magic systems
Supernatural rules frameworks
Magic systems are the rules, limits, and mechanics that govern how magic works within a fictional world.
The term comes from fantasy literature and gaming, where authors and designers create structured frameworks for supernatural abilities rather than leaving magic arbitrary or unexplained.
A hard magic system has clearly defined rules and costs, while a soft magic system remains mysterious and unpredictable.
Brandon Sanderson's novels are known for their intricate magic systems.
- wizardsPractitioners of sorcery
- spellcastingPerforming magical incantations
- divine powerSupernatural strength of deities
- ley linesAlleged mystical landscape alignments
- manaSupernatural indwelling power
enchantment · incantation · runes · cosmic energy · limitations · mages · elemental forces · costs · ritual · sorcerers · ancestral spirits · forbidden knowledge · true names · shamans · warlocks · ancient relics · illusions · teleportation
- fantasywizard, witch, dragon, elf, dwarf
- fantasy genresHarry Potter, grimoires, portal fantasy, urban fantasy, dark fantasy
- fantasy tropesdragon, dragons, elf, elves, dwarf
- worldbuildinglore, setting, realms, kingdoms, races
- fantasy studiesfantasy tropes, worldbuilding, world-building, high fantasy, epic fantasy
- LARPgarb, NPC, NPCs, player character, player characters
magic systemswild magic
Uncontrolled supernatural energy
deus ex machina · divine intervention · unexplained phenomena · miraculous events · whimsy
magic systemsnatural laws
Unchanging rules of nature
physics · science · scientific method · technology · naturalism