# Worldbuilding: Types of magic system
URL:: https://medium.com/@WriterEdmonds/worldbuilding-types-of-magic-system-9d0022c78b0
Author:: Elise Edmonds
## Highlights
> ***Keep magic simple —*** If your magic system is so complicated it takes many pages of explanation for your readers, consider taking the complexity down.
> ***Keep magic consistent —*** Your magic system must have rules and internal consistency, and it must adhere to those rules throughout the entire plot.
> ***Give magic limitations —*** If anyone can use magic to do anything, it’s boring. Ensure your magic has restrictions, limits or consequences for the users.
> ***Link magic with the surrounding society —*** Ensure the type of magic you choose is appropriate and natural for your society. For example, magic based on science may not be appropriate in a medieval setting. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ff0xvn5exawn9zgvt3yep4g7))
> **Magic from life force —** Create magical power based around the life force and energy that emanates from humans and other living things, both plants and animals.
> **Magic from the gods** — Create magical power as a gift from the gods. It could take any form, and the power provided can be dictated at the whim of the gods, or subject to certain rituals.
> **Magic from organic ingredients** — Create magical power based on combining ingredients, such as plants, to make spells or potions.
> **Magic from words —** Create magical power based on either the written word or spoken word, i.e. spells.
> **Magic from the elements** — Create magical power around manipulation of the elements, traditionally being air, earth, fire and water. Other elements could be added.
> **Magic from physical objects —** Create magical power from particular physical objects that only certain people are able to obtain or use.
> **Magic from rituals —** Create magical power based on certain rituals being performed in a certain order or at particular times.
> **Magic from supernatural forces** — Create magical power based around the spirit world, or utilising the power of other beings such as angels or demons.
> **Magic from the mind and body** — Create magical power based around enhanced powers of the brain and body, such as mind-reading or enhanced strength.
> **Magic from the user** — Create magical powers based around the character of the magic user and their natural skills and talents. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ff0xvxgy6dhm5vnasgrffcap))
> ***Who can do magic in your world?***
> • Those who have been taught?
> • Those with the right genes?
> • Certain races?
> • Holy or religious people?
> • People who can afford it?
> • Rulers?
> ***What does your magic do?***
> • What, precisely, can it manipulate? Physical items, elements, etc.
> • Do different people have different types of magical powers or skills?
> • Can people improve their magic skills or are they born with the power they have?
> • Are people aware of their magical powers and can they control them?
> • What are the limits on magic — the things it can’t do?
> ***What is the source of magic?***
> • How did magic originate in your world?
> • How do people replenish their supply of magic or their magical power?
> • Will magic ever be taken away?
> • Does anything stop magic working?
> • Are people aware of the origins and source of magic?
> ***How is magic performed?***
> • Does your magic require certain rituals or physical objects to work?
> • Does magic come naturally, or require a lot of effort and training?
> • Can magic only be performed under certain conditions?
> • What is the cost of using magic to the user?
> • What happens to magical powers or the effects of magic over time?
> • How does the strength of the magic affect the cost to the user?
> • Does magic require speech or writing or recalling information?
> • Does magic comply with the user or have a separate presence or will? ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ff0xw79ax465t6xtmmdssk5c))
---
Title: Worldbuilding: Types of magic system
Author: Elise Edmonds
Tags: readwise, articles
date: 2024-01-30
---
# Worldbuilding: Types of magic system
URL:: https://medium.com/@WriterEdmonds/worldbuilding-types-of-magic-system-9d0022c78b0
Author:: Elise Edmonds
## AI-Generated Summary
Magic systems can be based on many different kinds of principles. You can mix and match these principles to your heart’s content as long as…
## Highlights
> ***Keep magic simple —*** If your magic system is so complicated it takes many pages of explanation for your readers, consider taking the complexity down.
> ***Keep magic consistent —*** Your magic system must have rules and internal consistency, and it must adhere to those rules throughout the entire plot.
> ***Give magic limitations —*** If anyone can use magic to do anything, it’s boring. Ensure your magic has restrictions, limits or consequences for the users.
> ***Link magic with the surrounding society —*** Ensure the type of magic you choose is appropriate and natural for your society. For example, magic based on science may not be appropriate in a medieval setting. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ff0xvn5exawn9zgvt3yep4g7))
> **Magic from life force —** Create magical power based around the life force and energy that emanates from humans and other living things, both plants and animals.
> **Magic from the gods** — Create magical power as a gift from the gods. It could take any form, and the power provided can be dictated at the whim of the gods, or subject to certain rituals.
> **Magic from organic ingredients** — Create magical power based on combining ingredients, such as plants, to make spells or potions.
> **Magic from words —** Create magical power based on either the written word or spoken word, i.e. spells.
> **Magic from the elements** — Create magical power around manipulation of the elements, traditionally being air, earth, fire and water. Other elements could be added.
> **Magic from physical objects —** Create magical power from particular physical objects that only certain people are able to obtain or use.
> **Magic from rituals —** Create magical power based on certain rituals being performed in a certain order or at particular times.
> **Magic from supernatural forces** — Create magical power based around the spirit world, or utilising the power of other beings such as angels or demons.
> **Magic from the mind and body** — Create magical power based around enhanced powers of the brain and body, such as mind-reading or enhanced strength.
> **Magic from the user** — Create magical powers based around the character of the magic user and their natural skills and talents. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ff0xvxgy6dhm5vnasgrffcap))
> ***Who can do magic in your world?***
> • Those who have been taught?
> • Those with the right genes?
> • Certain races?
> • Holy or religious people?
> • People who can afford it?
> • Rulers?
> ***What does your magic do?***
> • What, precisely, can it manipulate? Physical items, elements, etc.
> • Do different people have different types of magical powers or skills?
> • Can people improve their magic skills or are they born with the power they have?
> • Are people aware of their magical powers and can they control them?
> • What are the limits on magic — the things it can’t do?
> ***What is the source of magic?***
> • How did magic originate in your world?
> • How do people replenish their supply of magic or their magical power?
> • Will magic ever be taken away?
> • Does anything stop magic working?
> • Are people aware of the origins and source of magic?
> ***How is magic performed?***
> • Does your magic require certain rituals or physical objects to work?
> • Does magic come naturally, or require a lot of effort and training?
> • Can magic only be performed under certain conditions?
> • What is the cost of using magic to the user?
> • What happens to magical powers or the effects of magic over time?
> • How does the strength of the magic affect the cost to the user?
> • Does magic require speech or writing or recalling information?
> • Does magic comply with the user or have a separate presence or will? ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ff0xw79ax465t6xtmmdssk5c))