the.com/magic systems
the rulebook that keeps wizards from just solving everything with a shrug and a light show.
means a defined set of rules governing how supernatural power works within a fictional world, so magic feels earned rather than convenient.
from formalized as a craft concept when fantasy writers, tired of infinite wish-granting sorcerers, started borrowing structure from physics and video games to make magic feel like a system instead of a cheat code.
hard vs softsanderson's split: rules-bound versus mysterious wonder
sanderson's lawmagic solving problems must first be understood
cost matterslimits make power interesting, not the power itself
video games did itmana bars are magic systems with a UI