sponsored by axehound body spray Creating a Magic System

[Edema Rue she/her]

But these are considered physical abilities, not magic, despite the fact that they are unique to this people. 

[NerdyAarakocra They/Them]

These cantrips still use a small amount of soul, though.

[EmulatonStromenkiin he/him]

That was why they were part of the magic in a general sense. The cantrips were all small, neutral things like lighting a candle.

we need some way to measure the power, can anyone think of an appropriately punny name?

[The Unknown Medallion he/him]

I kinda like puda for no real reason, but soulpower has so many wonderful indications.

Creating true flame, which has the blue hue, requires much larger amounts of soul. Few people do it, since it's only real purpose is for rituals.

[EmulatonStromenkiin he/him]

However, it's presence was required for all rituals. Once started, the flame could be maintained like any ordinary flame.

[NerdyAarakocra They/Them]

True Flame is also the only way to slay Wraiths, Darksouled, and Lightsouled permanently. Dragons can use True Flame as a breath weapon.

[EmulatonStromenkiin he/him]

With the proper rituals, it is possible to twist less inteligent creatures' forms and minds.

[Edema Rue she/her]

These rituals can’t be written down. At least, not on paper. 

[The Unknown Medallion he/him]

Nor any other material, save the skin of a dragon's wing. In olden times, it was said only the words written on a dragon's wing could be known to be true. But due to the rarity of the substance, most rituals are passed down by word of mouth. Of course, the twisting ways of these rituals cannot be understood through word alone, so to truly pass down the knowledge you must use another ritual.

[EmulatonStromenkiin he/him]

This ritual is called "Show them, you idiot!" it was created by a very grumpy person.

[Edema Rue she/her]

It involved screaming “IDIOT!” At the person/people for a very long time. 

[The Unknown Medallion he/him]

And several books chalk full of unhelpful illustrations. 

[NerdyAarakocra They/Them]

The skin from a dragon's wing is said to have other magical properties, and has been used to make magical artifacts in ages past.

[EmulatonStromenkiin he/him]

Dragon bones were even more fabled, but they were as fragile as bird bones outside of the dragon's body

[NerdyAarakocra They/Them]

In addition to rituals, soulmages can also cast spells.

[Telrao she/her]

One of these includes the instant creation of Garlic Bread - praise be to the One True Snack!

[EmulatonStromenkiin he/him]

No one was sure how any of the spells had been made, but they also required soul to cast.

[NerdyAarakocra They/Them]

Spells are cast when a soulmage shapes their magic to produce an effect.

[Telrao she/her]

This can be in a physical or a spiritual sense.

[NerdyAarakocra They/Them]

Some spells are simple - things like conjuring fire.

[EmulatonStromenkiin he/him]

Others were complex, like growing more soul

[NerdyAarakocra They/Them]

Some soulmages can use their soul to override the original command behind a spell, effectively gaining control over it.

[EmulatonStromenkiin he/him]

This allowed them to either nullify the spell or change it's intention/goal, at the cost of it being easier for someone else to crack.

[NerdyAarakocra They/Them]

Why are you doing this in past tense?

Some of the most powerful spells include...

[Edema Rue she/her]

Giving oneself endless patience, taking away one’s need to sleep, and allowing one to instantly fill one’s mind with knowledge. Performing spells that affect oneself requires more time and effort than those that affect others or the outside world.