Spells (Promptober 2025 #2)

Older spells have more power.

Let's go back to basics: What is a spell?

The Institute uses the following working definition:
A spell is a magical formula intended to trigger a magical effect on a person, object, or area. The formula can be spoken, sung, or chanted. It can include specific movements, props, and ingredients which may or may not be consumed during casting.

But why do we use spells? Why do we limit ourselves to a rote recitation intended to trigger a specific effect? Could we simply add effects as we channel power on the fly?

Yes, we can. But that way madness lies.

In the distant past, magic worked by sheer force of will. A magician simply called forth whatever powers were needed at the time and controlled it (or didn't) with mental and spiritual fortitude alone. Many powerful mages consumed themselves in the effects they created, whether through power bleed, bad aim, or simple exhaustion which allowed the magic to overwhelm their entire essence. You are welcome to experiment in this area, but you do so at your peril and no longer as a member of this Institute. Also preferably several leagues outside the city walls.

What happened? Why do we no longer channel energy directly from the planes beyond the material using nothing but our will? Why do we only use spells and not the limitless power of raw magic?

First, Safety. Magical experimentation incurs life-threatening risk. If every magical effect causes harmful backlash, only the truly mad would wield arcane powers at all. Tapping limitless power challenges our mortal forms and spiritual frailties. A spell provides power in a discrete unit. We know the cost, we know the formula, we can expect a specific result. We mitigate risks.

Second, Control. This goes beyond controlling the effects of arcane power and into the social realm. If anyone can punch a hole into, say, the fire plane and let the flames spill over into the material, then anyone can destroy an entire city with a thought. Those of us who live in cities consider that a risk too great to endure. So the Concilium Arcanum convened to write the rules of magic in the Liber Regularum Magicarum, a tome now lost to history. They forbade anyone using magic not limited by the formula of a spell. They also made a fortune selling magical research supplies and paraphernalia, but that's a story for your Intermediate History of Magical Tradition lecture.

Lastly, Moderation. Not only the moderation of control as I've mentioned, but the moderation of the great minds who work with magic every day. All it takes is one botched summoning for a demon to possess you, so pay attention in your Conjuration practicum. All it takes is one taste of limitless power, and the mind craves more power at the cost of your sanity and eventually your very life. And as I mentioned before, if channeling magical power causes backlash, only the mad would attempt it. Spells intentionally limit the effects you can create, protecting you and everyone around you from even worse destruction than you can already control.

We want to forge you into powerful, balanced mages. You will summon miraculous effects, but you won't risk the destruction of everything you hold dear. There's nothing more dangerous than a wizard who thinks they have nothing left to lose.

Remember, you have friends here, many of whom you haven't yet met. You have a duty to aid society, protect those who need protection, and take responsibility for your actions. You have the Institute's reputation to uphold. You will always have the Institute and all your fellow alumni to turn to in times of need or hardship. I urge you to remember that when you eventually leave this place and begin your journey across this world.

- Excerpted from an early lecture in Introduction to the Magical Arts
   by Prof. Erron Manleigh, Conjuror-In-Residence at the Dunwoody Institute of Magery.

Part of the Promptober project for 2025.