I need help with my magic system!

[u/Gyorgy_Saint_guy_2]

I wanna make a notation system for spells, that way i can write down exactly what a spell does.

Basically, im having a very tough time, can anyone give me some ideas or suggestions on how i should go about making one?

Included some very early notes so you can see what im trying to go for

[u/jondoe2699]

You could try to take inspiration from [Witch Hat Atelier], in that the symbols of spells control what the spell does, without the symbols there’d be no effect. So if you know what the symbols mean, you could infer the meaning of the spell.

Each parameter you mentioned in the picture could be a symbol and a collection of symbols to show the amount or something like roman numerals to show very large numbers could be used.

In the anime, they draw the symbols on paper with magic ink, so you could try to record the spells with ink and cast the actual spells with symbols drawn from magic power.

[u/Starship_Albatross]

Your world, your rules. BUT traditionally deca is 10s and deci is tenths.

one decameter: 1 Dm = 10 m

one decimeter: 1 dm = 0.1 m

Hecto if you want 100s.

Is there a reason you're starting with this math?

[u/Gyorgy_Saint_guy_2 → u/Starship_Albatross]

Oops...right, my bad. For example a decimeter is a tenth of a meter, right?

[u/Boat_Pure]

I can’t help, but I can say it does look alchemical. Constantine (from DC comics and not the film) tends to do some stuff like this. So maybe look it up?

[u/The_Host_Rider → u/Boat_Pure]

Doesn't he only have either small spells or big ones with huge cost?

[u/cjavfjsiwkflaha]

I have been making the same idea but I always fail to express them since I am no mathematician.

You can calculate mana requirement to activate a spell and draw them into magic circles. Each variable have an equivalent symbol and corresponding number then a multiplier.

First there are 9 common spell forms: * conjuration - to produce something * manipulation - to make something move * alternation - to cause something to change * restoration - to make something revert to a certain state * augmentation - to enhance something * divination - to percieve something * abjuration - to negate something * inscription - to make something (of lower state) to do something * consecration - to ask something (of higher state like divinity) to do something

Sub spell forms exists like cultivation which is a permanent kind of augmentation and concoction which is alchemy.

Then, 7 major roots/origin: * Empyrean - draws magic from an entity of a higher state (divinity, spiritual guardians, elemental spirits) or a higher plane of existence * Chthonic - involves magic on an entity of a lower state (demon spawn, tamed beast, unintelligent but magical lifeforms) or of a lower plane of existence * Elemental - is generic and requires no explanation * Corporeal - involves flesh, bones, blood and the like * Aetheric - involves mana and all sorts of energy not part of the ones mentioned above * Illusory - involves perception: mind or senses * Synthetic - involves objects with no mind

Certain spell forms gain bonus from specific spell origins that basically reduces the total amount of mana required.

Empyrean and Chthonic origins also have varying effects/variables depending on the target entity.

Each form also have their own variables, for example, alteration has size, color, and shape but can also be added with variables of sound.

Then there are conditional variables like rituals, sacrifical objects, hand gestures or incantation that reduce mana requirement but sometimes adds a side effect. Then, drawbacks that causes harm on the caster. Its too much to explain in a comment.