7 Worst Magic Mistakes New Fantasy Writers Make
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2024
- Delve into the nuances of magical world-building, learn to craft consistent and engaging soft magic systems, and discover practical strategies for infusing depth and authenticity into your fantastical tales.
00:00 Magical Mistakes
00:29 Lack of Research and World-Building
01:33 Inconsistent Soft Magic Systems
03:09 Overpowered Magic
04:49 Ignoring Consequences
06:01 Deus ex Machina
07:35 Underutilization of Magic
09:11 Stereotypical Portrayals of Magic
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The book "Alloy of Law" had a villain with unlimited healing.
Never heard of that one, thanks for the reference. Will definitely check it out when I find time :)
He was one one of my favorite villains in mistborn
Near unlimited. Important difference
@@TheTaleTinkerer If you are looking for great magic systems, especially hard magic systems, you should read Brandon Sandersons Cosmea books. Mistborn Saga, Stormlight Archives and a few more. They are all incredible.
I seem to have failed to praise this video when it came out. It is useful, short and to the point.
but using magical things from around the world is not always good, because some people got butt hurt by using Wendigo's or even Voodoo
Great breakdown, as usual. A number of different books I've read focused on one or two of the elements you presented.
For my own story, I try and limit my spell casters to around 6 spells in rapid succession. Meaning within the same hour. Then they're depleted until they eat and rest.
Glad to hear, you still like the videos :)
Your limitation almost sounds like sorcerers in some games. Fixed amount freely to use, then it needs to replenished.
@TimeTinkerer Yes, a somewhat DND approach. In a sense, spell slots. But, just reducing the 8 hour rest between power replenishnent with short rest and food.
What if someone used 3 spells, half an hour later they used 3 more spells. How many spells would they have after another half an hour? Is it purely time based or does it require resting during that time
@tomraineofmagigor3499 Rest in this case would not be tapping into their magic. Not necessarily sitting still or napping. Food, like a granola bar or something with nutrients, would also help.
Specifically, though, if they hadn't used six spells within a certain amount of time like an hour, then yes, they would have some power left. Another three spells.
But, if they used six spells successively. They would be tapped out for a couple of hours, at least.
It's my way of allowing magic and sometimes powerful magic. But with a clear cap. As to explain why witches or wizards haven't taken over the world.
They have power. But thar power has limits.
@@Dragonmoon8526 sure it has limits but they can do the same non-magic things as others. Either magic taking time to cast or there not being many feels like better reasons they haven't taken over the world. Maybe they're against some organization of monsters preying on humans that has a tacit agreement not to make big moves (large slaughters or openly claiming territory) as long as those with magic stay out of power
A lot of the work I've put into my fantasy story and magic system as been geared towards worldbuilding, however, I can never decide if I'm happy with it. That's one of the problems I often have as a writer. I'll be enjoying creating a story but then I'll take a break from it, and I'll think of alternative ways I could have done it or ideas that might be better. I always end up at this crossroad of what to do.
Aside from that, lately I've also been struggling with organizing my magic system. I use Campfire Blaze, but I still end up with too many notes all over the place, and it ends up being too much to read through. I want to present my magic system in a clear way so I can work on it more efficiently, but I can't come up with a good method.
Personally, I don't know if I'd call the last one a mistake. I don't know how depictions of fictional magic perpetuate stereotypes. Of course, I do agree that using magic in stereotypical ways can come off as stale. Yet, I think my magic manages to be both traditional while being adjusted enough to feel new- I would compare it to Harry Potter or Dr. Strange but with more limitations so it's not as OP. This system is heavily based off European beliefs. In my story, there are multiple magic systems around the world based on different cultures and belief systems.
Great thoughts shared here, thank you. I agree that it can be difficult at times to not get lost in all your own worldbuilding details. I'm currently quite content with a Google Document and a bunch of different subheadings etc. But I'm always looking for better ways to manage it (also tried out World Anvil for example).
In regards to the last mistake shared, like all of them, this kind of advice is always meant to warn against unconcious use primarily. Almost every writing tip you can find where something is shared that you shouldn't do can be ignored and make up something special in story - if it is done conciously and well :)
Following this advice will give you results that are indistinguishable from the masses. Follow it or don't follow it, your story's quality relies on you alone.
In regards to the overpowered magic thing, i think you can make it work if you save it for the pay off of the story. I know its not exactly a Western high fantasy, but in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, the super OP powers are usually saved for the final confrontation with the villain, and are often the tool needed to beat the villain. DIO's time stop being countered by Jotaro unlocking his own time stop, Giorno obtaining the Stand Arrow and getting a super OP ability after he and his supporting crew outsmart Diavolo, things like that.
To put it more concisely, OP powers are okay as long as you have a clear end goal in mind that serves more as a payoff and reward for the hero's struggling through the story, and doesnt mess up the narrative because it _is_ the end of the narrative.
Subverting expectations has become the expectation. Diverse and inclusive mush.
New narrator and avatar? I quite enjoyed the old model, but maybe this is more favored by the algorithm.
Unfortunately, I cannot currently produce the videos with full cam and mic as before.
For now I need to stick to this format (same as the first two videos on the channel) to continue producing again.
Still just me, Sascha, though :)
First