Yora
Maester
When it comes to creating the setting for fantasy works, there is usually a lot of talk about Magic Systems. But while I was doing some refining on my setting I made the realization that, at least for the case of worlds meant to feel wondrous and magical, this field is really a lot larger then just the rules for the casting of spells.
I think the reason magic systems are discussed so much is because they are easy. When you design magic systems you can basically work through a checklist of popular options and in the end it comes down to clear rules. This also makes the process easy to explain to novices, which I think is why there are so many articles and panels about it.
But casting spells is only one part of a larger picture. The supernatural is often a much wider field. There are also the different realms of existence. Creatures native to these realms and magical beings inhabiting the world of mortals. This also includes the field of religion and the system underlying the nature of souls and an afterlife. Which often also uncludes the nature of the undead. Which in many cases can also be created by magic spells.
These things are frequently treated as different elements of a setting, but each of them conects to many or even all of the others. I might have different priorities with this than most people (I almost certainly do) but I think that all these things should be created simultaneously and as a single thing. Not separate pieces that are tied together once they are all completed.
I am interested in hearing other people's thought about this.
I think the reason magic systems are discussed so much is because they are easy. When you design magic systems you can basically work through a checklist of popular options and in the end it comes down to clear rules. This also makes the process easy to explain to novices, which I think is why there are so many articles and panels about it.
But casting spells is only one part of a larger picture. The supernatural is often a much wider field. There are also the different realms of existence. Creatures native to these realms and magical beings inhabiting the world of mortals. This also includes the field of religion and the system underlying the nature of souls and an afterlife. Which often also uncludes the nature of the undead. Which in many cases can also be created by magic spells.
These things are frequently treated as different elements of a setting, but each of them conects to many or even all of the others. I might have different priorities with this than most people (I almost certainly do) but I think that all these things should be created simultaneously and as a single thing. Not separate pieces that are tied together once they are all completed.
I am interested in hearing other people's thought about this.