Haunter: could the genre also be a generally magical environment confined in some ways by the real; that is, the system of magic has an underlying, unbreakable structure to it? That is, it's not simply waving a wand and reciting some words, but there's a, I don't know, physics to it? A give-and-take, is what I've most often seen. The reason I'm so curious is because I have an idea for a fantasy in the works that has that specific issue--the magic has a very complex structure to it that is bound by a kind of realism.

 I suppose we could have a whole discussion about the flaws of genre unto itself, but it's still interesting to pick apart.

I suppose it could be extrapolated that way, but from what I've seen, elements of the real are prominent, usually in setting. Logic, however, is what is lacking from normality. Kind of like Surrealism, but with some sense of structure. (Wikipedia probably says it better than I could ever say it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magical_Realism#Literature)

...generally typified by a generally realistic environment twisted in some way by supernaturality.

Haunter: could the genre also be a generally magical environment confined in some ways by the real; that is, the system of magic has an underlying, unbreakable structure to it? That is, it's not simply waving a wand and reciting some words, but there's a, I don't know, physics to it? A give-and-take, is what I've most often seen. The reason I'm so curious is because I have an idea for a fantasy in the works that has that specific issue--the magic has a very complex structure to it that is bound by a kind of realism.

 I suppose we could have a whole discussion about the flaws of genre unto itself, but it's still interesting to pick apart.

Allie: I'm horribly jealous you got to go to Rome. I want to go there someday myself--I hear it's beautiful--and yes, there is such history to the place. I took a course on Roman history last semester, and it really opened my eyes to the world. Once you start studying things like Latin, Greek, or Roman history, you realize how much of this world we took from earlier times. Definitely worth studying, and by no means "super corny." I encourage you to keep studying it!

Bet I don't prove you wrong, Inkblot Scribe, I just find them "horribly" entertaining.  As for studies in Greek and Latin?  Well, I took "Latin Foundations" in high school, but found I knew a lot more about the subject, or at least an equal amount as my teacher.  I personally just love reading Greek mythology, hearing it, learning it, etc.  I did get to go to Rome last year (for a day) and was completely blown away by the history.  I know it sounds super corny, but walking along the streets just takes you back; highly recommend it, even if you don't like ancient societies. 

Haunter in the Dork, is this the same concept you have in regards to Dark Magical Realism? I'd like to know about what you mean by that more. It sounds interesting.

It's a hard genre to classify, but its generally typified by a generally realistic environment twisted in some way by supernaturality. Either insidiously watching from the wings, as a single horrible, ever-present variable or as an impending threat. It's kind of a wide umbrella, I must admit, but it's fun to play with.