Classifications and Regulations/Skill Levels of Spells

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Classifications and Regulations/Skill Levels of Spells

Post by kim »

Classifications

Transfiguration
Charms
Jinxes, Hexes and Curses
Counter-spells
Regulations/Skill Levels



Below is a list of all known categories that spells could be assigned to, however, many types of spells may overlap.


Transfiguration:
Transfiguration has to do with changing one object into another. It is possible to change inanimate objects into animate ones and vice versa. Transfiguration is also subject to rules, such as Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration, which has five Principal Exceptions, one of which is food: Food cannot be produced out of thin air, but pre-existing food can be magically moved, multiplied, or altered.

Transfiguration is very difficult and involves a great deal of specificity, deliberation and concentration to achieve the alteration of the object's form and/or appearance. Transfiguration is known to go horribly wrong if one does not get the spell exactly right. Conjuration, Vanishment, Switching Charms and Refiguration (returning something to its original shape) are branches of this subject.

Plot point(s):
  • Transfiguration spells will either not work or go wrong in cases of excessive wand-wiggling or twirling.
  • Requires a clear mental picture.
  • If you make a mistake such as leaving a rabbit’s head on a footstool, the spell "Reparifarge" will fix it.
  • The larger the creature, the harder it is to transfigure.

Charms:
Charms are spells that deal with the alteration of the inherent qualities or capabilities of an object, as opposed to altering the target itself; enchanting an object to behave in a way that isn’t normal for the object. Charms allow for a little more leeway for personal creativity, such as causing a mirror to talk and a pineapple to dance across a table. Depending on the experience, skill and intent of the one casting, charms can have long-lasting lasting effects.


Jinxes, Hexes and Curses:

Jinx:
Jinxes are spells whose effects are often irritating but amusing, and rarely cause true harm to the target. More advanced jinxes can only be maintained as long as the caster keeps eye contact and/or maintains their concentration.

Hex:
Hexes cause a moderate amount of harm to the target. Hexes are slightly worse than jinxes but are not as dark as curses.

Curse:
The worst kind of Dark Magic, intended to seriously harm the target. The injuries sustained by curses, may, depending on the type of curse and the skill of the caster, never heal completely.


Counter-spells:
A spell used with the intent of reversing or otherwise inhibiting the effect of another spell. While there are numerous spells reversible by means of a general counter-spell, such as Finite/Finite Incantatem and Reparifarge, some spells might require a specific counter-spell.



Regulations/Skill Levels:

Regulation Levels:
Legal: Not specifically prohibited by law.
Controlled: Legal only in some cases, or legal, but not widely known.
Illegal: Against Wizarding law.

Skill Levels:
Beginner: A first-year student would be successful.
Intermediate: A third-year student and above would be successful.
Advanced: A sixth-year student and above could be capable.
Expert: Requires greater experience or specialized knowledge and is unlikely to be performed successfully by anyone under the age of thirty, unless they are specifically taught it by somebody who has already mastered it.

(Thanks to Ninclow for their contributions to the lore)
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