So, while I work on the spells, and combat, and items, and skills.....and finding every bit of code i used for this game....I have a Poll for you guys, yeah, thats right, another poll, Im going to be 'polling' on the byond hub as well, so dont feel like you have to post your opinion here.
Quite Simply, Ive thought of two distinct, yet similar ways to gain spells.
The First is a Manifesting System: Basically, all magics(save Celestial Spirit, Requip, and a few special other magics that would have other requirements) would have a 'Manifest' verb, this would allow them to manifest a part of their magic power in a certain way(be it in your hand, at your foot, in your mouth, ect...) there would also be an 'unleash' verb, in order to quite literally send the magic built up flying from your body. There would also be many spells that could only be learned from various melee attacks. using this manifestation, and the various unleashing of the energy would allow you to learn many of your spells, given good luck, and the smarts to apply it. The manifesting would be weaker however, compared to the spell it self, but it would allow for a bit of flexibility, exact details of how many spells of certain tiers you could learn would be determined later, but there would be a limit for many of the 'tiers'
The Second is the Branching System I mentioned earlier: Basically, each magic would start out with some ability/spell, and you would slowly gain spells based on your own play style, as you would be 'choosing' what spells you learn, and each one would have upgraded versions, and subsequently spells with upgrades of their own to learn. Using a 'decide how you use the spell' to define the Branch you take. This would require a lot more coding and icons, but ultimately would allow for far more differences in the individual magics.
Thirdly we......wait what? We don't have any more options? well, fuck why did you give me a third sheet of paper? Oh, you want them to come up with an idea if they don't like mine? well, why didn't you just write that? That was MY job!?! Fuck You, You're Fired!! *alternate self dissipates*
Well, ok, so it seems I only have two options, but if you guys think of something a tad bit better that wouldn't be a total bitch and a half to code(ET, I know your reading this), Then please post it.