Spellcasting 101: Schools of Magic

As a spellcaster, there are several main fields of study in which magic falls under (Using the definition familiar with the Dungeons and Dragons RPG. Note other RPG may categorize the fields differently). Most individuals will agree that there are some 8 major fields of magical disciplines, with the 9th being a universal school.

Abjuration: Magics are mostly concerned with protective spells. A spellcaster specialized in the field is an Abjurer. 

Alteration/Transmutation: Magics that change the properties of an item, creature, or condition. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Transmuter.

Conjuration/Summoning: Conjuration magics bring forth non-living matter or effects forth which can also include healing forces and spirits. Summoning magics bring forth or the attention of living creature or powers. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Conjurer or Summoner.

Divination: Magics involving knowledge of the past, present, and future fall under this field of study. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Diviner.

Enchantment/Charm: Charm magics influence individuals through mind effecting compulsion. While Enchantments can imbue items or creatures with magics. A spellcaster specialized in the field is an Enchanter.

Evocation/Invocation: Magics that draw power of the natural energies and forces found in the universe (earth, fire, water, air, positive/negative energies, etc.). A spellcaster specialized in the field is an Evoker/Invoker.

Illusion/Phantasm: Magics that alter the perception of reality. It includes figments which create false sensation, Glamers which change sensory qualities, Phantasms which are mental impressions, and Shadows which are semi-real creations and effects. A spellcaster specialized in the field is an Illusionist.

Necromacny: Magics dealing with life, death, undeath. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Necromancer.

Universal: These spells contain one or more of the other fields.

Beyond these basic fields, there are hundreds of schools which group spell under their particular effects, cultural influences, spellcasting technique, themetic effects..

Blood Magic: Spells dealing with the inherent magical properties of blood.

Chronomancy: Spell dealing with time effects. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Chronomancer.

Elementalist: Spells dealing with
an natural elements. A spellcaster specialized in air magics are Aeromancers, earth magics are geomancers, fire magics are pyromancers, and water magics are hydromancers. Other variationa could include Storm,
Seas, Sand, Light, Darkness, Wood, Steel, Magma, Ooze, Ice, Minerals, etc.

Demonologist: Spells dealing mostly with calling forth forces and spirits and supernatural spirits. Usually known for trafficking with a variety of supernatural beings.

Digitologist: Spells cast using mathematical formulas.

Dragon Magic: Spells dealing with magics the emulate or associate themselves with the abilities of dragons.

Gem Magic: Spells dealing with the inherent magics properties of gems and precious stones.

Runic Magic: Spells using a certain number of glyphs that are associated with a number of supernatural effects.

Sonomancy: Magic dealing with sonic based effects. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Sonomancer.

For Divine spellcasters the main eight disciplines do apply, but are usually organized by themes associated with their Divine Patrons. Such themes are Sun, Moon, Healing, Magic, Nature, Knowldege, Death, Creation, Weather, etc.

Spellcasting 101: Introduction to Magic

If you have played a wizard, priest, bard, shaman, or sorcerer you are familiar with spellcasting. In the worlds of RPGs they are a myriad versions of spellcasting techniques, schools, studies, and disciplines. These range from spellcasters invoking spirits & powers, channeling the ambient magical force of the universe, fuel these effects with the use of their own person power, or tapping into the echoes of creation by rote & formulas.

So what is MAGIC? Defined it is simply "the use of means (spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces." It is the path in which magic is used that makes it very interesting to study, as well as the potential power it can bring.

First off magic itself can be divided into two major parts: Arcane or Divine.Arcane magic is the means in which am individual taps into these supernatural forces on their own. Divine magic is the ability to channel the power of a spirit or deity into a magical effect. The major negative factor with Divine magic is that you can be cut off from its source if you fall into disfavor of the spirit of deity you are channeling. Although there are some forces that do remain neutral, but they often come at a price.

Next we will go into the basic components of an actual spell: Verbal, Somatic, Material. If you are familiar with D&D, these are typical terms... although these terms extend from real world applications of spellcasting (ex. Bell = Somatic, Book = Verbal, and Candle = Material). Every spell uses one or more of these components in order to perform magic.
   The Verbal component itself are words of power, chants, incantations, prayers, hymns, or sound used in a spell. Dr. Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme of the marvel universe, is famous for saying the incantation such as "Let the vapors of the Vishanti drive you from the sight of man! Let the  mystic Hosts of Hoggoth prevent you
from ever returning again!". Raistlin Majere uses these words of power from the Magius language "Ast tasark simiralan krynaw" for a sleep spell. . Ravens, a sorcerer for the DC universe, uses this mantra when casting a any spell "Azarath. Metrion. Zinthos". Also in the DC universe, Zatana is well known for her spells to be cast as she recites the intent backwards "emit pots". In Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place, many of the wizards use traditional words of power in conjunction with context sensitive phrase such as "Some are evil, some are kind, but now all must speak their mind". A bard musical song (sung, played, hummed, whistled, etc) is used. A priest while also often say "In the name of "power/spirit/deity" I ask that you allow me to...".

   The Somatic component are actions or gestures used in a spell. Dr. Strange of uses a variety of hand positions while invoking his spells . Raistlin Majere sleep spell requires the action of sprinkling the material components in the direction of the target. In Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place and the world of Harry Potter, specific wand gestures (flick, slash, dip, circling, etc) is used. The act of writing runes and glyphs, ringing a bell, dance movements, or even twitching one's nose or bobbing one's head can be enough to fulfill this requirement as well.
   Lastly are material components which are items which that support the effect the caste is trying to manifest. There are millions of variations of components, but most follow a common sense rules... spell designed with fire in mine might require a combustible or volatile material or a representation of fire itself. Usually components are consumed upon casting, but some items may be reused again and again. This also includes other categories as well.
-Power Components, which are items that tend to enhance a spellcasting effect (ex. a phoenix feather used in a healing spell may aid in greater healing or black dragon's blood for a more damaging acidic spell).
-Foci, non-consumable items that can be re-used... but traditional a thematic accessory that can be substituted for multiple components..... such as a wand, book, orb, holy symbol, amulet, top hat, staff, etc.

Now keep in mind, that spell can require a combination of any three of these items. Some spell just require a gesture, a magical word, or just the presence of an item to make an effect possible. 

Founders of Roleplaying: John R. R. Tolkein

J.R.R. Tolkein was born in Republic of the Orange Free State, in lived from 1892 to 1973. He is creditted with being the father of modern fantasy. Originally written between 1925-1928, he is best known for his work "The Hobbit" published in1936, and the "Lord of the Rings" in 1954. These books provided the ground work of high fantasy that would go on to inspire others in the world of fantasy.

He was a scholar, author, military man, and a linguist. He developed a rich history and myth that was the entire back story of the world of Middle-Earth. He also created several unique languages and writings systems for cultures of the world that our used and spoken by many. His has also posthumously published several books further detailing Middle Earth. Beyond that he has also contributed the European myths and legends, the Arthurian Cycle, poem, linguistics, and many other essays of academia.

His mythos has come to touch not only literary works, but also film, RPGs, and miniature games as well.