So there is a magic system in my novel, and I'm struggling to give each power its own name.
Each power is paired with another, and the names must sound similar, only with a twist.
Criteria for a good naming system: Names should be confined to real words (but the meanings can be twisted), or very nearly real words, all being relatively uncommon (preferably with double meanings). What I'd really likeis for each word of a particular magic power should have a name similar to its pair, but distorted in some way.
For example: Locksmiths might perform Locking and Blocking.
Some examples of pairs of powers:
- The act of creating a portal, which either increases the distance, or decreases it, and the act of creating a barrier. (Currently called Locksmiths, Locking and Blocking)
- The act of transmuting materials, and the act of changing the shape of materials, provided that it is all made of roughly the same material. (Currently called Reformancers, Defining and Refining)
- The act of changing your sight so you see physical objects as they are, without needing light (eliminates glare and shadows), and the act of changing your sight so you can see a person's inner qualities.
- The act of turning into an animal, and the act of making one's body take on characteristics of certain materials.
How do I go about coming up with all these names?