Magic systems are an essential piece of fantasy storytelling. Even in low fantasy stories, having a magic system is something that’s necessary for the genre of fantasy. Even the Cambridge Dictionary defines fantasy fiction as “a type of story or literature that is set in a magical world, often involving traditional myths and magical creatures and sometimes ideas or events from the real world, especially from the medieval period of history.”
So often, as writers, we hear that the magic in our fantasy works needs to be unique. I would argue that no matter how unique your magic system is, if it isn’t believable, it isn’t going to work. Having a believable magic systems removes a barrier between your reader and the world, and isn’t that what we’re all going for?
Understanding the Foundations of Magic Systems
There are a variety of definitions out there, but for the purpose of this article, magic systems are defined as the rules, limitations, and abilities surrounding magic. Magic systems spell out who can use magic and how, what kind of magic is present in your world, and what the repercussions are, if any, to using it. It can also include the historical lore behind the presence of magic.
Types of Magic Systems
Like the definition of magic systems, there are also many, many different types of magic systems. Here, we’re going to look at a few of the most common.
Hard vs. Soft Magic Systems
Hard and soft magic systems are probably the easiest way to think about magic. Basically, a “soft magic” system is where the rules aren’t entirely clear, or known. This leaves room for interpretation and imagination. A “hard magic” system, on the other hand, is where the rules are known to the reader, if not entirely then close.
In a hard magic system, readers know the rules, costs, and limitations of magic. There are conflicts that showcase both these things and further define the magic system.
While both magic systems have their own strengths and weaknesses, soft magic systems seem to be done more often. I read a lot of books where magic is ill-defined, with no clear laws as to how it works. There is thought behind it, usually, but it isn’t always crafted in depth. There are a couple reasons for this. One, making a fully defined magic system is a lot of work, and if the character isn’t going to interact with the magic system as a whole, it can seem like a lot of work for a little reward.
Second, magic is often used to fix problems within the book. Because the rules aren’t clearly defined to the reader, it can feel easy to fudge them a little to get the outcome you need with magic. You’ve probably seen it before: the unearned ending where the hero swoops in and unleashes some random magic to save the day.
Brandon Sanderson breaks this down further in a blog post titled “First Law.” In this post, he highlights what he calls Sanderson’s First Law of Magics: “An author’s ability to solve conflict with magic is directly proportional to how well the reader understands said magic.”
If your reader really understands the magic system, i.e. a hard magic system, it becomes much more believable when, following the rules, costs, and limitations of that system, a character uses magic to solve a problem.
The same cannot be said about a soft magic system. Remember when I said using magic to solve a problem in a soft system can leave the reader feeling like the ending was unearned? Sanderson agrees: “The really good writers of soft magic systems very, very rarely use their magic to solve problems in their books. Magic creates problems, then people solve those problems on their own without much magic…. Use the magic for visuals and for ambiance, but not for plot.”
If magic is going to be integral to your plot, you’re going to need to define it.
Rule-Based vs. Freeform Magic
Rule-based and freeform magic are basically just another name for hard and soft magic systems, but I wanted to include them here for the terms. They’re most commonly found in role-playing games (RPG).
In rule-based magic, there are defined spells with defined damage and limitations. In freeform, players make up their spells and choose the damage.
Source of Magic
There are also different magic systems based on where the magic comes from, which can also play a part in the lore surrounding magic in your magic system.
If a person is born with magic, it’s innate. The magic may be passed through bloodlines or distributed randomly. It may be a natural gift or something that requires training and refinement.
There is also external magic, where magic is linked to a source and characters cannot use magic without the external medium. The source can be anything from a ring to a staff to a book and anything in between.
Magic can be sourced from a deity. Whether gifted or loaned, the character is granted magic by a higher-being.
There are probably other sources of magic I’m forgetting, but you get the gist.
Elements of a Believable Magic System
I’m going to write this section assuming you’ll be using magic for the plot. Even if you’re not, you can definitely use these elements to build a soft magic system.
Consistency and Rules
Yup, I’m talking about rules. Even if you have a soft magic system, you at least need to know the rules. You don’t need to tell the reader, but your story will be stronger for it. And if you are using plot for the plot, you certainly need to know the rules and be consistent with them.
Establishing Clear Limitations and Boundaries
Define the scope and limitations of your magic system. What can it do? What can’t it do? Can your magic system allow someone to fly but only at a speed of 15 mph? Is magic innate but only to those born on a specific day of the year?
Now, I suggest you do this before you begin drafting. But, if you’re like me, sometimes that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, when you’re writing, a new situation will come up, one you didn’t account for when laying out the limitations and scope of your system. During revision, you will have to make sure the use of magic in your book aligns with the scope and limitations you’ve defined.
You’ll also need to think about the extent of magical abilities and their constraints. Does everyone have the same level of magic or are they of varying strengths? Is everyone skilled in the same type of magic, or can certain people only do certain things?
The best way to explain your magic system in the book is to show it. Put your characters in situations where the magic is pushed to its limits and fails them.
Role of Rules in Reader Engagement and Tension
Remember those rules you’ve defined? Well, they’ll be the backbone of tension, suspense, and conflict throughout your story.
When readers understand the limitations and boundaries of magic, they become invested in how characters navigate these constraints. The unpredictability of adhering to or breaking these rules adds layers of tension to pivotal moments, sort of like a magical amplifier.
Rules within a magic system present challenges that characters must overcome. Limitations imposed by these rules force characters to devise inventive solutions, fostering creativity and character development. Whether it’s a limit on the frequency of magic use, the specificity of spells, or the consequences of certain actions, these restrictions provide opportunities for characters to showcase their resourcefulness and resilience (i.e. the perfect opportunity for character building).
Finally, rules in a magic system inherently raise the stakes in the narrative. When characters are bound by limitations, the risks associated with using magic become more pronounced and your readers will feel them.
Cost and Consequences
The concept of a ‘cost’ or ‘sacrifice’ associated with wielding magic adds depth and realism to the magic system, shaping both characters and the world you’ve built. Magic systems without cost or consequences feel flat and too easy to have any real tension.
There are many ways to highlight the cost of magic. It can be a physical toll, where the wielder is fatigued or falls ill from using magic. Or maybe there’s an emotional burden, which is particularly common with dark magic.
Remember how we talked about the cultural significance of magic? In a culture where magic is feared, using magic might ostracize a character or leave them fleeing punishment.
Showing Consequences to Magic
The consequences for using magic can be great plot devices. The magic can result in direct consequences, which have immediate, visible effects on the world or character. Or there could be indirect consequences, which create ripple effects throughout the narrative and in future events.
There can be long-term effects of magic use. Some negative effects might be corruption, deterioration, or some other, unforeseen consequence. I think it’s important here to note that not all consequences are bad. There can be positive effects like character growth and development, or positive changes for the world.
Finally, the consequences of magic can drive character development, plot progression, or a combination of the two. Maybe a character who continually uses powerful spells might find themselves physically weakened over time, leading to a transformative character arc. Alternatively, a society reliant on magic might suffer degradation due to overuse, presenting a central conflict to be resolved in the plot.
The interaction between cost and consequences not only shapes characters but also influences the trajectory of the story, infusing it with depth and realism.
Internal Logic and Cohesion
It’s not just about the rules, I promise. Your magic system has to work with the rest of your book. From the world you’re building to the characters you’re creating, your magic system should enhance your story.
Aligning Magic with World’s Culture, History, and Physics
In creating a believable magic system, coherence with the world’s cultural, historical, and even physical aspects is pivotal. This alignment not only grounds the magic but also enriches the overall world-building. In fact, the way magic is used in your world can build your world for you.
Think of the cultural influence on magic. Do different cultures within the world view and utilize magic the same way? Most likely they don’t. Think about Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse. There are areas within that world where magic is condemned and Grishas are killed, while in other parts they are idolized. Integrating how different cultures of your world interact with magic not only builds out the magic system, but your world.
You can also take into account the historical significance of magic. Are there any pivotal events where magic played a role (i.e. when the Darkling created the Fold)? This can be anything from wars fought to rituals that shaped the current magical landscape and anything in between.
Magic also needs to align with the world’s physics and/or natural laws. Do you know how many times my spouse has paused a show we’re watching to talk through how unlikely it is that dragons would actually be able to fly shaped the way they are? I usually tell him that it’s magic and to let it go, but if the system was built well, I wouldn’t have to.
Fantasy walks a fine line between magic and physics, and stepping over that line breaks the sense of plausibility.
Avoiding Plot Holes and Inconsistencies
You’ve built this glorious magic system. Now, it’s time to sniff out plot holes and inconsistencies that would wreck the integrity of your story.
Maintaining Continuity in Magic Use
There are two things you need to ensure in maintaining continuity in magic use: rule-based execution and character-dependent rules.
For rule-based execution, make sure your rules are being followed consistently throughout the narrative. And for character-dependent rules, you need to ensure the characters’ abilities remain true to their limitations unless it’s justified and addressed within the story.
When you’re revising, I suggest adding “magic system” to your list of things you’re looking for. If you see anything that’s inconsistent or you need to check, mark it and verify.
Techniques for Tracking Magical Elements to Avoid Contradictions
Which brings me to my next point: tracking magical elements. Just like writing, there are many ways to go about this. There are tools which help you build worlds, like Campfire. There’s the trusty notebook method. You can keep everything in Scrivener. Heck, some writers even create Wiki pages for every part of their magic system.
The important part is that you have somewhere where you keep track of the rules, limitations and consequences so you remain consistent.
Beta readers and editors are a great resource to help you spot any inconsistencies you may have missed. One day, I’ll write a post about finding beta readers.
Inconsistencies in magic usage can pull the reader out of your story, eroding the credibility of the narrative. By aligning magic with your narrative’s world and managing continuity, a magic system gains depth and credibility, and your reader remains immersed.
Steps to Develop a Realistic Magic System
Your process for building magic systems may shift as you get better at it. This is just how I do it. I encourage you to try it out, and tweak it until it’s perfect for you.
1. Build the Foundation
I like to start with the foundation by thinking about where magic came from and how it started. Is it natural, divine, or linked to cosmic forces?
From there, I can define its accessibility. This is where you determine how individuals access or learn magic—whether through study, innate abilities, rituals, heritage, or any combination.
2. Outline the Cost and Limitations
Is magic (or the source that fuels it) a limited resource in your story world? Can one’s magical abilities be stolen or suppressed through fantastical or physical means? What effect does the use of magic have on the user? Is there a cap on the users’ magical abilities? How could a magic user be defeated?
3. Weave it into the World
Once you know where it comes from, now you can start thinking about how magic impacts your world. Think about the geographical, historical, or cultural elements magic has shifted.
And on that note, think about magic’s impact on different cultures. Develop lore, rituals, traditions, and societal hierarchies around magical practices.
4. Develop Unique Elements
Now, make it weird. Craft distinct spells, incantations, or abilities with unique effects and limitations. Invent artifacts or magical items with specific powers, histories, and significance within your world. Create diverse magical beings, detailing their origins, roles, and impact within your narrative. Really, the sky’s the limit.
5. Ensure Internal Consistency
Make sure your magic system follows the rules and limitations you’ve set. It should be consistent and without contradictions. This may mean revisiting and refining your system to maintain coherence as new ideas arise.
6. Test and Adapt
Get feedback. Whether it’s your CP, editor, or beta readers, get feedback on the believability of your magic system. Then use that information to adapt and improve.
Conclusion
Crafting believable and compelling magic systems is an art that blends imagination with craftsmanship. It’s also important to remember, crafting a magic system is an iterative journey. Refinement, testing, and incorporating feedback—especially from beta readers—is crucial for building a believable magic system.
Now, armed with these insights and strategies, it’s time to weave your own magic system.
How’d It Go?!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in crafting magical systems for your own stories. If you share your thoughts, challenges, or unique elements on social, be sure to tag me (@taylormunsell on Instagram and TikTok).