Daystar and Alexander discuss what makes a magic system, what their purpose and function is, and some of the pitfalls and challenges to creating effective ones that enhance storytelling rather than distract from it.
Co-hosted by Alexander Wales
With thanks to Tim Yarbrough for the Intro/Outro music, G.A.T.O Must Be Respected
Links:
Mistborn, by Brandon Sanderson
The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss
The Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher
Powder Mage, by Brian McClellan
The Runelords, by David Farland
Ra, by Sam Hughes
The Randi Prize, by Alexander Wales
Timestamps:
0:40 What makes a magic system?
4:20 Examples of liked and disliked magic systems
10:30 Moh’s Scale of Sci Fi Hardness
14:34 Digging deeper into magic
18:40 Sanderson’s First Law
23:38 The Static-Emergent Distinction
30:50 Some challenges to building magic systems
32:43 Place of Technobabble
37:10 Entertainment over details