Editing Spells (section)

== Overview ==
Spells can range from simple tasks like lighting a fire or levitating an object to more complex and powerful abilities such as summoning creatures or creating a fortress of ice. Spellcasting differs from [Mage] to [Mage]: while [Mages] like [[Pisces Jealnet|Pisces]] and [[Typhenous]] utilize magical theory and numbers for casting, other classes such as [Elementalists] like [[Ceria Springwalker]] use visualization and willpower. Spells are powered by [[mana]]; while other forms of magic such as runes or enchantments draw from ambient mana or a power source, spells cast by [Mages] draw directly from their internal reserves. The amount of required mana for a spell depends on type and complexity, though wastage of mana can be minimized with practice.<ref name=":1" /> Furthermore, increasingly specialized [Mage] can lose the ability to cast other types of spells: after levelling her [Arctic Cryomancer] class, Ceria was unable to cast [Fireball].  

The main factors of a spell's output is is largely determined by talent and mana capacity. For instance, while a [[Mrsha du Marquin|low-level [Druid]]]  can cast the Tier 0 [Grow Grass] to cover the surface of a table, an [[Archmage|[Archmage]]] casting the same spell can cover half a continent. The intensity of spells can be measured using 'magirite,' which is the standardized unit of measurement based on a sample of raw magicore.<ref>{{VERef|Chapter 9.48 BTIPRLJMWVRV}}</ref>

For most modern [Mages] and other practitioner classes, spells are "boxes you fill with the right things." It is not necessary to use magic, but the boxed magic is far easier to learn, less mana intensive,<ref name=":1">[https://wanderinginn.com/2021/03/10/8-12-t/ Chapter 8.12 T]</ref> and safer to use. The Grand Design manages complex parts of the spell behind the scenes, which also results in the spell having standardized details regardless of who is casting it without factoring in Skills, like the speed of the spell. In contrast, casting a spell wholesale without aid from the system, called Freeform Magic, lets the caster modify every part of the spell, though it becomes more complex and many Skills fail to work on it.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2023/06/27/9-49/ Chapter 9.49]</ref><ref>{{VERef|Heroes of Hraace (Pt. 2)}}</ref>