Quick Six: Magic
Dig deeper into the mystical corners of your world with six magical worldbuilding prompts designed to spark your magical creativity!
Quick Six 2/15/2025: Magic
Even though my plan for this week got drastically changed, Saturday remains a day for inspiration and creativity! I hope you look forward to these writing prompts every week; they’re one of my favorite parts of publishing about worldbuilding!
We’ll come back to our deep dive on weaving magic into your worldbuilding. Until then, let these worldbuilding prompts guide your imagination into the mystical corners of your world. Explore the illusions, the potions, the powers, and the people who wield them.
Somewhere in Your World, Describe…
Who:
…an influential and very vocal critic of magic.
This one is inspired by the tales of Harry Houdini. The legendary escape artist was also a master illusionist and billed himself as “The Greatest Sleight of Hand Performer the World Has Ever Seen.” He used his inside knowledge to expose fraudulent mediums.
Who is this person and what is their relationship to magic? Why do they speak out against it? What is their goal? How are they received by the public and by people in power?
What:
…a material or item that is resistant to magic.
Often in folklore and fairy tales, elements such as silver and iron or objects like needles and mirrors can be proof against magic, break enchantments, or remove curses. Sometimes, they are necessary to damage magical creatures such as fey, werewolves, or vampires.
What is this material/item and where does it come from? Where is it found or how is it made? Who typically uses it? What happens when it encounters magic?
When:
…a time when magic is more powerful than usual.
Every natural law has its ebb and flow. From the moon’s tug on the tides to the power of the sun’s gravity as it wrestles against Earth’s momentum. Why would the magical energies of your world be any different?
When does this event occur? Are there special circumstances that bring it about? How often does it happen? What changes happen…do spells last longer, are potions more potent, does every spell also cause its caster to fall in love with the target, is some wild magic effect released? How do spellcasters view this time? How do regular people view it?
Where:
…a place that should have magic, but doesn’t.
You have to imagine that the people in a world where magic exists would rely on it the same way we rely on cell service. How often have you been walking across an open space only for your service to just…drop. You’re in the middle of a city, there’s a tower right there…but nothing! Why can’t magic be the same?
What happens when you try to use magic there? Do people live there? Is there anything different about the place (strange plants/animals, crystal formations, electric fences and government signs)?
Why:
…the reason an adolescent wants to learn magic.
From love spells to revenge to money, the passions of youth drive us to mistake our wants for needs and seek any shortcut to the ends we desire. Youth be youth, even in a magic-prone world.
What is their primary motivation, is it an emotional goal or a physical goal? (Emotional goals are things like love, revenge, happiness; physical are more money, healthier crops, a house that’s bigger on the inside than the outside.) How will they learn the magic, a teacher, books, the internet?
How:
…how a magic spell or trick is done.
This might be a coven ritual, the recipe for a potion or magical cooking, or even instructions for a new sleight-of-hand. Perhaps it is the workings of a spell or an astrological diagram for when the king will be at his weakest.
What physical components are involved, are there ingredients or special tools? Is there an assistant or accomplice? Is distraction or misdirection necessary?
Don’t Forget to Share!
I always love seeing what y’all do with these weekly inspirations, so don’t forget to tag me when you post something you’ve written with these prompts!
If You Haven’t Already…Please Vote!
Every year, the WorldAnvil Worldbuilding Awards celebrates the best and brightest in the worldbuilding community. This year, I’ve submitted seven of my favorite pieces to different categories for consideration.
Pillars of Progress: Harmony Station
Best Article: School of Cat
Artist’s Map: Argentii’s Sky
Hearts & Minds: Night of Wandering Souls
Rise of Nations: Growing Unrest in Central Tilth
Wonderous Nature: Nature: Ghost
Myths & Legends: U the Chaotic
In order to advance, I need you to vote! It’s FREE & EASY, just click the link, enjoy my writing, and cast your vote from the widget on the bottom left of the article.
If you’ve already voted, then please take the time to share this with your friends! Voting is open to everyone, and every vote counts.
Hang with me at GenCon!
Badges are ON SALE NOW at GenCon.com; get yours early because they WILL sell out! Hotel registration opens Feb. 23; event registration opens May 18.
MoonlightBard.com will have more information on my own events while we wait for the Event Catalog to drop on May 4.
