What is a magical technique?
Magical Techniques are general categorizations of the application of magic to specific activities or effects magic can create. For example, the Healing technique concerns itself with healing injuries, and the Destruction technique concerns itself with using magic to destroy. These are broad categorical arrangements that are classified based on the desired outcome of the magic being performed.
They are also, broadly speaking, 'schools' of thought within magic, and represent training and time spent in a given activity.
The Difference Between Rituals and Spells
Magi have multiple means of applying their effects. The first option is that of a spell, which is also sometimes called an invocation. A spell requires a moment of concentration. The Magus draws on his source and then channels the power of the source through his very soul and through the lens of his technique. This takes only moments to do, and while the effects can be impressive, there is another way to apply magic.
Whether used by groups of Magi or by a single Magus, a ritual is a means of adding greater power to magical efforts and sendings. Instead of momentary concentration, the Magus spends considerable time and energy concentrating on building the magic of his spell. When done in this fashion, it is known as a ritual. Rituals allow for not only more powerful effects, but also increase the durations of those effects (if applicable). A ritual designed to curse someone will last for longer periods of time than when cast as a spell. A curse cast by a group of ten magi will have even longer lasting effects, and increased severity.
Magical Techniques
| Technique Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Animation | Animation is the study of necromantic magic, which allows the Magus to raise zombies and other undead creatures as well as manipulate of control necrotic energies. |
| Curses | An ancient mainstay of magicians from all walks of life, Curses allows the Magus to impart negative effects to targets, such as people, places, objects. The stronger the Magus is, the greater the effect the curse can have and the longer lasting a curse can be. |
| Destruction | Destruction Magic is also referred to as 'combat magic', and involves spells which allow a Magus to destroy people, places, or objects through direct magical effects (such as fireballs and lightning bolts). |
| Divination | Peering into the mists of the future in order to see what might happen there as well as the art of acquiring information magically - such as finding locations or people, identifying magic items, supernatural creatures, etc. |
| Enochian Magic | Enochian magic is a branch of magic that deals specifically with angels and demons. |
| Fortune | The opposite of curses, Fortune allows the bestowing of blessings on the self and others. |
| Healing | The art of using magical power in order to heal injuries, cure diseases, and soothe restless souls. |
| Protection | Wards and magical barriers, spells which protect from evil (and good), gunshots or stabbing, create magical armor, etc. |
| Relocation | The art of moving objects and people through space. |
| Shapeshifting | This magical technique concerns itself with the ability to change one's physical form and the physical forms of other people or objects. |
| Soul Manipulation | Manipulating the vital energy of the living and souls. |
| Summoning & Binding | The art of calling and binding otherworldly or supernatural creatures and entities to your will. |
| Technomancy | The art of using magic to interact with, control, and run electronic items, computers, cell phones, etc. |
| Weather Manipulation | Influencing, manipulating, and controlling the weather. |
| Unweaving | Sometimes called counterspelling or antimagic, unweaving has to do with unraveling magic as it's being cast or to undo a spell of magical effect, such as curses, that is affecting someone, or something |
| Will Binding | The art of using magic in order to compel normal people to serve, heed, and obey the Magus. |
Combining Techniques
Perhaps the single greatest advantage in magical practice is the ability of the Magus to combine the techniques known in order to create customized spells which accomplish multiple effects within the same invocation. While this is feasible, it is also incredibly exhausting, and requires more time than casting a spell, and less time than a ritual. A Magus is limited in the number of techniques that can be combined based on the Magus' overall magical prowess.
Links
Magical Paradigms | Familiars | Magical Items