So we have mastered plot, developed a hook, and dewelved deep into understanding what type of story we are dealing with, but one topic still stands that can make or break any fantasy story...the magic system.

The Magic System can be defined as a set of rules or beliefs that regulate the use, control, or manipulation of a certain thing to create a supernatural effect. This may either be natural to the characters in the book coming without much effort, or unnatural meaning it must be learned or instilled through training. A magic system may also be a hindrance, a curse, or a direct/indirect result of a traumatic or life changing event within the character(s) perspective.

While a magic system may not be the focus for some fantasy stories, a fantasy story is defined by its use of magic within a fictional universe. No magic equates to an incomplete fantasy world. 

Before I go on let me state that there is no right or wrong way to develop a magic system. The great thing about fantasy writing is that it has no limits. A fantasy novel is only limited by the author's imagination. 

First we will begin with the two types of magics that commonly exist.

(1) Hard Magic Systems: these systems involve great detail, sometimes a lengthy history/backstory/origin, and follow strict rules set up by the author that work hand-in-hand within the context of the novel. Often coined "making the immaterial material." A prime example of a hard magic system is the Golden Compass series (His Dark Materials) by Philip Pullman. In this story there is an emphasis on the human soul. The story and magic system both focus on this idea that the soul exists outside the body in the form of an animal familiar. The world has strict rules and laws governing its magic and one tiny break in those rules could result in catastrophe. 

(2) Soft Magic Systems:  these systems typically have magic labeled as mysterious and unknown. There tends to be a thin line between rules and understandings or the author simply does not explain them as it is not the focus of the story. A good example here is the Lord of the Rings saga. While magic does play an intrical part in the story, most of it is accepted by the reader and never fully understood. We know Gandalf is a wizard but we are unsure of his magical limits, if there are things he can and cannot do, and even so much as his origin within the universe. No one needs to explain where he gets his magic, we just let it happen.  

So we've lightly touched on the two 'typical' forms of magic. Listed below we will discuss three laws of magic from the master fantasy writer of our time, Brandon Sanderson, and the things that should be considered when building a magic system.

LAW 1: "The author's ability to resolve conflicts in a satisfying way with magic is directly proportional to how the reader understands said magic."

What does this mean? Seems like a lot of confusing words to me. Well, it is actually quite simple. 

What Sanderson is saying here is that for magic to work in your story it must make sense. 

(I might butcher this with a dumb analogy but bear with me.) What Law 1 means is don't have a character melt a lock off a door using a popsicle he created out of thin air while sitting in a desert where ice magic is impossible to create. While that would certainly be an impressive feat worth writing, it makes little sense both logically and if we consider the amount of explanation needed to make this work. 

LAW 2: "Weaknesses are more interesting than powers."

What does this mean?  

What a character cannot do with magic becomes his/her weakness  thus becoming the story's conflict to overcome or possibly a goal to achieve. 

As an example, if a character can do ice magic but he doesn't know how to build a fire to keep himself warm then that weakness can be a conflict for survival. Another bad example, if a character's arrogance led to his brother being taken and his magic is proportional to his use of magic, his arrogance becomes his weakness from achieving the skills he needs to save his brother. It is in this weakness that makes the character as well as the magic system rise to a higher level of interest, complexity, and believability. Basically, it is the weakness of the character or magic system that makes it all the more interesting.

LAW 3: "Expand. Don't add."

What does this mean?

A overly complex magic system is not as interesting as one that is focused and/or themed. In more simplistic terms: a magic system with fewer, stronger elements is more powerful and provides more worldbuilding than a magic system with many, weaker elements.

When you develop a magic system and find it hard to keep track of in your head or explain on paper, then perhaps you've made it too complex. Expand upon fewer elements and don't keep adding new ones just because they would be convenient for the situation within the story. 

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The last little bit I want to touch on when developing a magic system are the 6 elements you want to pay attention to. Using these six elements will develop not only your magic system but also your world building. 

6 STEPS TO FULLY DEVELOP A MAGIC SYSTEM

1) Define Its Use

What fuels the magic? What do people use it for? How is magic summoned? How does it appear (look, color, smell, etc...)? What abilities does it offer? 

2) What Are Its Limitations

Is it a renewable resource or is it depleting energy from a fuel source? Is magic stolen from others or is it collected? Is there a cap on how much can be used at once? Does it have a negative or positive affect on the user over a short or extended period of time? How can other people using magic be defeated?

3) Establish The Dangers

Does the magic harm or do damage? Does it harm the user? Can it be used incorrectly? Is it used for selfish purposes only? Does the use or possession of magic/magical abilities hurt the user physically, emotionally, or sociatally? Can a person be executed for using magic? 

4) Explain/Explore Its Origin

Does the magic have an origin or did it always exist? Was it created? Where is its source? Did historical events shape it into what it is now and how it is accepted/not accepted in society? Did it diversify? Does it have many types? 

5) Identify The Users

Who has access to magic and why? Can anyone use it or is it exclusive? What are the magic users called?  Is it learned, inherited, taken, given?

6) Consider The Culture

Are their magical orders/societies controlling/using magic? Is there a social hierarchy to magic users? Is it a secret? Do people with magic have a type of uniform unique to their culture or type of magic used? Is there a language in which it is spoken? Are there festivals, landmarks, religion, or stories devoted to magic? 

If you answer all of these questions, you are well on your way to creating that truly awesome and unique magic system. 

Source for much of this came from well-storied.com.