Happy Holidays (at least by the time I’m posting this)! Last time, we discussed the different types of magic systems that exist on the spectrum as well as introducing Brandon Sanderson’s Laws of Magic, which are helpful guidelines to keep in mind when writing about fantasy. This time, let’s get down to the actual writing of magic systems.
Here is a list of things you might want to consider when thinking of your story’s magic system.
1. How involved is magic in your story as a whole?
By knowing how much magic will be involved can help determine where on the spectrum you’ll want your magic system to be. If, for example, your story has a lot of action/adventure scenes that use magic as a way to get through their obstacles, you’ll want to set your magic system farther on the hard magic spectrum. If your story puts a lot more focus on other aspects of the plot (relationships, politics, a quest) with magic only acting as a spice to the narrative, then you might want to consider a magic system leaning towards soft magic
2. Who is your viewpoint character?
Do they use magic or not? How in control are they of their magic, and how much to they know about/how to wield it? A regular user of magic will know a lot more about how the system works, what powers magic, it’s cost, etc. and so will require a more well-defined magic system. A regular person or a magical character who doesn’t know how to control their magic or any knowledge about how it works can be written with a softer magic system to preserve its mysticism.
3. What can magic do?
Start off simple and vague before getting deeper into the inner workings of your magic system. Does magic manipulate nature? If so, what kind? What defines nature? And so on, and so forth.
4. What are your magic systems limitations?
This is the all-important question. It sets the boundaries of your system and can provide really good points for tension when writing your story. What are the limitations of your magic? Is it a learning curve, which requires a lot of study to use and master? A rock-paper-scissors type system of strengths and weaknesses (think ATLA or Pokemon)? Does it rely on the user’s stamina or specific energy? Is there a long and complicated process required before it can be cast? Is there a range limit?
5. How is the magic cast?
What medium does your magic use? Does it need to be channeled through an object like a wand or a ring? Does it need verbal activation like a spell or can it be written? Is it cast through a series of movements (i.e. martial arts like ATLA)
6. Where does it come from?
Is the magic internal, or is it external? Does the user draw power using their own energy, the world around them, or is magic bestowed by a third-party?
7. Who can use it?
These are just a few questions to consider when designing a magic system, but feel free to go as in-depth or as minimalistic as you’d like depending on the situation. Not every story needs a complex magic system, but answering some of these questions might provoke some more ideas for your story or world. From then on, you can get into the nitty-gritty on the effects of magic on society, politics, history, advancement, etc. But that might be a topic for another time.
Can anybody use magic or is it only accessible to certain people? Is it genetic, or can it be cultivated and honed through intense study and practice? Both? Is it given, or are people born with it? Are there certain species who can/can’t use magic? Why?
________
Happy Writing!
