I had to choose between a magic system based on rules or one based on feeling for my fantasy novel.

I've been stuck on this for my book for about three weeks. On one side, I wanted a hard magic system with clear rules, like in Brandon Sanderson's stuff, where the limits are known and the plot can hinge on clever use of them. The other option was a soft, feeling-based magic that's more about emotion and atmosphere, like in some older fairy tales. I picked the hard system because I thought it would force me to be more creative with my plot problems. Honestly, it's been tough. I spent two days just figuring out the one core rule that 'magic requires a memory of equal emotional weight to be sacrificed'. It makes the writing slower, but the scenes feel more solid. Has anyone else made this choice and found one way easier to write with?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_hannah1mo ago

That memory sacrifice rule sounds really cool, actually. Does it ever feel too limiting when you're trying to write a big emotional moment?

rubys291mo ago

Reminds me of this indie game where you lose skills to unlock story beats. Made every choice actually hurt.

sage2121mo ago

Forces you to get creative with showing emotion instead of just telling. I've seen it make scenes way more powerful.