To conjure something is to create it from raw magic. This magic branch is widely encompassing and technically includes elemental evocation, as one can "conjure" a fireball or a wall of ice. As a branch of study, Conjuration classes tend to focus less on raw elements such as those, however, and is focused instead upon specific crafted items or even biological creatures such as animals. This is because mages' natural talents and the techniques to create a magical thunderbolt are quite different than the technique needed to create a magical cheesecake.
Thus, when one thinks of conjuration, it is typically the creation of temporary items or creating creatures, even if one may also legitimately say they can Conjure a Wall of Fire.
Areas of Study[]
Item Conjuration[]
This often-utility use of conjuration allows for the creation of nearly any inanimate (and non-enchanted) item, provided the caster has the magical skill and artistry to produce it. Creating an item from memory is much like trying to draw or paint it, and many find it easier if you have an example available to replicate (this is also the case with Illusions!). For more advanced objects such as hinges, wheels, axles, folded steel, or clockwork, the caster needs to be quite familiar with the item's construction and the materials used. You cannot simply conjure an automobile and expect it to function unless the caster is a very skilled mechanic!
Item conjuration is like building from scratch, but with materials that can be dispelled and will dissipate on their own after a time. Most mages learn how to conjure simple, one-material things such as cups, blankets, utensils, or chairs. More advanced mages learn how to conjure weapons and armor. Craftsmanship is important, so study of artifice often helps to improve conjuration skill, depending upon the material being conjured. For example, knowing the shape and luster of a sword does not mean you know the details of the specific alloy of metal, or how the blade should attach to the hilt, or how it should balance in weight. Studying the art of swordsmiths will make the difference between conjuring a heavy and unbalanced sword that breaks on the first hit, and a blade that can be used to save the world!
One irresponsible use is the creation of currency such as Leprechaun gold. It is for this reason that magical shops and banks inspect all currency for magic, preventing scams.
Biological Creatures[]
Creatures summoned from pure magic often act like the creatures they represent, but they have no anima of their own. They are a type of golem, bearing only instinctual intelligence as a mere replica of the real thing. They automatically view their conjurer as "friendly" and will usually aid them, unless something went wrong in the casting. Like items, they will naturally dissipate on their own after a time, returning to the raw magic ether from which they came.
Some common examples include conjuring a bird messenger to take a note to a friend, or conjuring cats to pet, or conjuring dogs to sniff out a scent trail. Conjured animals may also protect their caster from aggressors.
Non-sustenance "Food"[]
While food and water can be conjured, it is not permanent, so cannot serve as sustenance. Once it reaches the stomach or even within the mouth, it breaks down and dissipates, giving the body no nutrition or hydration. This does not stop many mages from conjuring treats for themselves, however.
Mastery Talent[]
Highly skilled conjurers are often able to produce a conjured special weapon, worn armor, or a creature (battle pet) for themselves at will, without needing to cast a spell for it. These items do not work for others, and only function for the caster. The appearance and type of these conjurations varies from caster to caster (for example, one may excel at conjuring a spear, while another a bow).
If the caster has talents in other areas such as Evocation or Spirit Arts (or Biocraft for the creature), their conjured specialty may also reflect aspects of those skills, such as radiant spirit armor for themselves, or a water wrym conjured pet.
Known Academy Professors[]
- to be added as they are discovered!