Magic Spells
Magic spells are formulas, spoken words, gestures, or rituals used to invoke a magical effect. Fictional magical spells range from the mundane (lighting a fire) to the extraordinary (teleportation, resurrection, etc.). Magic spells are a cornerstone of fantasy worlds and often a primary component of magic within those settings.
| Synonyms: magical spells, spells, incantations, hexes, curses, enchantments, jinxes, charms, sorceries, magicks |
| Example Mythonyms: Greater Firebolt, the incantation of the Zamb |
Designing Fictional Magic Spells
Foundations
List of Magic Spells
WARDS
- Ward
- Alarm
- Entrap
- Banish
- Sanctuary
- Bless
DESTRUCTION
- Fireball
- Explosion
- Thunderbolt
- Melt
- Earthquake
TRANSMUTATION
- Stone Skin
- Transform into Animal
- Transform into Object
- Transform into Person
- Animate Object
- Purify
- Electricity
- Pass Through Solid
- Heat
- Cool
- Shrink
- Enlarge
- Dry
- Breathe Underwater
- Hasten
DIVINATION
- Scry
- Find
- Detect
- Detect Magic
- Know Future
- Far See
ILLUSION
- Invisibility
- Create Illusion
- Fake Death
- Darkness
HEALING
- Heal
- Revive
- Spare From Death
- Cure Disease
- Cure Poison
- Regeneration
NECROMANCY
- Reanimate Skeleton
- Reanimate Corpse
- Raise Undead
- Drain Life
- Zombify
WEATHER MAGIC
- Fog
- Storm
- Lightning
- Hail
- Rain
- Ice
- Calm
- Summon Sun
ELEMENTAL
- Control Fire
- Control Air
- Control Earth
- Control Water
- Breathe Element
- Become Element
HEXES & CURSES
- Poison
- Paralyze
- Stun
- Blister
- Age
- Fear
- Slow
- Decay
- Rot
- Blind
- Silence
- Witch Bolt
CONJURATION
- Barrier/Shield
- Light
- Create Portal
- Wall of Stone
- Conjure Food
- Mage Armor
- Summon
CHARM
- Mind Control
- Sleep
- Read Thoughts
- Control Animal
- Control Human
ENCHANTMENT
- Enchant Object
- Luck
- Love
- Wealth
- Fertility
- Bind
- Jump
- Feather Fall
- Dispel Magic
- Levitate
- Unlock
- Comprehend Language
- Speak Language
- Travel Through Time
- Teleport
- Message
DRUIDIC
- Communicate with Animal
- Plant Growth
- Speak with Trees
- Control Plants
- Animal Companion
Keep in mind that these spells can exist in slightly different forms or intensities. For example, conjuring a shield may magically create a literal shield in front of the caster, or it may create a bubble of protection surrounding the caster. A fireball could be the size of a baseball, or the size of a comet.
Overview
Components of a Spell
The specific components required to cast a spell vary depending on the fictional world. Some common elements include:
- Words: Incantations, chants, or spoken commands can be used to trigger a spell’s effect.
- Gestures: Specific hand movements or bodily postures can be required to focus magical energy.
- Components: Physical objects like herbs, crystals, or magical foci can be used to channel magic.
- Willpower: The caster’s mental fortitude and intent can be crucial for successful spellcasting.
Limitations
Many fictional magic systems impose limitations on spells. These limitations can include:
- Mana or Magic Points: A pool of magical energy that depletes with spellcasting, requiring the caster to rest or recharge.
- Complexity: More powerful spells may be difficult to learn or cast, requiring years of study or specialized training.
- Rituals: Certain spells may require elaborate rituals involving specific materials, locations, or participants.
- Backlash: Powerful magic can have unintended consequences, harming the caster or the environment.
