[hider=Hard and Fast Ruling in Mage Dueling]

These were limits for master level, which also works for the other various stages though their power level will still be determined by the 'level' they are at. These limits were made based on trust between both a GM and a player, hence why they are general and aren't so overwhelmingly detailed or exact.T These were made a while ago when some players showed concerns over the lacking limits on masters and why they didn't take over the world... these are why folks.  

Limitations: 

Focus and Concentration: A mage has to 'target' an individual in order to cast magic strong enough to kill. In addition the more tasks of a different varieties a mage is focusing on than the weaker their power is and lower success xir magic is powerful enough to accomplish this. For a total success, a mage would have to focus on nothing besides the effects of the spell which leaves them vulnerable for outside attack either by blade, magic or other means. This makes it impossible to dodge, to either lessen or avoid damage, without breaking concentration and weaenking the spell from an insta kill. The alternative would be taking taking the hit which would increase chances of injury and possibly risk death.   

Natural vs Manipulated Arcanite: With magics that can directly manipulate a mage, both mind and body, there is a slight delay and resistance in the beginning against living and sentient beings.This is because Mages are trying to alter the natural state of a complicated being and that isn't an easy feat, causing just enough time to quickly react. At most, several moments to only a second depending on the subject's reaction speed. This can range from a several moments to a second, though success is not always plausible.   

Sight: If a mage can't see xir target, either through magical means or others, then they can't target a subject for a heavily damaging spell. However, glimpses and brief spotting can allow it at points xir eyes set onto the desire target. This can cause heavy damage, though never an insta kill, and if done well can seriously cripple an opponent. 

Distance: A mage's spell is most powerful within their direct location, the closer xe are to a target the stronger xir magic is. Direct touch to the target is the strongest, short of insta kill, a master can accomplish while gained distance will weaken the power. When the target is out of sight, usually 500 feet, than xir out of range of the mage's influence.   

[/hider]