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