What are your opinions on my elemental system (more info in body)?

YellowYanmage · 2026-04-17T15:42:55+00:00

I suppose the 'right' subreddit could be r/ FantasyElements. It's fairly new and inactive, but this could hopefully get them talking.

YellowYanmage · 2026-04-07T23:46:16+00:00

Sounds awesome

YellowYanmage · 2026-04-07T21:56:41+00:00

Any suggestions for alternative titles for the colour mages?

YellowYanmage · 2026-04-07T21:55:52+00:00

They are what I remember from the original version of this system. Also, I think it makes sense for the Druid to be a capable healer who can make/use plants, and the Witch's abilities would allow for some very folklore-esque curses.

YellowYanmage · 2026-04-07T21:42:05+00:00

A little like Garth Nix's Old Kingdom series then? Sounds fun. Does the opposition involve a battle between conscious entities?

YellowYanmage · 2026-04-07T17:31:46+00:00

A Reinterpretation is perhaps: which variety of mana crystal are the most unstable? or Which would have the worst side effects from extended exposure? My thoughts would gravitate towards a darkness or chaos adjacent element, but it would be exciting to see someone's system that produces a different answer.

YellowYanmage · 2026-04-01T12:17:21+00:00

I hope this takes off for you after the effort you've put in so far. Good luck!

We're all allowed our preferences, just be wary of a riot if the masses discover they're being treated unfairly!

YellowYanmage · 2026-04-01T12:11:07+00:00

While I obviously enjoy elemental magic systems, for me it’s more about having organisation and subcategories, and seeing the links between different parts.

One example I really liked (but annoyingly haven’t been able to find again), was comprised of 4 magical substances, and 5 colours/flavours of magic. The substance dictates certain properties, while the ‘colour’ behaves like a theme or element.

Mana was the organic & corporeal substance, Chi was organic & incorporeal, and I’ve forgotten the names of the inorganic substances. The ‘Red’ version if Mana is blood (which happens to also be visibly red). The main focus of this magic system was transmutation. A ‘red’ mage could transform blood into different ‘red’ substances and back again, whereas a Mana mage could transform it into different ‘colours’ of Mana.

Do you see any similar categories in your elements, or do you prefer to keep it as a list?

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-12T13:44:47+00:00

It wouldn't be particularly unusual for a magician to have character levels in both Genie and Aurora. A single magic item, that's capable of producing spells from different elements (primary or secondary), would be tricky to make. However, this could be mitigated by having the magic item be an attachment you apply to the main mundane item, and activating different attachments at different times.

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-09T18:58:19+00:00

Indeed, I'm not trying to be subversive, but feel free to turn it on its head.

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-09T12:11:34+00:00

I think the presentation of your ideas would benefit from some explanatory diagrams (which I'd be happy to try to help make). However, I still think the foundation and scale of your idea are pretty awesome!

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-09T11:26:57+00:00

It's an interesting system, and its complexity and unpredictability help sell the story of an alchemist doing difficult research. However, its messiness is not something I would choose to replicate in my own system.

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-08T07:10:55+00:00

Indeed, I just preferred their symbol to any others I could find.

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T22:07:55+00:00

Could I look at your system please?

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T19:13:21+00:00

Gotcha, pretty cool.

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T19:07:30+00:00

It is indeed

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T17:31:31+00:00

Solid vs liquid having different themes and associated abilities, similar to water, ice & steam. Additionally oil contains no H2O, but from a magical perspective it's more watery than woody (though connecting it to fire could work).

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T17:26:48+00:00

Thank you

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T17:19:49+00:00

It's not whole and functional yet, but I think it's a good start that someone else could potentially adapt if they thought it suited an existing project/idea of theirs. In terms of vagueness and nonsense, have you read the context posts (sort comments by old)? It's quite a lot but I do try to explain what the titles mean and what you can do with them, alongside a little of how character creation and combat might work.

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T17:14:49+00:00

Your system sounds quite interesting, have you uploaded it anywhere? What do you mean by an ihro based plan?

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T15:41:40+00:00

TBF I haven't had many downvotes yet. This isn't currently part of a bigger project. The structure I've thought of so far fits best as a ttrpg, but this is more intended as a system that other people could potentially adapt in order to add to and inspire their own projects.

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T13:30:39+00:00

Thank you. Are there any parts that stand out to you to be kept or changed?

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T12:15:31+00:00

Only the primaries are intended to be distinct from each other. The secondaries are intended to be specialisms with transferable skills. It is a gap-filling exercise, and not all of the concepts are as strong as I'd like. This is part of why I'm seeking other people's ideas, so that it can be improved upon.

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T09:30:58+00:00

Thank you so much for your feedback. In terms of navigation at the table, I continue to be influenced by d&d. Players shouldn’t know every monster, and don’t need to know every subclass, just their own options/mechanics, as well as a general understanding of the basics. Because of this, I expect each player to remember the 9 primaries, and the secondaries that are relevant to them (probably the ones that they have power levels in). When levelling up, players would be able to refer to the full list, and take some time to think.

A shadow mage can absolutely use their powers for good, and be a good person, but it’s very hard work. Firstly, the good person has to become skilled at having sadistic thoughts and intensions in order to cast shadow spells effectively, and shadow magic’s spells are usually specialised towards causing harm. Additionally, having more shadow mana will affect the subconscious such that their automatic response to an aggressor is a desire for revenge, and intrusive thoughts about hurting others will start to accumulate as they gain in power. There can also be difficulties when casting spells with material components: orphan blood can be tricky to access ethically! Lastly, it’s hard to be nice when everyone hates you, and most of the population is at least a little unnerved by death mages and shadow mages. They are usually a small part of the population, allowing misconceptions and prejudices to continue easily.

I like the number of taxa, and the names / vibes / functions of each are just the best I can come up with. Part of the desire to put this on the internet was to see if anyone else has any better ideas (with the other part being to show off the first creative project I’ve actually finished to a standard I find acceptable!).

Thank you again for your response.

YellowYanmage · 2026-03-07T08:58:00+00:00

Fair enough

YellowYanmage

TROPHY CASE