Added this. Will keep you all posted as we iron the wrinkles out on magic.
It is also important to note that magic is not a 'fix all' solution to the many problems that adventuring brings about and it's use is almost entirely exclusive to combat. Either offensive or defensive magic is capable of mundane tasks tied to that element, like a fire mage lighting a torch (though he would need fire on hand) or a light made illuminating a cave (though he would need light on hand). However, parting a river as a water mage rather than swimming across would be abusing the talent and would bring about severe ramifications. We do not want our mages being the solution to everything so please, consider this before you get drunk with power
You also have to remember that to use an element, you have to have access to it. You need a flame to wield fire, a source of water for water magic and so on. When it comes to sources, think of it in terms of amount vs ability. A candle is not a lot of fire to work with. A low level fire mage would be all but useless with it. A lvl 5 fire mage would still be dangerous. But a lvl 5 fire mage with a forest fire.... oh lordy.