How to box a character into a corner in magic systems… p1

BLACK THREAD AND CROCHET

Do you know the expression: «to invent the black thread»? It is something we use in Spanish to express we’re pretending we have re discovered an already know fact.

Last entry I rediscovered black thread, crocheted me a nice sweater and reflected over magic duels as if I had never seen Clint Eastwood’s westerns.

SIX BULLETS

Nonetheless, I’ll keep nonsensing about magic systems.

Thus, western introduced into the problem of magic systems, I’m going to say; first thing to do is to restrict or limit the magic. How? We give our character a six shots revolver. Afterwards, we force her to shoot all six bullets. The magazine is empty. Now, now we introduce bigger trouble! Let’s see what or how can she get herself out from the toil… [With us being the ones suffering the headache thinking how to actually solve it].

COMPLEXITY

Magic limitation can start by the turn system or become as complex as keeping xy/pendulum monsters over the board — and grind me if any time I come to get it. Magic cards are like writing. You do or you do to learn anything. Courses and tutorials do little.

METHODS AND MEDIA

HOW ARE CHARACTERS USING THEIR MAGIC?

The how magic is used, limits the way actions happen and even leads you to tension. Let’s imagine mage Ferage who needs physics theorist mucus to create the super G potion. Said physics scientist is secluded at home because of a pandemic situation¹ and tough Ferage is a mage, he isn’t immune to EVERY contagious ailments.

TO BE CONTINUED

1. Talking Newtown here, who discovered the three mouvement laws at his villa whilst town was painted in people’s black remains not of COVID. ↩︎