6 years ago

Magic: Simplification and What it Means


Don't worry! It won't be simplified to the point that it becomes unfun. Quite the opposite, in fact!

As I was talking to my best friend about our series and how the magic systems are similar and different, I noted something. I have a minimum of 60 elements. However, I noted that a lot of these magics can do essentially the same thing. For instance, Gravity and Astral. While I could make it to where those are different, Astral Magic covers everything from gravity to star energy to anything celestial. Which also squashes Lunar Magic. The only reason Solar Magic gets a pass is because it's an evolution of Light Magic.

Another thing to note is that I am not simplifying evolutions/higher tiers. For example: Fire, Blaze, Inferno; Water, Tidal, Ocean; Darkness, Shadow, Void; Wind, Temperature, Pressure (etc). I am only simplifying/removing elements that can be easily done within the realms of OTHER magics! So I am removing Lunar in place of Astral, but not Blaze in place of Fire, in essence.

I also made this decision for the reason I opened with: a magic system that exploits every single aspect of life diminishes fun and crushes creativity. AND makes it extremely hard to code! What I mean by this is that when you have a Magic for explosions, lunar stuff, life, death, pressure, spirit, shadow, time, spaces, astral/celestial, zodial, crystal, magma, poison, acid, and many others ALL AT ONCE, it can overwhelm the player, and oversaturate Magic itself. It makes some abilities feel less special.

"Whoa, you can control gravity relative to an area? So can I just on a more massive scale with a superior element type."

"Hey! You can cause illusions? Well, I can make people fall asleep and have nightmares so terrible it hurts them physically!"

The more I add, the more saturated it becomes, and suddenly Magic feels worthless. What's the point if everything can be done with a simple spell? Now, granted, you're limited to what you learn, but it's my point. Even in Fairy Tail, magic is used in very particular ways.

Thank you for reading and I hope you understand, and that I made any sense. Love you all and remember, as always...

...GAME ON!

  • Alec



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