This ain't you typical RPG magic system. The story elements of Harn's Shek-Pvar are absorbed into the game mechanics with little effort. Advancement is based on your mastery level, your imagination in developing new spells, and willingness to part with esoteric items.

I love the collaboration between GM and player to develop new spells. To learn new existing spell depends on your mastery level and potency of the spell.

The price in game mechanics to pay for casting is not arduous but must be taken into account, especially in combat. The more you cast the more it will fatigue you and the great the penalties on all your skills and abilities. The price in storyline and setting cannon is a far higher cost. To be burned at the stake fr witchcraft is a high price indeed.

If you are looking for something to make the player think about the consequences of esoteric power, give HarnMaster and it's magic system a shot.

I love the Hârnmaster world setting. The rules aren't the easiest ones but supports the setting fine. Hârnmaster Shek-Pvar (Magic) is a coherent rule system for spells and magic items. A lot of focus is on players designing their own spells and the existing ones serve more as examples than a finished "grimoire". If you like the magic of Tolkien or GRR Martin, you will enjoy this. If you're more a boardgame/class level/d&d player this might not be what you're looking for. Strongly recommended, if not only for the new interesting take on magic and spells.