Things to Consider when Creating a Magic System
What are the drawbacks of using magic? Does it have mental, physical, and/or emotional consequences for the user?
What tools are needed to harness magic? Wands? Spells? Magical artifacts?
How do people learn magic? Instinct? In school? From family members?
Can everyone use magic or are only certain people capable of using it?
Is the capability to use magic hereditary? What about different ways of using magic (transformation powers, teleportation, etc.)?
What is impossible for magic to do?
How long does it take to master different magical skills?
Can creatures other than humans learn magic? Are different creatures better at using different kinds of magic?
Does it require spells to be spoken, written, or thought?
Is it possible for someone to lose their magical abilities?
How do characters’ emotions affect their ability to use magic? Do their emotions affect the magic’s intensity or controllability?
How does the strength of a person’s magical abilities change as they age?
Can people normally perform any kind of magic or can they only perform things that fall under their specialty? Are their exceptions?
What rules restrict magic use in society?
How do people’s magical abilities impact their career prospects?
What kinds of magic are the most feared or seen as the most powerful? Which are seen as mere jokes?
How do people use magic to help with everyday tasks?
Can magical energy be stored for later use?
What objects or other factors can amplify someone’s magical powers?
When do magical abilities initially manifest? From birth? At a certain age? Under certain conditions?
What is the first spell a character is likely to learn?
What happens if a spell is performed incorrectly? Nothing at all? A weaker version of the intended results? Pain?
Can different spell casting methods be used to obtain the same result? What are their advantages and disadvantages?
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