How to Create a Magic System

I actually really liked your system

I like to use the SCP "Implications" technique. Think of a really solid idea for a very simple mag8cal proasess, define its terms REALLY well, then think about every possible Implication and edge case. My favorite is "The brambles," which is basically a state between lost and unlost. The TL;DR, its seemless teleportation where veiwing the prossess disrupts it. Think of a man disappearing behind a moving bus.


Only, let's say time travel is also possible. Then, that opens up the possibility of paradoxes. For my story, I just said there is one timeline, and the universe corrects for inconsistentcies, like the harry potter kind. Then, if you can create a system by, which, your death in a battle would cause a series of events that would lead to the battle not happening in the first place, you can be assured that you would win that battle. Same extends to finance for a "good fourune spell", or even inentanious communication. If you draw words out of a hat, and it would normally take a month to get to you, you can compare the two letters and force them to become self-consistent. A lot of spells can be just extremely clever use of time travel and creating a string of events where only the outcome you want is in a self-consistant universe.

Thank you, this was very informative!

chris lynch?

Been working on a story for a while and I've basically made science/nature the same thing as magic. From the point of the Big Bang till the end of the story magic was natural but misunderstood due to it's use by intelligent beings. Light and Dark were the first entities known to exist and when they met all was created starting with Chaos. It was through Chaos that Life was born, through Light that Life grew and prospered, and through Dark that Life struggled to be better when given Choice. Light is seen as Divine, Chaos is Elemental on a cosmic level, and Dark is all that breaks Natural Order and Corruption. The Alpha Trinity is the magic system formed and mastering all three is near impossible due to the necessary steps to use them being rather different and at times conflicting. Light thrives off of Will, positivity, and purity. Chaos thrives off of Intelligence, Instinct, and focus. Dark thrives off of Negativity, Blood, and Sacrifices. Some specific spells for each even have chants needed in Light and Dark where Light usually requires biblical verses and positive phrases Dark is not only opposite but some actually require the spell to be said backwards for Dark is parallel to Light in all aspects and thus stronger the more it differs.

I love what you said about harvesting the blood of someone infected to, almost industrially, create huge portals because that's actually the first thing I thought of when you mentioned this part of your magic system. Personally I love leaving these kinds of things in on purpose because I am very convinced humans will abuse whichever advantages they can find and this can make for such interesting worldbuilding... or an interesting villain's motivation. Or an interesting class system.

As if you can systematize creating a magic system.

omg magic likebutton

Omnipresent powerfull caracter like a God= Eren Yeager in final season. But i love AOT

I had a silly little idea of a simple enough system, it's the typical elemental with healing magic in it's own category, but you can create variations/ subtypes of elements, like, water can become= snow and ice, acid, etc.
But the catch is that you slowly change physically and emotionally, like someone who uses fire magic starts breathing out smoke and becomes irritable easily, i think that's a good reason as to why not everybody would learn Magic, since that could worsen your life and potencially distance others fron you

Very interesting and a helpful start at creating my 1st idea of a magic system.
So to give you some background info I'm currently brainstorming my own sci-fi story idea. Since i was very young (Currently 20) I've been interested in Science, especially in Astronomy. I'm thinking about implementing a lot of Astronomy concepts, like gravity, dark matter & dark energy, the fundamental forces of our universe in my parallel setting, and the particles that make up the universe. I.E the building blocks of atoms to life itself. However I'm thinking or trying to sorta spicing things up by maybe trying to do it where my Emperor character, for example, through his high-tech technostaff can manipulate space-time itself through the help of his master The Singularly, a being made out of dark energy and is a cosmic parasite to my cosmic mythical gods that are out of some sort of horror movie or smth. Basically I really enjoyed this video and wondered if you had a vid about sci-fi and fantasy with magic concepts?

For me, iteration was the 2nd step. I had this seed crystal of a Cultivation-like affinity system, but the actual affinities as well as possible other magical system were what I wanted to refine. I took basic Elements, like Fire Water Air, split them up into components, like Light and Heat for Fire and recombined them in new ways. Adding and removing small parts helped refine the system to a point where i had a reasonable system, however then, the story inspiration is what allowed me to finalize these affinities and build the rest of rhe magic system as well as other things around this core.

I am a writer as a hobby, and I want to have more anime elements in my stories as I don't really like or enjoy them. I may be at stage two or three, and I am unsure about whether I am done with two of the abilities, as for one of those two and one other, they are connected to a planned story as extremely plot significant or lore significant. When it comes to the other, I'm not sure about, it has already been used in a story in such a way that it impacts the story, and it does fit with what the protags job is. They deal with zombies. I also have one that I'm not sure about as I don't have many ideas for this one. It's a time manipulation ability, and the only way I could balance it so far is by making it very common. I specialize in cosmic horror, and I plan on having a character completely op because of wanting them to be the cosmic horror and be seemingly unstoppable. I am a discovery writer, and to be honest, I would have potentially used that unintended use of harvesting the blood to make an antagonist more intimidating and only possible out of how many resources they have. I think I may be at something besides the first iteration ( I hate the idea of discarding everything and starting over) it is a bit different than it used to be, but not significantly however the part about the abilities being nullified by an enemy just being more powerful is gone now. I also have one more that isn't important to the plot so far, but it is one of the two most developed ones I have, and I would prefer to make it important or at least fit than discard it. I want some monsters to remain possible to fight while with others, not so much.

Bro why is there a bacteriophage in your thumbnail

Do the viruses respond to medicine, particularly specific antivirals? I could people slipping drugs into someone's food to reduce their magic. Given the side-effects of some antivirals this could be very unpleasant, although side effects might be mistaken for viral symptoms.

I created a magic system based on colors, where you get the power based in wich color you use(but you have to "activate" them before). After I ran out of colors, I started to use the materials(like different types of metal, gemstones and some others); I also created creatures and even lore around the powers. Your videos will help me a lot to organize it all

First time on your channel and i just have to say that other than amazing content, your face expressions are very... expressive. Caught myself staring at you like i myself was under the spell just watching your face move and mold after every thought. Its kinda cool bro
Sorry for intruding

How about not limiting magic but limiting the wielder. Magic is a skill and even you can do it. However, if you don't know what you're doing—depending on the scale of the magic—you may experience some serious backlash.

It's so useful and inspiring, just what I needed! I'm your new subscriber btw❤

Thank you for this. This really helped me design the magic system for the main character of a book I'm writing. She lives in a world where technology and magic are both present. Her specific type of magic is genetic and allows her to control and manipulate technology but is tied to her emotions specifically anger. With the magic she can transform one piece of technology into any other piece of technology of the same tech level, aka she can transform a sniper rifle into a machine gun, but she can't transform a pogo stick into a machine gun. Her magic pretty much allows her to control the atoms that make up the technology. But any byproduct energy created by the moving of the atoms is absorb by the mage acting like a drug effect, causing a release of dopamine. So extremely powerful technomancers are rare because they tend to blow themselves up chasing that high. Yes, she can cause technology to explode by "setting the atoms free", but she can only do this when extremely pissed off which is limited due to the drug effects.

This is the magic system as a whole, long text warning.

Chroma Energy can just be used by those who are part of a group or "tribe" with a born in relation with their respective Chroma Energy, also known as Gifted People.
There are more Zumanian who can't control it than those who can.

Zumanians are essentially "animal people" so you can understand me.

In this world there are no humans.

The multiple shapes the Raw Chroma can take are:

Natus-
Native energy of the Pamapu tribe, which seeps into the lands of the Viridia region.
This energy was used by the emperor of the Pamapu tribe, the god Yum Kaax.
It has properties on plant life, can regenerate minor wounds and restore the energy of others, and can live on Photosynthesis without food.
It is a Reactive Nature element in general.

Aquos-
Native energy of the Marenida tribe, which seeps into the lands of the Iriguase region.
This energy was used by the empress of the Marenida tribe, the goddess Chaq.
It has properties on water, moisture and liquids, can withstand underwater pressure and can breathe underwater.
It is an element of Passive Nature in general.

Pyrus-
Native energy of the Vulkaneki tribe, which seeps into the lands of the Iyanrin region.
This energy was used by the emperor of the Vulkaneki tribe, the god Gibil.
It gives them control over heat and pyrokinesis as well as resistance to high temperatures, such as walking on lava.
It is usually an Active Nature element.

Petra-
Native energy of the Apteki tribe, which seeps into the lands of the Nyikaibe region.
This energy was used by the emperor of the Apteki tribe, the god Geb.
They can generate mineral structures as well as solidify their bodies with the hardness of extremely resistant minerals.
It is an element of Neutral Nature usually, but of Reactive attacks.

Noxius-
Native energy of the Zalau tribe, which seeps into the lands of the Zisede region.
This energy was used by the Empress of the Zalau tribe, the goddess Manasa.
They have the ability to expel toxins with multiple effects in the 3 states of matter, and the acidity of their stomachs is such that it can melt metals.
It is an element of Reactive Nature usually.

Volta-
Native energy of the Thunderia tribe, which seeps into the lands of the Blitzrom region.
This energy was used by the emperor of the Thunderia tribe, the god Zunar.
It has properties to absorb, channel and disperse high amounts of electricity, stimulate muscles and even move objects by electromagnetism.
It is an element of Active Nature usually.

Terra-
Native energy of the Quakuya tribe, which seeps into the lands of the Zameenkam region.
This energy was used by the empress of the Quakuya tribe, the goddess Bhumi.
It gives them a sense of detection of any entity on land at least one kilometer away, they can move underground and manipulate sediments giving them multiple forms.
It is a Passive Nature element usually.


Aero-
Native energy of the Whirand tribe, which seeps into the lands of the Chionotyellas region.
This energy was used by the Whirand emperor, the god Aeolus.
It has properties to generate and manipulate air currents, fly and possess an enhanced sense of echolocation in any species, as well as manipulate sound waves.
It is a Neutral Nature element generally, but attacks as a Passive.

Psi-
Native energy of the Mitelevian tribe, seeping into the lands of the Xiangfa region.
This energy was used by the Mitelevian Empress, the goddess Benzaiten.
It is generally a Passive Nature element.

It gives members of the tribe psychic abilities such as telepathy and telekinesis, as well as a connection to the world's Chroma Net to move through it without a Nexus Point, only requiring being near to the mind energy of others to teleport.
Their abilities can also influence gravity and the flow of the surrounding time flux.

Spectrum-
Native energy of the Ghoulibli tribe, which appeared due to the curse of the mortal emperor being tricked into angering the god Anubis. This energy seeps mostly through the Zambeki region.
It originally belonged to the god Anubis.
It is usually Reactive in nature.

The users of this Chroma are undead and are related to the Underworlds (the afterlife the hell or how you call it)
It allows them to pass into a separate dimension for a period of time, their bodies being undead they do not suffer damage from wounds nor do they need to breathe (they can even cut parts of their body and remain in control of these) But their bodies are in a constant state of decomposition that makes them need to consume soul energy to reverse the process as much as they can.
Also cold temperatures slow down the process.
Other of the abilities they possess is to judge the acts and know the life expectancy of anyone they look at, but this ability fails on immortal beings or other Ghoulibli.

Vitae-
The most common kind of Chroma energy found in all the Zumanian kind even those who do not control Chroma. But just the Varitrobe tribe can control it.
It is found flowing in large quantities in the territory of the Ulakopuni region.
This was representative of the ruler of the Varitrobe, the goddess Djanggau.
It usually possesses an Active Nature.

This energy allows both to heal major damages as well as to improve the physical aptitudes of the individual, and it is the tribe with the greatest amount of Chroma Reservoir energy at its disposal.

Energy that they can use for defense or offense. From bursts of this same or materialize limbs to enhance their damage or cover from attacks.
In addition the Chroma Vitae can cause damage to the Ghoulibli on contact.

Umbra-
Two of the rarest kinds of Chroma in the world. The sum of these two produces energy in its pure Raw state.
It is an element of Ethereal nature. The south of the Onmyokuni region oozes that energy raw to the surface.

Energy used by the god Tsukiyomi, emperor of the Umbera tribe.

The possessors of this energy can move at impossible speeds thanks to pass into a dimension of their own Chroma energy. They have perfect omnidirectional vision, and have the ability to produce constructs with their own energy known as illusions. On a large scale even whole people with their own thoughts can be the illusion of an Umbera.

In addition to this they have the ability to manipulate the actions of others at will if they look them in the eyes, but this is not hypnosis as that is making them want to do it, this is denying their will. Their minds cannot be read even though they can. Except for Illumiera and gods.

Lumina-
Two of the rarest kinds of Chroma in the world. The sum of these two produces energy in its pure Raw state.
It is an element of Ethereal nature. The north of the Onmyokuni region oozes that energy raw to the surface.

Energy used by the goddess Amaterasu, empress of the Illumiera tribe.

The possessors of this energy can move at impossible speeds thanks to pass into a dimension of their own Chroma energy. They have perfect omnidirectional vision, and have the ability to negate the effects of Umbera illusions no matter how strong they are.

They also have the ability to manipulate the actions of others at will if they look them in the eye, but it is not hypnosis as that is making them want to do it, it is denying their will. Their minds cannot be read although they can. Except for gods.

Technus-
This type of Chroma energy is exclusive to the pre-zumanian species created before they existed. When they were exposed to Chroma energy it also ended up affecting them producing what is known as Chroma Technus.
It is an element of Neutral nature but can adopt any type of nature effortlessly, minus Ethereal.

This energy was later used by the regents of the Mechanos and Strecnians, the gods Kanayago and Amatsumara.

The Mechanos, beings of nanotechnology have the ability to modify their bodies into multiple attachments for various situations. As well as regenerate much of their bodies easily.

Strecnians, beings of a slime-like goo created from solidified data can manipulate the technology they come in contact with. They are generally immune to physical damage due to their consistency, but always tend to enhance the abilities of a Mechano.

The magic virus reminded me of the Pokérus.

I've always assumed a limited energy supply (like a mana bar in a video game) is a good default restriction for any magic system.

I only wish renown Magickians was willing to have this dialogue.

Cool background! I love the finely worked wood with these cravings. :0

Im working on a magic system based on runes. But rather than the runes themselves causing magic itself, they're a means to communicate with a force of existence that everything living has a connection to. Runes are magic's language, and magic types are merely expressions of the fundimental force's influence over other things. Though Sorcerers have a VERY limited influence on said force when compared what it can do, which grows slowly as they become more experienced. I'd detail everything but its a huge W.I.P and currently VERY LARGE

A big point is that every power system still requires balance on the fly, every use of magic requires a mini revision to make sure its not an unbalanced exploit as compared with other abilities

Id advise that before you seek inspiration, define intent. At least if you are creating as part of a larger project. Identify what the porpouse of the whole story/setting/game/whatever is. Is it meant to luzzle? To evoke? To educate? To inflame? How can you best achieve it? Should the story element be allegorical? Should jt rationally extrapolate? Shouldt it serve a larger theme? Is it meant to be understood? If so how easily? If it is a question, what is the answer?
What sort of feeling or mood in specific is it meant to achieve through the chosen means?
Once you know what are the 'rrquired specifications' so to speak, of a story element to serve your story, you can start looking for inspiration in your past experience, or specifocally seek out new ones, to creat ad nihilo, the core from which you can then sculpt your story.
Of course if one worldbuilds for its own sake the above is unnecesseary, but if it doesnt stand on its own, it is a good way to ensure coherence in the whole project.

i can imagine how given a few years or maybe even decades, the scientists of the viral magic world could use genetic editing like CRISPR to create strains with better and different effects and less drawbacks, and it could evolve into a multi million maybe even billion dollar market where the wealthy purchase these viruses to gain insane power

the ancient magicians were associated with Satan. Here, too, there is a clear connection with the devil, since there is this word.
I will not practice magic and mess with Satan for any money. I have the wisdom of the living God not to fall into this sticky trap. The games of Satan and magic are played by frogs*, bat * princes They don'T play for anything...90% want money by any means - this is their choice.📗

Found this video after starting my own project and trying to make my magic system work and be different enough. Crazy thing is, it just so happens to also be a viral-based magic system!

I’m here because I’m stuck in making a side project to prepare myself for the project I really want to do xD.

I’ve spent so long world building for my old project and fleshing out plot idea but I want some practice drawing by making a different interesting simple comic of the same genre, before I get started on drawing out my original project. The problem is I keep circling back and unconsciously making too similar concepts to my original project. It’s so annoying T^T)

A strong passion for languages was born in me but I'm not good at it, I don't know if my fatigue is connected to my being sensitive, introverted and blocked or not because I noticed that most people can study languages easily , I don't know if they were all born with the innate predisposition and I together with the minority are the only losers who don't have it and if you need to have a talent not to struggle with languages
((((((

Blood Portals is similar to one of my powers and in my case it just a water portal lol...

i have a question about the blood portal what if you infected a little girls and then wait until them reacht puberty and after this you harvest the blood of their mestruation could one make i dont known a portal to the sieze of farm with enough girls ?

I am creating an epic fantasy novel! Let’s work together!

Why do you look like a nord from skyrim

Im gonna need direction to whatever book/game/show this viral blood magic thing was used for :D

So watched the video and immediately came up with an idea for a sort of elemental Alchemancy. First the practitioner drinks a tonic to infuse the "spell" or "power" into their bloodstream (a little alcohol is the "solvent" - Ever heard the term "drunk with power"? lol), and then repeats an incantation while holding a wand/staff as the channeling device (wood is the conduit, a crystal tip is the aperture). Power is based on tonic purity which is regulated by law, duration is based on amount ingested with diminishing returns not to mention the side effects of impurities building up (which could make you mad and addicted with power unless you detox for a while). If you are not touching wood or holding a wand/staff when you say the incantation, then your FLESH becomes a feedback conduit and your HEART becomes the aperture i.e. you will die a most agonizing death and everyone around you will be in for one hell of a show. Just though I'd share my preliminary idea :)

Man You are underrated this stuff is so much better than other videos I've seen.
Edit: a few spelling mistakes.

My "magic" is called Technopathy as my world is mostly Sci-Fi cyberpunk.

So how is Techopathy gained and learned?

It's obtained via nanites called Ultinites. It's original purpose was to enhance and improve human physiology like strength, durability, senses, etc. In one of my stories which is sort of a prequel at this point, Ultinites are upgraded which makes Ultinites able to be passed down. The Ultinites also end up spreading to almost all humans on Earth and even my world's colonies

A Technopath first needs to understand regular engineering to truly get a grasp on Technopathy. However it's not really like knowledge but rather the "feeling".

How different is Technopathy from regular engineering? Engineers can do everything a Technopath can, but manually

Other forms include proper engineering, robotics, science, physics, etc. It's kinda like Harry Potter but with a hint of Generator Rex.

Passive abilities include;
Enhanced senses, healing factor, slight physical strength, anything that enhances your body. I just went for a superhero-ish route with this

Basic abilities (a.k.a the "elements" of Technopathy)

Electricity, Sound, Heat (not fire), Pixels (think of that how you will), Gravity, Particles (kinda like Green Lantern) and a special element in my world which is kinda like a mix of RWBY's dust and Energon from Transformers. I will probably add more "elements" if they sound tech-y enough. InFamous sorta has this with "Video" as a form of magic

Some other abilities that involve real engineering sorta have a degree of telekinesis and alchemy but really only for anything technological (wires, circuits, gadgets, devices, etc.)

Here's some other abilities i got

1. Ammo Factory - weapon or tool produces its own ammo over time.

2. Assemble or repair a technological device with existing parts.

3. Broadcast, listen to, or jam radio or microwave communications. Also, act as a communications hub or relay station

4. Clairvoyance or ESP through technological (cameras, microphones, sensors, etc).

5. Cause a technological device to malfunction or jam.

6. Container portal linked to a (larger container, room, warehouse).

7. Controlling technological devices.

8. Diagnose electrical, mechanical, programming problems

9. Disassemble a technological device.

10. EMP.

11. Enhance the abilities of a technological device. Ex: added sensors, better accuracy, better heat dissipation, better traction, efficient power consumption, EMP shielding, greater power, greater range, higher speed, waterproofing, etc).

12. Extra-dimensional space (ammo clip, container, fuel tank, vehicle interior)

13. Fuel Factory. Technological device will produce its own fuel over time. May require exposure to (chemicals, elements, substances) that make up the fuel.

14. Implanting a person's memories or personality into a computer or robot

15. Jam electronic sensors

16. Jury rig - Technological device just works despite missing or damaged parts, lack of ammo, lack of fuel, or lack of power source. Must have at least 75% of device.

17. Merging / Fusing 2 or more technological devices into one.

18. Merging / Fusing technological (items, devices) with yourself (if you are a cyborg).

19. Overload power source. (Electricity)

20. Powering technological devices. (Electricity)

21. Read raw program data

22. Regenerate pieces of a technological device over time. May require materials or substances that the device is made of.

23. Security. Technological device cannot be (operated, triggered, powered up) unless user has a specific magic (aura, key, password, passphrase, etc).

24. Self-Cleaning. Device will clean itself over time.

25. Sense (electricity, microwaves, radiation, radio waves, technological devices)

26. Shielding vs. technomancer influence or hacking.

27. Short Circuit. (Electricity)

28. Spoof electronic sensors - causes sensor to sense or display incorrect information

29. Tap communications land line

30. Visualize blueprints - The ability to see in your mind all the various parts that make up a device, without taking it apart. Any missing parts will be missing from the vision.

Granted I got a lot of these off of r/Magicbuilding but hey! That sub's pretty cool

Weakness wise, it's not really a painful or punishing weakness but rather, the Technopath could end up developing laziness. They can do everything an engineer can but don't really need to touch or move anything physically. This ends up ultimately hurting a future generation of young engineers which ends up giving my main characters a reason to be more physical, only using Technopathy when really needed

Another category i have leans towards the digital side like being able to enter local networks via telepathic link. Closed networks would require the Technopaths to work around cyber security MENTALLY. If i were a Technopath, I could've just typed all of this out of my head. From anywhere!

"Anything can be a seed crystal, a picture, a character concept, your plot, anything."
Me: "I'll just take the word 'seed crystal,' thank you."

Seriously though, the idea of a seed crystal might actually help my system. Just needs some mulling over.
Great video.

Seed crystal huh I like 👍

I once made up a magic system when i was bored based on the 4 elements and these magic Crystals that could hold elemental energy.

The crystals could be found over the entire world in their respective environment (so like fire Crystals in hot places, water crystals in seas, air crystals in the high mountains, and earth deep in the caves)

People could use the crystals and become able to control the element of the crystal. If someone were to stab themselves with a crystal and allow it to stay in, they could gain the magic, but at a risk.
The crystal would drip its energy into your veins, and could travel with the blood to places it shouldn't, causing a high chance of death.
If you were strong enough to survive, you would be able to control your new power.

At first, in Early stages of humanity, before technology even existed, the crystals were seen as artifacts, and those who had their power were like gods, ordering those who did not have it to do whatever they wished, forming a religion that traveled all the way to present day.


I feel like i might add more lore to this, but idk yet

Find the most logical person you know who plays dnd regularly. The kind that make DMs cry. Describe your magic system to them, and ask them to break it. Fix any problems they find, or add them as rare occurrences.

Been binging your videos and I've always felt like it's only a matter of time before you mention Sanderson

First magic system inspiration;skyrim and to a lesser extent,paladin's choice. Not the elder scrolls. Just skyrim. As in the players interpretation of soul binding. Aka you get killed and your soul is bound to the weapon/armour it is enchanted on,forever and screaming in miserable agony. No pleasant afterlife,unless weapon or person gets destroyed. People and animals can be enchanted once

Ideas;weapons can be enchanted against or with the trait of a creature it is bound. E.g projectiles will have a homing effect against whatever it is bloodbound against (yes blood samples can also be used,but is less potent than souls. Also skin flakes and hair and other things can be used) if a sword is enchanted with a dragon soul. It can shoot fire or dull dragon breath. Depends on what intensity enchanter wants. Example 40% dragon fire. 50% dragon breath retardant. 10% dragon strength sapping. Aka,weakens a dragon when struck. Another example. A rat can be enchanted with a human soul. They can innately sense humans,sapp their strength with a bite and more easily overpower one. Or a human can be enchanted with an extremely poisonous frog. Everything mentioned plus poison teeth.

Allignment;highlights evil characters evil and is a constant temptation for comprimising good characters morality. Also there will be a montage of innocents being killed in darkest hour montage

Definition;used mostly for military application and farmers use it for keeping track of their livestock.

Limitation,only used once per item or person,anyone attuned to the afterlife can hear the souls scream and agony

Tests;oh boy,remember the rats. Yeah. Bad guys sacrifice children to weaponize pests.

Will edit i watch more of the video

Hello guys and authors. If mistborn is a progression fantasy. How would you make allomancy progressive? Thanks

i build my magic system in the order of 1,7,6 (8 month wait) 2,3,5,4