Spells and Runes
Spells
Spells are the most efficient way to accomplish something magically, without using as much magical energy. Spells must be written or stated. Spells must be said or written in the Fae language that corresponds with the type of magic. The more specifically a spell is written, the less energy it takes, and the more effective it becomes. Also, if the spell is well-written, the less likely it is to go awry. If spells are written incorrectly, it acts in accordance with the way the spell is worded. If the spell leaves room for interpretation, it will use intuition to fill the information gaps, but draw extra power in the process. For a spell to be activated, it must have some level of power applied to it. If the amount of power is not sufficient, the spell might not be effective or fail to perform to its potential.
Spells can often be lengthy in words. For this reason, spells are typically written in advance. To avoid having a spell go off prematurely, spells are also written to have a command word or command action that is required to initiate the spell. A spell must have both the magic power and the command word or action, and any other prewritten prerequisites to be activated. A written spell may be used multiple times, and not be consumed in its use (unless the spell specifies otherwise).
Because spells are lengthy and require specificity of language, spell writing can require a lot of studying and research to perfect. Wizards or Copywriters will typically write a new spell or copy existing spells for the use of others. Mages or other magic users typically do not write any spells (and if they do, they will write relatively few, since it can take too long), but instead purchase spells for use at future times. Individuals will typically carry a custom book of spells with spells that they have purchased for use.
People can also have spells imprinted on garments, engraved in jewelry or weapons, and even painted or tattooed on their bodies. Frequent magic-users, such as mages, may have multiple spells stored in such ways. These garments or accessories are often costly but are more durable than pieces of paper.
As power usage is a concern, the study of power usage needs is also an intimate part of writing spells. Most spells will specify how much power is necessary, but power needs can often be intuited by average magic users. Spells also have been written to guestimate power needs.
Runes
The image depicted is a close up of Ethan's sword, and the runes engraven on that sword.
Spells require power to be activated. Runes, on the other hand, are spells that already contain the necessary power within the object the spell is written on or within the writing of the spell itself*. The writing can even contain enough power for multiple uses. Runes can also be written with parameters to not let the spell activate if there is not enough power to finish the spell.
Runes are created mainly through two methods. The first uses silver, or other conductive materials to connect the writing of the spell to the power source (usually magic gems). The second method involves using a diamond grinder to grind up the gems into a paste for painting or embedding whole gems into a surface to form the writing.
Runes can be placed anywhere, into stone, metal, onto paper, paintings, books, or onto objects, weapons, and even tattooed onto flesh.
*Note: Runes can be written without sufficient power for activation, but this is rarely the case. If additional power is required, the Rune usually will not activate unless it is supplied. If a Rune is so poorly written that it will activate without sufficient energy, or because thieves have defaced the runes or stolen the gem/gem powder for the power to be insufficient, the runes, when activated, will simply run out of power and become a normal spell.
Examples in Specificity
Here are some examples of a spell and different levels of intensity and power usage needs. The spells have been translated into common for the reader's convenience.
In the case of a simple immobility spell, aimed at an opponent in direct contact, either electric or sun magic may be used. Through intuition, the spell will use about 4-10 bolts of power, depending on the intuitive ability of the caster, as well as the size of the opponent. The spell might incapacitate the opponent for 1 to 3 minutes, and leave them disoriented for an additional 2 to 5 minutes.
A rudimentary spell would use about 4-6 bolts of of power. A rudimentary spell is sometimes not as effective as a highly talented intuitive caster but is easy to write and can help an inexperienced caster. Therefore, a spell would be written as such:
The energy pulses through the body, causing it to be temporarily immobilized. This spell is activated when the word "Impulsa" is uttered.
Here is an example of a low leveled spell. It would use about 2 bolt of power. A potential disadvantage of the spell is that it specifies physical contact as well as a word to activate the spell. The spell can also be written to include only one activation, or allow for short or long-distance attacks. However, attacks of greater distances can use more energy, and specifying contact reduces energy consumption.
A jolt of energy passes to the target as the target is hit. This sends a jolt of energy into the target. This jolt of energy then passes through the target, causing the target's body to be immobilized. This spell is activated when the word "Impulsa" is uttered by the caster of the spell.
Here is an example of a medium leveled spell. It would use about 1 bolts of power.
A jolt of energy passes to the target as the target is hit by the caster. This hit sends a jolt of energy from the caster into the target. This jolt of energy lasts about 30 seconds. This jolt of energy then passes into the target's body and works its way through the target's nervous system. As the jolt of energy passes through the nervous system of the target, the target's body becomes disoriented to the point of immobilization. This spell is activated when the word "Impulsa" is uttered by the caster of the spell.
Here is an example of a high leveled spell. It would use about .5 bolt of power. This is the typical spell that would be carried in the arsenal of a competent spell caster who was expecting to use a spell multiple times in a battle. The disadvantage is that it specifies the type of magic, and therefore the magic specified, sun magic, is the magic needed. The spell can also be written to use only electricity magic. It also should be noted the spell does not specify distance. As the distance increases, the power necessary increases. Well written spells will build in safe-guards to prevent over-use.
A jolt of energy created through sun magic passes to the target as the caster thrusts a clenched fist in the direction of the target. This thrust of the fist sends a jolt of energy through the space from the caster until it makes an impact with the target. This jolt of energy lasts about 30 seconds. This jolt of energy first enters the body through the skin of the abdomen. This jolt then passes into the target's body and works its way through the target's nervous system. As the jolt of energy passes through the nervous system of the target, the target's body becomes disoriented to the point of immobilization. The jolt of energy conveyed through space towards the target will be sufficient strength to cause immobility for 3 to 10 minutes, but not greater than the amount of energy required to render the target immobile for 3 to 10 minutes. This spell is activated when the word "Impulsa" is uttered by the caster of the spell. This spell cannot be activated if the energy necessary to reach, enter, and then immobilize the target is insufficient to complete the spell.
Different levels of spells have advantages and disadvantages. Competent spell users may spend less energy casting a frequently casted spell as they began to intuit the unspoken parts. Spells can be written with more specificity, especially when the writer is familiar with the physics and the anatomy of the spell. Spells may also be limited in length, as they must be written on the same paper, object, or surface. If not, the spell will not take effect, unless the words are connected by a conductive material.