Magic Systems: More Than the What

Okay, so you're writing fantasy. It has magic. You keep seeing these posts on magic systems. What's a magic system? Here's the quick and easy breakdown:

A magic system outlines the limits of your characters' abilities.

In other words, your characters can't just use their magic without consequences, right? Otherwise, they would have earth-shattering abilities that could destroy the entire universe you've created with one swipe of their hand, one muttered word, etc. This isn't fun. What are the limits and consequences of their magic?

You can go about this in several ways, of course. Some obvious techniques that are tried and true rest in the basics.

• Limit the number of spells your character has learned, or is able to use.

Lucy learned the spells fireball, shielding, and sleep. She can't use an offensive attack (fireball or sleep) when she's using a defensive spell (shielding). 

• Limit the inherent magic abilities your character has (i.e. weak versus strong; how much magic they can use before being depleted).

Lucy is a weak mage. While she has learned three of the most basic spells, other mages in her class have learned at least seven. Lucy can't use an offensive attack when she's using a defensive spell, but many of her classmates can.

• Base your magic on the use of an enchanted item.

Lucy learned the spells fireball, shielding, and sleep...but she can't use these spells without the use of her wand.

• Create steep consequences for the use of magic.

Lucy learned the spells fireball, shielding, and sleep...but every time she uses a spell she gets a new wart.

There are so many more, and it all rests in your very capable hands. Use your imagination to make this interesting for readers. Find something that hasn't been used, or put twists on the basics to create something just different enough to be interesting.

Now, you've established the rules. Your magic-using character has their limits. That's it, right? Wrong. The real challenge lies with the how of your magic system. Your readers want to know more than what it is. They want to know how it works.

Again, you have so many options open to you. Some of the better known methods are listed below:

• Magic given by someone else (see: gods, more powerful mages, etc)

Lucy was a normal girl that prayed to be different. The goddess Athena blessed her with magic abilities.

• Innate magic

Lucy was born with the ability to magically conjure fireballs.

• Learned magic

Lucy had to study for years to learn the spells fireball, shielding, and sleep.

• Magic given from enchanted object

When Lucy found the silver ring in the attic, she soon discovered it allowed her to create fireballs.

• Magic via certain words or phrases

Lucy has to say "inferno" to cast her fireball spell.

Now, put your how and what together, and you have a magic system. This can be time consuming, frustrating, and equally as exciting when it all comes together. These basics should help you get started, but if you'd like to know more, hop over to this very informative blog on Fantasy Faction.

Happy writing.