Shrinking magic and it's affect on clothing and accessories

Hello! First post, so I apologize if I'm not doing this right.


Of the stories I've read it seems that there is an inconsistency as to whether clothing on a prey shrinks with their body when a fairy uses their magic. I have an idea that sort of explains why this is.

While fairy magic isn't entirely explained there does seem to be some skill involved with its use, but a general consensus is that it comes natural to most fairies even at a young age, I'm sure though that there is some nuance to be had with the magic, much like any skill. So I propose that younger or less experienced fairies go about their shrinking in a different manor than more experienced ones. Younger fairies would be less in control of their shrinking powers. Not in a way that would seriously destroy their chances of shrinking something like a human, but more likely would make it difficult to be able to shrink said human with either their clothes, or some sort of accessory like a handbag or a walking stick, along with them. Meanwhile a more experienced fairy would be able to shrink a human with both their clothes and their accessories or maybe shrink just them and their accessories while leaving their clothes at regular size to their liking. In any case a more experienced fairy would have more control with their prey than a younger and less experienced fairy would.

It could also be a mental thing. Younger fairies focus on shrinking the person that they don't bother to think about shrinking other stuff, whereas an older fairy would be able to tell flesh from clothing and would be able to discern the size shrinkage of both.

What do you all think? Does this sound reasonable to conclude, or at least give thought into?

Welcome, Etharchildres.

That's not an inconsistency. They are generally perceived to pick and choose, depending on what they're in the mood for. Some default to one or the other, but that doesn't mean they couldn't do either if they really set their mind to it.

Stabs wrote:

Welcome, Etharchildres.

That's not an inconsistency. They are generally perceived to pick and choose, depending on what they're in the mood for. Some default to one or the other, but that doesn't mean they couldn't do either if they really set their mind to it.

I see, so there isn't really a designated power limit to most fairies, even younger ones. I've always considered fairies to be the most dangerous sentient predator in Felarya due to their shrinking magic. One moment you have a huge greatsword and you're swinging, the next you're three inches short and your swords being added to that mysteriously gloved fairies collection while your stewing inside her belly. It's a magnificent fear to be all of a sudden powerless, and when fairies perform such a task it always seems quite simple for them. I just thought a little nuance would help to make the world feel more, well not realistic of course, but grounded. Like the world has a small more sense of tangibility. But it's not MY world after all, and Felarya has been quite interesting without the realism.

I apologize if my idea was egregiously misplaced.

Etharchildres wrote:

I see, so there isn't really a designated power limit to most fairies, even younger ones.

Not a hard limit, no. All characters are powerful enough to do the things to do, what changes is what the character you're writing is going to be doing: most of us do not consider such things as power level. If your story needs a fairy shrinking a person with their possessions, that happens. If you prefer them shrunken without, that is how it shall be.

Etharchildres wrote:

I've always considered fairies to be the most dangerous sentient predator in Felarya due to their shrinking magic. One moment you have a huge greatsword and you're swinging, the next you're three inches short and your swords being added to that mysteriously gloved fairies collection while your stewing inside her belly. It's a magnificent fear to be all of a sudden powerless, and when fairies perform such a task it always seems quite simple for them.

I'm the other way around: they're one you might be able to reasonably take down on your own. All you need is a lit firecracker, and a sociopathic eagerness to lie about what happens when the spark runs out.

Etharchildres wrote:

I apologize if my idea was egregiously misplaced.

No big deal. Welcome to hell, enjoy the buffet.