I want dragons whose mouths expel fire, not a mixture of flammable chemicals exuded from napalm-glands

Media release

Research conducted by the National Centre for Inference Assumption and Conjecture has found that many fantasy worlds are too reflective of non-imaginary reality, and should be classed as semi-fantasy.

Worlds containing such hallmarks as realistic leadership structures and actual taxation systems were amongst those found to be too close to reality.

NCIAC Book Person Bob Lee-Ology said that a new classification should be established in order to better describe these fictional worlds.

“When I think of fantasy, I think of outlandish magic, battles between good and evil, and historically inaccurate bestiaries,” Mr Lee-Ology said.

“If I can understand how the magic system in a fantasy world functions, whether through molecules in the air or some sort of ancient nanomachines, the world stops being mysterious and impenetrable.

“There is value in mystery and impenetrability in a fictional setting. It reinstates the childlike notion that anything is possible, because if we don’t understand the way a world works, there is no way to predict what will happen next,” said Mr Lee-Ology.

Lee-Ology said that there is still a place for ‘semi-fantasy’ worlds, and the new classification should not stop fiction from taking place in these worlds.

“Some people enjoy a good story ripped from the headlines, but with big fire-breathing dragons. They should continue to imbibe this style of fiction.

“I just think that allowing realistic political structures and struggles to take place in a fantasy setting makes it easier to transplant the fantastical concepts of good versus evil and heroic triumph on the real world, which is a little unhealthy.

“Also, I don’t like midichlorians,” said Mr Lee-Ology.