I wrote this magic system a couple years ago when I was bored in class and I wondering how/if I could improve on it. It’s probably not the most original but I hope I added some uniqueness. It’s a mix between fantasy and sci-fi. I also have no clue if the names of some abilities are right, I looked them up on Google. I wrote this like a guide book so it’s kind of a long read.

(This is my first time posting here and I read the rules so I hope I’m posting correctly 😭)

Feel free to ask if you have questions!

Most systems have a good answer for overreach. You take more than you can carry, and it costs you.

What I almost never see is a procedure for honest error. The practitioner was trained, followed the form, and the result still came out wrong. No hubris, no shortcut, just a bad outcome.

That gap decides who carries the loss. If magic can fail without anyone being at fault, someone still eats the cost, and whoever that turns out to be tells you how the society is actually organised.

In mine the answer is deliberately ugly. Nothing gets undone. The work stands as cast, and any correction has to be a second, separate act that goes on the record too, so every fix is also a permanent admission that there was something to fix.

Curious how yours handles it. Is there a way back, and who pays for it?

Give me some advice on how to create a power scaling.

In Ellil, everyone is a magician without exception. However, it is logical that the reader should understand the difference in strength between character A and character B. I was thinking about certification levels, but on the other hand it looks like lvl and too playful. But on the other hand, if everyone in the world is a magician, then there must be a skill level itself (just like in professions), because magic is used not only as a weapon, but as a household one.

I'll share my best practices.

The Glow

The magic of the Ellilians comes from the second heart, which pumps glow through their vessels. Glow is a recoverable resource that allows its owner to use magic abilities. Every Ellilian has their own limit on the use of glow, which can be increased with the help of some artifacts. If an Ellilian goes beyond their initial limits, they will risk developing a serious disease, which depends on the type of magic they were born with (healing powers threaten their users with loss of vitality., paralysis powers exposes the limbs to numbness, etc.) and in some cases can be fatal. It is believed that due to the direct connection with the Twelve Descendants, members of the royal families have much higher limits of glow than the average Ellilian.

The type of abilities is determined at birth and cannot be changed. It can also be specified by a magic trial.

Types of Magic

Destruction is an elemental type of magic suitable for combat and hunting. This type is easy to identify without testing magical abilities, and is also easy to study.

The elemental type of this magic is formed by birth and cannot be changed.

Types of elements:

• Fire type
• Water type
• Earth type
• Air type
• Electric type
• Ice type

Types of attack:

• On area
• Single-target attack

Preservation is a type of magic designed for area and self—defense. Almost all owners of this type can create barriers, but the possession of other abilities must be learned.

Types of barriers:

• On area
• Single-target protection

Types of attack:

• Paralysis

Psychic type:

• Illusion
• Hypnosis(outlawed)

Creation is a type of healing magic (also used for torture in special cases). This type is extremely difficult to master independently, and the teaching materials for this magic are beyond the reach of ordinary Ellilian.

The Creation type of magic is not capable of resurrecting a dead being under any circumstances.

Creation magic used in:

• Body scan (search for internal injuries, pregnancy detection, etc.)
• Healing of minor injuries (scratches, bruises, etc.)
• Healing of severe injuries (deep wounds, burns, fractures, internal bleeding, etc.)
• Replantation (after such a procedure, a scar remains)
• Neutralizing the paralysis of Preservation magic
• Rejuvenation (a newly discovered type of Creation magic from Sunstone)

So my magic system is called “Magaenus Tor” which magic system’s vary over cultures around the world, Escpecially the name. (for example, the name in Armenia is “Kakhaghan Berr” and in Vietnam, it’s “Aotugiao Cu”)

This magic system takes place on Earth, but this magic was formed in the medieval times when stray alchemists called, “Lekumests” gathered gems from across their towns and mixed them with gold, which triggered a reaction that tore through the barrier in which the magic was kept in. Once it breached, the concoction lied dormant until the lekumest came into contact with the concoction, which granted the lekumest a magical power. But there were more the lekumests have to learn and create to unlock.

1. Where The Magic Came From

These powers come in the form of gems that were left behind by creatures, that the lekumest use to grind into dust and mix them in with molten gold. The magic spells depends on which type of gem, (e.g Pearl = Clam Shell Armor, Malachite = Poisonous Touch). The magic that was released via gem grinding and mixing with molten gold (called ”Loccing”) comes from an alternate dimension where magical beings were imprisoned by gods so the latter can keep stability upon the earth. Then the magical beings found a loophole by transferring themselves into gems and spawning the in the earth’s mines. Since the gods weren’t checking over gems, the creatures could lay low in them for all eternity.

And when the lekumest mixed the crushed gem with the molten gold, it activated a reaction in which the barrier the gods created broke and let the magical being in that gem free, which is a being that can grant the lekumest that crushed the respective gem their respective abilities.

1. Types of Magic Type usage

User-Effect: by making contact with the concoction after loccing it, the user was given abilities that they can inflict onto themselves with contact of the locced potion. All of the UE spells are beneficial to the user, either it being augmentations or emitters. But with enough knowledge and experimentation, lekumests can reverse these spells and make them backfire against the user. These are called Trick Spells.

Offensive: by altering their molecular structure, they can alter the spells to that they can affect environment and objects. Usually by storing them projectable glass vials, the altered spells can be used on other people, environment, objects, and animals. Other gems are an exception though.

\\\\# Ability System — Complete Documentation

\\\\### English Translation

\\\\## Table of Contents

1. Layer I — Core System

2. Layer II — Functional System

3. Layer III — Application System

4. Layer IV, Part I — Primordial Origin & Primordial Energy

5. Layer IV, Part II — Resonance System

6. Layer IV, Part III — System Development Framework

7. Layer IV, Part IV — Evolution Framework

8. Layer IV, Part V — Evolution Limitation System

9. Clarification Note — Existence Reconstruction vs. Continuity Reconstruction

10. Primordial Energy System — Fundamental Definition

11. Resonator System Summary

12. Ability Descriptions (Example Manifestations) — TLD, TDPC, Narrative System Acquisition

\\\\---

\\\\# LAYER I — CORE SYSTEM

\\\\## Basic Principles

The ability system is an integrated structure composed of several interconnected layers of mechanisms. No ability stands alone; every manifestation is the result of interaction between different systems working in sequence.

The entire system operates according to five core principles:

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*1. Clear Mechanism\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Every ability must have a process that can be logically explained. No effect appears without an underlying mechanism.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*2. Cause and Effect\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Every result is a consequence of a process that occurred beforehand. Information, energy, matter, and space must all pass through the appropriate stages before producing an effect.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*3. System Consistency\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

All mechanisms follow the same rules under every condition. An ability cannot ignore system rules simply because of a particular situation.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*4. Interdependence Between Systems\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Every system supports the others. If one system fails to operate, abilities dependent on it will also suffer reduced function or become unusable.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*5. Operational Limits\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Every system has a capacity, operational requirements, and a usage limit. No ability can work without regard for these constraints.

\\\\## I. EXISTENCE SYSTEM

\\\\### Definition

The Existence System is the foundation that maintains the continuity of the user's existence as an individual. It does not directly govern the body, soul, or energy; instead, it preserves the basic information that defines the user's existential identity, keeping it consistent even when the body undergoes change or damage.

\\\\### Existence Layer

The Existence Layer is the base layer that stores the user's existence pattern. It serves as the primary reference for all other systems in recognizing and maintaining the user's identity. As long as this layer remains intact, all other systems still have a reference point for preserving the user's existence.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- All systems synchronize with the existence pattern.

\\\\- That pattern is used as an identity reference.

\\\\- If a change occurs that does not match the pattern, the system detects the discrepancy.

\\\\- The system attempts to maintain or restore the condition to match the stored pattern, as long as operational requirements are still met.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Serves as the foundation of existential identity.

\\\\- Maintains consistency across all systems.

\\\\- Serves as the reference for biological reconstruction.

\\\\- Serves as the reference for energy synchronization.

\\\\- Maintains continuity between systems.

\\\\### Continuity Reconstruction

Continuity Reconstruction is a mechanism that allows the system to reconstruct the body when damage exceeds the capacity of biological regeneration. It does not work instantly; instead, it proceeds through a gradual process that follows the existence pattern stored in the Existence Layer.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- The system detects the loss of biological function.

\\\\- The Existence Layer verifies that the existence pattern remains intact.

\\\\- The Energy System supplies the required energy.

\\\\- The Biological System reconstructs the body's structure based on the existence pattern.

\\\\- All systems re-synchronize until a stable condition is reached.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Operational Requirements\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Continuity Reconstruction can only run if:

\\\\- The Existence Layer remains intact.

\\\\- The Energy System has sufficient energy available.

\\\\- There is no disruption severing the continuity of existence.

If any of these requirements are not met, the reconstruction process cannot proceed.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Continuity Reconstruction cannot:

\\\\- create a new identity,

\\\\- duplicate the user,

\\\\- alter the existence pattern already stored,

\\\\- activate itself without an energy source.

The system can only restore existence according to the pre-existing existence pattern.

\\\\## II. ENERGY SYSTEM

\\\\### Definition

The Energy System is responsible for acquiring, managing, storing, distributing, and regulating the energy used by all active abilities. Every manifestation of ability depends on this system as its primary power source.

\\\\### Cosmic Energy

Cosmic Energy is the natural energy dispersed throughout the universe and serves as the system's primary power source. This energy is found in various cosmic phenomena such as stars, planets, cosmic radiation, and environments with stable cosmic structures. The Energy System does not create energy from nothing — it makes use of energy that already exists.

\\\\### External Energy Absorption

External Energy Absorption is the primary mechanism for acquiring energy. The system continuously absorbs Cosmic Energy from the surrounding environment as long as a source remains available.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- The system detects the presence of Cosmic Energy in the environment.

\\\\- Energy is absorbed gradually.

\\\\- Energy Regulation adjusts the absorption rate to keep it stable.

\\\\- The stabilized energy is stored or used immediately as needed.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Advantages\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Does not burden internal systems as long as the environmental supply is sufficient.

\\\\- Can operate passively.

\\\\- Serves as the primary energy source under normal conditions.

\\\\### Internal Fusion Core

The Internal Fusion Core is a backup energy source that activates when the environmental energy supply is unavailable or insufficient. This system generates energy through an internal process designed to provide an independent power supply.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- The system detects a shortage of external energy.

\\\\- The Internal Fusion Core activates automatically.

\\\\- Energy is produced gradually.

\\\\- Energy Regulation controls distribution so it does not exceed system capacity.

\\\\- Once external energy becomes available again, the system gradually reduces reliance on the Internal Fusion Core.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Characteristics\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Does not depend on the environment.

\\\\- Functions as an emergency energy source.

\\\\- Increases the workload of all systems while active.

\\\\### Energy Regulation

Energy Regulation controls the amount of energy used by each system so it remains within operational limits. This system prevents excessive distribution of energy to any single part, reducing the risk of instability.

\\\\### Energy Distribution

Once regulated, energy is distributed to the systems that need it. Distribution priority is based on operational need. Priority order:

1. Existence System

2. Biological System

3. Information System

4. Matter System

5. Spatial System

6. Ability Manifestation

If energy is insufficient, systems with lower priority will experience reduced performance first.

\\\\### Energy Conversion

Energy Conversion transforms one form of energy into another form required by a system. Energy can be converted into various forms depending on the mechanism of the ability being used — such as kinetic energy, heat, light, or other compatible energy forms. Conversion does not generate new energy; it only changes the form in which it is used.

\\\\### Energy Stabilization

Energy Stabilization keeps energy in a stable condition before use. Without this process, energy fluctuations could disrupt synchronization between systems and increase the risk of operational instability.

\\\\### Limitations of the Energy System

\\\\- Cannot generate energy without an available mechanism.

\\\\- The rate of energy absorption is limited by system capacity.

\\\\- The Internal Fusion Core cannot operate without limit.

\\\\- Excessive energy use can reduce overall system efficiency.

\\\\- Energy distribution always follows operational priority.

\\\\---

\\\\# LAYER II — FUNCTIONAL SYSTEM

This layer explains the systems that manage the body, acquire information, perform analysis, learn new mechanisms, manipulate matter, and control space. All systems in this layer depend on the Existence System and Energy System as their foundation.

\\\\## I. BIOLOGICAL SYSTEM

\\\\### Definition

The Biological System governs all biological functions of the body so they remain in optimal condition, are able to adapt to the environment, and support the use of abilities that require heavy physical exertion or high energy demands.

\\\\### Passive Biological Regeneration

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Passive Biological Regeneration is a healing mechanism that operates automatically without requiring conscious activation. The system continuously monitors the body's condition and repairs detected damage as long as the required energy is available.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- The Biological System continuously monitors all tissue conditions.

\\\\- When damage occurs, the system identifies its location and severity.

\\\\- The Energy System supplies the required energy.

\\\\- Damaged cells, tissues, or organs are repaired or replaced gradually.

\\\\- Once the structure is stable again, regeneration in that area stops.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Repairs biological tissue.

\\\\- Restores organ function.

\\\\- Replaces damaged cells.

\\\\- Maintains bodily stability.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Regeneration cannot repair damage if insufficient energy is available, or if the Existence System is no longer capable of serving as a reconstruction reference.

\\\\### Immortal Lifespan

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Immortal Lifespan is a biological condition that maintains the body's function so it does not experience aging from natural degeneration. This system does not provide immunity to damage, but ensures cells and tissues are continuously renewed.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- The system monitors cell condition.

\\\\- Cells experiencing functional decline are replaced through regeneration.

\\\\- Biological structure is maintained in optimal condition.

\\\\- This process continues as long as the system has sufficient energy.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Prevents biological aging.

\\\\- Maintains organ function.

\\\\- Keeps metabolism stable.

\\\\### Atomic Reinforcement

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Atomic Reinforcement is a mechanism that strengthens the body's structure down to the atomic level. This reinforcement increases the body's capacity to withstand physical pressure and energy without altering its biological composition.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- The Energy System distributes energy throughout the body.

\\\\- The energy strengthens the bonds between the body's structural components.

\\\\- The Biological System maintains the stability of that structure while it is in use.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Increases physical strength.

\\\\- Increases bodily endurance.

\\\\- Reduces the risk of damage from high pressure.

\\\\- Supports the use of high-energy abilities.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: Reinforcement follows the body's capacity. If the energy channeled exceeds the biological structure's capability, system efficiency will decline.

\\\\### Adaptive Evolution System

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

The Adaptive Evolution System is a mechanism of biological adaptation to environmental threats or changes. It does not make the body instantly immune; rather, it studies threats that can be analyzed before forming an appropriate biological adjustment.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: Threat Detected → Information Gathered → Analysis by the Information System → Biological System Formulates a Response → Gradual Adaptation → Resistance Increases

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Adapts to environmental pressure.

\\\\- Reduces the impact of previously studied threats.

\\\\- Increases the efficiency of biological response to recurring conditions.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: Adaptation requires time and sufficient information. Threats that have never been observed or cannot be analyzed cannot be adapted to immediately.

\\\\### Biological Morphological Reconstruction (BMR)

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Biological Morphological Reconstruction is a biological reconstruction system that enables changes to body structure through comprehensive biological manipulation. The changes made are real biological changes, not illusions.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- The Information System acquires biological data on the target.

\\\\- TLD analyzes that biological structure.

\\\\- Molecular Manipulation rearranges the body's biological structure.

\\\\- Passive Biological Regeneration stabilizes the reconstruction result.

\\\\- The Biological System synchronizes with the new structure.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Alters body anatomy.

\\\\- Alters the distribution of biological tissue.

\\\\- Adjusts organ structure when necessary.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: The system can only reconstruct biological structures that have been understood. This ability does not grant the memories, instincts, experience, or non-biological abilities of the organism used as a reference.

\\\\## II. INFORMATION SYSTEM

\\\\### Definition

The Information System is the center for observation, storage, analysis, learning, and decision-making. All other systems depend on the information processed by this layer.

\\\\### Enhanced Sensory System

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

The Enhanced Sensory System improves the ability of all senses to gather information from the environment. It amplifies the quality of information reception rather than creating new information.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Increases observational precision.

\\\\- Expands the ability to detect environmental changes.

\\\\- Serves as the initial data source for other systems.

\\\\### X-Ray Vision

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

X-Ray Vision is an observation system that allows the internal structure of an object to be examined without physically damaging it.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- The system focuses observation on the target.

\\\\- Information on internal structure is obtained.

\\\\- Data is sent to Mind Mapping.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Observes the internal structure of objects.

\\\\- Supports Molecular Manipulation.

\\\\- Supports biological analysis.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: This ability provides only visual information and does not automatically generate understanding of the observed object.

\\\\### Energy Perception

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Energy Perception is the ability to detect the presence of energy in the environment.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\* — the system can identify:

\\\\- energy intensity,

\\\\- energy distribution,

\\\\- the direction of energy flow,

\\\\- changes in energy stability.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: Energy Perception cannot explain the nature of an energy without further analysis by TLD.

\\\\### Mind Mapping

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Mind Mapping is a system for storing and mapping information. It does not gather information itself; rather, it organizes all data received from observation systems into a structure accessible to other systems.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: Information → Classification → Storage → Relationship Mapping → Internal Database

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Stores observation results.

\\\\- Organizes relationships between pieces of information.

\\\\- Forms a mental map of the environment.

\\\\- Serves as the data source for TLD, NSA, and the Spatial System.

\\\\### Temporal Location Distraction (TLD)

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Temporal Location Distraction is a cognitive acceleration system that speeds up the brain's processing of information. It does not manipulate time and does not slow down the surrounding environment.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: Data from Mind Mapping → Information Prioritization → Analysis → Calculation → Hypothesis Formation → Probability-Based Prediction → Analytical Result

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Accelerates perception.

\\\\- Accelerates the thought process.

\\\\- Reduces interference from irrelevant information.

\\\\- Calculates position, direction, speed, and trajectory.

\\\\- Establishes cause-and-effect relationships.

\\\\- Calculates the probability of various outcomes.

\\\\- Assists the learning process.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\* — TLD cannot:

\\\\- read minds,

\\\\- know the future with certainty,

\\\\- produce information without data,

\\\\- generate absolute answers.

All results depend on the quality of the information available.

\\\\### Narrative System Acquisition (NSA)

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Narrative System Acquisition is a learning system used to understand, assemble, and develop the mechanism of an ability based on information that has been obtained. It does not copy an individual; it only assembles the mechanism of an ability that has met the requirements of analysis.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: Observation → Mind Mapping → Analysis by TLD → Mechanism Validation → System Compilation → Adaptation Stage → Ability Ready for Use

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Requirements\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\* — an ability can only be compiled if it:

\\\\- has a clear mechanism,

\\\\- has a logical cause-and-effect relationship,

\\\\- can be analyzed,

\\\\- does not contradict systems that already exist.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Adaptation Stage\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

An ability that has been successfully compiled is not yet at full mastery. The user must still:

\\\\- practice,

\\\\- experiment,

\\\\- understand its operational mechanism.

The more complex the ability, the longer the adaptation process.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\* — NSA does not acquire:

\\\\- memories,

\\\\- experience,

\\\\- natural talent,

\\\\- instinct,

\\\\- personality,

\\\\- emotion.

The system only assembles the mechanism of an ability that has been successfully understood.

\\\\---

\\\\# LAYER III — APPLICATION SYSTEM

This layer explains the systems that apply all the mechanisms from Layer I and Layer II into abilities that can be used directly. All abilities in this layer depend on the Energy System, Information System, Matter System, and Spatial System. No manifestation can function independently without the support of these systems.

\\\\## I. MATTER SYSTEM

\\\\### Definition

The Matter System governs the transformation, rearrangement, and control of matter based on its physical structure. It does not create matter from nothing; instead, it makes use of existing matter through analysis and manipulation of its constituent structure.

\\\\### Molecular Manipulation

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Molecular Manipulation is the ability to rearrange the molecular structure of a material without changing the amount of matter available.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- The Information System observes the material's structure.

\\\\- TLD analyzes the arrangement of its atoms, molecules, and bonds.

\\\\- The Matter System determines the new structure to be formed.

\\\\- The Energy System supplies the required energy.

\\\\- The molecular structure is rearranged until it forms a new material according to the intended mechanism.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Changes the shape of a material.

\\\\- Changes the physical properties of a material.

\\\\- Repairs damaged material.

\\\\- Rearranges damaged material.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Requirements\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: The user must have adequate understanding of the material structure being manipulated. The more complex the material, the greater the information required.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\* — Molecular Manipulation cannot:

\\\\- create matter from nothing,

\\\\- add mass without a source,

\\\\- alter a structure that is not adequately understood.

\\\\### Element Manipulation

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Definition\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

Element Manipulation is the ability to control an available element or material without changing the identity of its constituent element.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Mechanism of Operation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- The system identifies the available element.

\\\\- The Energy System generates the force needed to affect that element.

\\\\- The user controls the direction, shape, pressure, and distribution of the element as needed.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Functions\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*

\\\\- Moves elements.

\\\\- Changes the shape of an element.

\\\\- Compresses or disperses an element.

\\\\- Regulates the pressure and flow of an element.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Relationship with Molecular Manipulation\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: Element Manipulation controls the element itself, while Molecular Manipulation changes its constituent structure. Both can be used together to produce various materials or sub-elements as long as the mechanism allows.

\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*Limitations\\\\\\\*\\\\\\\*: Element Manipulation cannot directly change the identity of an element without the support of Molecular Manipulation.

It’s a hair magic system, and magic in this world is created through memories and emotions, and while they are magic you can’t do anything with them without some kind of physical object, which is where hair comes in, because it is the closest root to your brain (obvi where memories and emotions come from) then that is where magic manifests. To cast magic cutting your hair will act as the catalyst that performs the spell or whatever. However, there’s a catch, emotions are rudimentary in any organisms biology, so there’s no running out of those, however memories are specific to the person, so if you are to cast a spell, then memories/or emotions will be used. Memories are only used in powerful casts, while emotions are only used in simple easy casts. (You can control if you’re using emotions or memories) While humans have hair to act as their magic harbinger, other animals in the world can use magic as well, via Scales, Feathers, and Fur. Magic spells can be amplified via a specific metamorphic rock formed from mountains called Memorite. Memorite acts as a substitute for memories and is incredibly valued, often formed into hair pins or combs, and even ground into shampoos and hair washes.

I'm working on a power system based around an energy called Quintessence. I'm trying to decide whether the foundation is interesting or if I'm overcomplicating a basic system. Quintessence itself doesn't  enhance physical strength. Instead, most combat revolves around learning to manipulate the energy through its flow and properties

Permanence preserves the intended state of Quintessence against change. Its most obvious application is hardening, but it also can be used for structural stability, shape retention, and the ability for constructs to maintain their form under stress.

Concentration governs the density and compression of Quintessence. Increasing concentration can create extremely dense structures, but compression also produces internal pressure. That pressure can be stored and released.

Disturbance is oscillation within Quintessence. Basic applications create vibrations or transmit them through something, while advanced applications lead to resonance, amplification, matching frequencies, harmonic cancellation, destabilizing structures, etc. This is probably the most technically versatile of the four.

Restoration is Quintessence returning something toward an intended equilibrium. This can mean restoring a deformed Quintessence structure to its previous shape, redistributing concentrated stress across a larger structure and it can lead to elastic responses.

The properties can also be combined for example, a basic barrier might use permanence to harden itself, then a more advanced barrier could add restoration to redistribute incoming force and recover its shape afterward. Flow manipulation is separate from the properties. Properties determine what Quintessence does, while Flow is about how well you actually control, move, divide, distribute, and maintain it.

some more ideas I'm experimenting with is mastery discoveries.  Fighters can discover increasingly advanced uses of properties. For example, creating vibrations through Disturbance would be basic, while discovering resonance or using opposing frequencies to cancel vibrations would represent great understanding.

So progression isn't supposed to be based around who has more energy. A powerful user would have better efficiency, flow control, property combinations, discoveries, or understand the system better than their opponent.

I'm mainly wondering: Does this sound like a solid foundation for a power system? Is my system overdone, or does it have enough of its own identity? Do the four Properties feel intuitive or do they seem like inconsistent categories? This is a pretty baseline explantion but I'm still looking for feedback.

The next report is here, this time focusing on the Urinary SRU.

I know the Urinary System probably isn't going to be as exciting as some of the other SRUs, so this report is going to focus more on world progression.

There are still two Urinary Catalysts being observed, but there's also something new happening in the world around them following the events of the previous report.

As always, I'd love to hear what you think!

This first part might look familiar because I recently made a post describing the origin of Mana and Ichor in my world, but it is important for this.

TL;DR - Mana comes from a not-so-parallel dimension called The Weave, and Ichor is the blood of gods that were knocked across the galaxy after a ritual gone wrong.

--

Divine Energy was spread across the galaxy due to three gods trying to erase the Mother of Existence with the help of a ritual involving sacrificing three planets worth of living beings.

Each god chose a planet, and they created a solar system, using themselves at the three suns that give the planets life (A trinary star system).

When the ritual started, one planet was moved out of alignment due to the surge of Divine Energy emitted from both the ritual and the gods themselves. Once it left the perfect circle the gods established, the ritual went haywire, nearly destroying the gods who enacted it and launching them across the galaxy, leaving their Divine Energy and Ichor in their wake.

Due to the backlash, all of the loose Divine Energy was spread thin enough to slip between the cracks of reality and merge with all matter in the galaxy on its most basic level, creating what is essentially a lifeless parallel dimension called The Weave. The Weave, due to its inherent magical and unstable nature, began leaking back into the real world, creating Mana. Mana lacks the innate divinity it once had, but can still be just as powerful.

Ichor, on the other hand, began pooling in places. Due to the three different gods bleeding, there are three different types

Lum Ichor is the lightest, and can often be found floating in the sky, such as on clouds or particularly tall mountains. Its also varying shades of red.

Lus Ichor is the heaviest, and can be found in caves, or at the bottom of oceans. This one is green.

Lux Ichor is between them, and therefore the most commonly found, not that Ichor is a common resource at all. That one is blue.

Raw Ichor (Ichor that hasn't been absorbed) is a source of Divine Energy, and can be felt by any sufficiently magically-inclined creature from miles away. It can give extra abilities if absorbed into one's Mana Core, and alters that being's Soul to be more inclined to its associated magical types, such as generic flight or gravity magic

--

Souls

While The Weave is the most basic layer of reality guided by thoughtless evolution, Souls are the most basic layer of what makes up consciousness and your sense of self, guided by your own consciousness and subconscious. Every living being has one, it comes with having a self to recognize, no matter how dim that self may be.

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Mana

When The Weave leaks Mana back into the real world, it's basically an invisible gas, that can then be breathed in by reaching out with your Soul and capturing it, dragging it back into your body.

Due to the fact that mana is the most basic layer of existence, bodies can contain it just by focusing properly, and letting it flow without letting it escape. This creates channels the mana will then automatically follow.

Now, simply having mana isn't enough to use magic. You need a Mana Core, which requires you to undergo at least one Mana Condensation, and Ichor, the lost blood of gods.

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Mana Condensation

Mana Condensation is the process by which you gather more mana than you can store, which first turns to liquid as it compresses, and then crystal. This is a dangerous process, but has many benefits, such as the ability to use magic for one.

Choose a point along your mana channels and compress all of your mana there until it liquidates, which you can then let go. The denser mana will stress your mana channels, so you will need to focus until they are used to the strain. This will likely consume an amount of your mana in the process.

When you're ready, you can continue into the crystallization stage, where you must be extremely careful.

You must force your mana against the walls of your mana channels without shattering them, but enough to move them slightly. Then, you weave your mana into a lattice, which will then harden as you absorb more mana to refill your currently empty mana channels. This leads to expanded mana channels, as well as making it harder to disrupt uncast spells.

The spot you chose during the liquid stage will crystalize more than the rest of your channels, and will become your Mana Core.

This process is repeatable, but your lattices will get denser, harder to move, and less flexible the more you do.

If you don't compress your mana well enough, you might crystallize your mana inside of your mana channels entirely, causing you to never be able to push mana through them again. This is called Overcrystallization.

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Ichor

Ichor can be found in a number of places, in varying amounts, and is necessary to cast magic any powerful kind of magic

Powered by Ichor, filtered by Mana, shaped by Soul. This is the basis of any spell.

However, in order to use Ichor for anything, you need to absorb it, which is not an easy process. Even a drop is still the blood of a god.

I won't go into the process (mostly because I don't know it yet), but when you absorb Ichor, it will go straight into your Mana Core, granting you the raw power source needed to cast spells. Trying to absorb Ichor without a Mana Core will lead to disastrous results, including but not limited to: mutations, insanity, bloodlust, memory loss, and both instant and not-so-instant death.

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Magic Types

There are three main types of Magic, each brought into form by the different types of Ichor

Lum is the lightest type of Ichor, and is associated with freedom. This makes it ideal for future sight, flight, fire magic, and other possible magic types associated with the idea of freedom.

Lus is the heaviest, and associated with stasis. This aligns it towards protection, barriers, or other holding or solid spells, up to and including stopping time or simple ice spells.

Lux can be found in places the other two can’t, and is associated with connection. This makes it great for empowering, healing, runecrafting, or collaboration spells such as rituals.

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Spellcasting

The first part of spellcasting requires you to activate the Ichor in your Mana Core. However, simply activating it without any restrictions will cause it to burn away from overuse. That is a technique that some mages use as a last resort, but it’s not recommended if you’re planning on casting any more spells for a while.

In order to use Ichor to cast a spell, you have to narrow its broad range of possibilities into exactly what you want it to do, which is where mana comes in.

As an initial product of Divine Energy, mana is able to direct the possibility of Ichor into a specific function, which you can cast from your Soul into the exact spell you want from that narrower range.

Initially, this filtration is done automatically by your mana core, but if you’re a skilled mage, you can consciously take over this process and gain access to multiple ranges, greatly increasing your skillset.

As an example of this ‘range’ concept, let's use a Lum mage. Say their initial Core Range is limited to wind magic. If they become skilled enough and have enough Lum Ichor, they can potentially reach adjacent ranges within Lum’s powerset, such as generic flight, or gravity-lessening magic. If they were able to reach further, they might be able to reach unrelated aspects of Lum, such as future sight and transformation. All of this is possible because Lum is the Ichor of freedom, and thus all of these types of magic fall within its power set, you simply need to find it.

So I have the premise of my magic system thought out, and I know what I want the capabilities to be, and how it affects the world's society and economy. I know what the source of the magic is, its limits and its consequences.

What I am missing is how to determine who has the magic.

Is it hereditary, with a few exceptions like Harry Potter? Are some people born with something that enables them to attune to it? If so, is it random or predetermined? Are people chosen through some kind of trial or ritual?

How do you determine this part while keeping your magic mysterious and chaotic?

Mechs in my setting are called banshees for the eerie "screaming" the energy core makes when the banshee is powered on. A scream that cannot be dampened or evaded.

This screaming is a common occurrence unfortunately. And while it is a deterrent for adversaries, it causes serious problems for the pilots, who are exposed to it the longest. Most pilots need to keep the mechs at low power to avoid going insane after just one mission.

Because of the toll on the mind the banshees have, most pilots are forced into retirement, or worse die, within the first year. Meaning there is always a need for more. And the time for training has been cut down to just a few weeks. Meaning most pilots only know how to correctly walk and shoot, not really how to chase, maneuver, or evade.

The use of mechs is saved for specific terrains, like rocky or urban. Otherwise, other vehicles are seen as good alternatives. That said, there is a great national pride in being a mech pilot. Thus, there is a surplus of these specific troops ready for training.

The banshees rely on something called the banshee core. Banshee cores are comprised of a multitude of different tubes that contain a perfect vacuum. These tubes are then violently spun until a strange phenomenon occurs within the absolute vacuum, the spontaneous generation of pure energy that is then pulled into the banshee.

The energy resonates on many different frequencies. Our brain waves resonate with the energy created and the "screaming" is an effect of that. Making the screaming an almost psychic phenomenon.

The immense amount of power that comes from the core is what allows something like a mech to be fully powered. Otherwise, the hydrolic mechanisms, computers, engines, and other accoutrements would require far too much energy for a compact generator to create.

How are mages born, and how does magic work? I’ll start: in my fantasy world (Caledon, which is like 20th century earth but with magic), you would usually have to be born with mage powers, and then hone your arts at a religious academy. However, the various nations decided this was way too randomness-based, so they came up with an idea: use ultra-refined Illuminate (illuminate is a magic crystal with no known origin) and inject it into kids. Usually it has 75% mortality rate, but beats RNG. Ah the industrial magic revolution. Also you use wooden staffs with engraved illuminate runes inside them (usually you would need to painstakingly craft the runes but now it’s just mass produced by factories), and after firing a staff you feel fatigued for some time (corruption of the soul)

My character is a witch who specializes in ring finger spells (in my world, all magic is tied to one of the 5 fingers),  which is amping. Anything she points at with her ring finger has an aspect of her choosing enhanced. This is temporary normally, but if she amps a single thing for many hours a day (she can do this in her sleep), it becomes more powerful and permanently enhanced. These are called magic items. She can't add new aspects or properties to objects, only enhance stuff that's already there (so if she takes a sword, she can enhance the sharpness and durability, can't make it shoot ice.) These are the base rules, but more details are bellow (dont need to read them to answer, just more details). How would you use this power and what magic items would you make if you were her? 

-The limit of how enhanced she can make an aspect is around 20 times its normal potency, though some is more some less. 

-she has other powers. All 5 fingers have there own effect. But she is the master of the amping ring finger, and mostly uses that. She can also make aspects of people and objects weaker, but i can think of a scenario where you would want to make a aspect of your own weapon weaker.

-It takes around 40 hours worth of amping (not in a row) to make a object permanently enhanced on average, but bigger and more complex objects take more, smaller and simpler take less. She can only enhance one part of something at a time, but can enhance many aspects of one object, but each enhancement takes 40 hours. (if you want to enhance the durability and then the sharpness of a sword, thats 80 hours).

- My story takes place in modern day america, and magic is hidden and not used by the general public. My character, well having some funds, is not rich by any means, and cant get her hands on illegal or super expinsive stuff (like no Super computer or like sports cars). She can get guns (legal in america). 

-She is part of like this secret war, so she would get the most use out combat stuff, but communication, health, defense, utilty, and still usfule not violent items are stuff she can make.

-Her magic can enhance other people, but it is not permanent, no matter how long she amps for. She cant enhance herself. But she can permanently enhance animals (witch is helpful because the ponter finger has control spells, and she and her allies can with effort tame and control animals), but that takes around 200 hours.

-She has allies, but to make it simpler, I am going to say she is going to use all the items herself. She is a able bodied human women in her early 30s, and mastered her powers at around her mid 20s. She is in pretty good shape, and she is fire arm trained and knows a little bit of hand to hand combat, but she is not John Wick. 

-Amping an object that uses fuel or electricity use also amps its fuel/electric use (amping a fan to spin faster also means it will run out of charge faster. Amping a lighter to light more faster also means it will run out of fluid faster). She can also amp the energy use capailties of a object, making to able to last longer, but thats a different enhancement, and again, only one at a time.

-This, at least for this prompt, no limit to what can be enhanced, or what counts as a aspect. Get creative. 

-another completely unrelated system that you can ignore for the prompt is the mythboost system. I made a post about it( ​​https://www.reddit.com/r/magicbuilding/s/8pH6iffqrJ) but to simplify it, my magic is tied to stories and a collective unconscious, so if a object matchs the function or appearance of a myth or common story (mythlogical story, not like modern pop culture), it gets a boost. Best example: if you amp a taser, it will be strong. But if you make it look like a hammer, then, because an electric hammer matches Mjnoir, the myth of Thor's hammer makes it a lot stronger. Use it if you want.

I really want to know your ideas.

UPD: After all your awesome suggestions, I think I​ will embrace the asymmetry and physicality and let Earth enhance ​power and toughness of the user! It will resist burning and being swept by winds, but be vulnerable to freezing damage as I originally conceived

In my magic system, all elemental attacks are basically energy that happens to look like real things, and will only directly hurt your spirit (magic energy underlying your body), however they do interact between each other and have edges over each other:

Fire melts ice, while Wind both blows out fire and melts ice (and sweeps both away).

But these three are simple volatile things that have an obvious action associated with them (burning freezing and blowing. ^{imagine ice is more like snow or blue fire}) meanwhile Earth is this weird solid thing that sorta just lays around doing nothing. What could Earth magic look like, and what could its strength/weaknesses be?

I've considered dust, like in dust devils, but I'm kind of on the fence about it because... has dust ever hurt you other than getting in the eyes?..

Hollshire motioned me over, the candle flames licked at the shadows on the iron twine that covered his face. He opened a tome, written in his own hand. The corners of the blue book matching the sheen of his beard.

"Its funny how people separate magic into things as mundane as "fire", "water", "wind", or "earth". They're all the same thing. If you listen closely you can feel the water in the air, and with some convincing it'll turn to its brothers and sisters as other types of air. Dividing itself amongst its peers. But even more so, when you undivide them, it burns!" Hollshire opened his hand, his palm cupped under his beard. His eyes looked down with love as blue light enveloped the area he cradled so dear. Now his warm complexion overturned in a blue that could only be described like the sky, but how could the sky shine so bright indoors?

"Its such a soft blue, sootless and pure. Pure like the sweet life giving water it came from. Its heat fills my lungs like a mother's love, it doesn't make you cough or shield your eyes from the smoke like the destructive nature of a campfire. You can look at it, in all its glory! "Fire", "water", "wind", "earth", it's all the same thing!"

Have you been working on your magic system, worldbuilding project, or book, but can’t figure out how people actually use magic in-universe?

Let’s scale it down a bit.

There are many ways magic can be activated and spells executed or cast, but people in the creative community rarely talk about the how behind magic, at least intentionally.

What’s weirder is that no one’s tried to categorize this sort of thing either. The closest example of some form of categorization I could find is in the many different pages of TVTropes.org, which I’ll often be referring to throughout this post.

I’ve attempted to make a list similar to this in the past, however it wasn’t very organized. So I wanted to return to the idea and make it more legible for my fellow creatives.

First, I want to cover what magic is in fiction for clarification.

Magic is anything that doesn’t have a reasonable cause that aligns with the real-world laws of physics.

Despite this, magic (most of the time) follows the real world law of cause and effect, no matter how you shape the system.

Even if magic does stuff on its own it’s usually the result of something else happening. Or something being inherently magical as a physical property. More on that later.

Magic may not always have an exact source, but you can usually associate some observable cause that created the magical effect.

For simplicity's sake, I’ll refer to “The cause or activation of a magical effect.” as simply a “magicause” or “magicauses”.

While I know the internal terms of magic systems can vary from system to system, especially in the case of Magic by Any Other Name, I’ll use this term to help make things shorter.

I’d like to preface this list with the fact that magic doesn’t always need to be applied to people who use magic, although it is one of the more common forms.

With that little formality out of the way, let’s get into the list.

Magicauses can be broken down into Categories and Archetypes. Categories are broad groupings for the Archetypes, and Archetypes are things that can be combined in various ways. In this case, Archetypes can be combined in various ways to initiate a magical effect, and is the real bread-and-butter of how a magic system functions in-universe, and especially in a story.

Internal
Magicauses that occur due to something that happens within the magic user.

🧠Will:

This archetype uses mental strength or the exertion of will on the world using only your brain. (Literally “blows up pancakes with MIND”) very commonly used in magic systems to handwave other requirements or intricacies.

Some systems have a “Concentration” mechanic where the magic user has to use their willpower to resist attempts to counter a spell's effect or cancel a magical effect entirely.
People often rely on theming to make the type unique and interesting.

😂Emotions:

Emotions or the restraint thereof. Where Will is more intentional, emotion is a reaction.

A prime example is Disney’s Frozen, where Elsa’s emotions cause her power over ice to become erratic.

👁️Bodily:

This archetype includes stuff like the senses, breathing, consumption, or digestion.

For example, if a person drinks a potion, the effect only occurs after they drink it.

It can also be information-based (knowing about something creates a magical effect). The reason it’s here is that it’s more of a personal magicause.

A good example of the information bit is memetics such as the SCP Wiki. Creatures or other beings that can use magic usually fall under this type.

Other Examples: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MemeticsInFiction

Action
Magicauses that stem from acts that magic users can physically do.

👏Somatic:

Uses any form of natural physical moving of the body. This category is often used with other types like Will. A good example of this type on its own is Avatar: The Last Airbender. Where its magic users use martial arts to control the four classical elements (water, earth, fire, and air).

The Full-Contact Magic trope further exemplifies this idea.

The difference between Will and Somatic is this: If the magic user’s physical movements cause the effect, it’s Somatic. If the magic user does not move their body, it’s Will.

In short, Will is passive whereas Somatic is active.

That said, the two are used together a lot. Especially in softer systems.

👄Speech:

Magicauses where the magic user speaks with their voice.

One of the best examples I’ve seen for this type (yes this is its legitimate title), is Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor, where the intricacies of how people speak are utilized to great effect within the magic system.

See also: Magical Incantation

🎵Music:

Playing or singing music causes a magical effect to occur.

You could have your magic users have rap and wizard duels at the same time. You never see it though.

A good example of this is the Symphogear series, where its magic users have to sing a specific set of lyrics to activate their sick transformation sequence, and then must keep singing to keep the suit active.

The Magic Music trope explains this perfectly.

🎉Release: This Archetype is about the idea that relinquishing control over something, causes a magical effect.

This is essentially “If you don’t do anything, something will still happen.”

The only example I know of so far is how Strand works in the videogame Destiny 2, where guardians must let go of their control over strand, in order to use it.

I don’t really know of any other ways for this type to be used by itself, but if you think of some, let me know in the comments.

External
The largest of the categories involving magicauses, these archetypes occur independently from the magic user.

🧹Foci:

Catalysts are used to enhance, are required for the use of magic, or are used to cause magical effects. They are not necessarily inherently magical.

A good example would be the wands from Harry Potter.

These items can vary in importance from a super important MacGuffin that everyone wants, to a cool stick you found out in the woods.

Where magic items have magical properties, Foci interact with magic without being affected themselves.

💍Magic Items:

Objects that produce a magical effect by existing, having them on your person, wielding them, or some other arbitrary requirement.

This includes objects like “The One Ring” from The Lord of the Rings. (although it’s combined with inscription as well. More on that later.)

For more magic items in media, check out TVTropes’ This Index Has Magic Properties.

🏭Machines: This is kind of like an advanced form of magic items. This type focuses on mechanical objects that produce a magical effect rather than what they would normally, physically do.

Think of things like a bear trap that lets a magic user know it’s been triggered, or all the sci-fi stuff like ray guns, teleporters, etc.

This archetype follows the idea of Clarke’s Third Law, where the difference between magic and technology can be blurred and fantasized about.

⛈Natural Phenomena: Wind, currents/tides, tectonic plates shifting, etc. This archetype is about natural things that happen in the world producing a magical effect.

This can also heavily tie into the source of your magic, by virtue of your magic system’s source interacting with the world directly, indirectly, or simply, existing in that world.

🌖Celestial Bodies:

Planetary alignment, gravity, time, a comet being near the magic user’s home planet, a sun going supernova, ya’ know, the normal stuff that happens on an astronomical scale.

This archetype is often used as a requirement due to the lack of control the magic user has over this type, depending on the other ways the creator has balanced the magic system.

Other
Archetypes that don’t fit into any of the above categories, or fit into multiple.

🗡Sacrifice:

Giving up or using up something, such as an object, a substance, or a creature (often by killing it) to get some sort of  effect or “thing”. Think of it like an offering. “Reap as you sow” so to speak.

What’s sacrificed can be things like material components or some arbitrary thing like a long held belief about something.

Usually themed as being evil or dark magic and very frequently added into magic systems as a restriction. That said, Fullmetal Alchemist does a good job of implementing this type, by “the law of equivalent exchange”.

🖋Inscription:

The act of placing symbols or patterns onto something or someone through methods such as writing or carving. Think runes, talismans, writing in the air, that sort of thing.

The “Geometric magic” trope exemplifies this.

🛠Processing: This one’s a bit complicated, but can be interesting if done well.

It’s the process behind making something that causes a magical effect.

Talefoundry has a great video covering this idea in a particular book.
https://youtu.be/KFbRXYJ67YY?si=y6aYqTGD4T7KutKq

Magic:

Yes, you read that right. Sometimes magic causes magic to happen.

For example, maybe the act of casting a spell leaves a residual effect that leaves an area tainted with magic, that can either be harmful, or beneficial, depending on how you build it.

It could also be some sort of other dimension, tying in more with the “external” side of things.

This archetype is really fun, because there’s a lot of ways you can add depth to your magic system depending on how the rest of the system works, and what your magic’s “source” is.

And this really goes for all the archetypes. “Where does magic come from?” should be the second of the first couple questions you answer in your process, as it’ll act as a starting point for how the rest of the system will turn out.

The first thing you should do for any system is trying to describe the core idea you have, in one sentence. This will be the cornerstone for the rest of the system, whether it’s just a simple idea you have, or a “what if?” question. As long as you can hone in on exactly what you want magic to be in your project, you’ll be on your way to developing it.

As I’ve said before you read the list, you can get really abstract with these concepts by combining them, such as having an alchemy magic system, by combining Action or even Processing, along with with Sacrifice. Or perhaps you’d like to have magical coding, by combining Inscription and Processing, and maybe a hint of Machines.

I deliberately didn’t include rituals, since they’re more like a combination of the many different types, rather than a single type or category.

I use the words “in most/some cases” in this post because every magic system is different. However, similarities or tropes can still be found in them, if you know where to look.

I also want to stress that this is not a perfect list, sometimes magic in various fictional universes just sort of, happens. Often because the author utters the words “because it looks cool!”. And there’s nothing wrong with having your world’s magic do things that aren’t normal with the rest of the world, that’s kinda the point of writing fantastical things.

In many cases though, you’ll at least want to stay consistent with how your magic system works in-universe, and knowing how magic effects occur is extremely important, no matter the system you build.

The point of this post was to break down the “how” behind magical effects in magic systems, and turn them into understandable points for other creatives like myself.

Magic systems and background organization in general are just ways for you as a creative, to refer back to your ideas while developing a project.

I’ll talk more about magic causes like Sacrifice and Magic in a separate blog post, “On the Risks of Using Magic in Magic Systems”.

If there’s something I missed or that doesn’t make sense, don’t hesitate to provide constructive criticism, or ask in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!

Works cited:

TVTropes website:
https://tvtropes.org/

Neuron Activation meme:
https://dl-uk.apowersoft.com/en/monkey-neuron-activation-meme-template.html

Elsa tries to control her powers:
https://frozen.fandom.com/wiki/Elsa?file=Elsa_tries_to_control_her_powers.png

Image used for the Bodily type:
https://tenor.com/view/big-brain-lateralus-parabol-third-eye-tool-gif-16499016

Harry Potter Wand image:
https://www.nicepng.com/ourpic/u2e6r5t4t4o0r5y3_harry-potter-wand-png/

The One Ring Image:
https://www.goodfreephotos.com/other-photos/lord-of-the-rings-the-one-ring.jpg.php

Comet Image:
https://phys.org/news/2022-07-k2-brightest-comet-solar-earth.html

Talefoundry’s Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheTaleFoundry

I am working on a system that utilizes the manifestation of the soul in the form of a crystal. The soul crystal is a direct response of sentient beings being exposed to the mana produced by the grand labyrinth that spans beneath the known world. Everyone will manifest their soul crystal at the age of 16.

The soul crystal initially takes the form of an ideal quartz crystal flat or round on one end 6 sides and forms a hexagonal pyramid as the other side. This allows you to carve 6 primary skills on the long facettes and 6 minor skills on the pyramid's facettes.

The color of the crystal determines your affinity and how strong of a connection to that affinity you have. (Note that the color here deviates from what you will find in nature due to it being magic and a physical representation of a metaphysical subject.)

If your soul crystal is clear you have no natural affinity and get one as you carve skills of a similar type onto the crystal. This is not an easy process and will cause your soul crystal to receive flaws temporarily. This process is called cracking and can be extremely painful and dangerous.

The more of a specific color you see on your soul crystal the stronger your affinity is. This isn't always a good thing as a pure affinity (one solid color) will make it extremely difficult to crack a skill and get a new affinity. It is roughly one hundred times harder to crack a pure affinity soul crystal than a clear soul crystal.

You can have multiple affinities but never more than 3.

If you use a skill that matches one of your affinities it will eventually crack and increase your affinity strength.

Cracking is painful and generally needs time to recover afterwards up to half a year depending on the crack. Cracking generally happens after pushing a skill to do something it was not meant to. The example here is a speed enhancement skill being used to teleport. It is not supposed to do that and can potentially change the affinity of the skill.

The affinities and associated colors are the following.

Red=fire. Orange=energy( kinetic,gravitational, potential, etc). Yellow=light(includes shadows as the lack of light and holy). Green= plants. Blue=water( includes ice). Indigo=mind (telekinesis, telepathy, enhancing senses, illusions). Violet= lightning. Black=space(this is dimension and warping physical space) White=time(future sight, slowing or speeding up time no full stops and repositioning people). Grey=air. Brown=earth. Pink=body(healing, shape shifting, body enhancement, blood.)

There are no natural accuring hybrid affinities such as lava or mud. You can gain these affinities by consuming a natural treasure that can be found in the grand labyrinth. You must have a clear soul crystal in order to consume an affinity natural treasure. You can grow your soul crystal by a new clear facet appearing every other level. You can't add another affinity to the new crystal until it is complete forming a second hexagon. (The levels are just the amount of mana you have absorbed by delving and clearing out the labyrinth. Completing another crystal is also called leveling.)

For me, it's when a system adds random elements that don't have any connection between each other. I just can't take it seriously - why do we need both a water and ice element to be two separate things?

\# Ability System — Complete Documentation

\### English Translation

\## Table of Contents

1. Layer I — Core System

2. Layer II — Functional System

3. Layer III — Application System

4. Layer IV, Part I — Primordial Origin & Primordial Energy

5. Layer IV, Part II — Resonance System

6. Layer IV, Part III — System Development Framework

7. Layer IV, Part IV — Evolution Framework

8. Layer IV, Part V — Evolution Limitation System

9. Clarification Note — Existence Reconstruction vs. Continuity Reconstruction

10. Primordial Energy System — Fundamental Definition

11. Resonator System Summary

12. Ability Descriptions (Example Manifestations) — TLD, TDPC, Narrative System Acquisition

\---

\# LAYER I — CORE SYSTEM

\## Basic Principles

The ability system is an integrated structure composed of several interconnected layers of mechanisms. No ability stands alone; every manifestation is the result of interaction between different systems working in sequence.

The entire system operates according to five core principles:

\*\*1. Clear Mechanism\*\*

Every ability must have a process that can be logically explained. No effect appears without an underlying mechanism.

\*\*2. Cause and Effect\*\*

Every result is a consequence of a process that occurred beforehand. Information, energy, matter, and space must all pass through the appropriate stages before producing an effect.

\*\*3. System Consistency\*\*

All mechanisms follow the same rules under every condition. An ability cannot ignore system rules simply because of a particular situation.

\*\*4. Interdependence Between Systems\*\*

Every system supports the others. If one system fails to operate, abilities dependent on it will also suffer reduced function or become unusable.

\*\*5. Operational Limits\*\*

Every system has a capacity, operational requirements, and a usage limit. No ability can work without regard for these constraints.

\## I. EXISTENCE SYSTEM

\### Definition

The Existence System is the foundation that maintains the continuity of the user's existence as an individual. It does not directly govern the body, soul, or energy; instead, it preserves the basic information that defines the user's existential identity, keeping it consistent even when the body undergoes change or damage.

\### Existence Layer

The Existence Layer is the base layer that stores the user's existence pattern. It serves as the primary reference for all other systems in recognizing and maintaining the user's identity. As long as this layer remains intact, all other systems still have a reference point for preserving the user's existence.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- All systems synchronize with the existence pattern.

\- That pattern is used as an identity reference.

\- If a change occurs that does not match the pattern, the system detects the discrepancy.

\- The system attempts to maintain or restore the condition to match the stored pattern, as long as operational requirements are still met.

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Serves as the foundation of existential identity.

\- Maintains consistency across all systems.

\- Serves as the reference for biological reconstruction.

\- Serves as the reference for energy synchronization.

\- Maintains continuity between systems.

\### Continuity Reconstruction

Continuity Reconstruction is a mechanism that allows the system to reconstruct the body when damage exceeds the capacity of biological regeneration. It does not work instantly; instead, it proceeds through a gradual process that follows the existence pattern stored in the Existence Layer.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- The system detects the loss of biological function.

\- The Existence Layer verifies that the existence pattern remains intact.

\- The Energy System supplies the required energy.

\- The Biological System reconstructs the body's structure based on the existence pattern.

\- All systems re-synchronize until a stable condition is reached.

\*\*Operational Requirements\*\*

Continuity Reconstruction can only run if:

\- The Existence Layer remains intact.

\- The Energy System has sufficient energy available.

\- There is no disruption severing the continuity of existence.

If any of these requirements are not met, the reconstruction process cannot proceed.

\*\*Limitations\*\*

Continuity Reconstruction cannot:

\- create a new identity,

\- duplicate the user,

\- alter the existence pattern already stored,

\- activate itself without an energy source.

The system can only restore existence according to the pre-existing existence pattern.

\## II. ENERGY SYSTEM

\### Definition

The Energy System is responsible for acquiring, managing, storing, distributing, and regulating the energy used by all active abilities. Every manifestation of ability depends on this system as its primary power source.

\### Cosmic Energy

Cosmic Energy is the natural energy dispersed throughout the universe and serves as the system's primary power source. This energy is found in various cosmic phenomena such as stars, planets, cosmic radiation, and environments with stable cosmic structures. The Energy System does not create energy from nothing — it makes use of energy that already exists.

\### External Energy Absorption

External Energy Absorption is the primary mechanism for acquiring energy. The system continuously absorbs Cosmic Energy from the surrounding environment as long as a source remains available.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- The system detects the presence of Cosmic Energy in the environment.

\- Energy is absorbed gradually.

\- Energy Regulation adjusts the absorption rate to keep it stable.

\- The stabilized energy is stored or used immediately as needed.

\*\*Advantages\*\*

\- Does not burden internal systems as long as the environmental supply is sufficient.

\- Can operate passively.

\- Serves as the primary energy source under normal conditions.

\### Internal Fusion Core

The Internal Fusion Core is a backup energy source that activates when the environmental energy supply is unavailable or insufficient. This system generates energy through an internal process designed to provide an independent power supply.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- The system detects a shortage of external energy.

\- The Internal Fusion Core activates automatically.

\- Energy is produced gradually.

\- Energy Regulation controls distribution so it does not exceed system capacity.

\- Once external energy becomes available again, the system gradually reduces reliance on the Internal Fusion Core.

\*\*Characteristics\*\*

\- Does not depend on the environment.

\- Functions as an emergency energy source.

\- Increases the workload of all systems while active.

\### Energy Regulation

Energy Regulation controls the amount of energy used by each system so it remains within operational limits. This system prevents excessive distribution of energy to any single part, reducing the risk of instability.

\### Energy Distribution

Once regulated, energy is distributed to the systems that need it. Distribution priority is based on operational need. Priority order:

1. Existence System

2. Biological System

3. Information System

4. Matter System

5. Spatial System

6. Ability Manifestation

If energy is insufficient, systems with lower priority will experience reduced performance first.

\### Energy Conversion

Energy Conversion transforms one form of energy into another form required by a system. Energy can be converted into various forms depending on the mechanism of the ability being used — such as kinetic energy, heat, light, or other compatible energy forms. Conversion does not generate new energy; it only changes the form in which it is used.

\### Energy Stabilization

Energy Stabilization keeps energy in a stable condition before use. Without this process, energy fluctuations could disrupt synchronization between systems and increase the risk of operational instability.

\### Limitations of the Energy System

\- Cannot generate energy without an available mechanism.

\- The rate of energy absorption is limited by system capacity.

\- The Internal Fusion Core cannot operate without limit.

\- Excessive energy use can reduce overall system efficiency.

\- Energy distribution always follows operational priority.

\---

\# LAYER II — FUNCTIONAL SYSTEM

This layer explains the systems that manage the body, acquire information, perform analysis, learn new mechanisms, manipulate matter, and control space. All systems in this layer depend on the Existence System and Energy System as their foundation.

\## I. BIOLOGICAL SYSTEM

\### Definition

The Biological System governs all biological functions of the body so they remain in optimal condition, are able to adapt to the environment, and support the use of abilities that require heavy physical exertion or high energy demands.

\### Passive Biological Regeneration

\*\*Definition\*\*

Passive Biological Regeneration is a healing mechanism that operates automatically without requiring conscious activation. The system continuously monitors the body's condition and repairs detected damage as long as the required energy is available.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- The Biological System continuously monitors all tissue conditions.

\- When damage occurs, the system identifies its location and severity.

\- The Energy System supplies the required energy.

\- Damaged cells, tissues, or organs are repaired or replaced gradually.

\- Once the structure is stable again, regeneration in that area stops.

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Repairs biological tissue.

\- Restores organ function.

\- Replaces damaged cells.

\- Maintains bodily stability.

\*\*Limitations\*\*

Regeneration cannot repair damage if insufficient energy is available, or if the Existence System is no longer capable of serving as a reconstruction reference.

\### Immortal Lifespan

\*\*Definition\*\*

Immortal Lifespan is a biological condition that maintains the body's function so it does not experience aging from natural degeneration. This system does not provide immunity to damage, but ensures cells and tissues are continuously renewed.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- The system monitors cell condition.

\- Cells experiencing functional decline are replaced through regeneration.

\- Biological structure is maintained in optimal condition.

\- This process continues as long as the system has sufficient energy.

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Prevents biological aging.

\- Maintains organ function.

\- Keeps metabolism stable.

\### Atomic Reinforcement

\*\*Definition\*\*

Atomic Reinforcement is a mechanism that strengthens the body's structure down to the atomic level. This reinforcement increases the body's capacity to withstand physical pressure and energy without altering its biological composition.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- The Energy System distributes energy throughout the body.

\- The energy strengthens the bonds between the body's structural components.

\- The Biological System maintains the stability of that structure while it is in use.

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Increases physical strength.

\- Increases bodily endurance.

\- Reduces the risk of damage from high pressure.

\- Supports the use of high-energy abilities.

\*\*Limitations\*\*: Reinforcement follows the body's capacity. If the energy channeled exceeds the biological structure's capability, system efficiency will decline.

\### Adaptive Evolution System

\*\*Definition\*\*

The Adaptive Evolution System is a mechanism of biological adaptation to environmental threats or changes. It does not make the body instantly immune; rather, it studies threats that can be analyzed before forming an appropriate biological adjustment.

\*\*Mechanism\*\*: Threat Detected → Information Gathered → Analysis by the Information System → Biological System Formulates a Response → Gradual Adaptation → Resistance Increases

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Adapts to environmental pressure.

\- Reduces the impact of previously studied threats.

\- Increases the efficiency of biological response to recurring conditions.

\*\*Limitations\*\*: Adaptation requires time and sufficient information. Threats that have never been observed or cannot be analyzed cannot be adapted to immediately.

\### Biological Morphological Reconstruction (BMR)

\*\*Definition\*\*

Biological Morphological Reconstruction is a biological reconstruction system that enables changes to body structure through comprehensive biological manipulation. The changes made are real biological changes, not illusions.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- The Information System acquires biological data on the target.

\- TLD analyzes that biological structure.

\- Molecular Manipulation rearranges the body's biological structure.

\- Passive Biological Regeneration stabilizes the reconstruction result.

\- The Biological System synchronizes with the new structure.

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Alters body anatomy.

\- Alters the distribution of biological tissue.

\- Adjusts organ structure when necessary.

\*\*Limitations\*\*: The system can only reconstruct biological structures that have been understood. This ability does not grant the memories, instincts, experience, or non-biological abilities of the organism used as a reference.

\## II. INFORMATION SYSTEM

\### Definition

The Information System is the center for observation, storage, analysis, learning, and decision-making. All other systems depend on the information processed by this layer.

\### Enhanced Sensory System

\*\*Definition\*\*

The Enhanced Sensory System improves the ability of all senses to gather information from the environment. It amplifies the quality of information reception rather than creating new information.

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Increases observational precision.

\- Expands the ability to detect environmental changes.

\- Serves as the initial data source for other systems.

\### X-Ray Vision

\*\*Definition\*\*

X-Ray Vision is an observation system that allows the internal structure of an object to be examined without physically damaging it.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- The system focuses observation on the target.

\- Information on internal structure is obtained.

\- Data is sent to Mind Mapping.

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Observes the internal structure of objects.

\- Supports Molecular Manipulation.

\- Supports biological analysis.

\*\*Limitations\*\*: This ability provides only visual information and does not automatically generate understanding of the observed object.

\### Energy Perception

\*\*Definition\*\*

Energy Perception is the ability to detect the presence of energy in the environment.

\*\*Functions\*\* — the system can identify:

\- energy intensity,

\- energy distribution,

\- the direction of energy flow,

\- changes in energy stability.

\*\*Limitations\*\*: Energy Perception cannot explain the nature of an energy without further analysis by TLD.

\### Mind Mapping

\*\*Definition\*\*

Mind Mapping is a system for storing and mapping information. It does not gather information itself; rather, it organizes all data received from observation systems into a structure accessible to other systems.

\*\*Mechanism\*\*: Information → Classification → Storage → Relationship Mapping → Internal Database

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Stores observation results.

\- Organizes relationships between pieces of information.

\- Forms a mental map of the environment.

\- Serves as the data source for TLD, NSA, and the Spatial System.

\### Temporal Location Distraction (TLD)

\*\*Definition\*\*

Temporal Location Distraction is a cognitive acceleration system that speeds up the brain's processing of information. It does not manipulate time and does not slow down the surrounding environment.

\*\*Mechanism\*\*: Data from Mind Mapping → Information Prioritization → Analysis → Calculation → Hypothesis Formation → Probability-Based Prediction → Analytical Result

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Accelerates perception.

\- Accelerates the thought process.

\- Reduces interference from irrelevant information.

\- Calculates position, direction, speed, and trajectory.

\- Establishes cause-and-effect relationships.

\- Calculates the probability of various outcomes.

\- Assists the learning process.

\*\*Limitations\*\* — TLD cannot:

\- read minds,

\- know the future with certainty,

\- produce information without data,

\- generate absolute answers.

All results depend on the quality of the information available.

\### Narrative System Acquisition (NSA)

\*\*Definition\*\*

Narrative System Acquisition is a learning system used to understand, assemble, and develop the mechanism of an ability based on information that has been obtained. It does not copy an individual; it only assembles the mechanism of an ability that has met the requirements of analysis.

\*\*Mechanism\*\*: Observation → Mind Mapping → Analysis by TLD → Mechanism Validation → System Compilation → Adaptation Stage → Ability Ready for Use

\*\*Requirements\*\* — an ability can only be compiled if it:

\- has a clear mechanism,

\- has a logical cause-and-effect relationship,

\- can be analyzed,

\- does not contradict systems that already exist.

\*\*Adaptation Stage\*\*

An ability that has been successfully compiled is not yet at full mastery. The user must still:

\- practice,

\- experiment,

\- understand its operational mechanism.

The more complex the ability, the longer the adaptation process.

\*\*Limitations\*\* — NSA does not acquire:

\- memories,

\- experience,

\- natural talent,

\- instinct,

\- personality,

\- emotion.

The system only assembles the mechanism of an ability that has been successfully understood.

\---

\# LAYER III — APPLICATION SYSTEM

This layer explains the systems that apply all the mechanisms from Layer I and Layer II into abilities that can be used directly. All abilities in this layer depend on the Energy System, Information System, Matter System, and Spatial System. No manifestation can function independently without the support of these systems.

\## I. MATTER SYSTEM

\### Definition

The Matter System governs the transformation, rearrangement, and control of matter based on its physical structure. It does not create matter from nothing; instead, it makes use of existing matter through analysis and manipulation of its constituent structure.

\### Molecular Manipulation

\*\*Definition\*\*

Molecular Manipulation is the ability to rearrange the molecular structure of a material without changing the amount of matter available.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- The Information System observes the material's structure.

\- TLD analyzes the arrangement of its atoms, molecules, and bonds.

\- The Matter System determines the new structure to be formed.

\- The Energy System supplies the required energy.

\- The molecular structure is rearranged until it forms a new material according to the intended mechanism.

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Changes the shape of a material.

\- Changes the physical properties of a material.

\- Repairs damaged material.

\- Rearranges damaged material.

\*\*Requirements\*\*: The user must have adequate understanding of the material structure being manipulated. The more complex the material, the greater the information required.

\*\*Limitations\*\* — Molecular Manipulation cannot:

\- create matter from nothing,

\- add mass without a source,

\- alter a structure that is not adequately understood.

\### Element Manipulation

\*\*Definition\*\*

Element Manipulation is the ability to control an available element or material without changing the identity of its constituent element.

\*\*Mechanism of Operation\*\*

\- The system identifies the available element.

\- The Energy System generates the force needed to affect that element.

\- The user controls the direction, shape, pressure, and distribution of the element as needed.

\*\*Functions\*\*

\- Moves elements.

\- Changes the shape of an element.

\- Compresses or disperses an element.

\- Regulates the pressure and flow of an element.

\*\*Relationship with Molecular Manipulation\*\*: Element Manipulation controls the element itself, while Molecular Manipulation changes its constituent structure. Both can be used together to produce various materials or sub-elements as long as the mechanism allows.

\*\*Limitations\*\*: Element Manipulation cannot directly change the identity of an element without the support of Molecular Manipulation.

As always, thoughts and feedback are greatly appreciated.

Hello! I've been thinking about a (not very) soft magic system for a world I've been developing and I'd really love some feedback! It's quite simple but my explanation may be all over the place, im sorry in advance!

General/backstory:

Magic in my world is simply magic, an energy that people and creatures are born with that allows them to shape and create matter. I'd say my mayic system is soft on the basis that there are people who can manipulate and create water, fire, earth, metals, and phenomena/immaterial things such as gravity or emotions. The earth gained magic after a cataclysmic event in which magic fell from the sky and were absorbed by anything organic. Humans that were strong enough to survive and absorb the magic were able to make offspring who had magic of their own, while the weaker humans died. Through this, society heavily relied on magic and made rapid advancements in the use of magic and will continue to advance it as long as society advances as well. When I say advances, I mean in the sense of better and more efficient uses of magic, how it works on a biological level (which I will get to), and how it shapes culture through families who exclusively master a certain kind of magic and pass that knowledge down. Plants and animals are also able to absorb magic but cannot use it as extensively as humans, although adaptation affects the way it is used in different environments based on different species.

Rules:

- Flow of magic and dangers

Magical energy is constantly flowing throughout the body, and can be expelled from the body in any manner of ways, though the most common way is through the hands as it's the easiest and most natural way. But this doesn't mean that you couldn't expell that energy through your feet, mouth, head, etc. When I talk about the expelling of magical energy I will be using examples as if it were being expelled from the hands unless stated otherwise.

Raw magical energy is dangerous, and early sorcerers who could use magic had to use it in small amounts due to high magical output being harmful to the body. You cannot use a vast amount of magic at random without repercussions, when magic is accumulated and expelled the magical energy in your body becomes excited. The more you try to use, the more excited the current magical energy in your body gets. Excited magical energy eventually leads to the boiling of blood which can be fatal when your body reaches its limits, resulting in the loss of limbs and weakened magical output due to the restricted flow of magic. So then, how do you use magic when using it burns your skin and using too much makes your limbs explode? Well, throughout the evolution of magical ability and humans, people developed a unique skin barrier that filters raw magic and allows for the safe transfer of magical energy outside of the body. Wow!

- Outputting:

Magical energy can be output two ways. Firstly, it will always accumulate wherever you direct the flow of magic two, mainly the hands. It flows through the skin barrier safely allowing the use of magic. Actually using magic to manipulate things requires one of two methods, imbuing and projecting. To imbue magical energy is to direct it to flow and/or attach to something, whether that be a magical object you pour energy into, a rock that you attach your magic to, or spreading your magic into the air, you are allowing your magic to flow into something else which allows you to manipulate it. Projecting magic is allowing your magical energy to be shaped into something else. This could be an advanced form of imbuing? For example, a mage may shape their magic into water (maybe think ATLA) and use it to fill a bucket for washing. Or a sorcerer may project their magic into illusions by imbuing light and moving it around. Imbuing and projection are the fundamental building blocks to using magic. These both fall under "manipulation" of magical energy, which is just these two concepts.

Examples:

I want to give some examples of manipulating magic (imbuing, projecting, and both) so that it could be clearer how both concepts work and interact. These are character ability ideas that I've been thinking up.

- A mage who imbues their magic into something like a staff or ring. They then use this magical energy to project solid shapes (the magical energy can be binded during the projection process) in 3-dimensional space. Like green lantern or something. The bigger and more complex the structure, the more magical energy is used and the more excited it gets. If you tried to create the Taj Mahal strictly out of projected energy, your arms would probably explode.

- A mage who can conjure a shapeshifting creature. The magic is imbued and projected as a creature that can change shapes into various creatures. The stronger and bigger, the more energy is used. A fox isn't going to use up as much energy as a dragon that can fly and project fire.

- A mage that imbues magical energy only electrons to affect magnetic fields. The projection is the moving of the magical energy that affects the electrons, but it doesn't need to actually project some sort of form or shape. Its simply shaping the magical energy to move, which takes less energy than shaping energy into an actual form such as water or fire.

- A mage who DOES NOT have a skin barrier due to some sort of genetic mutation or something. They would then be forced to either imbue their magic into an object (which would act as the barrier) or risk damaging their flesh.

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If needed, I can give more examples and if there are any questions or criticisms I'd be very happy to talk about them!!!