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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/36448
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Is it fine for me to copy the magic system of another author if every other aspect (story,plot,etc.) of my fantasy story is my own design? For instance, can I use bending from _Avatar: The Last Airbender_ Comics but not use anything else from _Avatar: The Last Airbender_?

To clarify, I am not meaning using the world of Avatar word for word, and all the intrices of the magic system. Just, can I use the same magic system of bending (not necessarily calling it bending), that is can I use the bending of elements through martial arts in my story? Not "can I copy bending in its storytelling context within avatar.

Just misworded it. I meant can I use manipulating the elements with martial arts? I was just using Avatar as a reference point, so people got an example of what I meant.

Thank you for your responses. I got the answer I was looking for. Now I understand that I can copy magic system ideas. Just I must not copy the storyline and context in which its used. I can use bending the elements as it appears in other stories.

I guess I was not clear initially, but I was always planning on making it my own I just wanted clarity on how to go about that. Since after all plenty of stories and movies have gotten hate for being rip-offs and flat out plagiarism of other sources. i.e. Nosferatu vs Dracula, Ants and A Bug's Life.

Original score: 8