Spell: Difference between revisions

A spell is generally magic cast to achieve a specific effect. The nature of a spell, and how it is cast, depends on the type of magic used by the caster. In earlier times, spells comprised complex rituals and long incantations. Note that when mentioning spells, this wiki commonly refers to spells in [[Modern Magic|modern magic]].

Magic is mostly intent. The caster focusses their will to direct the magic in order to achieve a specific effect. A spell in and of itself is a means to aid in focussing one's will onto a specific goal for long enough to achieve the desired effect.

While it is possible for a skilled caster to cast spells without these aids, for most practitioners they provide a valuable and necessary framework for effective spellcasting, and they are exactly what they are because that is what works best. However, there is no "best practice" to determine what will work best, other than trial and error. There seems to be no clear logic behind it. Why that is is unclear, it may just be the nature of magic.

An incantation is a short exclamation, typically 1-2 words. In western tradition, incantations are spoken in Latin, although this is not a requirement. The reason for this has historic reasons.

Seeing how a spell is primarily designed to focus the caster's intent and will, one might believe the actual incantation is not really relevant. One may just as well recite a nursery rhyme in order to start a fire. However, this is not the whole truth. The short incantations used in modern spellcasting are often the result of a long process of refinement and experimentation, to find the most effective and efficient way to focus the caster's intent and energy. The specific words used can have a significant impact on the resulting spell, as they can influence the caster's mental state and emotional resonance with the magic they are invoking. Alas it is not clear why that is the case. If there are any rules or patterns to why some combinations of words work better than others, they have not yet been determined.

In [[Modern Magic|modern magic]], spells are separated into 7 categories. These categories are defined by the effects and intentions off the spells.

Generic spells are usually a direct effect. Examples for generic spells are [[Flamma]] and [[Illustro]].

Transfiguration spells, as the name implies, change the nature of objects. A classic example for a transfiguration spell is [[Mutatio Verto]].

Charms, also called enchantments, are spells that modify properties of objects or individuals, or add new properties. The difference to transfiguration spells is often explained that transfiguration changes what an object is, while enchantment changes what it does. Charms are probably the most common type of spell. An example for a charm is [[Color Verto]].

A jinx is a type of dark charm. Jinxes are unique in that can be cast without a focus, but they do require the caster to keep eye contact on the target. The jinx is kept in place by the caster concentrating on the target while repeating a chant. A common jinx is [[Immoto]].

A hex is a type of dark charm generally aimed at living beings and intended to cause suffering to a target. Some hexes may be amusing, others may be downright evil. A typical hex is [[Confundio]].

Technically, curses are not spells as they work differently. A curse is similar to a form of magical affliction. Curses are a separate category in and of themselves.

Although counter-spells are basically generic spells, they are considered a separate category. While some counter-spells, like [[Solvincula]], are pre-defined, they may also be rituals, tailored specifically to certain effects or curses.

Not considered an actual category, there are two "spells" that do not fall into any of the categories above, as they are always cast without an incantation.

* Basic Block (aka. direct block, magic parry, basic deflection) - by using one's focus and improvising a protective barrier, directed spells can be blocked. One should also not try and block more powerful spells with this technique, especially if the opponent is stronger than oneself. Certain spells, such as [[Exarmo]], cannot be blocked in this way. It is important that one should try and deflect a spell with this technique, rather than block it head-on.

[[List of Spells]]