Evocation:
Evocation magic is performed by using mana to call forth the natural forces of the world and manipulate them. Due to the rather volatile nature of these elemental energies, this magic lends itself more to offensive applications rather than defensive or supportive ones. The current understanding among scholars is that the natural world consists of four distinct elemental energies: fire, water, earth, and air. Evokers usually have a talent for manipulating a particular element, while struggling with the opposite element. More experienced Evokers are able to combine the elements they can control together to produce new “elements,” like combining fire and air together in order to generate lightning. Master Evokers, that is, those that have achieved a mastery over each element, are even able to influence the weather around them, although doing so can have far-reaching consequences.

Illusion:
Illusion magic is performed by giving shape and structure to mana in order to trick and deceive other people. Perhaps somewhat interestingly, the fact that illusions are really constructs of mana means that they function independent of people to observe them. In other words, an illusion of an attacking bear will affect anyone who enters the area of the illusion and will stop affecting anyone that leaves its area. Regardless, because mana is inherently non-physical, these constructions are simply illusions and can do no physical harm to people by themselves. While lacking in offensive capabilities, Illusionists make up for it by having access to a number of stealth and supportive capabilities, like rendering something invisible or creating distractions.

Enchantment:
Enchantment magic is performed by weaving mana into threads that are able to enter the minds of others and subtly manipulate their mental state, which includes their thoughts and emotions. Particularly skillful or talented Enchanters can even set up connections with the minds of others that allow them to hear their thoughts or transmit their own. It is important to note, however, that one’s resistance to Enchantment magic depends upon the strength of their will. As such, Enchanters often have difficulties manipulating the minds of other mages, particularly if they are also Enchanters. Unfortunately for Enchanters, most people also tend to view them rather suspiciously and think of Enchantment magic as being some sort of evil magic, which can make it difficult for them to use their abilities in public or advertise their affinity for the school.

Divination:
Divination magic is the magic associated with obtaining information or understanding and is thus often considered a more scholarly magic than some of the other schools. Some mages with particularly strong affinities for Divination magic have the gift of clairvoyance and are able to see bits and pieces of the future in fits of uncontrollable magic. These visions are vague at best, as the future is never really set in stone, but most people agree that some warning of what might happen is better than no warning at all. Regardless, even those Diviners who are not clairvoyant are able to scry on far away locations, detect and understand magic used around them, and find particular people or objects, to name a few of their more commonly used abilities.

Conjuration:
Conjuration magic allows the magi to summon beings or objects to them, so long as these objects are bonded to the Conjurer before time. These bonds require rituals to form, and differ depending on what is being bonded to the Conjurer. For creatures, it requires a contract to be formed between the two parties stating what is expected of both parties and the like. Objects are much, much simpler, and merely require a mark of ownership be placed on the object during the ritual. These rituals tend to vary based on what is being bonded, though they typically involve something associated with the bondee, like ashes for a phoenix. Even mundane objects and creatures can be powerful with a Conjurer, receiving benefits, like increased durability or strength, from the bond itself. It is also worth noting that Conjuration magic is also the magic of apportation, or moving from one place to another without physically crossing the space in between, which is how bonded objects or creatures are summoned in the first place. As such, experienced Conjurers are also able to teleport, though it can be quite an exhausting endeavor depending on the distance one wants to travel.

Animancy:
Animantic magic is the magic of using mana to manipulate the aether, a sort of energy that is associated with life and light. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this means that Animancers are the healers among the mages, able to use their magic to heal virtually any disease or illness. Though healing is the most well-known ability of Animancers, they are also able to utilize the radiant properties of aether to purify and bless objects or places, turn undead, or channel light to attack. Particularly talented and experienced Animancers are also able to animate objects for a variety of purposes. Such animated entities are known as golems, and their functionality depends pretty heavily on the form they had upon being animated and how intricate the animancer wants them to be. As such, it requires a lot more effort and time to create more complicated golems. Also worth noting is the fact that many Animancers have an affinity for animals, and other people to a lesser extent. This is probably due to the radiant aura of most Animancers, but animals nonetheless find themselves attracted to and almost comfortable in the presence of an Animancer.

Necromancy:
Necromantic magic is the magic of using mana to manipulate the nether, a sort of energy that is associated with death and shadow. This means that Necromancers have the ability to raise and create undead, with the limit on how many entities a Necromancer can control being determined by the strength and experience of the Necromancer and the intelligence or complexity of the undead being controlled. More intelligent or complex undead can take quite a lot longer to raise and control properly, but their increased flexibility usually offsets the initial investment. Additionally, Necromancers are able to utilize the nether to wither enemies by eroding their life force, manipulate shadows and darkness, and even curse people or places. Necromancers also tend to find themselves being magnets for spirits and other forms of the wandering dead. This can sometimes be inconvenient, but most spirits are benign and just lonely, so it’s not really a dangerous trait. Needless to say, the association of Necromancy with the disturbing of the dead means that the school of magic doesn’t sit particularly well with a lot of the common folk. In fact, many nations have laws that forbid the practice of Necromancy due to the prevailing notion that it is an evil magic. This can make it rather difficult for Necromancers of a guild to perform missions in such areas due to possible backlash.

Alteration:
Alteration is, put quite simply, the magic of change. An Alterist is able to use their magic to adjust or manipulate the intrinsic characteristics of the objects around them or their own body to achieve pretty spectacular results, even if they aren’t all that flashy. For example, an Alterist can use their magic to make their clothes as hard as steel while making the sword of an enemy fragile or flexible to render it useless. Some Alterists specialize in using their magic to shapeshift, changing all or some of their body to give them the tools needed for a particular situation. It is also worth mentioning that, unless otherwise specified, the changes an Alterist chooses to make to an object, including their own body, are permanent. Of course, that doesn’t meant that another Alterist couldn’t undo changes that were made by a different Alterist.

Sanguination:
Sanguination is possibly better known as blood magic, although that term does carry a number of inaccurate associations among the common folk, foremost among them that Sanguination is a type of evil magic. One of its primary applications is the creation of blood runes or sigils that channel mana to particular purposes. Often, these runes are used to bind others, block things like scrying, or communicate over vast distances. Some more war-like Sanguinaires also use these runes to increase their strength or durability in battle by painting them on their skin or armor. Sanguinaires also have the ability to freely manipulate blood, though it is virtually impossible to significantly manipulate the blood in another person’s body. To clarify, a Sanguinaire can easily manipulate the blood in their body, but not others. This means that Sanguinaires can do things like change their blood flow to keep from bleeding out or the spread of poison, make constructs of blood, or even puppeteer themselves. Sanguinaires also have the ability to drain the energy of other people or animals in order to replenish themselves. While this can be done at a distance, it is a rather ineffective method compared to consuming the blood of another.

Abjuration:
Abjuration is the school of magic that is dedicated to virtually all defensive forms of magic, namely wards, barriers, and counterspells. Wards are constructs of mana that are used to alert the Abjurer who cast them whenever they are triggered. For example, a common usage of a ward is the notification that a trespasser is near. They are also often used to subvert or protect against indirect magic such as scrying. Barriers, however, are constructs of mana that are meant to block offensive uses of magic or weapons. In the case of magical attacks, wards can also be used to absorb the mana used in the attack, ultimately making the ward last longer or replenish the Abjurer’s energy. Clever Abjurers can also use barriers offensively, though it usually uses substantial amounts of mana to do so. Finally, counterspells are a trickier form of Abjuration magic where the Abjurer unravels or slices through the mana that constitutes the enemy spell. Properly timed counters can even cause some backlash to the other caster. Unfortunately, it requires quick reflexes and notable precision to consistently counter another person’s spells and attempting to do so while maintaining a barrier is virtually impossible. As such, counterspells leave the Abjurer particularly vulnerable and so are not used very commonly in small duels or fights.

Artifice:
Artifice is the name for the study and crafting magical items The most common magical items crafted by Artificers are focuses for mana such as wands, staves, or crystal orbs. These are very useful items for mages, particularly novices, as they allow for the user to channel more efficiently, although the extent depends upon the school of magic being used and the materials used in the item’s construction. Artificers are also able to create items that use mana in some way, most notably the creation of light for buildings. The field is still relatively new, so the actual limits of the craft have yet to be properly explored, but the potential does have quite a few mages interested.

Infusion:
Infusion is the process by which mundane objects are imbued with mana and become magical. The imbuing of mundane items with magical properties requires the use of mana stones, which are simply crystallizations of mana. These stones are often created by taking a gem of some sort and channeling mana through it for prolonged periods of time. To imbue the item, the mana from the stone is channeled into the item and directed in order to achieve a particular result. Once the process is started, it cannot be stopped until the infusion is finished. If it is, the resulting effect can be rather unpredictable. At best, the infused will do nothing and remain mundane. At worst, the item will explode in a surge of mana that damages the surrounding workshop quite heavily while potentially killing the crafter.

Alchemy:
Alchemy is the crafting of potions and tonics from the parts of plants and animals that have potent effects. Considering the incredibly diversity of plant and animal life, it shouldn’t be too surprising that Alchemists are able to brew potions and mixtures that have a wide variety of effects as well. Some of these potions are able to mimic the effects of magic altogether, like making someone invisible or making a weapon burst into flames when applied to it, while others simply boost the energy or provide a level of sustenance to help healing along. Of course, not all mixtures have such benign purposes. Alchemists are also able to use their knowledge to create deadly and cunning poisons to be slipped into a drink or applied to a weapon.