I believe Derek has admitted that he has borrowed some inspiration from Magic the Gathering spell wise.

I've been playing MtG for almost 18 years so I am happy to see that influence and hope to see more in the future.

I just wish there was a more distinct Green/Nature magic in the game.

The idea of strategic spells having effects on the environment is a cool one.

Tornado could turn the area it is cast on into a desert. Grip of winter would transform the area around a city into arctic tundra. Fire spells would burn grassland and forests away and sometimes leave lava. Earthquake could create hills and fissures. Aura of vitality could cause forests and grass to grow. Blood Curse and Sacrifice could poison the land around a city causing bogs and wastelands to appear. Every strategic spell could have a subtle effect on terrain. It wouldn't have to be anything major just random chance of a small hill or marsh tile appearing every time a spell is cast. The land would gradually change to reflect the sovereigns use of magic, really adding to the War of Magic atmosphere.