The World Building Webquest
Introduction

Task

Maps

Castles

Medieval Towns & Villages

Medieval Cultures

Creatures

Magic

Conclusion

Adults Page

Image Credits

Magic

Supercalifragilistic Expialidosius...

Whether or not you wish to include magic in your world is your decision. It is, however, an integral part of most fantasy worlds.If you do decide to include magic in your world, the best sources are fantasy novels you have read, fairie tales, handbooks for role-playing game systems, and of course your own imagination.

If you want magic to work well in your world, you should write out all the basic details of how magic works in your world, but also allow some room for creative usage. You don't necessarily need a list of all possible spells, but you should know what kinds of spells are possible and if there are things that magic can't do in your world. You should also figure out what source magic comes from, and whether it can be drawn upon at any time or whether magical power needs to be stored up and replenished using rituals or meditation.

The resources in the section are primarily magic systems from role-playing games. They should provide you with plenty of ideas to start developing your own magic system to fit your world.

What You Need To Do:

  • Think about how magic works in your favorite books and fairie tales.
  • Look through some of the magic systems in the resources listed below.
  • Start writing out the basic principles of your magic system. Feel free to borrow ideas from existing magic systems.

Things You Will Need To Include In Your Magic System:

  • Where does magic come from in your world?
  • Can everyone do magic, or only certain people with special talents?
  • What things can magic do? What things cannot be done with magic?
  • How are spells cast? With incantations? With wands? Using magical items?
  • How do people learn magic? Are there schools for wizards?
  • Is magical power more available in some parts of your world, and less available in others?
  • Do wizards need to recharge their store of magical power? If so, how long does this take and does it require some type of ritual?

Resources:

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