Came up with a brief set of general governing rule-sets for a simplified, low-mid tier magical archetype. [hider=Arcane/spiritual] Lenient and not very exploratory magical archetype. Magic is not well understood, and nearly impossible to research like a science. It's simple, despite that, requiring little to no explanation for use, and for all intents and purposes, pretty lame. Each individual type of magic has its own explanation, each player is capable of exploring their capabilities separate from one another, or any governing rules beyond "Mana" and "stamina" which allows plenty of creativity at the expense of order and depth. Magic at this point is considered a type of 'energy' that player can manipulate any way they want. Simple stuff, more applicable to 'heart and soul' anime-type tropes, where characters can shout [i]I'm really feeling it.[/i][/hider] [hider=Biological/science] The idea that magic is something inherently connected to life, and limited by an individual's race/physical abilities. Magic at this point cannot exceed a physical limiter. An example would be, citing an earlier RP of mine, magical nodes found in the body See here > [hider=Nodes]The latent energy flowing through every inch of Thoris' atmosphere, and its people. Mana is what allows sentient races, and the beasts of nature, to manipulate the aspects of magic and reality by harnesses it through the use of what magical scientists refer to as nodes. Nodes exist in the bodies of sentient races in abundance, and allow different abilities to manifest with differing severity, supply, and effect. Some are born with unusual node correspondence, allowing them the mimic, or outright copy the magic that their racial restrictions would normally not allow, like granting humans manipulation over the mind, or Felis the ability to tap into healing abilities. Likewise, some are born without Nodes at all, albeit a rare occurrence. Furthermore, some races lack the natural affinity with magic to maintain their nodes without practising magic on a regular basis. In cases like this, non-casters can permanently lose their ability to harness Mana as their nodes shrivel up, and die. Magic falls into many classifications, but is bound by a single set of universal rules, which are as follows: All Mana exists indefinitely, and cannot be destroyed by normal means. It may only be redistributed, changed, and applied. As such a rule exists, complications arise when using magic who's sole purpose is destruction, as it defies the natural order of nature. Magic is one with matter. Down to the very core of atoms, Mana is present, making up the very building blocks of reality, from the soil to the trees. It flows naturally, without guidance, through the blood of earth's creatures, and composes the planet we stand upon. As such a rule exists, magic that already serves a purpose, to compose a tree, or keep the human heart pumping blood, is extensively difficult to manipulate. Sentient creatures have a significant link with their own Mana, giving it a direct link with their soul. As such a rule exists, taking control of another person's manifested Mana is near impossible, and may produce chaotic results. Mana is limited within sentient creatures, and most are unable to draw it from the atmosphere, or other natural sources, due to its chaotic and specific nature when expelled from the body. As such a rule exists, Mana consumption can exhaust, or outright kill, any who are not careful when using it. Certain branches of magic transcend the rules mentioned above. These are limited by divine teachings, wherein sentient races call upon magical powers that have predetermined rules. As such a rule exists, certain classifications of magic may break the rules of Mana, and create new rules of their very own.[/hider] Magic is understood, and follows a strict set of laws.[/hider] [hider=Divine]Magic is a gift that comes from a higher power. Its rules and laws are governed by... Like... Gods or whatever, but it is still not very well understood, and finicky as hell. At this point though, magical growth is static, and based entirely on deities or higher beings, rather than the individual. Little room for creativity. Generally lame imo.[/hider] [hider=Artefact]Magic comes from non-sentient objects, or nature, and isn't present within humans. It's harnessed through gadgets, artefacts, stuff like that. Lots of room for creativity, but individuals have very little influence on their magical abilities. Artefacts are law. Not well understood.[/hider] I'm fond of more 'scientific' and well understood/possible to explain magical practices that have a set of governing laws.