Spell Circles

Spell Circles are a method of elemental spellcasting that involves the assembly and usage of a large, usually intricate glyph. By conjuring the circle, the user can reliably use it as an elemental proxy, channeling energy through it in order to harness elemental magic.

Effect

Conjuring the circle itself does nothing other than create a large sigil that is circular in shape, and contains many detailed runes running through the center. After assembling the circle, the user can channel raw elemental magic through it in a manner somewhat similar to concentrated channeling, and refine it into the desired spell.

Side/Secondary Effects

Upon a failed summoning of a circle, the manifestation can fragment and shatter, firing unstable elemental magic in all directions around the user. When a greater amount of magical energy is supplied into a spell circle than the circle's level can handle, it will also break in a manner similar to a failed conjuration.

Manifestation

Magical circles are glowing, heavily geometric symbols that usually manifest in front of their user's hands. The shapes that compose one's circle vary greatly with the caster's intent, elemental alignment, and skill level, creating a multitude of different possible appearances. Upon conjuration or proper assembly, a sharp noise can be heard, usually akin to that of a sword being unsheathed.

Discovery

The technique of using spell circle to cast originated in the Loric continent, refined to perfection by the denizens of the Deep Exin Tundra and the Talos of the Nol Ridge. A somewhat similar method that involves the conjuration of smaller floating runes has been devised in the Oralence forest, but the two instances of spellcasting are mostly unrelated.

Gestures & Ritual

Most of the time, a spell circle is summoned with a sort of weaving motion, with the user almost "pulling" strings of elemental energy into the target vicinity of their circle.