Random Magical Effects Generator

Press the button for one magical effect: what sets it off, what happens, its look, its length and its cost.

Random Magical Effects Generator: 30 magical effects

When a cracked wand is used one more time, everything nearby casts two shadows. The magic shows as glitter that settles on shoulders and will not brush off. It lasts until the puddles dry. The cost: the caster's fingertips tingle like a foot gone to sleep.

Padlock: keep a part. Arrows: change only that part.

What sets it offa cracked wand is used one more time
What happenseverything nearby casts two shadows
What it looks likeglitter that settles on shoulders and will not brush off
How long it lastsuntil the puddles dry
What it coststhe caster's fingertips tingle like a foot gone to sleep

History (0)

Every magical effect you make is kept here, newest first, up to the last 20. The list stays in this browser.

Magical Effect of the day

When a cracked wand is used one more time, everything nearby casts two shadows. The magic shows as glitter that settles on shoulders and will not brush off. It lasts until the puddles dry. The cost: the caster's fingertips tingle like a foot gone to sleep.
When a spell is whispered that ought to be shouted, whatever was in each pocket nearby moves to someone else's. The magic shows as a low mist the colour of milk, lit from inside. It lasts until noon tomorrow. The cost: the caster's sleeves smoke gently for an hour.
When a cracked wand is used one more time, small things nearby line themselves up by size. The magic shows as lilac smoke that keeps the shape of the last gesture. It lasts until a child points at it. The cost: the next spell lands a pace to the left of its aim.
When a cat walks through the spell at the wrong moment, the ground hums underfoot like a held note. The magic shows as a pillar of amber light no wider than a broom handle. It lasts until the moon is next seen. The cost: the wand points at the nearest cheese and will not turn.
When a spell is cast for the first time in years, a small tree grows from the nearest crack, fruit and all. The magic shows as a soft blue glow that pools in low places. It lasts for as long as it takes to boil an egg. The cost: the next spell must be said twice, politely.
When a spell is cast twice by mistake, every wheel nearby turns backwards. The magic shows as scorch marks in the shape of leaves. It lasts until the moon is next seen. The cost: the next spell must be said twice, politely.
When a spell is cast in the middle of a thunderclap, the nearest written words rearrange into a riddle. The magic shows as a ribbon of steam that ties itself in a loose knot. It lasts until the nearest cat wakes up. The cost: the caster talks a little too loudly for the rest of the day.
When the caster yawns on the last word, everything within ten paces slides one step to the left. The magic shows as a ring of made-up letters that turns like a slow wheel. It lasts for as long as someone keeps humming. The cost: the caster's ears ring with one clear note for an hour.
When a wand is pointed at a mirror, ivy climbs the nearest upright thing, people included. The magic shows as a light that is plainly there but lights nothing. It lasts for a hundred heartbeats. The cost: the next spell goes off when thought of, not when said.
When two spells cross in mid-air, the caster's outline lingers a moment after each move. The magic shows as a row of bright dots that counts down and vanishes. It lasts until the puddles dry. The cost: the staff leaves chalky marks on everything it touches.
When a staff is knocked over and nobody catches it, ivy climbs the nearest upright thing, people included. The magic shows as a lattice of gold lines, like a net thrown over the scene. It lasts until someone asks what is going on. The cost: the wand is as heavy as a poker until the moon is up.
When a spell is cast while somebody is counting aloud, every wooden thing nearby puts out one green leaf. The magic shows as handwriting in the air that nobody can quite read. It lasts until a cloud covers the sun. The cost: the wand's glow sticks to the caster's fingers for a day.
When the caster hiccups on the magic word, every chair, stool and bench nearby creeps toward the caster. The magic shows as a bright seam in the air, like a door ajar. It lasts until the caster wakes tomorrow. The cost: the next spell leaves a smell of burnt toast.
When a charm and its opposite are said in one breath, everything nearby casts two shadows. The magic shows as a wobble in the air, as if seen through old glass. It lasts until the caster wakes tomorrow. The cost: the spellbook opens only at the index for a day.
When a spell is cast for the first time in years, a small tree grows from the nearest crack, fruit and all. The magic shows as a dark smudge that hangs in the air like a thumbprint. It lasts until the fire needs another log. The cost: the next spell works only if sung.
When the caster looks away before the spell is done, nobody nearby can remember what they were about to say. The magic shows as handwriting in the air that nobody can quite read. It lasts until the caster has counted to twenty aloud. The cost: the next spell comes out at half its size.
When a spell is cast while standing on one leg, every loose thing nearby rises to knee height and stays. The magic shows as wet-looking footprints of light that walk away. It lasts for as long as it takes to boil an egg. The cost: the wand points at the nearest cheese and will not turn.
When a wand is used to stir tea, nobody nearby can remember what they were about to say. The magic shows as lilac smoke that keeps the shape of the last gesture. It lasts until the caster finishes a cup of tea. The cost: the caster owes the nearest person an explanation.
When a spell is whispered that ought to be shouted, laughter nearby comes out as the sound of rain. The magic shows as a spiral that winds outward from the caster's hand. It lasts until a cloud covers the sun. The cost: the caster's sleeves smoke gently for an hour.
When a wand is used to stir tea, every window nearby shows a different season. The magic shows as a bright outline round every object, slightly out of place. It lasts for three days, fainter each day. The cost: no spell will light a fire for the caster until morning.
When a moth flies into the wand's light, rainbows hang in every doorway and arch nearby. The magic shows as a square of moonlight with no window to cast it. It lasts until the caster sits down. The cost: the next spell comes out at half its size.
When the caster laughs in the middle of a spell, every loose thing nearby rises to knee height and stays. The magic shows as a dark smudge that hangs in the air like a thumbprint. It lasts for one hour by the nearest clock, even if it is wrong. The cost: the spellbook's ink slides to the foot of every page.
When the caster hiccups on the magic word, the nearest flame burns green and gives no heat. The magic shows as a soft blue glow that pools in low places. It lasts until someone nearby sneezes. The cost: the caster's hat does not fit again until tomorrow.
When a potion is spilled across an open spellbook, everyone nearby swaps shoes with someone else. The magic shows as handwriting in the air that nobody can quite read. It lasts until the nearest dog barks. The cost: the wand grows bark and has to be peeled.
When a spell bounces off a silver spoon, a hole of green sky opens overhead, with unfamiliar stars. The magic shows as a low mist the colour of milk, lit from inside. It lasts until the last leaf nearby stops moving. The cost: the staff leaves chalky marks on everything it touches.
When the caster says a spell in their sleep, the nearest flame burns green and gives no heat. The magic shows as a fizz of green sparks, like a match that will not catch. It lasts until the fire needs another log. The cost: the wand hums out of tune until someone says sorry to it.
When a spell passes through a soap bubble on its way, everything nearby casts two shadows. The magic shows as a fizz of green sparks, like a match that will not catch. It lasts until the next bell of any kind rings. The cost: the next spell must be said twice, politely.
When a borrowed wand is used without asking, the nearest flame burns green and gives no heat. The magic shows as a thread of white light that stitches through the air. It lasts for exactly as long as the spell took to say. The cost: the next spell arrives a full minute late.
When a staff is knocked over and nobody catches it, grass grows ankle-high in a ring around the caster. The magic shows as a puff of grey smoke shaped like a question mark. It lasts for a hundred heartbeats. The cost: the next spell must be said twice, politely.
When a staff is put away still warm from a spell, every bird within earshot sings the same tune. The magic shows as a bright outline round every object, slightly out of place. It lasts until the last leaf nearby stops moving. The cost: the next three spells all come out the same colour.

Next step Draw the wizard who slipped Put the mishap in a comic

What sets it off: all 48 causes

The caster's slip 12

a spell is cast with fingers crossed Show the crossed fingers behind the back, where only the viewer can see.
a spell is read from the wrong page A thumb holds two pages apart: eyes on the left one, finger on the right.
a spell is said with a mouth full of toast Crumbs in the air and round cheeks. The toast is still in the other hand.

Show all 48 causes (45 more)

The caster's slip, continued

a spell is whispered that ought to be shouted Tiny lettering in a big balloon. The empty space is the mistake.
the caster forgets the last word and guesses Eyes up and to one side, lips pursed. A guess has a face.
the caster hiccups on the magic word One jolt: chin up, shoulders up, and a spark leaving at the wrong angle.
the caster laughs in the middle of a spell Shoulders up, eyes creased, the wand wobbling in a loose grip.
the caster looks away before the spell is done Head turned to a window, hand still pointing, light pooling at the fingers.
the caster says a spell in their sleep A sleeper with one arm hanging out of bed and a glow at the hand.
the caster sneezes halfway through a spell Head thrown back, wand hand jerked off its line. Draw the half-second before.
the caster yawns on the last word A wide mouth and drooping eyelids, with the wand tip already lit.
two words of a spell are said in the wrong order Give each word its own balloon and cross the tails.

Wand, staff and book 12

a borrowed wand is used without asking The grip is wrong: too high and too tight. A name is carved near the handle.
a cracked wand is used one more time A hairline split near the tip, with light escaping sideways.
a spellbook is left open in the rain Ink runs down the page in threads and gathers at the foot.
a spellbook is slammed shut on an unfinished spell Light leaks from between the pages like steam from under a lid.
a staff is knocked over and nobody catches it Catch it halfway down, with hands arriving late from both sides.
a staff is put away still warm from a spell Heat ripples off the top third. Nobody is near it.
a wand is dropped and bounces twice Two small impact stars on the ground and the wand in the air between them.
a wand is held the wrong way round The glow gathers at the handle end, beside a surprised thumb.
a wand is pointed at a mirror Draw the beam going out and its twin coming straight back.
a wand is tapped three times on something hollow Three rings of sound, each wider than the one before.
a wand is used to stir tea A cup, a wand standing in it, and one bright ring on the surface.
two pages of a spellbook stick together A thick double page with one corner peeling and different ink on each face.

Two magics meet 12

a charm and its opposite are said in one breath One long balloon with a hinge in the middle, half warm and half cool.
a new spell lands on one that was still fading A dim old glow and a sharp new one sharing a single outline.
a potion is spilled across an open spellbook A tipped bottle, a spreading stain and letters lifting off the wet page.
a spell bounces off a silver spoon A bent beam with the kink at the spoon. Let the bowl of the spoon flash.
a spell is cast inside a chalk ring drawn for another The ring on the ground is plainly older: scuffed, redrawn and the wrong size.
a spell is cast on something already enchanted A second glow over a first, in another colour, with edges that do not match.
a spell is cast twice by mistake Draw the gesture as a double exposure: two arms from one sleeve.
a spell meant for one thing hits two A beam that forks late, like a twig, with a target at each tip.
a spell passes through a soap bubble on its way The beam goes in straight and comes out fanned into colours.
an old spell wears out in the middle of a new one Flakes of dull light fall away as a bright thread pushes through.
two casters say the same spell at the same time Mirror the two poses and put the collision exactly between them.
two spells cross in mid-air Two beams and a knot where they meet. Make the knot the brightest thing.

Bad timing 12

a cat walks through the spell at the wrong moment The cat is mid-stride and unbothered. The light bends round it.
a moth flies into the wand's light A small winged shadow thrown huge on whatever is behind.
a spell is cast at the stroke of midnight A clock with both hands up, and the wand arm raised to match.
a spell is cast for the first time in years Dust on the sleeve of the robe and a stiff, careful arm.
a spell is cast in the middle of a thunderclap A white flash, hard shadows and a mouth open on the last word.
a spell is cast just as someone calls the caster A name in a balloon from out of frame, and a head starting to turn.
a spell is cast on an empty stomach One hand flat on the belly and a thin, wavering beam.
a spell is cast while somebody is counting aloud A second balloon full of numbers creeps in from the edge of the frame.
a spell is cast while standing on one leg The standing knee is bent, the free foot hooked behind it, both arms out.
a spell is hurried to finish before the kettle boils Steam starting at the spout. One eye on the kettle and one on the wand.
a spell is interrupted by a knock at the door Head turned toward the knock, wand still aimed the other way.
the wind changes halfway through a spell Hair and sleeve blown one way, the beam drifting the other.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Made up for this page: every cause, result, look, length and cost is invented for stories and drawings. None is taken from a book, a film, a show or a game, none is copied from a published game's table, and none carries a rule, a dice roll or a number from any game. Nobody is hurt in any entry. The notes are our own advice on drawing and staging. Licence: own work

What happens: all 60 results

Weight and movement 12

all nearby water runs uphill A stream, a spill or a gutter: draw the flow lines climbing.
anything dropped nearby falls as slowly as a feather A cup three hand widths above the ground, and time to catch it.
every chair, stool and bench nearby creeps toward the caster Bend the legs like a stalking animal's and leave drag marks behind.

Show all 60 results (57 more)

Weight and movement, continued

every lid nearby rattles as if something wants out Pots, jars and a trunk, each lid a little askew, with short motion lines.
every loose thing nearby rises to knee height and stays Spoons, shoes, a bucket. Give each one a small shadow on the ground beneath.
every rope, lace and string nearby ties itself in a bow Bows on boots, curtain cords and a kite string. Keep the loops even.
every step taken nearby lands a pace further than meant Long stretched strides and a face that did not plan them.
every wheel nearby turns backwards Small curved arrows at each hub. A cart leaves tail first.
everything within ten paces slides one step to the left Scuff marks on the ground, all the same length and all pointing one way.
the ground tilts toward the caster, like a tipped tray Everything round rolls inward. Brace the caster with arms out.
loose paper nearby folds into birds and circles overhead Sharp creases and flat wings. Draw three clear birds and the rest as ticks.
small things nearby line themselves up by size A neat row from thimble to bucket across an untidy scene.

Sound 12

all sound nearby arrives a moment late A pan hits the ground in one panel. The clang is lettered in the next.
anything set down nearby lands without a sound A hammer meets a nail with no sound lines at all. The blank space does the work.
the caster's stomach rumbles loud enough to shake windows Rattle lines on the panes and a hand pressed to the belly.
the caster's voice echoes, with nothing near to echo it Repeat the balloon twice, smaller and paler each time.
every bird within earshot sings the same tune One pattern of notes above three different beaks.
every door, drawer and lid nearby hums one low note Short wavy lines along each edge, all the same length for one note.
every footstep nearby rings like a small bell Rings of sound at each foot, and somebody trying to walk on tiptoe.
every knock, tap and clap nearby sounds like a drum Fat round sound lines from one small knuckle.
every word spoken nearby hangs in the air as readable smoke Letter the words in soft grey curls, the oldest already drifting apart.
the ground hums underfoot like a held note Fine ripples in a cup or a puddle, and a hand laid flat on the earth.
laughter nearby comes out as the sound of rain A laughing mouth and a balloon full of slanting strokes.
the wind nearby whistles a tune that is almost familiar Draw the wind as five loose lines with notes caught on them.

Light, colour and shadow 12

a hole of green sky opens overhead, with unfamiliar stars A ragged opening above the scene, lit a different colour from everything under it.
a small second moon hangs just above the caster's head Light the hair and shoulders from above and let the eye sockets go dark.
anything metal nearby turns as clear as glass Draw a key, a bell or a bucket as an outline with its far side showing through.
the caster's outline lingers a moment after each move A row of faint figures behind the solid one, like frames of a film.
every eye nearby shines like a cat's in lamplight Two bright discs to a face in a dim scene. Leave the pupils out.
every shadow nearby points toward the caster Break the rule of one light source on purpose: aim every shadow at one pair of feet.
every window nearby shows a different season Snow in one pane and blossom in the next. Keep the frames identical.
everything nearby casts two shadows One dark and one faint, at a right angle to each other.
everything red nearby turns green, and nothing else changes A green apple proves nothing. A green rose, a green fox and green lips tell the story.
the nearest flame burns green and gives no heat Green light on every face, and a snowflake sitting unmelted beside the wick.
rainbows hang in every doorway and arch nearby A flat band of colour across each opening, like a curtain to walk through.
writing nearby glows as if lit from behind Signs, labels and a letter showing through the cloth of a pocket.

Things that grow or appear 12

a door appears where there was none, and it is locked Bare wall or open air, then a frame, a handle and a keyhole with dark behind.
a puddle appears underfoot, with fish in it Ankle-deep at most. Two orange shapes and a ring of ripples round each boot.
a second hat appears on top of every hat nearby Stacked brims, the top hat a size smaller and a different shape.
a signpost appears, pointing at the caster One arm, one word, YOU, and the caster reading it.
a small tree grows from the nearest crack, fruit and all Roots prise the crack wider, and one ripe fruit already hangs.
a table laid for tea appears, one chair short Count the cups, then count the chairs. Leave one guest standing.
every keyhole nearby grows a key Keys of all sizes stick out of a door, a trunk and a clock case.
every stone nearby is warm to the touch, like fresh bread Hands flat on a wall, and a cat already asleep on the warmest step.
every wooden thing nearby puts out one green leaf A single leaf on a table leg, a broom and a door. One each and no more.
grass grows ankle-high in a ring around the caster A neat green circle on bare boards or stone, with daisies at its edge.
ivy climbs the nearest upright thing, people included Start the tendrils at the ankle and let the top leaf reach the elbow.
moss spreads over everything that is standing still Green creeps up boots and chair legs. A fidgeting child stays clean.

Odd and harmless 12

all nearby dust gathers into one neat ball and rolls away A grey ball the size of a cabbage, leaving a clean stripe behind it.
the caster's sleeves grow long enough to trail on the ground Cuffs dragging in the dust and both hands lost somewhere inside.
every coat and cloak nearby turns inside out Seams, linings and pocket bags on show, on people still wearing them.
every loose thread nearby knits itself into one long scarf Threads pulled from hems and cuffs toward needles that are not there.
every picture nearby turns to look at the caster Portraits, coins and a face on a jar label: all eyes slide one way.
everyone nearby is suddenly holding a spoon Every right hand in the same grip, and every face looking down at it.
everyone nearby swaps shoes with someone else Big boots on small feet and slippers on a guard. Draw the ground first.
everyone nearby yawns in turn, round and round Draw the yawn passing like a wave: one ending, one full, one starting.
the nearest animal doubles in size and stays friendly A hen as tall as a child. Stand a child beside it to prove the size.
the nearest written words rearrange into a riddle A shop sign or a book spine with its letters caught mid-shuffle.
nobody nearby can remember what they were about to say Raised fingers, open mouths and balloons with nothing in them.
whatever was in each pocket nearby moves to someone else's Hands pull out the wrong things: a child with keys, a guard with a toy.

What it looks like: all 48 looks

Light 12

a bright seam in the air, like a door ajar One upright sliver of white, taller than a person, with glare at its foot.
a flicker like a candle behind a closing door A wedge of light on the ground, narrower in each panel.
a halo that sits a little crooked on whatever it touches A thin tilted ellipse. Level looks holy and tilted looks like a mistake.

Show all 48 looks (45 more)

Light, continued

a light that is plainly there but lights nothing A bright disc with no highlights round it. Keep the nearby faces dark.
a pillar of amber light no wider than a broom handle A ruled vertical with a soft edge. Let it cross the whole picture.
a ring of pale green light that spreads like a ripple One thin ring, brightest at its leading edge, crossing ground and wall alike.
a rose-pink dawn that rises from the ground Grade the colour from strong at the ankles to nothing at the waist.
a slow flash the colour of a peach Tint the whole frame for one panel and leave the next one plain.
a soft blue glow that pools in low places Fill footprints, cups and gutters with light as if it were water.
a square of moonlight with no window to cast it A hard-edged pale shape on the ground, crossed by the bars of a frame.
a thread of white light that stitches through the air A dashed line with a needle-bright tip.
a violet shimmer along every edge, like oil on water Run a thin band of shifting colour down corners, rims and outlines.

Sparks and motes 12

a crackle of small lightning between fingertips A zigzag thread from finger to finger, with pale knuckles behind it.
a fizz of green sparks, like a match that will not catch A tight burst at one point, short spikes and a curl of smoke above.
a single fat spark that wanders about like a bee A dotted flight line with loops in it and one bright dot at the end.
a swarm of silver motes that turns like a school of fish Hundreds of ticks all at one angle, then all at another.
blue embers that drift sideways against the wind Lean the trees one way and the embers the other.
copper sparks that bounce twice and go out Each one is an arc, a smaller arc and a dot.
glitter that settles on shoulders and will not brush off Stipple the shoulders and the hat brim, and show a hand brushing in vain.
pale sparks that rise in strings, like bubbles in a glass Upright chains of small circles, each wobbling off its line.
red motes that circle the caster's hands like slow gnats Small loops round the wrists. Keep them few enough to count.
slow gold sparks that fall upward Dots with short tails pointing down, thinning toward the top of the frame.
sparks that spell out half a word and scatter Three clear letters, then a spray of dots where the rest should be.
tiny white stars that wink out one at a time Four-point stars in three sizes, with small empty rings where some have gone.

Smoke, mist and air 12

a cold breath that frosts the nearest surface Fern-shaped frost spreading from one point on a pane or a blade.
a column of dust motes where no sunbeam falls A slanted bar of specks in a dim corner, with no window to explain it.
a dark smudge that hangs in the air like a thumbprint Soft-edged and oval, with faint whorls. Keep it small and at head height.
a low mist the colour of milk, lit from inside Lose every foot in it and put the lightest value at ground level.
a puff of grey smoke shaped like a question mark One curl with a dot under it, already leaning in the draught.
a ribbon of steam that ties itself in a loose knot One pale band, an over, an under and two trailing ends.
a shimmer like hot air over a road, on a cold day Wobble the lines of whatever stands behind it. Add breath clouds to prove the cold.
a sudden stillness: every drifting speck stops in the air Dust, a leaf and a gnat held in place, with no motion lines anywhere.
a wind that moves hair and nothing else Hair streaming, beside a candle flame that burns straight up.
a wobble in the air, as if seen through old glass Bend every straight line behind it by a hair, and only there.
lilac smoke that keeps the shape of the last gesture A ribbon in the air tracing the swing of the arm, slowly thickening.
smoke rings that drift outward, each inside the last Three flat ellipses, the outer one broken and fading.

Lines and marks 12

a bright outline round every object, slightly out of place Set a second contour a hair to one side, like a misprinted comic.
a circle of frost on the ground, centred on the caster A white disc with a feathered edge and two dark footprints in the middle.
a lattice of gold lines, like a net thrown over the scene Draw the scene first, then lay a loose grid across it that sags in the middle.
a pattern like tree rings spreading across every surface Wobbly bands, one inside the next, crossing ground, wall and sleeve without a break.
a ring of made-up letters that turns like a slow wheel Invent the marks from strokes and dots, and tilt each one along the circle.
a row of bright dots that counts down and vanishes Five, four, three: draw the panel with three left.
a spiral that winds outward from the caster's hand Start tight and dark, and let the outer turns fade to dots.
chalk-white lines that draw themselves in the air Ruled strokes with a bright tip still moving, as if a hand were on it.
handwriting in the air that nobody can quite read A looping line that looks like script until you try the first word.
scorch marks in the shape of leaves Brown-edged leaf shapes on wall and ground, all pointing away from the centre.
triangles of light that fold and unfold like paper Flat facets, some bright and some edge-on, like a paper fan half open.
wet-looking footprints of light that walk away A trail of glowing prints leading out of the frame, the nearest brightest.

How long it lasts: all 36 lengths

By the clock 12

for a hundred heartbeats A hand on the chest and lips moving. Counting is a pose.
for as long as it takes to boil an egg A sand timer or a pan in the corner shows how long is left.
for exactly as long as the spell took to say A short spell gets a short panel. Match the widths.

Show all 36 lengths (33 more)

By the clock, continued

for one hour by the nearest clock, even if it is wrong Put the clock in the frame and set its hands plainly.
for seven breaths Seven small breath clouds in a row, the last one faintest.
for the rest of the day and not a minute of the night Use the lamp-lighting hour as the edge: half the frame warm, half blue.
for three days, fainter each day Three panels of the same view, with the line weight halved each time.
until noon tomorrow Short shadows directly underfoot mark the end.
until the caster wakes tomorrow A bed, a blanket pushed back, and the last of it fading at the window.
until the moon is next seen A bank of cloud with one bright edge is the countdown.
until the next bell of any kind rings A hand on a bell rope, or a thumb over a bicycle bell. Stop just before.
until the next sunrise End on the first line of light along a roof or a hill.

Until someone does something 12

for as long as someone keeps humming One figure with puffed cheeks and a wobbling line of notes, going red.
until a child points at it A small arm out straight, finger first. The adults are looking elsewhere.
until everyone nearby has blinked at the same time A row of faces with all eyes shut but one pair. Draw that panel.
until someone asks what is going on A raised finger and an open mouth at the edge of the frame.
until someone claps three times Hands apart before the third clap, and everyone else watching the hands.
until someone nearby sneezes A nose wrinkling and a finger coming up. The end is a second away.
until the caster finishes a cup of tea A cup tilted for the last mouthful, eyes over the rim.
until the caster has counted to twenty aloud Fingers tick off the count and the lips shape a number in the teens.
until the caster says the spell again, backwards A balloon with the letters mirrored, read off a slip of paper.
until the caster sits down Knees half bent over a stool. Hold the pose there.
until the caster takes one step backwards A heel lifted and a glance over the shoulder to check the ground.
until the nearest door is opened and closed again A hand on the handle, the door open a crack and light through the gap.

Until the world does something 12

until a bird lands on the caster A sparrow coming in feet first, aimed at a hat.
until a cloud covers the sun A hard-edged shadow sliding across the ground toward the scene.
until it next rains Dark cloud on the horizon and one fat drop on a dry stone.
until the fire needs another log Embers gone orange and grey, and a hand reaching for the basket.
until the first star comes out A pale sky with a single point of light, and a face tilted up.
until the last leaf nearby stops moving One leaf still trembling on a still branch.
until the nearest candle burns down A stub with a finger's width left and a long drip down one side.
until the nearest cat wakes up A cat in a loaf shape with one ear starting to turn.
until the nearest dog barks Ears up, chest out, mouth just opening.
until the next thing falls and breaks A plate on the edge of a shelf, a quarter of it over empty air.
until the puddles dry Shrinking outlines on the stones, each with a dark damp rim.
until the wind drops A flag or a line of laundry going slack.

What it costs: all 36 costs

Paid by the wand, staff or book 12

every bookmark in the spellbook moves to a wrong page Ribbons and slips of paper all bunched at the front.
the spellbook opens only at the index for a day A thumb forces the pages and the book springs back to the same place.
the spellbook snaps shut and sulks until evening A book with its clasp done up tight and its spine turned to the room.

Show all 36 costs (33 more)

Paid by the wand, staff or book, continued

the spellbook's ink slides to the foot of every page White pages with a black drift along the bottom edge, like silt.
the staff is a hand shorter than it was Stand it against a notch on a doorpost that it used to reach.
the staff leaves chalky marks on everything it touches White dabs at staff height along a wall, a door and a friend's coat.
the wand droops like a warm candle for an hour A wand bent in a soft curve, held up between finger and thumb with distaste.
the wand grows bark and has to be peeled Curls of bark on a table and a pocket knife beside them, as if after an apple.
the wand hums out of tune until someone says sorry to it A caster speaking quietly to a stick. Play it straight.
the wand is as heavy as a poker until the moon is up Two hands on a thin stick, shoulders dropped, the tip scraping the ground.
the wand points at the nearest cheese and will not turn A wand hand dragged sideways toward a pantry door.
the wand's glow sticks to the caster's fingers for a day Bright fingertips leave smudges of light on a cup and a door frame.

Paid by the next spell 12

the next spell arrives a full minute late A caster checks the wand tip, then the sky, then the wand tip.
the next spell comes out at half its size A flame meant for a hearth, the size of a match head.
the next spell goes off when thought of, not when said Light at the wand tip and the mouth still shut. Put the surprise in the eyebrows.
the next spell has to be cast with the other hand The wrong arm out, stiff and unpractised, like writing with the off hand.
the next spell lands a pace to the left of its aim A scorched ring beside the target, and the target untouched.
the next spell leaves a smell of burnt toast Wavy lines off the wand and a neighbour looking toward the kitchen.
the next spell makes the sound of a dropped tray A tiny flicker of magic under an enormous lettered crash.
the next spell must be said twice, politely Add please to the balloon, in smaller letters.
the next spell works only if sung A wizard holding a sheet of music with deep reluctance.
the next spell works perfectly, on the wrong thing The boots are polished. The caster was aiming at the lock.
the next three spells all come out the same colour A red spark, a red glow and a red puff, in three panels.
no spell will light a fire for the caster until morning A cold hearth, a wand, a sigh and a tinderbox fetched from a shelf.

Paid by the caster 12

the caster feels a cold draught that nobody else can A collar turned up and shoulders hunched among people in shirtsleeves.
the caster is as hungry as if a meal had been skipped A hand on the stomach and eyes already on the bread.
the caster owes the nearest person an explanation Hands spread, mouth open, and one witness with folded arms.
the caster talks a little too loudly for the rest of the day Big lettering in a small space, and listeners leaning back.
the caster's breath shows as mist, however warm it is A small cloud at the mouth, beside someone fanning themselves.
the caster's ears ring with one clear note for an hour A finger wiggled in one ear and the head tilted to that side.
the caster's eyebrows turn white until the next meal Two pale strokes on the face. Leave the hair as it was.
the caster's fingertips tingle like a foot gone to sleep Hands shaken out at the wrists, fingers spread.
the caster's handwriting wobbles for the rest of the day A signature that starts firm and ends like a line of hills.
the caster's hat does not fit again until tomorrow Perch the hat high, or pull it down over the eyebrows. Pick one and commit.
the caster's knees go soft and a chair is needed Catch the fold of the legs, and a hand finding a chair back without looking.
the caster's sleeves smoke gently for an hour Two thin grey threads rise from the cuffs, and the face ignores them.

How it works

This magical effect generator writes what happens when a spell goes sideways, from the slip that starts it to the price the caster pays. Every result is a scene to draw or write. All five lists are below.

Read the full guide

Draw the look before the result

Each effect comes with a sign you can see: slow gold sparks that fall upward, lilac smoke that keeps the shape of the last gesture, a bright seam in the air, like a door ajar. Put that down first, as light on the nearest faces, and the result has somewhere to arrive.

The slip is the character

Many of the causes are small and human: a wand is used to stir tea, two pages of a spellbook stick together, the caster yawns on the last word. Each is a habit, and a habit tells you who is holding the wand. The cost is the punchline: the spellbook snaps shut and sulks until evening.

Stage the scene one beat after the slip: the bystanders have noticed and the caster has not.
Most lengths name their own ending, such as until someone claps three times. Draw that as the last panel.

Questions and answers

Is this a random effect generator for any kind of story?

Yes. Nothing in a result is tied to one world or one system of magic, so it serves any tale where something unplanned should happen, in a tower, a kitchen or a market square.

Does it use a table or rules from a tabletop game?

No. Every entry was made up for this page, and none is copied from a published game's table. A result has no dice roll, no damage and no rule. A game master who likes one adds the numbers from the rulebook in use.

Can a random magical effect hurt anyone?

Not here. Nobody is hurt in any entry: every wheel nearby turns backwards, or moss spreads over everything that is standing still. The price is small too, such as a hat that does not fit until tomorrow. Darken it if your story needs teeth.