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Accessibility
Source
Where does the magic come from?
Key Questions:
- • Is it divine, natural, or artificial?
- • Does it require specific locations or conditions?
- • Is it finite or infinite?
- • Can the source be depleted or destroyed?
Examples:
Divine: Clerical magic from gods
Natural: Elemental forces, ley lines
Artificial: Mana crystals, enchanted items
Rarity
Can the magic be accessed commonly, or is it rare?
Key Questions:
- • What percentage of the population can access it?
- • Are there genetic or environmental factors?
- • Does it require special training or education?
- • Is it hereditary or can anyone learn it?
Examples:
Common: Everyone can learn basic spells
Rare: Only 1% born with ability
Elite: Requires expensive training
Eligibility
Who can access this magic?
Key Questions:
- • Are there age, gender, or race restrictions?
- • Do you need special bloodlines or ancestry?
- • Are there personality or moral requirements?
- • Can eligibility be lost or gained?
Examples:
Bloodline: Only descendants of ancient wizards
Virtue: Must be pure of heart
Training: Anyone who completes apprenticeship
Cost
Resources
What does one need in order to perform the magic?
Key Questions:
- • Are there material components required?
- • Do you need specific tools or implements?
- • Is there a monetary cost involved?
- • Are resources consumed or reusable?
Examples:
Materials: Rare herbs, precious metals
Tools: Wands, staffs, ritual circles
Energy: Mana, life force, emotions
Procedure
What does one have to do physically?
Key Questions:
- • Are there specific gestures or movements?
- • Do you need to speak incantations?
- • How long does the process take?
- • Can the procedure be interrupted?
Examples:
Quick: Instant with thought or gesture
Ritual: Hours of preparation and ceremony
Complex: Requires multiple steps and timing
Tradeoffs
What does one give up in order to do the magic?
Key Questions:
- • Is there a physical toll on the caster?
- • Do you sacrifice memories or emotions?
- • Are there social or moral consequences?
- • Does it shorten lifespan or cause aging?
Examples:
Physical: Exhaustion, pain, injury
Mental: Memories, sanity, emotions
Social: Reputation, relationships, status
Effect
Limitations
What are the limits of the magic power?
Key Questions:
- • Is there a range or distance limit?
- • Are there time constraints on effects?
- • Can it affect living vs non-living things?
- • Are there size or scale limitations?
Examples:
Range: Only works within line of sight
Duration: Effects fade after 24 hours
Target: Cannot affect sentient beings
Consistency
Does the magic always work the same way each time?
Key Questions:
- • Are there random or chaotic elements?
- • Does skill level affect reliability?
- • Are there environmental factors?
- • Can magic fail or backfire?
Examples:
Predictable: Always produces same result
Variable: Strength varies with conditions
Chaotic: Unpredictable outcomes possible
Consequences
What dangers or benefits does the magic bring?
Key Questions:
- • Are there unintended side effects?
- • Does it affect the environment?
- • Are there long-term consequences?
- • Can it be used for healing or harm?
Examples:
Environmental: Pollutes area with magical residue
Personal: Gradually changes caster's nature
Social: Creates dependency or addiction
Acceptance
Ubiquity
How much does the average person encounter the magic in their daily life?
Key Questions:
- • Is magic used in everyday tasks?
- • Are there magical services or businesses?
- • Do people rely on magic for basic needs?
- • Is magic integrated into infrastructure?
Examples:
Ubiquitous: Magic lights, heating, transportation
Common: Healing, communication, entertainment
Rare: Only in emergencies or special occasions
Taboo
What social customs or pressures are placed on using the magic?
Key Questions:
- • Are certain types of magic forbidden?
- • Are there religious or cultural restrictions?
- • Is magic associated with evil or corruption?
- • Are there social stigmas attached?
Examples:
Forbidden: Necromancy, mind control
Restricted: Only in private or designated areas
Stigmatized: Associated with lower classes
Laws
What rules and requirements are placed on using the magic?
Key Questions:
- • Is magic regulated by government?
- • Are there licensing or certification requirements?
- • Are there penalties for misuse?
- • Is magic use monitored or tracked?
Examples:
Regulated: Requires permits and training
Monitored: Magic use is tracked and logged
Restricted: Certain spells require approval
Case Studies: Magic Systems in Popular Fiction
Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)
Accessibility:
Wizarding ability is hereditary but requires formal education. Source is innate magical blood.
Cost:
Requires wands, incantations, and specific gestures. Can cause exhaustion with overuse.
Effect:
Highly variable effects, some spells are unforgivable. Magic can backfire or be blocked.
Acceptance:
Hidden from non-magical society. Regulated by Ministry of Magic with strict laws.
Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson)
Accessibility:
Allomancy is genetic, only certain bloodlines can burn metals. Source is metallic arts.
Cost:
Requires specific metals to burn. Limited by metal reserves and personal strength.
Effect:
Each metal has specific, predictable effects. Can be enhanced through training.
Acceptance:
Noble houses control access. Mistborn are rare and highly valued by society.
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