The term “magic system” in writing or RPGs isn’t exclusive to magic. Technology, superpowers, alchemy, and other forms of science that doesn’t quite match up to real world physics can be a different kind of magic. In fact some of our science today might be mistaken for magic for someone from days before Christ. This is one of the things that pushes the nonsense “ancient alien” theories.

There is however a science to the magic system if you don’t want your character to be considered overpowered, thus turning your hero into a Mary/Gary Stu or a villain so powerful that there should be no way for the hero to win. It’s the struggle where the drama comes from, and if you don’t do it right then the tension is gone. Some time ago The Closer Look posted a video I brought up here about the failings of a video game with a bad magic system versus, but now he goes into the poorly thought out magic system of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness. However, he goes over other failures of magic and technology being thought out in other MCU movies like Endgame as well as examples of the magic system done right and how powers out of nowhere should be handled, using the teachings of Brandon Sanderson as a guide. It’s a long video and I don’t have much to add, but its too long for a daily post as you really need to pay attention if you’re designing a magic or superscience system for your story.

Continue reading →