The last community of wizards doesn't practice all of the possible spells and rituals, because most of them have less power than their ancestors and, specially, because their laws forbid unnecessary, invasive or dangerous forms of magic.
Methods
There are plenty of spells, rituals and symbolic items that can be used by magic practitioners. Some of them are standard and taught at school, but the majority is passed from parents to children, among friends, or from instructors to apprentices.
Many are taught in secret, or to specific people who swears to never use them, because they are forbidden but considered precious for their possible use or their historic/cultural value.
Spells work through words, either spoken or written on the target —or a surface in contact with it—, and rely in the magic in the conjurer's blood.
Rituals often combine words and symbolism. They depend on the precision of the symbol itself, more than in the magic or determination.
The use of Symbolic items is the most uncommon method; it has always been. It doesn't seem to depend on how powerful is the magic wielder. If anything, it could be related to confidence, determination, or some kind of mental/emotional strength.
Next, a list of examples, classified according to their respective targets.
Organic magic
Uncommon. Not only because the target may fight back and make things difficult, but because they are not often taught.
The danger of an accident is always there, and the consequences can ruin the life of the target or the conjurer, or even end in the dead of the former. On the other hand, nobody else would be hurt no matter how terrible is the situation. Targeting someone by accident is not likely either.
The use of spells on a creature is forbidden unless it's orientated to heal, and consent is required whenever it comes to a human being. This rule is often broken when it comes to affecting living tissue.
Inert magic
Reasonably easy for everyone in the
The Two Families, when it comes to affect objects.
On the other hand, messing with the laws of physics and specially the elemental magic, can get out of control really fast and can affect everything and everyone in the area.
While the few legal rituals can be learnt and used by everyone, it takes great efforts for most. Only some people have the innate ability to really control the elements, and for them the struggle is to avoid unintentional spells or symbolism, since those are forbidden.
Comments