I’ve talked a lot about fantasy writing but the only world building template I created is in the book Building Dark Worlds. I thought of putting the template all in one post. But, that would be pretty long. Welcome to the Fantasy World Building Template series.
Today, we begin with my favorite fantasy element. Magic. Though, I often call it powers or special abilities. For me, at least, the word magic conjures images of witches and wizards. I prefer creating my own fantasy races ( that will be another post).
There are two types of magic systems. Hard and soft.
Hard Magic
Your magic system has a specific set of rules that govern how and why people can harness it. Avatar: The Last Airbender is a good example of a hard magic system. So is Fullmetal Alchemist.
Soft Magic
A soft magic system doesn’t have a strict set of rules. Studio Ghibli movies tend to have a soft magic system. So does The Lord of the Rings. Magic happens but you don’t know exactly how.
One is not better than the other. A soft magic system doesn’t mean you can ex machina your character out of any situation. In both cases, the magic has to make sense to the story. You don’t have to choose one over the other. You can make a hybrid system.
Hard Magic System vs Soft Magic System
Types of Magic Part 2: An Analysis of 7 Popular Magic Systems
Below, are a few questions you should ask yourself as you create your magic system.
Basics
What exactly can people do?
What’s the magic called?
How do characters harness it? Do they chant, ask it, form symbols with their hands?
Where does the power live? For instance, is it in nature? In a stone? In the person?
How do people get magical abilities? Are they born with it? Given through a talisman or a special ceremony?
Who Uses It
Can everyone use it or is it for a select few?
If it’s only for certain people, why are they the only ones who could use it?
Can different people do different things with the power or is it the same for everyone?
Do different people have different ideas of how it should be used?
Does the magic change people physically? Can someone tell another is a magic-user just by looking at them?
Does everyone call the magic system the same thing or does it have different names depending on one who’s using it?
Origins
How did the power come to be? Was it always part of your world?
Do different people have different ideas of how the power came to be or is it one commonly known theory?
Is it from a deity? Is that deity still around?
Do people believe the origin story?
The Magic
How do people use it? Healing, combat, shapeshifting, everyday tasks?
What does the power look like when manifested? Is it invisible? Colorful? Is it the same every time?
Can someone sense it when another is using their power?
If they can sense it, is there a range limit? Can a person feel it if they’re miles away?
How does the character feel when they use? Do they feel anything?
How long does it take to work magic?
Do people change as they’re conjuring? Do they glow? Does the air shift?
Limits
What are the limits?
Can people run low on magic?
If so, how do they recharge?
Are there any consequences for using the ability?
Do all abilities have consequences or only certain ones? Why and what are they?
Training
Do people have to attend school to learn their ability?
Do they learn from their parents or a local mentor?
Can they teach themselves?
Do they have to go on a quest?
What are some ways characters can increase their knowledge about their abilities?
Knowledge and Regulation
Does everyone know about magic?
If so, is it regulated? Are only a few people allowed to use it?
Who regulates it?
Are the chosen users marked by something like a badge or a uniform?
What happens to those who break regulations?
If magic is not wildly known, how do people keep it hidden?
Belief and Prejudice
If the power is widely known, how do people view it?
Are those with power treated better or worse than those without?
Are there certain uses that are frowned upon? Is it a law or does it vary by location, person, or race?
You don’t need to answer every question on this list unless it’ll help your story. Most of the answers probably won’t make it into your story but they’ll help you make a more realistic and well-rounded magic system.
Do you have any questions about creating a magic system? Do you have something to add? Comment below.
More Resources
Creating a Fantasy World: Magical Powers
Writing Fantasy Fight Scenes with Powers
Leveling Up Your Character’s Magic Skills Part 1
3 thoughts on “Fantasy World Building Template: Magic System”
Ooh, Auden! Now I want to write about magic!
Fun post and awesome images.
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Wow, who knew there were so many options when writing fantasy? For those interested in this genre, you gave a lot of excellent tips and thinking points to help the creative process along.
I’ve just started writing sci-fi/fantasy, and this was very helpful! Thank you for this post
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