's character or heal them. Utility spells have various effects, such as teleportation, buffs, or debuffs.
The Lovin' Spoonful: Do You Believe In Magic
Written by John Sebastian and released by The Lovin’ Spoonful in the mid-1960s, this two-minute pop song is as good a declaration as any of the joy of music. Sebastian apparently wrote it after he’d seen a young girl dancing close to the stage during one of their early gigs, oblivious to everything around her. Lost In Music, as a song from a later era would put it.
Brought up in New York’s Greenwich Village Sebastian became part of the folk and blues singer-songwriter scene of the Sixties. Other songs in his catalogue, written on his own or with band members, include Daydream, Nashville Cats, You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice and Summer In The City.
Sebastian formed the Lovin’ Spoonful with guitarist Zal Yanovsky, bass player Steve Boone and drummer Joe Butler. Sebastian and Yanovsky had formerly been in a Village group The Mugwumps with Cass Elliot and Denny Doherty who in turn were to become half of the Mamas and Papas. For a musical take on this period check out the Mamas and Papas song Creeque Alley.
Do You Believe In Magic begins with a lift which sets the tone from the off. Leading with a snare drum pickup and employing the trick of not starting on the signature chord of the home key, the intro uses a rising chord sequence which Sebastian has said he adapted from the opening of (Love Is Like A) Heatwave by Martha and the Vandellas.
Unusual for pop songs of the time Do You Believe In Magic does not have the common verse/chorus/middle eight structure. Instead two verses give way to a mellow, low-register guitar solo followed by a third verse and outro. The climbing chords from the intro feature in the latter part of the song’s verses and are mirrored by the background harmony vocals. The effect is repeatedly to drive the joyous upbeat feel. The outro sees a part verse, with those ascending chords again…
Believe in the magic in a young girl’s soul
Believe in the magic of rock ‘n’ roll
Believe in the magic that can set you free
Ooohhhh, talkin’ ’bout magic
… and it fades on the voices of the band overlapping with the question: ‘Do you believe like I believe in magic.’ Perfect feelgood pop.
An innovative element of the record’s production adds to the appeal. The band had a standard two guitars, bass and drums set-up but were keen to explore new sounds in the studio. As well as a guitarist Sebastian was also an autoharp player and figured it hadn’t been used before in pop. He hit on the idea of taping a contact microphone to the back of the instrument and on hearing the amplified sound believed that they were on to a winner. He retuned the harp to cope with the song’s minor seventh chords that regular tuning didn’t allow, and it is the strum of this instrument which gives the track its distinctive chiming rhythm sound.
Do You Believe In Magic was written by a 20-year-old Sebastian born out of youthful exuberance and, seemingly, a capacity to dance all night. If identification with that aspect of the lyric may have waned with the passing of years, connection with the spirit conveyed by the song and its performance has definitely not. For me it has always been one of those ‘sunshine’ songs that 'can make you feel happy' and I still play it.
I have my own youthful memories of the track. As it blasts from a small blue transistor radio in my tiny teenage bedroom I’m clattering along on a full drum kit I’d made out of all manner of things my dad had been able to bring home from work in response to a son whining: ‘Daaaad, do you think you could get me…’ DIY music. Happy days!
In 2004 the ITV South Bank Show screened a documentary about a portable Swiss-made Discomatic jukebox that had belonged to John Lennon and which had recently surfaced in an auction of Beatles memorabilia. Lennon had bought the jukebox in the mid-Sixties and had loaded it with his favourite 45rpm records to take with him on tour. When it was found the records were still in place and one of the singles was – you’ve guessed it – Do You Believe In Magic. The man, I thought to myself, obviously believed in good taste.
**Sebastian’s public good humour and commitment to good-time music can make him seem a bit of a bumpkin, which I suspect is a knowingly created facade. Nonetheless, some have taken him at face value. Witness this Robert Christgau review: “So what happened to John Sebastian, anyway? […] Figure the reason no one was better at translating the flowery optimism of the middle ’60s into folk-flavored pop song–“Do You Believe in Magic,” “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice,” “Daydream,” “Summer in the City,” “Rain on the Roof,” just look at those titles–was as much spirit as talent. Figure he was so eager, so well-meaning, so fun-loving, so warmhearted, such a simpleton, that when the times demanded cynicism this John–unlike natural-born reprobate Phillips or designated reality principle Lennon–didn’t have it in him.”
To use a spell card, players typically need to meet certain requirements, such as having enough mana or fulfilling specific conditions. Mana is a resource that players accumulate over time or through other gameplay mechanics. It serves as a cost for casting spells, ensuring that players cannot cast powerful spells too easily. Fantasy spell card games often feature a wide variety of spells with different power levels and strategic uses. Players must carefully manage their resources and choose the right spells to counter their opponents or overcome challenges in the game. Some spell card games also incorporate collectible elements, where players can acquire new spell cards through booster packs or other means. This adds an additional layer of strategy as players must build their decks to have the right balance of offensive, defensive, and utility spells. In conclusion, fantasy spell cards are an integral part of many role-playing and card games, allowing players to unleash powerful and magical abilities within the game. These cards offer strategic depth and customization options, making them a favorite among players who enjoy the fantasy genre..
Reviews for "The Science of Spellcasting: How Fantasy Spell Cards Mirror Real-Life Practices"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Fantasy spell cards. The cards themselves were of poor quality and easily bent or damaged. The artwork was also not as vibrant and engaging as I had hoped. Additionally, the content of the cards was lacking. There were only a few basic spells included, and they didn't offer much variety or excitement. Overall, I felt like I wasted my money on this product.
2. James - 1/5 - I found the Fantasy spell cards to be a complete letdown. The instructions were poorly written and confusing, making it difficult to understand how to properly use the cards. The cards themselves were flimsy and feel apart easily, making them practically useless. The artwork was also underwhelming and uninspiring. I had high hopes for this product, but it fell short in every aspect. Save your money and look for a better alternative.
3. Emma - 2/5 - As a fan of fantasy and magic, I was excited to try out the Fantasy spell cards. However, the product did not live up to my expectations. The cards were not durable and started to show signs of wear and tear after only a few uses. The spells included were basic and lacked creativity. I was hoping for a more intricate and diverse set of spells. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and would not recommend these spell cards to fellow enthusiasts.