Keith Mack
When creating a fantasy world, there are many factors to consider when it comes to establishing the laws of magic. Firstly, it is essential to determine whether magic has an origin or if it has always existed, as well as its source and any historical events that may have shaped its current form and acceptance in society. Another crucial aspect is defining who has access to magic and why, whether it is exclusive or available to everyone, and the terminology and social hierarchy associated with magic users. The limitations and costs of magic play a significant role in challenging the protagonist and adding tension to the story. It is also important to establish the rules and logic of magic in your world, ensuring consistency and a clear understanding of what can and cannot happen. This includes considering the setting, time, and personal characteristics that may influence the effectiveness of a spell. By exploring these elements, you can create a compelling and believable magic system that enhances your fantasy world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of magic types | There are two typical forms of magic, but some authors have created up to seven |
| Magic's origin | It could have been created or it could have always existed. It could have been diversified by historical events and could have many types |
| Who has access to magic | Anyone, or it could be exclusive. Magic users could be called mancers, wizards or adepts |
| Magic orders/societies | There could be magical orders or societies controlling/using magic, with a social hierarchy |
| Magic's appearance | How does it appear visually, and are there any smells associated with it? |
| Fuel source | What fuels the magic? |
| Magic's purpose | What is magic used for? |
| Summoning | How is magic summoned? |
| Limitations | What magic and its users can't do |
| Weaknesses | Things a character's enemies can exploit |
| Costs | What must be given to access this power |
| Expand before adding | Develop a few strong elements rather than adding many weaker elements |
| Consistency | Make all abilities logical within your world |
| Location | Some places may be better suited to certain types of magic, or may increase the risk of a spell going wrong |
| Time | The time of day, season, moon phase, alignment of planets and weather may impact the effectiveness of a spell |
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What You'll Learn
Define the magic's origin, history and limitations
When creating the laws of magic in a fantasy world, it is important to define the magic's origin, history, and limitations.
Origin
The first step is to determine the source of magic in your fantasy world. Did it have an origin, or did it always exist? Was it created, or is it drawn from a certain source? Some possible sources of magic include:
- Inner or external power within humans and other sentient creatures, as seen in Ian Irvine's Three Worlds fantasy series.
- The earth or physical world, such as power drawn from geological features like fault lines, meteor craters, or volcanoes.
- Crystals, minerals, rocks, and fossils, which can be enchanted to provide magical power.
- Other intelligent creatures, gifted or not.
- The life force of a familiar, or an adept's spirit companion, often taking an animal form.
History
The history of magic in your world will also shape how it is used and perceived in the present. Consider the following:
- How has magic been used or misused in the past? How has this shaped its current form?
- Has magic diversified over time? Does it have different types or schools?
- Are there any historical events or figures associated with magic that have become part of its lore?
Limitations
Limitations and costs are essential to creating interesting magic systems. They add tension to your story and can be a source of conflict, especially when villains find ways to circumvent these rules. Here are some aspects to consider:
- What are the limitations of magic? What can it not do?
- What are the costs of using magic? For example, in Ian Irvine's works, magic often comes at a high cost, with frequent use causing "aftersickness," including pain, nausea, migraines, and exhaustion.
- Are there any weaknesses or weak points in magic that can be exploited?
- Does the difficulty of using magic increase with its power, and does this lead to greater risks or consequences for the user?
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Establish rules and consequences
When creating rules and consequences for a magic system, it's important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to develop it. However, the rules should be consistent and logical within the context of the fantasy world. Here are some guidelines to help establish rules and consequences for magic in a fantasy setting:
Origin and History of Magic:
- Establish the origin of magic in your world. Did it always exist, or was it created? Does it have a source or a historical event that shaped its current form and acceptance in society?
- Consider the exclusivity of magic. Who has access to magic and why? Is it exclusive to certain individuals or groups, inherited, learned, or granted?
- Explore the existence of magical orders or societies that control or regulate the use of magic. Is there a social hierarchy among magic users? Are there uniforms, symbols, or a unique language associated with magic practitioners?
Limitations and Costs:
- Define the limitations and weaknesses of magic. What can it not do, and what are the consequences of attempting something beyond its scope? Are there specific rules imposed by society or governing orders, such as prohibiting certain types of magic like the "Shadow Arts"?
- Understand the costs of using magic. Is there a price to be paid for accessing magical power? For example, in some stories, using magic may result in "aftersickness," causing pain, nausea, exhaustion, or even injury, madness, or death.
- Consider the Law of Restrictions: the greater the magic, the more challenging it is to use and the higher the cost to the user. Nature seeks to restore balance, so overuse of magic can have disastrous consequences for the world.
Rules and Mechanics of Magic:
- Determine what fuels or powers magic. How is it summoned or activated? Does it have specific requirements, rituals, or components?
- Establish the visual and sensory aspects of magic. How does it appear or manifest? Does it have a particular look, colour, or smell?
- Explore the mechanics of magic in your world. How does it interact with the environment or other magical forces? Are there places that enhance or weaken magic, or influence the likelihood of spells going awry?
- Consider the individuals who possess magical abilities. What are their motivations, beliefs, strengths, and weaknesses? How do these factors influence the type of magic they practice and their effectiveness in using it?
Storytelling and Conflict Resolution:
- Ensure that the magic system serves the plot and creates conflict or tension in the story. The limitations and costs of magic can challenge your protagonist and add depth to the narrative.
- Follow Brandon Sanderson's Law: "The author's ability to resolve conflicts in a satisfying way with magic is directly proportional to how the reader understands said magic." In other words, the magic should make sense within the context of your world and the reader should comprehend its rules and limitations.
- Avoid overly complex magic systems. Instead, focus on a few strong elements that can be expanded upon. A simpler system allows for better world-building and helps avoid "worldbuilder's disease," where the focus becomes world-building instead of the actual story.
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Determine who can use magic and why
When creating the laws of magic in a fantasy world, it is essential to determine who can use magic and why. This decision will shape the magic system and its role in the world you are building. Here are some factors to consider:
The Source of Magic: Begin by asking yourself, does magic have an origin story? Was it created, or has it always existed? Understanding the source of magic can help define who can access it and why. For example, if magic originates from a specific ancient civilisation, individuals from that lineage may be the only ones capable of wielding it. Alternatively, magic could be a natural ability that exists within specific creatures or beings, as seen in the "Three Worlds" epic fantasy series by Ian Irvine, where magic is a rare ability that enables humans and certain sentient creatures to draw on power to perform extraordinary feats.
Access and Exclusivity: Decide whether magic is exclusive or accessible to everyone. You can create different tiers of exclusivity, where some forms of magic are common and accessible, while others are rare and only available to a select few. Additionally, you can explore the idea of inherited magic, where certain bloodlines or families possess unique magical abilities that are passed down through generations.
Acquisition of Magic: How is magic acquired or learned? Is it something that individuals are born with, or can it be acquired through study, training, and self-discipline, as suggested by Ian Irvine? Perhaps there are magical orders or societies that guard the secrets of magic and only initiate certain individuals. Consider the idea of magical knowledge being earned, stolen, or bargained for, adding an intriguing layer to your world-building.
Social Dynamics: Explore the social dynamics surrounding magic users. Is there a social hierarchy among magic users, with some wielding more power or influence than others? Are there different types of magic users, such as mancers, wizards, or adepts, as mentioned by Ian Irvine? Do they have unique cultures, uniforms, or languages that set them apart from non-magic users? These details will enrich the world you are creating and provide depth to the magic system.
Consequences and Limitations: All magic should have consequences and limitations. As Brandon Sanderson's first law suggests, the author's ability to resolve conflicts with magic is directly proportional to how well the reader understands said magic. By establishing clear limitations, you create a sense of balance and make the magic more relatable and intriguing. Consider the costs associated with using magic, such as aftersickness, pain, exhaustion, or even the risk of losing control and facing dire consequences, as seen in Ian Irvine's works.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to develop your magic system. Let your imagination guide you, and don't be afraid to expand upon the elements that resonate with your world-building and storytelling.
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Decide what magic looks and feels like
When creating the laws of magic in a fantasy world, it is important to decide what magic looks and feels like. This includes considering the following:
Visuals and Sensory Details
Describe how magic appears, including its colour, shape, and texture. You can also add details about how it smells and sounds. For example, does it smell like sulphur or fresh rain? Does it make a loud explosion or a soft whooshing sound?
Fuel and Source
Determine what fuels the magic and where its power comes from. Is it drawn from the earth, the sun, or the moon? Does it come from within the user, or is it accessed from an external source?
Accessibility and Users
Establish who can use magic and why. Is it a rare ability that only certain people are born with, or can anyone learn it with enough study and training? Are there different types of magic users, such as mancers, wizards, or adepts, and do they have unique uniforms or symbols that set them apart?
Social Dynamics and Control
Explore the social dynamics around magic use. Is magic use controlled by a governing body or magical orders/societies? Is there a social hierarchy among magic users, and is it kept secret from those who cannot use magic? Are there festivals, landmarks, or religions devoted to magic, and does it have its own language or literature?
Limitations and Costs
Understand the limitations and costs associated with magic use. What can magic not do, and what are the consequences of using it frequently? For example, in the "Harry Potter" series, there is a Fundamental Law of Magic and Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration, which states that food cannot be created out of nothing. In "Fullmetal Alchemist," there is a Law of Equivalent Exchange, where something of equal value must be lost to obtain something new.
By considering these aspects, you can create a well-rounded and immersive depiction of magic in your fantasy world, engaging your readers' senses and imaginations.
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Identify costs and weaknesses
When creating the laws of magic in a fantasy world, it is important to identify the costs and weaknesses of the magic system. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Costs
The cost of magic is what must be given or sacrificed to access magical power. In some stories, magic may have a physical cost to the user, such as pain, nausea, migraines, exhaustion, or even injury, madness, or death. For example, in the Lightbringer series, overuse of chromaturgy (the ability to turn light into real objects) causes an imbalance in the world, leading to natural disasters and other detrimental effects. Another example is the Law of Equivalent Exchange in Fullmetal Alchemist, where something of equal value must be lost to obtain something through magic.
Limitations and Weaknesses
Limitations and weaknesses are what magic and its users cannot do, or the things that can be exploited by enemies. For instance, in Harry Potter, Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration states that food cannot be created out of nothing. Limitations can also be imposed by society or governing orders, such as making it illegal to practice certain types of magic.
The setting and context can also influence the effectiveness of magic. Certain places may be more suited to particular types of magic, while other places may weaken magic or increase the risk of spells going wrong. The time of day, season, moon phase, weather, and other celestial factors may also play a role in the success of a spell.
Additionally, consider the personal characteristics of the magic user, such as their abilities, attitudes, passions, beliefs, strengths, and weaknesses. These factors will influence the type of magic they are drawn to and their level of proficiency.
By identifying the costs, limitations, and weaknesses of your magic system, you can create tension and challenges for your characters, making the story more engaging and dynamic.
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