Timeline

[skull]

So we all know that the magic released in London is slowly spreading across the world. What I was wondering is How much time would need to pass in order for the magic to reach all across the world?

[Dianoga]

I don't know that there is any specific information on the rate of spread. I would just make it fit in with whatever game ideas you have.

[PlanB]

I agree with Dianoga.  Then again, in the campaign that I am in, my character has an incurable case of wanderlust, so we've been karmabombing ley line nexus points around the globe to kick-start things as best we can.

Sorry about that earthquake, North America!

[Ironchicken]

I was thinking about this in a different way.

Mage training camps. If magic is slowly expanding and its perceived as a new weapon then various 'powers' will be setting up training camps in London to train their elite in a new magic arms race. So when magic has spread UK has not got too far ahead. This gives some interesting scenario ideas of a potential covert cold war between nations that are all using London as the only place they can get ahead with the new potential soldier wizards.

[skull]

I don't see A magic arm race kicking in until at least half the world is effected by the return of magic. It would be to no ones benefit to do anything like that if it could only be used In england or some such place, but that you would lose the power to cast spells when you were in a magic dead zone. (if i am remembering correctly).

On top of this, Its hard to train wizards in something that you have very little knowledge to train them with. Magic has been dead for a very long time and a lot of knowledge was lost. On top of this- none magical folk are going to be distrustful after the first bit of wonderment has passed. Old superstitions will come back in to popularity. check out Shadowrun's timeline- they covered this pretty well; it was mass panic in a lot of places.

[Ironchicken]

Consider the eyes of the world looking on London and the UK. The sphere of effect of magic is expanding. The books already suggest the area of effect extends almost as far as Suffolk with hotspots further afield. Measurements will be taken to estimate its growth. Perhaps in another 5 years it will reach accross the Channel and in 15 years cover Europe.

Now consider a foreign government that is sensitive to balance of power. Would such a paranoid state let the UK have a 20 year head start on research and training? If the only place in the world you can 'goat stare' is in the UK some governments will do it.