Jo of the South
Dreamer
Okay so, a while back I posted a thread about my magic system and got a lot of great help, but now I'm stuck again and could use some feedback. I want to perfect my magic system as best as I can because it is the only true fantasy element I plan on using and it is basically what causes my plot.
Magic is psychic powers caused by a virus only found on the Island of Greer (a made up kingdom near Europe during the middle ages). Powers include mind reading, visions of the past, control of elements, and heightened senses. My biggest problem is finding a way to clearly seperate these different powers so that each of my main characters are limited in what they can do. (having them be so limited is very important to my plot.)
This virus is contagious and spreads like the common cold. It is generally not a life threatening illness. It begins with coughing, high fever, and other flu/cold like symptoms. After a week, the majority of people begin to get better, but in rare cases (usually ones that involve children), the virus can make it's way to the brain where it causes irreversable changes, which results in "magic" powers.
There are many different strands of this virus, with each strand responsible for one unique power. Once contracting a perticular strand, the immune system builds up a resistance to that strand, so that each person can become ill with that strand once and only once (even if they do not get magic powers). However, they are still vulnerable to other strands.
Once a strand of this virus makes it's way to the brain, it starts reeking havoc. Normal brain functions are interrupted as areas of the brain are "rewired" in ways that produce powers such as mind reading. Symptoms include severe headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, and nausea. This lasts for another seven-ten days before subsiding. The immune system finally gets rid of the virus and normal brain functions return. This part can be fatal. During this time, people begin to experience their powers. After healing, all symptoms are gone and other than magic powers, there are no lasting effects on the person.
People can have more than one power, but as this depends on surviving two different strands infecting the brain, it is basically unheard of. Also if a person is going to get a power, it usually happens in childhood because by adulthood most people have been exposed to many strands and adults have stronger immune systems than children.
I know I need to do some more work, but this is what I have so far. I'm trying to create as unique of a system as I can. Which by the way is much harder than I thought it would be, especially when using psychic powers found commonly in fantasy stories. So my questions are, is this original? Does it work? If not where did I go wrong?
Magic is psychic powers caused by a virus only found on the Island of Greer (a made up kingdom near Europe during the middle ages). Powers include mind reading, visions of the past, control of elements, and heightened senses. My biggest problem is finding a way to clearly seperate these different powers so that each of my main characters are limited in what they can do. (having them be so limited is very important to my plot.)
This virus is contagious and spreads like the common cold. It is generally not a life threatening illness. It begins with coughing, high fever, and other flu/cold like symptoms. After a week, the majority of people begin to get better, but in rare cases (usually ones that involve children), the virus can make it's way to the brain where it causes irreversable changes, which results in "magic" powers.
There are many different strands of this virus, with each strand responsible for one unique power. Once contracting a perticular strand, the immune system builds up a resistance to that strand, so that each person can become ill with that strand once and only once (even if they do not get magic powers). However, they are still vulnerable to other strands.
Once a strand of this virus makes it's way to the brain, it starts reeking havoc. Normal brain functions are interrupted as areas of the brain are "rewired" in ways that produce powers such as mind reading. Symptoms include severe headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, and nausea. This lasts for another seven-ten days before subsiding. The immune system finally gets rid of the virus and normal brain functions return. This part can be fatal. During this time, people begin to experience their powers. After healing, all symptoms are gone and other than magic powers, there are no lasting effects on the person.
People can have more than one power, but as this depends on surviving two different strands infecting the brain, it is basically unheard of. Also if a person is going to get a power, it usually happens in childhood because by adulthood most people have been exposed to many strands and adults have stronger immune systems than children.
I know I need to do some more work, but this is what I have so far. I'm trying to create as unique of a system as I can. Which by the way is much harder than I thought it would be, especially when using psychic powers found commonly in fantasy stories. So my questions are, is this original? Does it work? If not where did I go wrong?