Magical Matrix

A while back I created a different style magic system. I had originally created it with the intent of writing a story. Sadly though that never got off the ground, although the idea was great, but I'll get to that later.

The magic system in this fantasy world revolved around there being 3 types of magic, and 3 types of levels they were used at. The first dimension had Channel, Vessel, and Hybrid magic. People that channeled magic tapped into the flow of energy around them. People who used Vessel magic tapped into the energy within them. People who use Hybrid magic could do both but be masters if neither.

The second dimension revolved around adeptness in a particular type of magic. The first level allowed for spells only to be cast on the mage. The second level allowed a mage to cast spells outside of themselves. The third level allowed for almost total control of the magical energies and allowed the caster to appear to be a god.

This creates a 3 by 3 matrix of abilities.
The Channel Knight. A warrior who casted spells on him or herself to increase their combat ability.
The Vessel Warrior. Similar to a berserker, with their abilities only being summoned under duress.
The Channel Mage. Mages that can use magic for long periods of time. They must force energy they channel into mental molds to create spell effects.Attempting powerful spells before the mage is ready can lead to death.
The Vessel Mage. Mages that can cast the most intense of spells, but cannot cast for long periods of time. They are also able add near constant effects to lifeless objects. Only this mage power has this unique ability.
Deities work in similar fashion to the mages, but without the restrictions of mental molds being required to create spell effects. Anything they can image to happen can happen.

The Hybrids are only in legend, and although it's said they have the abilities of both types, no one can confirm this.

I had created a story using the above powers to explain how a strange legend came true. A lord that was widely loved by the people, and hated by his fellow nobles was asked to go subdue a raging berserker. When he confronts the rogue berserker he learns that the whole incident was created by a conspiracy of nobles to kill the lord.

The lord and the berserker escape to the north. The berserker, feeling he owes a debt for being part of the conspiracy, vows to help the lord get back to his people. When they reach a large mountain range, a strange guide appears and offers to show them a safe path across the mountains.

Anyway, the story goes on with some interesting twists as the characters slowly come to realize who each other really are, and the mysterious stranger is found to be someone beyond belief.

I had a comic book type design set up for telling this tale. Using PowerPoint I created a number of scenes telling the tale. There was music for setting the mood of the scene, and active dialogue bubbles so a whole conversation could happen in one scene.

Things were moving along, with my artistic ability improving with each new scene. Sadly my trial version of Office expired, followed by a meltdown of my old laptop, leading to the shelving of that project. The desire to create a comic-book style electronic experience still resonates with me though.