1. Introduction
2. Defining Hard Magic Systems
   1. Elements of Hard Magic Systems:
   2. Examples of Hard Magic Systems
3. Unveiling Soft Magic Systems
   1. Elements of Soft Magic Systems
   2. Examples of Soft Magic Systems
4. Today’s Exercise:
5. Conclusion

Introduction

There’s something captivating about discovering a new magic system, especially if it’s unlike any other you’ve seen before. That’s how it felt for me when I first read the Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. The allomantic magic system from that world amazed me with the lengths Sanderson went to create the magic in his reader’s mind. I loved Harry Potter growing up, and Lord of the Rings, but I don’t think it was until that point that I found such a unique magic system, that I fell in love with fantasy all over again. This post will help you work through your magic system, or teach you about magic systems, so you can create a similar experience for your readers.

Whether hard or soft, magic systems bring depth and intrigue to fictional worlds. Imagine any of your favorite fantasy stories without the magic. They would still probably be wonderful, but the magic makes them so much more than another story of someone trying to prove themselves. If you think of a story as an onion, each layer causes new tears? No, not exactly. But maybe a jawbreaker would be a better simile. Each layer is a different color, and thus a different experience. Magic systems are another layer in your jawbreaker of a book that adds that extra bit of flavor and extends the enjoyment just a little longer.

In this blog post, we will explore the key characteristics and differences between hard and soft magic systems. Sound like a plan? Then let’s move on to the first part, hard magic systems.

Defining Hard Magic Systems

The concept of hard magic is one that no one is sure where it began, but it has defined nerdoms for a long time. The belief of the hard magic system is that it follows clearly defined rules and limitations, remains consistent and predictable, and has a cause-and-effect relationship. You can see examples of hard magic systems in The Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson, The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, and the Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks.

Elements of Hard Magic Systems:

In hard magic systems, there are clearly defined rules and limitations. Some things you may look at are:

• Cost of Magic: There are many forms of costs in magical worlds. With Hard Fantasy, think of it like a scientific experiment. If the use of magic has a cost, then there is a loss to the source that created it. If the magic uses the individual’s energy or heat, the user will feel tired or cold afterward. A magic using a charged crystal (Stormlight Series by Brandon Sanderson) the source will lessen with use.
• Use of Magic: In the Hard Fantasy story, the author establishes how the magic is used. A great example of this is Avatar: The Last Airbender. Viewers know that the fire nation only bends fire, the water nation only controls water, etc., and the only exception to this rule is the Avatar. But by making the Avatar a known commodity that can use all the elements, the creators keep the story a Hard Fantasy.
• Limitations: In the realm of fantasy storytelling, authors commonly establish limitations within a magic system to enhance the depth and intrigue of the narrative. These limitations can include the knowledge and understanding of magic, the experience of the characters, the availability of magical resources, and the cost of using magic. By incorporating these limitations, writers can create a more immersive and believable magical world, with character growth and development opportunities.

Hard magic systems require consistency and predictability. If Leviosa is first shown to levitate an object, and in another scene is shown blowing one up, there’s an inconsistency there. Now if pronunciation is key, you’ll need to find a way to denote that. Essentially, what you establish, you must follow. It may sound crazy, but following your own rules of magic can be one of the hardest things when you write yourself into a corner. But by writing a hard magic system, you are promising your readers that every spell, curse, manipulation of matter you offer will show up the same way each time. This is why children will try to cast a spell from their favorite game, movie, or TV show, as they’ve seen a representation of what should happen when they utter a word or make a gesture. And don’t forget, adults are no different, though they may deny it a little more. (I’m looking at you, Star Wars nugs, extending a hand to open a sliding door or fake force choking an enemy.) In the end, consistency is key, and will keep your readers interested longer and can add greater stakes to your story.

Many readers of hard magic systems expect logical cause-and-effect relationships. In many ways, this ties in with the consistency note above. If this, then that. If I say Leviosa and move my wand in the proper form, the object I’m focused on should levitate. Think of it like making a soup. If you have all the right ingredients and add them in the proper order, then you should get a wonderful tasting soup. If you screw one thing up, it may not ruin the soup, but it may taste too salty, too bland, be missing your noodles. The same with your magic system. If they don’t have all the right “ingredients” then they aren’t going to get the same results.

Using a hard magic system is great for readers and writers alike. You get to establish set rules to your magic that the reader will have to accept so long as it stays true to your rules. It will make it easier for you and your readers to keep track of spells, curses, manipulations, etc. as you write, rewrite, or expand into further books. Also, it will create a logical path for you and your readers to follow. If one thing is out of place, eventually your readers will see it before the characters do.

Examples of Hard Magic Systems

• Sympathy in “The Kingkiller Chronicle” by Patrick Rothfuss: This magic system relies on the principle of “like calls to like,” where sympathetic links are created between different objects to manipulate them.
• Allomancy in the “Mistborn” series by Brandon Sanderson: Allomancers can only ingest and “burn” specific metals to gain magical abilities, and the effects are well-defined and consistent throughout the series.
• The use of runes in the magic system of the “Eragon” series by Christopher Paolini. The magic is based on the knowledge and precise drawing of magical symbols, each with specific meanings and effects.

Unveiling Soft Magic Systems

If hard magic systems are at one end of the scale, then soft magic systems are at the other. Soft magic is most easily defined as a type of magic with specific limits are not stated by the narrator or understood by the audience. Many times, the soft magic system leaves the readers and characters with a sense of wonder, or awe. Technicalities, experience level, or logic don’t impede the grandeur of the magic.

Elements of Soft Magic Systems

• Ambiguity and mystery: Soft magic focuses on ambiguity and mystery to share the elements with the reader. This can range from not sharing much of the background of the magic to the possible results from using the magic. Often, this is also where the source of energy for the magic comes from. Anything the author can do to add layers of ambiguity and mystery will take that soft magic up a notch and keep your readers on the edge of their seats as they wait to see what it can do next.
• Lack of clear rules and limitations: There are no straightforward parameters for the soft magic systems. This often leads to the character and the reader learning at the same time exactly what the magic can do. The lack of clear rules and limitations keeps the reader in that awe state, as they may often find unanticipated results. It also creates the ability for the magic to grow as the character grows and the story progresses. Readers of soft magic are less likely to be amazed by a new power or magic presenting itself, as they already know there are no true bounds.
• Emphasis on wonder and imagination: All the above ties into the wonder and imagination. In reality, soft magic systems are only limited by the choices and actions of the character. This can lead to many fans of your soft magic system coming up with possible spells or ways your magic system can be used. It also allows you to manipulate and experiment with the magic system to figure out what will work and what won’t.

Soft magic systems are great for stories where the focus is on the characters’ emotional journeys and personal growth, rather than the intricacies of spell-casting and supernatural abilities. These systems allow for a sense of wonder and mystery, often serving as a subtle backdrop to the overall narrative. The greatest challenge with these systems is not giving yourself too much leniency. Remember that suspension of disbelief can only go so far. You might lose your reader’s trust if you use your all too convenient magic system to get your characters out of tight spots every time.

I believe that the best magic systems aren’t a crutch to lean on, but an element to enhance your stories.

Examples of Soft Magic Systems

1. The Force in the Star Wars universe, where the nature and limits of its power are not rigidly defined, leaving room for mystery and awe.
2. The magic in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, which often operates with a sense of wonder and leaves much to the imagination rather than rigid rules.
3. The magic of Middle-earth in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, where the limits and specific workings of various magical elements are often left open to interpretation, creating a sense of wonder and mystique.

Today’s Exercise:

Take some time to brainstorm and outline the basics of a magic system for a fictional world. Consider the following prompts:

• Will your magic system be hard or soft? Why?
• What is the source of the magical power (e.g., internal energy, external forces, mystical entities)?
• How is the magic accessed and controlled (e.g., spells, potions, artifacts, innate abilities)?
• Are there limitations on who can use magic and how much they can use? What rules or costs are involved?
• How consistent and predictable are the effects of magic use? Can anything unexpected occur?
• How might you convey a sense of wonder and imagination around this system?
• How will you introduce readers to the magic system without too much exposition?
• How might different characters utilize the magic system based on their personalities and abilities?
• How could the magic system tie into the core themes and conflicts in your story?

Sketch out the basics of your magical world, but don’t get too bogged down in details yet. The goal is to get your creative juices flowing and start defining the broad strokes of how magic will function in your fictional universe. Refer back to this exercise as you continue developing your magic system and integrating it into your storytelling.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the structured rules of hard magic systems or the mysterious wonder of soft magic, incorporating fantasy elements into your fictional world can add compelling new dimensions. Ultimately, the type of magic system you choose depends on the kind of story you want to tell and the experience you want to create for your readers. Hard systems lend themselves to complex worldbuilding and high stakes conflicts, while soft systems evoke a sense of awe and imagination. Whichever path you take, remember that magic should complement your characters and plot, not overshadow them. Approach your system thoughtfully, use it consistently, and let it inspire you to weave a tale full of surprise and delight.

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