I've talked about Avatar: The Last Airbender before, and I have no trouble mentioning it again! It deserves a spot on my best magic systems list, that's for sure.
Avatar takes the clichéd system of four elements--air, water, earth, and fire--and turns it into an amazing world full of colour and back story.
In Avatar, magic users are called benders, and most can only bend one element (the exception, of course, is the Avatar). The world is divided into four nations: the Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. Each nation has their own history and is part of a distinct society. The story is set during a time the Fire Nation is vying for control over all.
The Avatar developing his four powers is a major part of the story. He actually has to learn to use them all, the abilities don't just come naturally, and certain other powers and responsibilities come with being the Avatar (I won't spoil them here).
The magic system is part of what makes this show so awesome (the other parts being setting, characters, storyline, animation, tension, pacing, action, backstory, humour, I could go on...). So good.
I love Avatar! And you're right. It's one of the most well developed magic systems out there. :)
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It is a great show and had some influence on my book. I love how they all have their won kingdoms.
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about Avatar, but have yet to check it out. Now it's back on my radar. :)
ReplyDeleteI used to love Avatar. The story lines were intriguing, and the magic best of all.
ReplyDelete.......dhole
I love Avatar's magic system (though I'm not familiar with The last Airbender; I've only seen the Legend of Korra). It's a unique take on a tried and tested fantasy trope.
ReplyDeleteMy whole family loves Avatar and will constantly try to bend. It did strike me as chiche at first but I really grew to love it throughout the series. Legend of Kora's pretty good too, a little steam-punky for me but fun.
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