25 - Magic: An Overview

Fantasy science or deus ex machina? What is magic? Is it a set of physical laws that govern elements of your setting? Is it the unknowable will of the gods? Can it be learned, mastered even? Is it opaque and mysterious? Magic is ever present in fantasy (some would argue it’s the essence of the genre) but grappling with its implications can feel daunting. Seth, Marcos and James do a dive into magic’s uses as a narrative tool, about how it changes a world and shapes your stories. Our intrepid hosts discuss the differences between hard and soft magic and explore some tools that can help uncover your Magic’s narrative purpose and help to give it shape. Big Shoutout to These Great Creators - We were definitely inspired by some of these guys and we wanted to make sure they got a shoutout in our episode description. Fantasy Maps and Worldbuilding On Facebook Hello Future Me on soft magic Brandon Sanderson's 3 Laws Contact - Join the Club! Become a Patron to get exclusive content, early episodes and a vote in the direction of the pod. Facebook Group (The Collaborators are building worlds!) Twitter Instagram