idk i really enjoy when an anime goes on for like 3 episodes abt the way the physics of their magic works & why it all makes sense cause its an acknowledgement that my brain was itching a lil at the magic.They scratch it. Plus you get 3 extra eps and 10 more things to argue abt with your bestie
It's kinda worse because she tried to set up some system at first but then gave up and handwaved anything away, so it's just nonsense with no rhyme or reason.
I absolutely agree with you. Zigzag that shit. Get a little bizarre. Without giving away my whole approach, I like having a magical status quo and breaking all the rules through narrative- in essence "How the hell did you do that Protag?, Dunno, just *felt* right" etc.
Yeah, that works too. Like people can think they understand it, that's normal human arrogance. But then there are still things going on that they don't get
I think his acolytes or perhaps him Elvising systemizing magic in fantasy narratives is more of a problem than his actual approach to magic or his prose
a friend of mine pointed out that his stories all take place in a world where everything is necessarily knowable and known and that really cuts to why i bounced off The Way of Kings
Nah magic with rules is still magic and can still own. Restrictions to systems like that don't limit wonder and mystique, it gives weight to them. Knowing a little bit a trade/ craft can give you context for how stunning masterworks in the field are.
For a great example read Witch Hat Atelier
Dont get it twisted. I adore inexplicable, weird magic, I strive to make surreal, wonder-ous art, but its important to not limit one's view on what can be good or bad in art. I know you're not doing that completely seriously but still... Just as there is beauty in the unknown, so goes for the known.
Hard disagree there. I think both types has their place. Sanderson books appeal to my autistic Explain everything nature. But some of the less defined magic systems make for way better movies
I think of Presto from the D&D cartoon & old tv version of Felix the Cat. Pulling useful things semi-randomly out of a magic hat or magic bag. Sometimes it's a misfire or the magically produced item is useful in a way you didn't expect. If they have too much control, it'd make them gods.
I have dozens of magic systems in my fantasy world, but just like a real medieval world, 90% of it is superstition so u can end up with "wizard duels" that are just like two nerds shouting gibberish at each other
Brandon Sanderson gets away with explaining his magic because of how integral to the world lore it is but magic can just be a weird thing that can happen like I write it as having a soft set of rules that can be changed by how reality perceives it
I've only got one magic system right now and it's basically "Gods can do whatever the fuck they please with what they're gods of as long as it makes some amount of sense. Humans can only mess around with singular elements like water and thunder."
My fave use of magic in fiction rn is some old guy insisting it is really weak rn and then a month into a journey he makes 3 guys combust internally so hard that he accidentally causes an earthquake
Comments
like "hey check this out, cum sorcery" and walk away
For a great example read Witch Hat Atelier