[Magic] Development of Spell-based Magic through TL0

[Prince Charon]

I think we've reached the point where I should post the idea that had me start this thread, so I can decide if it needs its own (it probably does, as this thread is specifically tied to the spell-based system, and the idea isn't):

Where does all the bizarre magical life in a setting come from? Perhaps some evolved naturally, but that isn't necessarily true for all of them. Some might be the result of critical failures (e.g. a demon appears and attacks the caster, and is either driven off, escapes, or wins, and sticks around this world, or marks it as a place to return to) or critical successes (e.g. an often-repeated spell to give a horse wings becomes permanent and inheritable). Others might have been intentional creations: some spirits might be the result of a caster making an illusion or Phantom (probably with Independence and Initiative, if we're talking about the standard system) permanent, and material beings could result from a permanent Shapeshifting or Creation effect (though if elves or dwarves are the result of permanent 'Create Servant' or 'Shapeshift' variants cast by humans, they probably aren't going to admit it).

One example that occurs to me and fits this thread's setting is that the Create (<element>) Elemental spells might have an alternative prerequisite path, something like 'Magery 2, nine spells of that element, and Create Servant.' The Summon (<element>) Elemental and Control (<element>) Elemental spells could have been invented later.


Thoughts?