[quote=Castor]
The problem with magical societies is that they dont have many natural barriers to getting what they need to live. With no limits, they can magic food, shelter, clothes, whatever. Unless all witches are evil and bloodthirsty, there seems to be no motivation for the killing and the fighting. I.e. if they lose farmland, no probs, move to a new area, magic the land to grow food. If they lose a castle, no probs, magic one from any material you can find. The idea of power in society is usually related to controlling something that everyone around you want or need or desire. But magic takes out the strife which fuels the desire or need for anything. If everyone was magical, youd imagine a society like the Elfes in The Lord of the Rings.
[/quote]

Ooh, good questions. :D

I wonder though, if you're attributing a little too much, well, magic to magic. While I'm sure it can fix a lot of problems, humans as a whole are generally a quarrelsome species, and just because they have a quick fix to their problems (keeping it mind it might well not be as quick and easy as all that), doesn't mean they won't find reasons to covet further power by position or what other people have. In fact, it seems to me like there'd be even more potential for trouble, with so many more options made available. It might actually be harder to uphold law and order when those you're trying to stop have exactly the same main weapon as you, and might well be better at wielding it. o.0 There are plenty of other motivations for killing and fighting other than gaining ressources for survival. Although, admittedly, those are generally the most altruistic.

I'm also hoping there's more restrictions on the magic to keep that sort of castle lost? *waves hands* New castle! from happening. ;)