Spell

**Spells** are processes by which essence is made manifest and performs actions. They come in various forms and must be performed by a sapient being, whether directly or indirectly (such as through **dormant spells**).

## Usage

All spells are cast by the formulation of a certain verbal expression while channeling essence. The formulation may be spoken audibly, spoken inaudibly, or "written" in the mind's eye, but must use some form of intelligent language. Trained users will often use argenrune to cast spells, as it condenses long lengths of speech into a few symbols.

There are indefinite ways to accomplish essentially the same spell. However, certain incantations are established to be more efficient or effective than others.

The incantation is concluded and the spell cast when the user stops channeling. At this point the essence in the body manipulates the essence outside of it to perform the requested task. The time before a user can cast another spell depends on the user's experience with the particular spell and the essence required to perform it (relative to the user's Archibald Scale level).

Sustained spells require the caster to resume channeling as quickly as possible after casting. Alternately, the spell may be transferred to a conductive object, where it is automatically sustained.

## Fields

**"Fields"** (unofficial term, also called **classes** or **schools**) contain all known spells that achieve a particular goal. The average magic user will generally have an easier time mastering spells in one field than spells in the others.

A magic user may be naturally proficient in a field, or may have acquired proficiency in a field through study, practice, or acquisition of a trinket. It is not uncommon for a magic user to be proficient in more than one field, but those with multiple proficiencies are generally those who are more powerful than average to begin with.

Semi-human species, especially those species which are a result of magic influence, will often have a natural proficiency consistent across the vast majority of the population. For example, nearly all lupions are naturally proficient in the Art field, and nearly all argenvir are naturally proficient in the Humanity field. (The irony is real.)

### Permitted fields

The following fields are permitted to be studied and used by the laws of the Beachen Arde:

* **Art**—spells that primarily affect the five senses of the target.
* **Combat**—spells that are designed to be used against other spells or magical objects.
* **Destruction**—spells designed to destroy the environment of the user.
* **Dimensional**—spells that permit travel though time, space, timelines, or dimensions.
* **Environmental**—spells that "bend" the laws of nature and/or physics.
* **Fauna**—spells that affect the behavior of animals.
* **Humanity**—spells that deal with social skills and emotions.
* **Life**—spells that deal with health and well-being.

### Forbidden fields

* **Death**—the opposite of the Life field; forbidden because it almost exclusively uses dark magic.
* **Spiritual**—spells that deal with souls, angels, demons, etc.; forbidden for moral reasons.

## References

1. ↑ Beachen Arde. *The Complete Codex of Laws and Regulations Concerning the Use of Magic and Spells*, Vol. 1, pp. 71-72.