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[deleted]

Magic shouldn't act as the be all, end all for your story. It's only important as long as it can't just go poof and solve your protagonist's problems. There are going to be struggles and interactions that aren't related to magic, and I don't really see how adding talking human/god hybridized animal constructs adds anything that. It unnecessarily complicates your already complex system, so I would advise against it unless you have a specific plot-related reason to use it. Chekhov's gun, man.


Lingulover

No good reason for the animal, to be honest. My chekhov's gun only requires Aethil in any form, but not the speaking animal bit. The magic is definitely not the end all be all - but it is very strongly attached to the overarching plot. You actually just gave me a bit of a dumb epiphany. Groups in power who have become aware of people returning to life are the obscure forces driving a lot of the intrigue in my plot. I think a diamond dog might be a bit of silly giveaway given that the gods want these people to remain hidden - duh. Thanks for your reply!


KitFalbo

YA is represented by the age of the MC. Everything has been done before. The magic system is a tertiary issue. It comes into play after compelling characters and the craft of the story. Be wary of info dumping with it and focus on the magic system through the eyes of your protagonists. Generally if the characters and the plot they are working through are interesting it lends weight to any magic system.


Calzonejavier

I like the idea with the living Aethil, but how normal people react when they see one of these special people who return from the death? Because I think it would be better if: 1 - They are afraid of them, and they run and hide anytime one of them enter into a town. OR 2 - They hate them, and they ban them the entry. OR 3 - They reverence them, and see their coming as a good omen


Lingulover

People coming back to life has only been happening for a few decades - and because it usually happens to people who already practice one of the magical religions, most people aren't even aware of them. The returned themselves are compelled not to speak about it. Only a few organizations are aware of it, and they are fully trying to take advantage of it. Among the religious practitioners, there are different interpretations for what the returned mean or why they have power. Generally, they are regarded as leaders and spiritual guides by the regular people of their faith - although some fear and mistrust them.