So I've been working on this power system for this story I'm righting and thought this would be a good place to get some feedback. So basically the core idea is spells (placeholder name) are constructed using handsigns that each represents a unique function, almost like programming logic. All spells start with a open handsign followed by up to 14 function handsigns( things like create, shape, shoot, split,etc), the theres a activate handsigns that brings the spell into the world, and last comes the close handsign which severs the spell from the caster. When a spell is closed it doesn't mean it ends, it just stops it from draining mana from the user,and the spell continues based on how much mana was put into it. If you don’t close a spell, it keeps draining you even if it’s destroyed, which can literally kill you (especially if you get knocked out mid-fight). Most high level mages (placeholder name) can usually have up to 4 active spells at a time and one unclosed spell,so there’s a lot of strategy in managing what you keep active. You can also do advanced stuff like delaying spells, pre-setting traps, or even activating a spell before closing it so you can modify it in real time, but that’s risky and drains a lot. A Big part of this system is casting speed and visualization, rushing hand signs makes spells sloppy and unstable, and you have to clearly visualize what you’re shaping or it comes out messy (like a perfect sphere vs a jagged one). So even if someone copies your hand signs, they won’t get the same result without the same control and mental clarity.“Mana” (placeholder name) is generated by the soul and used in three main ways: structured “magic” (placeholder name) across seven distinct schools (elemental, constructs, self-enhancement, raw destructive force, defense/sealing, ritual-based, and curses/healing), direct skill-based manipulation (like reinforcement, sensing, etc.), and two innate traits (how your mana feels and how fast it regenerates). Incantations Also exist within this system what they do is increase spells by infusing mana into spoken words to increase efficiency however this is a advanced skill because most people can't grasp the concept of infusing mana into intangible things like sound, Precursors also exist within the system that help people better focus on the magic type of the spell that user is trying to cast but that's all they really do their basically training wheels for beginners. There are a few other mechanics but this post is getting long, so what do y'all think? I'm looking for completely honest opinions Tell me what y'all think works and what doesn't. Also if you have any name for I'd appreciate it I'm not too good at thinking of names, also this is my first ever reddit post so sorry if its kind sloppy lol
u/According-Wonder-255
I've been making a magic system for this story I was wanting to write and would like some feedback,The core idea is that spells(placeholder )are built using hand signs that each represent a specific function, almost like programming logic. Every spell starts with an Open sign, followed by up to 12 function signs (things like create, shape, shoot, split, delay, etc.), then an Activate sign to bring it into the world, and finally a Close sign which severs the spell from the caster. Closing a spell doesn’t end it—it just stops it from draining mana, and the spell continues based on how much mana was put into it. If you don’t close a spell, it keeps draining you even if it’s destroyed, which can literally kill you (especially if you get knocked out mid-fight). Most high-level mages can only have 4 active spells at once and usually only 1 unclosed spell, so there’s a lot of strategy in managing what you keep active. You can also do advanced stuff like delaying spells, pre-setting traps, or even activating a spell before closing it so you can modify it in real time—but that’s risky and drains a lot. On top of that, casting speed and visualization matter a lot: rushing hand signs makes spells sloppy and unstable, and you have to clearly visualize what you’re shaping or it comes out messy (like a perfect sphere vs a jagged one). So even if someone copies your hand signs, they won’t get the same result without the same control and mental clarity,“mana” (placeholder name) is generated by the soul and used in three main ways: structured “magic” (placeholder name) across seven distinct schools (elemental, constructs, self-enhancement, raw destructive force, defense/sealing, ritual-based, and curses/healing), direct skill-based manipulation (like reinforcement, sensing, etc.), and two innate traits (how your mana feels and how fast it regenerates). There are also systems like incantations (infusing mana into spoken words to increase efficiency but making you vulnerable), optional precursors these help people better focus on the magic school that the spell belongs to (basically training wheels for beginners), I'm looking for completely honest feedback, Tell me what you think works and what doesn't in your opinion, this is also my first ever reddit post so if it's sloppy I apologize lol