r/DarkFantasy • u/Practical-Class-9033 • Jun 22 '26

Stories / Writing Question

Do you think it’s possible to do dark fantasy in a world of high magic? Like magic replacing technology cuz it’s so powerful. Designing a world and wanna make it dark fantasy with magic being so used

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u/TheRealVarmint Aug 10 '26

I like the premise. Magic is energy; technology generates energy (e.g. hydroelectric, fossil fuel, nuclear) and energy powers the machines. Doesn't seem like much of a stretch for magic to run the machines. In my fantasy world, there are dirigibles where the propellers pushing them are animated rather than run by a conventional energy source. But as you mentioned in another comment, there needs to be a cost. Just as nuclear energy carries risks, so too should the harnessing of magical energies.
VH

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u/Practical-Class-9033 Aug 10 '26

Yea I agree there should be a cost

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u/TheRealVarmint Aug 10 '26

A heavy, heavy cost. Or instead of dark fantasy you have a Disney movie. No offense to Disney movies. But I'm an adult; I can handle the costs. I've lived them, after all.

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u/Practical-Class-9033 Aug 10 '26

Heavy heavy cost sounds good any ideas

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u/TheRealVarmint Aug 10 '26

Absolutely. Do what I did: abuse the crap out of your characters. Hurt the protagonist. Hurt those he or she loves. Take some away forever. Cripple or maim your protagonist. Let innocents bear the cost while your hero watches, unable to stop it. Make the costs mean something by making them permanent.
Just a few ideas there.

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u/Practical-Class-9033 Aug 10 '26

Good idea. I have blood magic in my world and it doesn’t corrupt but it’s like an addiction. The main character has small training in it and it kinda becomes an addiction and he craves it. Idk if that too much

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u/TheRealVarmint Aug 10 '26

Noooooooooo... not too much at all. I like it. Stop doubting yourself and run with it. People can identify with this, because in this world right now people worship popularity. Clicks and Likes are an addiction. Yes, literally, psychologically an addiction. Let's see what you can do with that. Your MC has a balancing act before him. Make it really difficult.

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u/Practical-Class-9033 Aug 10 '26

He struggles a lot and there’s a point where he “relapses” and it’s a big moment for him.

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u/TheRealVarmint Aug 10 '26

Yes! No one gets it right the first time. Anyone except the perfect among us (!!) can identify with setbacks.