"Which do you choose, a hard or soft option..."

[mollyringle]

Magic systems in fantasy! They are not all alike, as you know, but here's one of the ways to categorize them: a spectrum between "soft" and "hard" magic. Hard magic systems have defined rules on how they work, and the reader is told what they are-e.g., the four element types of bending in Avatar: the Last Airbender have certain basic limits, which

Comments

[acciochocolate]

I like your definitions! Also, a soft option might allow for more expansion w/i the created system.

[mollyringle]

Oh, I should have said: they aren't my definitions; I've seen and heard them spoken of more widely elsewhere! But they do work well, and you're right about soft magic allowing for more flexibility. I hate it when I make rules too rigid and end up writing myself into a corner! :D

[archaeologist_d]

I much prefer the soft version although a good hard sci-fi story that has the science right is always welcome.

[mollyringle]

Yeah, I feel it basically becomes sci-fi if you have a quasi-believable scientific explanation--takes it more out of the realm of "magic."

[rosiespark]

Pet Shop Boys reference?!

[mollyringle]

It is indeed! Well spotted! :)