Augmentation and Reduction
In terms of what they do, the Augmentation and Reduction spells are pretty simple. How they're cast is less so. Essentially, these two spells are meant to Augment somebody's abilities (your own, a friendly's) or Reduce someone's abilities (an enemy's). As simple as that. . .but what just do I mean by abilities?
Well, anything a person is capable of doing, you're able to Augment or Reduce. For instance, if someone attempts to use a powerful spell, you can Reduce their powers, which makes the spell less powerful. Likewise, you can Augment somebody's weak spell, making the spell more powerful. But this doesn't go for just magic abilities. Physical abilities can be affected also. Like strength, speed, agility, that sort of thing. Something to be noted; when you Reduce somebody's abilities, you're absorbing part of their power for a short amount of time. That doesn't mean you receive whatever power you're Reducing. It drains part of their Ether, or strength (or whatever), allowing you to have more abilities in the spectrum you Reduced their abilities.
And when you're Augmenting somebody's abilities, you're giving away some of your Ether, or strength (or whatever), to allow them to be able to cast more spells, have more strength, be faster, etc.
Well, anything a person is capable of doing, you're able to Augment or Reduce. For instance, if someone attempts to use a powerful spell, you can Reduce their powers, which makes the spell less powerful. Likewise, you can Augment somebody's weak spell, making the spell more powerful. But this doesn't go for just magic abilities. Physical abilities can be affected also. Like strength, speed, agility, that sort of thing. Something to be noted; when you Reduce somebody's abilities, you're absorbing part of their power for a short amount of time. That doesn't mean you receive whatever power you're Reducing. It drains part of their Ether, or strength (or whatever), allowing you to have more abilities in the spectrum you Reduced their abilities.
And when you're Augmenting somebody's abilities, you're giving away some of your Ether, or strength (or whatever), to allow them to be able to cast more spells, have more strength, be faster, etc.
Effect
Boost your own while lessening another's, and boost another's abilities while lessening your own temporarily.
Side/Secondary Effects
The first thing that comes to mind is all the positive effects- more Ether, strength, speed, etc. That's Reduction, of course. But both Augmentation and Reduction have their negative side effects.
For Augmentation, you can feel very tired and drained, depending on how much power you lent somebody. If you're not careful, you can damage yourself beyond repair physically, mentally, or Ether-wise.
Reduction, on the other hand, you can overdose, per se, on the amount of power you drew from somebody. Essentially, for Ether, if you draw from another's reserves too far past your own, you start to combust, disintegrating from the inside out. But how do you know you're going too far? Well, when the middle of your chest near your heart starts to feel warmer than normal. That's usually a good indication you need to stop. On that note, if you try to draw from somebody whose Ether amount is way higher than yours, what I said a sentence or two ago will happen.
Source
Unfortunately, amulets aren't capable of Augmenting or Reducing. Talismans and Ether bottles are useful items that can give you an edge when Augmenting. Other than that, your willpower and Ether reserves are your only resources.
Discovery
Augmentation and Reduction are both deeply rooted within ancient Chinese culture, coming from the Chinese belief in Chi.
Gestures & Ritual
The movements for Augmentation and Reduction are heavily based on Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art more commonly known for its health benefits- although that's in your universe. Tai Chi in this universe has been implemented for self-defense. The healing properties and such still exist, but there's a wider base of defensive Tai Chi academies. These spells implement simplified Chinese.
- Augmentation - A quick, flowing motion, in which you mime drawing energy out of your chest and pushing it outward. Similar to Tai Chi in style. "Wǒ gěi nǐ lìliàng, wǒ de péngyǒu." - "I give you strength, my friend."
- Reduction - A quick, flowing motion, in which you draw your arms to your chest. Similar to Tai Chi in style. "Jiǎnqīng nǐ de lìliàng, gěi wǒ ba!" - "Lighten your strength, give it to me!"
Related Discipline
Tai Chi
Related School
Abjuration
Effect Duration
Up to three minutes.
Effect Casting Time
Five seconds.
Range
20 feet, in your line of sight.
Level
At one year, you can cast it. At least two years to get maximum efficiency.
Applied Restriction
Can only be used in situations in which somebody needs protection and such. Too much Augmentation or Reduction and you either lose your abilities or flat out combust, respectively.
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