Creating a magic system for a high fantasy novel can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding process. A well-crafted magic system can add not only depth to your world, but it can also add intrigue, and wonder, drawing readers in and keeping them engaged throughout your story. In this guide, we will cover the six essential steps to creating a magic system for your high fantasy novel, with some additional tidbits and real-world examples to help you curate the best system you can!
But first, lets cover some ground information:
What is a Magic System?
A magic system is a set of rules and mechanics that govern how magic works in a fictional world. It can include the source of magic, how it is accessed and used, the types of magic that exist, and any rules and limitations associated with using magic.
To create a unique magic system, start by determining the source of magic and the mechanics of how it works. Then establish rules and limitations, define the types of magic that exist, create a hierarchy of magic users, and integrate magic into the world-building of your story. Refine and revise your system as you go.
Step 1: Determine the Magic’s Source
The first step in creating a magic system is to determine the source of magic in your world. Will it be a natural force or energy that certain individuals can tap into, or will it be derived from external sources, such as deities or other supernatural entities? This decision will influence how your magic system works and how it interacts with the world around it.
In addition to the source of magic, it’s also important to consider how the magic is accessed and used. Think about these questions: Will there be specific rituals or incantations required to cast spells or use magic? Will the magic be more intuitive or instinctual? How will the use of magic impact the user, and what limitations or risks are associated with it? These questions can help you define the mechanics of your magic system and make it much more believable and consistent.
For example, Mage Arts in my series, The Fallen Age Saga, are actually derived from the internal energy of the Varkavans. Their auras help to produce the magic, which in turn is harnessed as energy for weapons and in warfare. It’s basically an internal magic system that they designed.
Step 2: Establish the Rules and Limitations
Once you’ve determined the source and the base mechanics of your magic system, the next step is to establish rules and limitations for how it can be used. This is crucial to creating a balanced and engaging magic system that won’t feel arbitrary or overpowered.
Some common limitations for magic systems include:
- Limited energy or resources required to cast spells
- Specific requirements or conditions for certain spells or abilities
- Negative consequences or drawbacks associated with using magic
- Restrictions or regulations on who can access or use magic
By establishing these rules and limitations, you can create a more immersive and realistic magic system that will challenge your characters and keep readers engaged.
To go back to my series, Mage Arts can take a very strong toll on the user. Necroses Mage Arts–the most powerful–can only be channeled through a weapon from the user. It cannot be used in its raw form like Nuclear or Pyro Mage Arts.
Step 3: Define the Types of Magic in Your World
Another important aspect of creating a magic system is defining the types of magic that exist in your world. This can include elemental magic, necromancy, divination, and many others, depending on the scope and style of your high fantasy novel.
Each type of magic should have its own unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses, and should be integrated into the world-building of your story. For example, elemental magic might be associated with specific regions or climates, while divination might be used by seers or prophets to uncover hidden truths or predict the future.
Including a diverse range of magic systems allows for the world to feel much more complete. To draw back to my series, Mage Arts exists alongside other forms of magic like Black Magic, Sorcery, Light Magic, and more. Each system has its rules, limitations, and strengths/weaknesses.
Be creative here and come up with names that you think will be engaging for your readers!
Step 4: Create a Hierarchy for Magic Users
High fantasy novels often like to organize magic users into hierarchies. This can be based on many things, but it seems to be mostly around abilities and training. You can also do things like birth, race, species, etc… This can add depth and complexity to your world-building, as different types of magic users may have different levels of power or influence.
Some common examples of magic user hierarchies in high fantasy include:
- Novices, apprentices, and master mages
- Adepts, sorcerers, and archmages
- White magic users, black magic users, and grey magic users
By creating a hierarchy of magic users, you can add an additional layer of intrigue and tension to your story, as well as provide opportunities for character development and conflict.
In The Fallen Age Saga, there are Mages that can use multiple types of Mage Arts, and these are typically leaders/commanders in the Varkavan military. For instance, First General Azurai Galardidiabroka can utilize all forms of Mage Arts (there’s more of a reason for that too, but he’s pretty much the strongest Mage Arts user in his entire species).
Step 5: Integrate Your Magic System into the World-Building
Once you’ve established the basics of your magic system, it’s important to integrate it into the world-building of your high fantasy novel. This can include describing magical artifacts, creatures, or even landscapes that exist in your world, as well as exploring the cultural and societal impacts of magic.
For example, in a world where magic is rare and mysterious, magic users may be revered or feared, depending on the society they belong to. In a world where magic is commonplace, it may be integrated into everyday life, such as being used for transportation or communication.
By integrating magic into the world-building of your story, you can create a more immersive and believable world that readers will find captivating.
The Varkavans who practice Mage Arts have created weapons specifically for Mage Arts. For example, Pyro Mage users might use weapons designed to channel their fire in order to create more effective weapons. Blood Mage Arts users can create Bloodforged bullets used for rifles to be more effective in battle. Nuclear Mage Arts users might have special helmets that allow them to shoot radiation-infused energy from their own mouths. This is a good example of a society where magic is just common, so everybody uses it to their advantage.
Step 6: Refine and Revise Your Magic System
Creating a magic system for your high fantasy novel is an iterative process, and it’s important to refine and revise your system as you go. This can involve testing your magic system in your writing, seeking feedback from beta readers, or even going back to the drawing board and reworking certain aspects of your system.
Remember that creating a magic system is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process that will evolve and change as your story develops. Embrace this process and stay open to new ideas and feedback.
You might come up with new limitations for your system, which can help advance your plot. You might find it easier to come up with a basis and build as you go. Whatever your process may be, the idea of a magic system is very important for high fantasy novels, so be sure to take extra care to make it interesting and engaging!
Extra Tip: How to Make Sure Your System Isn’t Overpowered or Arbitrary
To avoid making your magic system feel overpowered or arbitrary, establish clear rules and limitations for how it can be used. This can include limited energy or resources required to cast spells, specific requirements or conditions for certain spells or abilities, negative consequences or drawbacks associated with using magic, and restrictions or regulations on who can access or use magic. By creating a balanced and believable magic system, you can keep readers engaged and invested in your story.
Like I mentioned earlier, Varkavans can only use their Mage Arts for so long before they tire. That’s why a lot of them will default to using basic weapons at some point as their auras will break down the more they use their own energy.
In conclusion, creating a magic system for your high fantasy novel can be a fairly complex but rewarding and important part of the process. High fantasy is differentiated from basic fantasy because of the magic systems put in place and their importance. So, make sure you don’t skip out on making your fantasy system intriguing and interesting!