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Disciplines of Magic
Magical disciplines have been differentiated
according to characteristics of their corresponding
element. Since none of these elements exist in pure
form in the world, everything is a combination of
the 5 elements (for more information, see Chemistry
in Chap. 8: Skills). For example, flesh is considered
to be an equal blend of all 5 elements 1 . Therefore,
it is hypothesized that even the strongest fire
includes a small amount of water. This explains how
a spell from the element of fire could seem to use
water more than other elements. Nonetheless, in
this case fire is still the predominant element because
the overall effect is more relevant than the
immediate effect of the spell. Below, the 5 disciplines
of magic are listed:
Air: Since air is the element that carries or
separates other worldly elements, convocation and
illusory or delusionary spells are considered to relate
to the element of air. Convocation spells are
explained in more detail later. A practitioner of convocation
may be called a conjuretor, and those who
are summoned may be called servitors. Those who
predominantly cast spells of this discipline are often
considered sanguine.
Earth: Since earth is the element of solid
substance, spells that physically alter matter are considered
to relate to the element of earth. Those
who predominantly cast spells of this discipline are
often considered phlegmatic.
Ether: Since ether is the element of the
heavens or stars and mana itself, spells that affect
mental states, other spells, or offer means of detection
or divine contact, are considered to relate to
the element of ether. Those who predominantly
cast spells of this discipline are often considered
wise.
Fire: Since fire is the element that destroys
nature, destructive or harmful spells are considered
to relate to the element of fire. Those who predominantly
cast spells of this discipline are often
considered choleric.
Water: Since water is the element that restores
or replenishes nature, restorative and supportive
spells are considered to relate to the element of
water. Those who predominantly cast spells of this
discipline are often considered melancholic.
Convocation
Unless otherwise noted in the spell description,
air spells that call upon other creatures are convocation
spells. Summoning creatures requires the
caster to draw a circle of 9 feet in diameter, with the
caster in the center. The circle may be drawn on a
floor with charcoal or on the ground with a sword
or ceremonial knife. Depending on the spell and
the creature summoned, there may be more circles
and/or pentagrams within the outer circle, which is
drawn to a diameter of 10 feet, and includes magical
writing. The most important requirement is that
the circle must be unbroken. An unbroken circle is
a symbol of eternity, since it has no beginning or
end. The line that forms the circle becomes a defensive
barrier against inimical creatures who are
conjured. If the circle is broken by the caster in any
manner, then the creature may enter at will.
Chapter 11: Magic
1. Empedocles considered flesh to be the even combination of the 4 elements, prior to Aristotle’s introduction of the 5 th .
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