[quote=@Shayd]
<Snipped quote by Polybius>

I strongly agree with this. I'm considering the options, but again, this depends somewhat on the level of development...Can these people read? Can they write? If not, they certainly aren't sitting in libraries studying. Is magic learned or inherited? Where does it come from? If we agree that it exists at all....In an early civilization, if magic was to be taught, it would be an oral tradition, I should think. But it still had to come from somewhere in the first place, which is, I think, the point of writing a history...to answer these questions. And if I've just confused everyone else as thoroughly as I have myself, then it's going to be one of those days!
[/quote]
[quote=@Polybius]
<Snipped quote by clocktowerechos>

I disagree. I think magic is a great tool to make the world interesting, more vibrant and readible. The 'cool' factor if you will. Writing a world that is just renamed real-world pseudo-cultures doesn't exactly appeal to me (or anyone else reading it for that matter) what we need are hooks and plotlines just like any good novel. Instead I think we should all agree on a set rule of law for magic. 

I also think we should wait on using a map until more of the setting is understood/written. Thoughts?
[/quote]



I propose a magic system that's like the warp from 40k.

There is a separate "realm" where all the ideas, emotions and thoughts of all living things become real, for now we can call this is Arcanum. Once you have enough people doing a certain thing or believing in a certain thing, it will happen. So if one group of people have complete zealous devotion to their god or pantheon, said god will become real in the Arcanum. If there are a series of incredibly violent, bloody wars, there will be a god of war or bloodlust which will be formed.

This way, all living beings have a connection to the Arcanum but their minds "clouded" in the way that because they do not focus on a single idea or belief for long enough, they have little effect on it but can study/meditate/train to "tune" their minds thus becoming more powerful. There are also individuals who are naturally gifted with this "clear of mind" and can have greater access to the Arcanum without much training.

In terms of spells, this means that the more people you have focusing their minds on something like a fireball spell, the stronger it'll be because they are all believing in the power of the spell and are all focusing their efforts on making the spell a reality.