Herrmann's Wizard's Manual
written by Samael
All the practical information needed for any wizard packed in this single manual. Translated from the original French version by Arcus Kern.
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
5
Reads
894
The Art of Casting
Chapter 2
What most expect from a wizard is, indeed, a wand and a spell, if not a pointy hat and robe as well. Though the latter is a common traditional outfit found in ancient wizards such as those of the medieval times, the wand and magic remains relevant to wizards today. Many spells do exist, and are there for you to learn and cast. But how would you masterfully execute a spell?
1. Posture
People sometimes do not realize the importance of posture in spellcasting. This is not only to improve your accuracy and your stability, but also for flexibility. When a spell goes wrong, being in a bad posture is going to further worsen the problem you have created. The standard, universal posture for casting any spell would be two feet evenly set on the ground, apart by about 1/6 of your total height, with your body angle being the bisector of the invisible line connecting the two feet. Your arm should be spread out - though this may be different depending on which spell you are casting - and your other hand should not be in the way of your wand's protruding edge.
2. Incantation
Verbal incantation may not be necessary for advanced wizards. However, for beginners and the like, it is helpful to speak it, as it improves your focus on the spell. When doing so, speak clearly and pay attention to it. Incantations aren't mere "abracadabras" you shout out mindlessly, they are useless if you do not stay focused. The spell will also likely malfunction if you think of casting a different spell while speaking the wrong incantation, so be aware of what you mean to do and say.
3. Wand Movement
Your spellcasting focus - which most often is a wand, but can vary from spellbooks, crystal balls, staffs, and the like - may need to draw out a shape or pattern while you cast a spell in order to improve your focus. Ultimately, the reason you make any movements or speak any incantations is to gather your focus onto the spell so that it transfers into the magical energy that you will use to cast the spell (the energy is often referred to as "mana"). When moving your wand (or other spellcasting focus) to cast your spell, you must do it so that the range of movement is large enough for you to clearly see the pattern if it was visible, while not too large so that it would distract you from the destination of the spell. Being too small may not generate enough focus to cast the spell effectively.
1. Posture
People sometimes do not realize the importance of posture in spellcasting. This is not only to improve your accuracy and your stability, but also for flexibility. When a spell goes wrong, being in a bad posture is going to further worsen the problem you have created. The standard, universal posture for casting any spell would be two feet evenly set on the ground, apart by about 1/6 of your total height, with your body angle being the bisector of the invisible line connecting the two feet. Your arm should be spread out - though this may be different depending on which spell you are casting - and your other hand should not be in the way of your wand's protruding edge.
2. Incantation
Verbal incantation may not be necessary for advanced wizards. However, for beginners and the like, it is helpful to speak it, as it improves your focus on the spell. When doing so, speak clearly and pay attention to it. Incantations aren't mere "abracadabras" you shout out mindlessly, they are useless if you do not stay focused. The spell will also likely malfunction if you think of casting a different spell while speaking the wrong incantation, so be aware of what you mean to do and say.
3. Wand Movement
Your spellcasting focus - which most often is a wand, but can vary from spellbooks, crystal balls, staffs, and the like - may need to draw out a shape or pattern while you cast a spell in order to improve your focus. Ultimately, the reason you make any movements or speak any incantations is to gather your focus onto the spell so that it transfers into the magical energy that you will use to cast the spell (the energy is often referred to as "mana"). When moving your wand (or other spellcasting focus) to cast your spell, you must do it so that the range of movement is large enough for you to clearly see the pattern if it was visible, while not too large so that it would distract you from the destination of the spell. Being too small may not generate enough focus to cast the spell effectively.
