Post by ♛Emyr on Sept 30, 2011 19:13:44 GMT -5
GENERAL MAGIC
This thread will be used to explain what magic is, and give more details into the specific branches/types of magic.
Magic & It's Use
Simply stated, spells are the manifestation of a person's mental and emotional energies, which are focused and given a form within a witch/wizard. These energies, given forms, are usually expended from a magical tool, a wand being the most prominent example. Magic, however, is not an easy art to master. A high level of discipline is essential to manifesting energies into spells; casting them. Learning to shape these energies into spells takes time, and a decent amount of practice to master each one; spells vary in difficulty, naturally. Almost all forms of magic are to be done with the aid of a wand, though a very select few highly skilled witches/wizards are able to perform wandless magic.
CLASSIFICATION OF SPELLS
Every spell falls into a specific category, which it is designated into by the effects the spell generates.
CHARMS |
Charms are used for bewitching effects, or giving objects new and unforeseen properties. Unlike transfiguration, they focus on changing the object's properties, instead of what the object is. They can be used, for example, to make objects float or allow someone to breathe underwater. An object that has a lasting charm (a charm that stays upon an object for an extended period of time) placed on it is called bewitched, though charms in general appear to last longer than other spells. Charms are capable of being anything from simple party entertainment to some of the most powerful spells in existence.
TRANSFIGURATION |
Transfiguration spells are used for the alteration of an object's form and appearance. Magic in this branch is not only able to be cast upon most objects, but also most forms of magic. Additionally, it is capable of conjuring items as if out of thin air. The effects of these spells tend to wear off on their own, but high level spells usually need to be dispelled. This branch of magic is also capable of banishing things from an area or sometimes even a dimension.
JINXES & COUNTER JINXES |
Jinx spells are often seen as a form of minor dark magic. Their effects are irritating, but often amusing and seemingly playful. They are only of minor inconvenience to their target. Jink type spells vary, from impeding the opponents movement, to dangling them from their ankles. Counter jinxes are spells used to impeded jinxes or terminate their effects.
HEXES & COUNTER HEXES |
Hexes are seen as a more moderate form of dark magic, above a jinx, but not as powerful or dangerous as a curse. These spells usually cause moderate suffering to their victim and are extremely annoying. Consequently, they are not taught at Hogwarts. For example, the Bat-Bogey hex engorges the victim’s snot, and gives it wings. Counter hexes are spells used to terminate the effects cause by hexes, or impede their use.
CURSES & COUNTER CURSES |
Curses are used with the intention of causing harm, control, or even death to the victim. Like most hexes, students don't learn them in school. Curses are considered the darkest type of magic, their use is genrally frowned upon unless in times of war. Most curses have counter curses, which negate the dark magic or slow down it's effects. However, the three unforgivable curses cannot be impeded. They are the Imperius curse which gives the caster complete control of the target, the Cruciatus curse. which puts the target into extreme pain, and the Killing Curse... Which instantly kills the target if they are hit.
HEALING |
Healing spells are used to reverse the effects of less powerful curses and better the condition of a living object. These spells usually mend bones, re-sew flesh, and even ward off death. Most major curses often cause irreparable damage that not even healing magic can’t fix, for example, someone struck with the killing curse cannot brought back with healing magic.
DEMONOLOGY |
Demonology is the art of summoning the creatures known as demons and binding them to the caster, giving them shape and form. This is one of the most arcane forms of magic, managing to even transcend dimensions. A demon is a pure manifestation of magic, giving it sentience and a will of it's own. Usually a person's cultural view on the enitity summoned will effect their appearance, also influenced by the elemental affiliation of said demon.
NECROMANCY |
Necromancy is a darker branch that covers a variety of magical disciplines. With Necromancy, it is possible to create the undead (reanimate corpses) and conjure ghosts and spirits. With this comes the power to banish or repel undead (such as Inferi). Although difficult, Necromancy also touches the bases of mediumship. Reanimated corpses are generally mindless, obeying the commands of those who summon them. Sometimes if a wizard is powerful enough, a reanimated corpse might possibly be able to use some of their once-living magical talents, although this is rare.
