Worldbuilding and Magic Systems: Things to Consider
Have a magic system in mind for your fantasy world? Here's a list of things to consider to help you tie this system into the rest of your worldbuilding, so that it feels more believable and realistic.
What is the source of magic? Is it natural or man-made? Can humans use magic or is it a force of nature that only animals or other races can use?
Does magic originate from inside a person or does it require external items to use? If it comes from items, can the items be made? How long does it take to make the items?
Does the magic cost anything- money, stamina, health, etc.?
Can a person be cut off from being able to use magic? If so, how?
How common is magic in your world? Is it so common that everyone has seen it or is it a subject of myths and rumors?
How long have the people in your world known about magic? Has it always been there or is it a new discovery?
How much does the average person know about magic? How much do experts know? What do people not understand about this magic? Are there any common misconceptions? Myths?
Is magic revered or feared? Or if it's common, is it taken for granted? Are there any taboos surrounding magic?
How many types of magic are there? Are some more common than others?
Are there dedicated schools of thought surrounding the study of magic? Is it taught about in schools? If so, is it taught to children or only at the college (or equivalent) level?
Who can use magic? Who can't? Is it something that only the rich and powerful can use? Why? Or do genetics determine who can use it? Wealth?
Are there any physical limitations that might restrict who can use magic? For instance, maybe old or sickly people can't use magic because it requires a lot of physical effort. Does your society provide accommodations for people who can't use magic? Is a lack of magic ability considered a disability?
Does education level determine capacity for magic?
How easy is it to gain access to magic? How easy is it to learn about magic?
How powerful or useful is magic for different parts of society? Military? Medicine? Entertainment? Art? Childcare? Government? Communication? Business?
How does magic affect the politics of your world? How does it shape the economy? Are there feuds over the use of magic? Do powerful groups in your world have an incentive to limit the use and accessibility of magic? Why?
What happens when people no longer have access to magic? Does this cripple their ability to go through their daily lives? How?
Mix, match, and cross-reference these with other elements of your worldbuilding to form a believable magic system that lives and breaths just as the rest of your world does. For every answer you give to the questions above, consider and build upon the implications of what that might mean for your world. A worldbuilder's best skill is the ability to ask "How will this affect ___?" So make sure you're always considering the ripple effects of each element you add to your world.
Happy worldbuilding y'all!
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