Magic

What is the source of magic in your world?

E.g., does magic come from nature, energy, divine power, a scientific phenomenon, etc.?

What can magic do in your world?

From mundane tasks to extraordinary feats?

What can’t magic do in your world?

Consider limits based on resources, skill, or inherent laws in your world.

How common is magic in your world?

E.g., is it rare and secretive, or a common part of daily life?

What fundamental principles govern magic?

Consider conservation, equivalence, etc. How do these principles create opportunities and limitations for magic users?

What mysteries or unknowns remain about magic?

What is being done about it?

What different kinds of magic exist in your world?

Are these types tied to geography, culture, or lineage?

How do the types of magic differ from one another?

In terms of effects? Limitations? Underlying principles? Write a scene where two practitioners of different magical types interact.

How is each type of magic perceived?

Are some more prestigious than others? Feared? Distrusted?

What are the specializations within each type of magic?

Think of schools, sub-branches, regional variations, etc.?

How have types and specializations evolved over time?

Think magical innovation, adaptation, discoveries, etc.?

Are there forbidden types of magic?

What happens to those who use them?

How do individuals gain magical ability?

Write about a character discovering their magical ability for the first time.

What different paths exist to learning magic?

Think formal education, self-study, etc.? Write a character choosing between two distinct magical training paths.

How is magic honed?

Think schools, master-apprentice relationships, guilds, secret societies, etc.?

What formal institutions for magical learning exist, if any?

How do institutions differ in philosophy, approach, or reputation?

How long does it typically take to master magic?

Consider complexity, type, individual aptitude, etc. Are there accelerated methods or lifelong learning paths?

What challenges or obstacles do learners face?

Think difficulty, danger, competition, magical incompatibilities, etc.?

How is magic cast or activated?

Think gestures, spoken words, written symbols, runes, particular materials, etc.? Are there multiple methods for the same spell?

What materials or tools are required to cast magic, if any?

E.g., wands, staves, ingredients, inks, artifacts, etc.? What tools are essential, and what are optional?

What are the costs or risks of using magic?

Think physical, mental, social, spiritual consequences, etc.? Are there any side effects to magic-casting?

How does skill level impact magic-casting?

Consider novice vs. master, basic vs. advanced spells, etc.

What are the consequences of magic going wrong?

Can magic fail, misfire, or backfire? How severe are the consequences?

How do the mechanics differ depending on the type of magic?

Are certain mechanics exclusive to particular schools of magic?

Who are the primary users of magic in your world?

Think about social class, species, specific professions, etc. Who naturally wields magic?

How does society view magic and those who use it?

Are attitudes different between regions, classes, or cultures?

What customs, etiquette, or rituals do magical societies have, if any?

Think greetings, ceremonies, taboos, etc.?

What social hierarchies based on magical ability exist?

Consider status, influence, and privileges.

How does magic interact with government and power?

If you think about power dynamics, who gains influence, and who is oppressed or restricted because of magical abilities?

How do magic users interact with non-magical society?

Write a scene where a magic user must disguise their abilities in everyday society.

How is magic regulated or governed?

Are there universal rules or region-specific codes?

What actions are considered illegal or unethical in the use of magic?

And what are the penalties or punishments for magical crimes?

Who enforces magical laws?

And what governing body has jurisdiction over magical practice?

How are new spells, discoveries, or magical techniques regulated?

Think approvals, patents, etc.?

What loopholes or grey areas exist in magical law?

How do magic users navigate these ambiguities?

How do ethics and morality shape magical practice?

How does this influence who uses magic and for what purposes?

What is the earliest known use of magic in this world?

Write a textbook's account of it. What myths or conflicting accounts might there be about the origins of magic?

Who are the legendary figures associated with the history of magic?

Think founders, innovators, rebels, etc.? How are they remembered today?

Which specific events or eras shaped the development of magic in your world?

Map out a timeline of it here.

How have magical practices evolved over time?

Think changes in methods, tools, education, etc.?

How has perception of magic shifted over time?

What made it change?

How has magic itself changed over time, if at all?

E.g., are today’s mages weaker than their ancestors, or has new knowledge made magic more powerful?