Arcanism

What is a Spell?

Spells, casts, arcane effects, there are many terms to define what practitioners of the arcane are capable of. With every learned spell, practitioners often find themselves wondering what a spell truly is and how they are made. This question does not have a cut-and-dry answer. There are many different ways to practice the arcane and therefore many different kinds of spells, and many definitions that define them. In this article we will look at every different practitioner of arcane power and break down how they define spells and how these spells are created and used.

The basics

One must understand the factors that unite all methods of spell casting. This semi-scientific study of spells is called arcanism, and is what an Arcanist, or mage, truly specializes in. First and foremost, there are two kinds of magical practice: Causal and compelled.

Causal Arcana is the act of causing arcane effects to occur through ones own strength and intent. Is considered the most versatile method but tends to be significantly more tiring on the caster. Furthermore it means that at any given point in time, the most powerful spells are at your fingertips if you have the strength for it. Examples of causal practice includes Shamans, Arcanists, The Oathbound, and Zealots.

Compelled Arcana is the act of making oneself a medium through which arcane effects move through. This is often called mediumship. Those who practice it simply set up the right conditions or rely on what is around them to achieve arcane effects. Imagine these practitioners as the brush, the Arcane effects they cast is the paint and the rules of reality are the artist. Compelled practitioners include Bards, Druids, The Ink-stained Quills, and Sages. On top of that, all rituals are compelled arcane effects.

Synergy

Arcane Synergy is the process of combining arcane elements in an attempt to elicit a desired arcane effect. The concept has been around for a considerable period of time but the perfection of synergy developed in recent times. The concept is simple enough. If I take principles of elementalism and add elements of Arcana Emota, I should be able to alter my elemental spells with emotion. This particular combination is the oldest form of synergy. Arcana Emota happens to be the only genre that synergizes well with every other genre.

Synergy is a process only available to arcanists because of their ability to understand and Implement entire genres. One must fully understand the genre to be able to apply it. Synergies are not just unique abilities one can learn, but are also a sign of mastery, an accomplishment that symbolizes intelligence and endurance.

A house divided

Most causal practitioners consider mediumship to be cheating. They take advantage of how reality works and bypass the immense amount of training and knowledge required perform causal Arcana. This doesn't make them any less powerful though. While mediums must rely on adapting to what is around them, they can cast spells with significantly less effort.

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Comments

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Exalted Councilor of the Inner Sanctum Vazdimet

Feb 26, 2020 02:12 by Morgan Biscup

I really enjoy your diversity of magic users here. It's fun to imagine the different flavors and beliefs of each type of caster.

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.

Dylonishere123

Feb 26, 2020 15:35 by R. Dylon Elder

Oooo thanks so much! I enjoyed thinking about how different casters think am I glad it's mutual. Even individual groups among these coasters have their own beliefs. Bardic schools tend to favor one medium or style of art over others, even preferring specific themes used in art. Mages have an almost religious connection to their arcane genre, schools of magic. I'll stop now lol I love it too much XD