Basic Theory of Spell Arts

First, let’s look at the basic system for Spells.
The same principles explained here apply
even when using Quells or Tools.
Also, this system functions as a sensor
that allows people to detect others and certain materials.
People of the modern age who can use Spells
are familiar with the methods and carry them out unconsciously.

[ Added 05/18/21 ]

How Spells Work

♦ Anima Perception (Fig. 1)

All natural things have an energy called Anima, which Humans can detect if they Focus. When a person Focuses, their Anima resonates with the targeted Anima. This is commonly known as “Channeling Anima”. Just looking at the phrase makes it sound like the user injects their own Anima into the targeted object or vice versa, but what actually happens is that the Anima of the user and the target resonate with each other.

♦ Controlling Anima (Fig. 2)

Once Anima is Perceived, the next step is to Control that Anima towards a specific purpose. “Control” doesn’t literally mean moving it left and right, but rather using Anima as energy to produce the intended effect. For example, “cutting” and “burning” are specific intentions, then Anima is guided to materialize those intentions as an effect on the target. In simple terms, it makes wishes come true.

♦ Conversion into Spells

With good Control, the Caster can create any effect on a target. A Spell’s power is thought to be proportional to the strength of the Caster’s Anima, but both the Caster’s Anima and the amount of Control over that Anima are important factors that determine the success or failure of a Spell. If the Caster’s Anima is weak, the responding Anima will also be weak to the point where it can’t be used as energy. But even if the Caster has strong Anima, they still won’t be able to cast Spells without the proper knowledge and technique to Perceive and Control Anima.

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In order to perceive Anima in nature, the user needs to consciously Focus. Then Anima resonates and the person is able to sense the reaction and detect the Anima within natural objects. If two people Focus at the same time, their Anima resonates and they can perceive each other. There are ways to sense the physical body, of course, but perceiving another’s Anima has a certain significance to it.

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First Focus to perceive Anima, then once it resonates, it can be Controlled to manifest as a specific effect. This includes converting Anima energy into physical movements. This is the phenomenon known as a “Spell”. For example, to light kindling, one would Focus to perceive Anima, then Control it, sending energy towards the kindling with the intention to “burn”. And fire is created. That is the Spell phenomenon.

Spell Symbols

♦ Types of Anima

In the game, Anima is classified with different Symbols: Tree, Stone, Flame, Water, Tone, and Beast. Classifying Anima from nature into these Symbols makes it easier to Focus and then imagine what they can be used for when Controlled. In reality, there aren’t different types of Anima. Tree Anima is exactly the same as Stone Anima. The theory behind these Symbols came about when the first Casters picked up natural objects and unconsciously used them to cast Spells.

♦ Symbol Images (Fig. 1)

The main point of Symbols is the Image that comes to mind when perceiving Anima. When using Tree Arts, one can imagine all sorts of Images related to the Symbol, such as leaves or ivy. From those, an Image suitable for the intended result is selected and Anima is Controlled into that form. At first glance, it seems impossible to pull the image of leaves from a rock, but Anima in natural objects can be Controlled to take any form.

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The basic theory is that Anima can be classified into different types represented by a Symbol, then Images are derived from that Symbol to Control energy towards a specific purpose. Focusing to perceive Anima without using Symbols as a guide is difficult. Even if Anima is perceived, it still must be Controlled toward a specific purpose to cast a Spell. Thus, Symbol Theory makes it easier to Focus and perceive specific forms of Anima. Furthermore, the form and purpose of a Spell are already decided when imagining a Symbol Image, allowing it to be Controlled without further conscious thought.

♦ Images: Fixed and Expanded

Symbol Theory is commonly explained by providing fixed Images for each Symbol. This makes it easy to grasp the concept, similar to formulas in multiplication tables, but results in rote memorization for Spells, such as always using a calm breeze or leaves for Tree Anima. These basic Images can be expanded upon to create more advanced Spells and those who can do so become better Casters as a result.

Spell Fusion

♦ Fusing Symbol Images (Fig. 1)

Basic Spells draw upon a single Symbol Image, but multiple Symbols (Anima) can be combined. For example, [ Bushfire] is a Spell that fuses Tree and Flame Anima. The Image drawn from the Tree Symbol is “leaves in the wind” and the Flame Symbol adds “fire”.

That’s how Images from multiple Symbols can be fused into a new single Spell. When this happens, the property of the Spell changes according to the Symbols used. Symbol Images have a great impact on the form of the Spell. This process where Symbol = Anima is called “Anima Activation”.

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Let’s analyze an example of a Fusion Spell using multiple Symbols. Trying to perceive different types of Anima at the same time takes more concentration and causes more mental strain. The base Anima for the Spell determines its form and the effects of whichever other Anima is fused with it. In the case of [ Bushfire], Tree Anima is used as the base and fused with the effects of Flame Anima.

♦ Fusing Multiples of the Same Symbol (Fig. 2)

Multiples of the same Symbol (Anima) can also be combined. This is done by taking multiple images from a single Symbol and fusing them together. The Spell [ Stone Armor] is an example of this. This takes three iterations of an Image from the Stone Symbol (“Hardness”) and fuses them together to increase armor defense. There are many other instances where a single Image can be strengthened by repeating the same Symbol.

However, it’s also possible to draw different Images from the same Symbol and fuse those together. The Spell [ Berserk] is a combination of three different aspects of the Beast Symbol. In this way, Images can be compounded to create Fusion Spells with amplified power and better efficiency.

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The basic system is the same when it comes to Fusion Spells made with the same Symbol. In this case, two methods are possible: one repeats the same Image to enhance a single effect while the other uses different Images from the same Symbol and combines the effects into a single Spell. [ Stone Armor] is an example of the former, which repeats the same Image to strengthen the defense of armor. [ Berserk] combines different aspects of the Beast Symbol into a Fusion Spell that raises the target’s fighting spirit to the limit. The base Image used (“Frenzy”) has a huge influence on the Spell’s effect.

♦ Advanced Fusion Spells

Fusion Spells are commonly made by combining two different Symbols, but there are few people who can manipulate different types of Anima at the same time. Not only that, but there is generally no need to fuse more than two Symbols in everyday life. Skilled Casters are able to combine three and even four different Symbols at a time. The more Symbols combined, the more complex the resulting Spell, of course.

These kinds of advanced Fusion Spells are utilized by Diggers and the like, who often use their gift for spell casting to great effect in combat. Complex and powerful Fusion Spells are absolutely essential when facing tough monsters.