Conjuration
Conjuration
Classification: Specialization
Parent School: Dimensionalism
Conjuration creates ectoplasmic constructs for various purposes. Force projectiles, force fields, tangible illusions, instant walls, and floating discs all fall under this discipline.
No one is quite sure what ectoplasm actually is, and its exact properties are being studied to this very day. It behaves like a malleable solid, stops spells as a brick wall would, and affects targets like a real physical object. Its durability and realism scale entirely with the skill of the caster.
Specialization Rules
This is an advanced Specialization. To learn Spells (Powers) in this field, a mage must use their dot-purchase selections from the Dimensionalism skill track. Furthermore, specific spells within Conjuration will explicitly require a secondary prerequisite (such as 1 or 2 dots in collateral Schools) to simulate the mixed-matrix required to cast them.
Progression
Acquiring dots and Powers here requires deep dedication. The spells are extremely potent but narrowly focused.
Example Powers
| Tier | Example Effect | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Force Hand | A simple ectoplasmic hand that can grip, push, or drag small objects. |
| Tier 2 | Aegis Shield | A conjured full-body ectoplasmic barrier that absorbs incoming force and most spells (equal to a brick wall). |
| Tier 3 | Floating Disc | A weightless, hovering platform capable of supporting the caster and equipment indefinitely. |
| Tier 4 | Conjured Wall | A thick, instant fortification wall that blocks passage, projectiles, and most Tier 3 spells. |
| Tier 5 | Ectoplasmic Simulacrum | A fully formed, humanoid ectoplasmic construct capable of independent movement and combat. |
Mechanical Focus
Conjuration's durability scales with Willpower (for structural strength) and realism scales with Finesse.
Lore Deep Dive
The Nature of Constructs: Conjured items and creatures aren’t real. Upon destruction, they evaporate into nothing, dissolving into a smoke-like form before gradually fading away. Severed parts (like the arm of a conjured beast) will likewise evaporate once separated from the core of the conjuration.
Combat Utility: Conjuration is heavily used in combat magic, mostly due to its incredible defensive utility. As a general rule, an ectoplasmic barrier will stop every spell that would be stopped by a physical brick wall—which is most of them. Offensively, force projectiles strike targets just like a real projectile would. This is exceptionally useful when battling targets that are immune to exotic forms of energy damage (like fire or lightning) but can still be put down by a heavy brick to the face. Real or ectoplasmic, blunt force trauma works.
Peaceful Utility: Conjuration also has massive peaceful and economic applications. Historically, it has been often used during trickier constructions, allowing people to transport and handle massive stone blocks and other unwieldy things. Even today, this is often the case: fancy mechanical cranes are expensive to build and maintain; a conjured hand only costs mana.
Design Boundaries
Conjuration CAN:
- Create physical barriers that block line of effect and physical attacks
- Launch solid force projectiles that deal blunt trauma
- Create tangible versions of illusions (when combined with Illusionism)
- Lift and transport heavy materials economically
Conjuration CANNOT:
- Create permanent matter (constructs evaporate when the spell ends or is broken)
- Create living, thinking beings (conjured creatures are just ectoplasmic puppets unless combined with Animation)
- Generate elemental energy like fire or lightning (that's Projection)