Binding

I dislike binding spells. First, they sound cruel. Second, it depends on prediction, which I suck at.

Each of the law disciplines acts on one of the three parts of being: mind, body, or soul. Binding affects the body and, as the name implies, limits the target's physical abilities. Binders are sparingly deployed as frontline magical forces, but are commonly found in interrogation, as part of covert operations, and in prisoner-of-war camps. Most binders also specialize in hex magic to diversify and improve their effectiveness. Law magics are comparatively easy to develop multiple proficiencies in compared to other schools of magic because the three law disciplines are mutual antipodes (see attunement for further detail).

Binding Mana Structure

Binding by SK Kage (via MidJourney)

The mana structure of a binding spell is simple, in contrast with evocation or conjuration. A typical binding is a ring (or series of rings) that surrounds the target and collapses or constricts when the chant is recited. Some binders choose moderately complex designs (and may study rope and thread knots for inspiration), but the fundamental strength of the binding is the mana density of the ring and the consistency. The adage 'a single link can weaken the whole' applies to binding as well.
These spells become visible once the verbal component starts, which diminishes their utility on the battlefield and counteracts stealth. However, when used in combination with hex magic, a hexer can first restrict enemy senses and follow-up with a bind, thereby avoiding attention. This is the chief reason many binders learn hex magic as a secondary discipline.
For binders of great skill, even internal organs are potential targets. This requires extensive anatomical knowledge and control over the mana structure. Forcing a mana ring into a body is challenging and especially difficult to maintain. When successful, the binder can constrict blood flow, force bodily internals to expel fluids or chemicals, and manipulate the brain (though hex magic is a considerably easier route to mental manipulation).

Binding Verbal Component

Law magic relies extensively on the verbal component, particularly the consequence and limitation portions. Proper elocution in law magic is mandatory as any mistake in the chant severely deteriorates the spell. As such, binding is rarely cast in heated situations with minimal time to react or focus. Garbled binding spells are broken with relative ease by both strong and weak opponents due to uneven application.

Duration

The duration component of a binding chant is basic. It is uncommon to see binding spells enacted for more than a matter of minutes. Durations typically span less than ten minutes though interrogation techniques may last longer. For most binders, it is more efficient to re-apply the effect rather than to extend the initial cast for two reasons. First, mana efficiency is effectively the same when casting twice versus once (if both have the same total duration). Second, the opportunity to re-evaluate before the second spell affords the wizard adaptability. Often, there is no need for another spell since the enemy may already be physically bound, wounded, or otherwise incapacitated.

Consequence

'Consequence' is a catch-all term for how the spell binds the target. A basic spell hinders the target like common physical methods. However, compared with conventional restraints, binders retain greater flexibility. A common tactic is to incrementally increase the force of a binding as the individual struggles by sapping the energy of their movement to feed the spell. Another may add painful and disturbing sensations. Visual effects are also possible. Some interrogators employ a mix of burning and a flame-like appearance to induce fear.
The other 'consequence' is what happens if the spell is broken. The breaking consequence consumes the remaining mana in the spell and applies it to an alternate end, be that a burst of energy or movement. The result may even be another spell (if the binder is sufficiently adept). Combination hexer/binders often cast spells in a chain. The disorientation generally causes more distraction than the spells would by themselves. For example, a weak binding could be set around the legs, but once broken, the individual perceives the shattered mana ring as snakes crawling over their body. When the hex is overcome, they find an effect that is equally jarring.

Limitation

'Limitation' in law magic is the application of rules to narrow the capability of the target or spell. Proper use of the limitation component vastly magnifies the power of the spell without a rise in mana expenditure. Typical interpretations change the breaking condition, such as 'the binding cannot be removed with the hands.' This is certainly possible and improves the resistance of the spell, but weakens it elsewhere. In this instance, it may make the spell easier to break using the legs. Clever binders actually weaken their spell in unusual ways such that the overall power is greater in another aspect.
For example, if a binder casts a spell tying the hands, the limitation could be 'this spell can be removed by tapping your left ear.' By providing another way out, the spell further resists other types of escape. The degree to which the binding is eroded in one area is proportional to the reinforcement of another. An esoteric limit may provide a small benefit, but one any target can leverage easily offers a more considerable improvement, but risks the deficiency being exploited. The balance of risk and reward is the true measure of a binder.

Chuff's Cuffs

Bindings for the everyman! Get your portable binding cuffs at Chuff's Cuffs today! Enchanted in-house!
'Ripe for use and abuse! Technically not illegal!' I'm sure this'll work out great...

Law Disciplines

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