7 Laws of Magic Systems - The Art of World Building

Get my 7 laws on how to create a #magic system. I talk about the difference between local laws, laws of magic, and #worldbuilding laws to follow when creating a system. Let me know what you think in the comments.
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[@azazelgrigori9244]

My magic system is based on the planets of old astrology. Each planet is not considered a planet, but is referred to as an arcana. Each arcana corresponds to different magic, including an element, aspects of life, and is drawn from the user. Different races/factions have their own version of the arcana system, but the main faction views it as follows. Sol is drawn from belief (religious or otherwise), rules over light, and casts spells of blessings and wardings. Luna is drawn from imagination, rules over water, and provides divinatory knowledge and the ability to perceive and interact with spiritual forces. Mars is drawn from passion (in all its forms), rules over fire, and cast spells to either enhance the body or instigate emotions. Mercury is drawn from intellect, rules over air, and casts illusion and teleportation spells. Jupiter is drawn from Ambition, rules over lightning and storms, and can levitate objects and abjure the magic of others. Venus is drawn from one's connection to nature, rules over earth, has power over plants and animals, and is the prime healer arcana. Finally is Saturn which draws upon self preservation/self concern, rules over shadow, and is basically necromancy and blood magic.

[@therockingvolbeat3630]

What about Neptune and Uranus?

[@therockingvolbeat3630]

And earth itself?

[@lyken0]

@@therockingvolbeat3630 Uranus is seduction magic 🗿🤨😏

[@versacii1411]

@@therockingvolbeat3630 && At astrology we experience the events from the Point Of View of Earth, we dont use Earth in astrology

[@maravreloaded]

This is the magic system from my story. It's known as *_Chroma._* It's basically elemental magic but with a twist. Since all elemental systems have a weakness and effectivity chart it makes characters need to change elements on the go. But the characters of my story are genetically limited to just control one. So, there's where the 4 different states of the Chroma Energy comes. Active. The use of the user's own energy. Passive. The use of the energy from the environment. Reactive. A unbalanced mix of the energy of the user and the environment. Neutral. A perfect mix of the energy of the user and the environment. Usually a counter to attacks. Ethereal. Related to the dimensional plain of the energy.

[@righteousferret5416]

The first law worldbuilders determine what works and what does not work for magic The second law the world builder will determine who can cast magic and what type The third law magic if multiple magic types exist the world builder will determime what magic people can use the difference between them and whether people can use multiple types Fourth law of magic world builders will determine what happens when the spell fails Fifth law world builders will determine what local laws there are about magic Sixth law worldbuilders will follow the laws they set forth The seveventh law worldbuilders will determine what training is available needed and what strings are attached

[@SuperAmaton]

I think the most important Rule with Magic is that it has to have a cost/drawback. Otherwise, it's a Superpower and even most Superpowers have a drawback. For Example: To ressurect someone, a Necromancer has to kill another Person or: The Pyromancer can only create 3 Fireballs a day, because that's how much Mana he can use every day or: The Warlock can teleport only so far as he can travel and he will feel the exaustion after teleporting as if he had traveled to where he is now

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

I agree limits are hugely important or you have gods. Creating the limits is a good way to divide up a "system."

[@GuyLogen]

Man I like hard limits to my magic systems like a "limited number of casts per day or item", but also, recently I've been watching D&D campaigns by people online where there was a concept for chance to fail. So when "casting" a spell, the user can fail to cast it and if it fails, there is a drawback. The drawback can be avoided, if the character rolls a high enough number, otherwise there are consequences. Now I'm fascinated by that idea because it adds a bit unpredictability to magic but converting into a magic system that is still diverse and useful while retaining the hard limits is proving to be a challenge.

[@alexmoliere570]

A series I liked said “these elemental mages rely on elementals, who dislike metal, and thus why they wear light armor and not heavy armor.” Makes sense so when you watch the series you’re not like “why don’t the mages wear better armor?” Now I just need a excuse to have clerics wear light armor

[@Andrewtr6]

I agree that a magic system needs to be balanced and the magic needs drawbacks, however, the limits shouldn't neuter the magic system. If the whole system acted like the pyromancer example the system would be pretty limp for combat. The magic system I've been created is mainly used in the story for combating monsters and other enemies so, it needs to be usable for that purpose. Of course, if combat isn't a purpose of magic in the story, then how effective it is for combat doesn't matter. We can also see this in Harry Potter where the magic is meant to be whimsical for most of the series. Combat magic is set up but it's not in the foreground until closer to the end of the series.

[@oceanicmage]

Can;t expect any less from somebody with a Fate/ profile pic! Though the franchise might be a hellhole, its lore, worldbuilding and magic system are one of the PRIME examples of how to write a good magic system.

[@ronaldrodriguez7205]

Thanks. Take a breath, pal. Maybe a glass of water too. Just kidding, hope you don't mind. Anyways, thanks for the tips, they're great

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

LOL. This was the video were my usual teleprompter app kept jumping around and I had to go with another that was harder to control speed. Had to talk fast a few times to catch up :)

[@thechroniclegamer4285]

@@TheArtofWorldBuilding you sound like someone tryna sing a high paced song Gotta breathe quickly

[@SkySpiral7_Lets_play]

I would include another: if magic is common think about how it would be used for everyday things. Such as public safety, sanitation, and mundane careers (such as a cook). "Everyday life with magic" makes it feel much more integrated into the world (internal consistency). 7:27 There's a difference between "failed to cast spell" and "failed to solve problem". Magic can be super reliable without instantly solving everything. I don't recall any "failed to cast" in the first few Dresden books which were plenty exciting. 7:55 Should be "decide on the general attitude and public reaction" in each place. Local laws are good but only exist for places that are aware of magic which depends on how common it is or if there's a conspiracy. 9:39 I think you should switch laws 6 and 7 for the sake of order but ok. 1 call out here is that "training" might be like the X-men where everyone has to figure out their own stuff but the teachers can help walk through it.

[@mrswan667]

Thanks sir, your video is one of the best i've seen on the matter. My system is just fleshing out on itself thanks to you and some gold comments! I was having a hard time and now it's FUN as hell!

[@TheDcraft]

This is my magic system so far. There's relics, or magical artifacts. Created by either a God or Goddess they contain a 'memory' of the God or Goddess that created it. This 'memory' is the source of power. To obtain a relic one has to clear a dungeon and fight a boss. After obtaining the relic the person has to enter their inner world, like Ichigo does in the anime Bleach. Once there, they're confronted by the 'memory.' If they can win the 'memory's' respect and cooperation they obtain access to it's power. There's 5 levels to the relics power, the last in which the character takes on the appearance of the 'memory.' Each relics power is limited to the God's or Goddess's power. There's a total of 12 main Gods of Goddesses, though there's other minor deities, who can be broken down into either one element (water, air, fire, and earth) or a combination of two elements. So, let's say someone with a relic from the Sun God would be limited to fire magic. Magic does exist in other ways too, but it's rarer and more akin to soft magic, not because it doesn't have rules but because it's so rare not much is known about it other than it's magic. Edit: oh, and relics can also be obtained by theft, killing the original owner, or inheritance. However, even in these situations the inner world part has to be done to obtain it's power.

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

nice. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheDcraft]

@@TheArtofWorldBuilding thank you. Since I wrote this I've developed more. The dungeon that houses the relic, and all of it's obstacles, are actually made by the relic. As a relic lays lost, it's unused power leaks into it's surroundings, overtime this will culminate in the creation of a medium to large size dungeon. Given enough time there will be three 'levels' and 'bosses.' the first represents the relics first two forms, the second it's third and fourth form, and, finally, the third represents the fifth and final form of the relic's power.

[@sortilien2099]

Mine is like this : 1)Magic never fails, 2)Your magic might is dicided by how many people fear, like, hate you or have faith in you. 3)Your kind of power is decided by the image most people have of you. 4)Magic is intoxicating, and has it's own will. if you use it to much you become exactly what people think you are but in a magical creature form and lost your own will. 5)Magic corruption can reduce with time with out using magic, or if it's transfered to an other host by skin/skin contact. People person, popular guys, leaders can have huge powers. hermit that everyone think they are wizard are actualy powerful wizard by a matter of fact, a good blacksmith with nice reputation can be a "metal bender".

[@TheDcraft]

@@sortilien2099 I really like rule 3, seems very original, or at least I'm not aware of a magic system with a similar rule. Very cool. I've added another element to this magic system, certain individuals can use the latent magic that leaks out of the relic (the same magic that creates the dungeon). This allows them to incorporate magic into their attacks and defense in a way that's akin to how classic rpg's often incorporate fire, lightning, water, etc into weapons. They're known as Household Vassals and usually serve as royal guard to the king, who is usually the relic user. In the city-state of Koh there's 192 active Household Vassals. It's believed that only Relic Users and Household Vassals can defeat demons. I've also developed a competing, though much more dangerous magic system that uses pacts with demons as it's source. The danger here lies in that the demon's intent is to possess the person so the demon can escape its hell (a lower dimension) and enter the mortal world. There's 5 levels of possession. Most humans are consumed by the Demon and die by the 2nd level. What determines this is the person's magical aptitude.

[@JiffydaRhino]

That's awesome

[@TwistedSisterHaratiofales]

WOW, You have taken the things that I have pondered and considered for 25 years or more, mostly during video game playing and turned it into a college level focused synopsis. GFJ. I have played a game that is now over 20 years old that is like LOR/GOT combined, and your Worldbuilding is very obvious in it. Probably due to the game rules, or it wouldn't work. I am now 3D modeling in Z Brush/Marvelous Designer/Blender/CC3/iClone/Substance Painter/3D Coat, and learning Unreal game engine. I want to basically copy this game, except bring it into modern graphics, and improve some of what I consider the limitations of it to expand it into a more dynamic play experience. I am glad to have stumbled upon your channel and mentality. I will most likely sub to your Patreon. I am in the middle of getting an Archery company off the ground at the moment, so I dont have a lot of time for the game making hobby, but I am watching. Thank You again.

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

That's awesome. The archery company is very cool. What kind of business is it? Supplies or training, for example?

[@TwistedSisterHaratiofales]

@@TheArtofWorldBuilding Well, we have been testing and designing since the covid lockdown and have spent about 7k on bows, parts and pieces. I have designed 2 different specialty bows that I think have a chance to shock the archery world, and I think might take off as big sellers. We have also designed a new arrow for crossbows that we think will be a steady seller, as no one makes them to this point either. I have set up a You Tube channel for the archery company, but havent posted content on it yet. I still need to set up a website, and get a business license, and all that goes along with it. It is easier said than done. I am sure you know as in like editing video's is harder and longer than taping them. I am going to sell some Rattlesnake bows on my hobby Ebay to start, to see what kind of interest there is there, and to help finance getting the company up and running, and have thought about Patreon/You Tube video's but I dont want to let the cat out of the bag right away on the custom designs, so people dont copy and paste the idea's into there own. Anyway It will be called Blue Dragon Archery, so hopefully in the next month or 2 we will be online on Ebay store/You Tube product tutorials, and introductions, and have a website. I just need to sell some Rattlesnake bows first, and we have to make some of the custom bows and cross bow bolts to have some rolling stock for when we launch.

[@heinous505]

Really wish this vid got more appreciation, I'll be sharing this! Thank you so much!

[@ruskyalmond1977]

Great video. Will take note of these for worldbuilding. :)

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

Thanks!

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

Just bought your ebook for 185 Tips on World Building! Can't wait to check it out! 😁

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

That's awesome. Hope it helps.

[@meowciferstrange8826]

Could please we get a transcript for further videos? I love your videos but I have problems keeping up with speech and a transcript would make it a lot easier to follow along.

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

All of the videos are based on the books and I think it would be better for you in the long run. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077GYC31B

[@luciodechazal5579]

thank you for this video it has helped me organize my method of magic and how it works in my world. this was extremely useful thank you

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

Glad it helped!

[@octavia_dreaming]

I found this insightful, thank you.

[@ManTactics]

Great video, big help 👍

[@futtynucker5278]

Thanks for the vid, man. Your laws are well thought out and sensible. I really appreciate that you took a nice segment to properly delve into each. Rather than rushing through each. Also, I do have a question unrelated to magic. If one were to create a world that is in it's entirety a city; would you say that the creator should be expertly versed in architectural terms? Edit: I do apologize for the unrelated question, but can't get an answer anywhere. Thought you may be able to offer some insight or advice. Cheers!

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

No worries on that. I think it would be optional but very helpful. Right now I know little about architecture and in my experience, researching it would make me think of all sorts of things I could use. But it wouldn't be necessary and there would be the temptation to drop in terms that the reader doesn't know. So being expert? No. Being informed at a high level? Probably very helpful. There are some worldbuilding groups on Facebook where you could get some good answers to things like this.

[@futtynucker5278]

@@TheArtofWorldBuilding Thanks a ton, man. I appreciate it!

[@TheDcraft]

I would wonder how such a city produces food, is it all obtained through trade, grown off world, or perhaps farming has been urbanized? Or is it something else? Excellent idea!

[@futtynucker5278]

@@TheDcraft There would undoubtedly be Flora and fauna. The whole "life finds a way" principle. As for agriculture, it would most likely be grown in areas with enough open space. In megalithic courtyards or on equally massive rooftops. Anywhere that the plants can get the sun exposure they need. As for forests and such, look at ruins like Angkor Wat. Same idea. Trees growing around or through buildings and other structures.

[@ChimeraLotietheBunny]

this helps me of my own lore!!!

[@Ereldor]

Liked and subscribed - this is incredible! Thanks so much - am trying to create a magic system for a world to set my stories in.

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

Welcome aboard!

[@ReaverLordTonus]

For magic systems, oh boy am I getting a headache on mine. The best way I can describe it is... [deep breath] Imagine the code system from The Matrix, where select few able to read it somehow interpret it into a visual manifestation of what is going on in real time, only in this case it's writing that code to manifest and manipulate physical matter. "Programing" the code it into a cog wheel made of a luminescent material with the physical properties of iron but the visual properties of corundum with essentially a blueprint of a machine or elemental effect while it simultaneously absorbs raw materials required to create it. Then when the cog wheel is electrically stimulated it will then manifest and assemble the desired machinery or effect around it, when deactivated the manifestation will then disassemble and store it again where materials and programming can repair and improve upon it. This allows a skilled craftsman to design impossible machines that will be magically constructed, resulting in complex weapons and armor, Cannons that manifest and fire bolts of energy, stationary engines that can produce sufficient thrust to defy gravity, and other creations all powered by magic. Then there are the people in my world where (thanks to generations of exposure due to geographic isolation) have the material in their bloodstream instead of iron and are actually able to manipulate it to perform elemental magic without the aid of a mechanical apparatus but require they literally have every runic symbol in the code tattooed on their skin using ink infused with the material to act as an interface that requires a lifetime of training to master. like I said, a headache

[@Cryodrakon2]

GODDAMN IT, THATS MY MAGIC STSTEM TOO

[@alexmarkadonis7179]

In the scientific sense, laws are descriptions. They might prescribe what to expect, and thus define predictions, given the data under consideration. However, they are not enforced by an authority so much as forced on us by the underlying reality they represent.

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

I can't agree with them not being enforced.

[@alexmarkadonis7179]

@@TheArtofWorldBuilding they are (en)forced by reality's nature. It does not need to be intentional. Do you think god "talks" items into exhibiting properties like mass or size?

[@rrose9161]

Interesting

[@jordannijjar5414]

Nice video 😌👍

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

Thanks 😁

[@jbraziel1993]

Trying to access worksheets, subscribed to news letters, but can't figure out how to get to worksheets

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

That's because they come within an hour of two of singing up for the newsletter and it hasn't been that long. Patience will see them delivered to your inbox.

[@zachariaravenheart]

2:27 Well shit. . .

[@schwarzerritter5724]

I want to add that it makes no difference whether it is a Hard Magic System or Soft Magic System; the author needs to know either way. The difference between Hard Magic and Soft Magic is merely point of view.

[@detectivestudios7699]

Please rename this video to “prompts for writing magic in your book”.

[@TheArtofWorldBuilding]

Why?

[@mrswan667]

@@TheArtofWorldBuilding Maybe he thought it would be some real life magic rules.

[@kit888]

Related to laws is custom. Mindreading might be legal, but mindreading someone without permission could get you a broken nose.

[@zt3853]

like 666? *raises eyebrow*

[@clintcarpentier2424]

Laws of magic on my modern world (which is on the back burner because I'm invested in another world right now). Magic doesn't exist... and then it did. 1 - You are born a mage. You can't learn magic if you don't have the right genetics. This is not racist or elitist, it's just the universe's tyrannical dictation. 2 - You are born with the level of magic you will likely ever have. You can hone your skills to become the best mage that you can, you can even get stylistic with it, but you will never exceed your limitations. Strict breeding practices designed first to protect mages from self-extinction, have been found to also guide generational mage growth; two strong mages can have a stronger mage child, while a mage and a normy will likely have a weaker mage child if at all but more likely a normy child. 3 - Your magic can be detected upon conception, but you will not manifest it until puberty. After magic came to be, mages were cultivated (for various reasons). Schools around the world are prepared to take over the parenting process, once the magic starts bubbling up within. 4 - There is only magic. How you manifest your magic is largely dependent on your own personality. Most academics will have come to terms with magic just being magic, and learn how to study their magic from a scientific background (this does x, that didn't work, etc). Faithful raised and trained by faithful will see their magic as a gift/curse from whatever god/devil. Those raised and trained off-grid may see their magic as shamanistic or druidic. 5 - Magic is a tool, NOT a miracle. A mage can't arbitrarily remove a brain tumor without having first deeply studied conventional brain surgery. Like most any career/trade, mages focus on a general direction at the expense of other directions. A healer is unlikely to grow well as a battle mage, etc. 6 - Magic is limited by your imagination, AND the amount of mana you were born with. You can deepen your mana pool through intense training, but face it, a midget bodybuilder is still a midget. Sources of conventional power can vastly increase your endurance, but at the cost of that power. For many many decades, it was cheaper to continue doing things the conventional way. By the time of my storytelling, mages are catching up to modern amenities.

[@oceansreign3429]

Huh, your rules greatly reminded me of the mages within the fate universe

[@clintcarpentier2424]

@@oceansreign3429 Given that I've only ever watched the first season, when it came out, and that is the extent of my Fate knowledge; I almost asked you what the Fate universe is. And then I remembered Gigguk's Fate videos. I'm not seeing a correlation. If the Fate universe refuses to be understandable within it's own universe, how does my mage explanation... equate to Fate mages?

[@oceansreign3429]

@@clintcarpentier2424 to start off, my own understanding of the magic system within fate is a bit lacking as some bits are confusing but from what little I could understand there are similarities between the rules you made and the ones in the fate universe. In the fate universe genetics does seem to play a role in the strength of a mage as individuals whose families have been mages for generations tend to be much stronger than those who are the first mages their family. The mages or magus utilize magic through magic circuits and people are born with a set amount of these. If you are born with a low amount, well sucks to be you and if you are born with a high amount, well you may have just won the genetic lottery. This is also a reason why magus families (especially the very old ones) marry only mages, so that they could produce a heir with a high amount of magic circuits. There are of course exceptions but those are usually very rare e.g shirou (mc of fate stay night) having more than the average amount of magic circuits for someone from a common family

[@clintcarpentier2424]

@@oceansreign3429 Ah, ok I see now. Thanks.

[@oceansreign3429]

@@clintcarpentier2424 haha no problem, honestly the fate universe can be a real mess to understand but it's still fascinating in its own way