Although technology and magic are almost inextricably entwined in this modern day, magic nonetheless works according to specific rules that have little to do with machinery.

Nearly every spell belongs to one of eight 'schools' of magic. A school of magic is a group of related spells that work in similar ways. In rare cases, a spell harnesses the power of all of the magic schools. In this case, the spell’s school is listed as “universal.”

Abjurations are protective spells.

Conjuration spells bring creatures, objects, or energy (potentially including healing energy) into being or transport them to new locations.

Divination spells enable you to learn long-forgotten secrets, predict the future, find hidden things, and pierce deceptive spells. In most circumstances, attempts to use divination magic to glean information about events during the Gap fail.

Enchantment spells affect the minds of others, influencing or controlling their behaviour.

Evocation spells manipulate magical energy or tap an unseen source of power to produce a desired result created entirely with magic. Many of these spells produce spectacular effects, and evocation spells can deal large amounts of damage. Evocation spells often produce effects that manifest as various kinds of energy, or as an energy type of the caster’s choice, as noted in an individual spell’s description.

Illusion spells deceive the senses or minds of others. They cause people to see things that aren’t there, not see things that are actually there, hear phantom noises, or remember things that never really happened. Usually, illusion magic creates actual sensory stimuli in much the same manner as a hologram might.

Necromancy spells manipulate the power of death, unlife, and life force, including spells involving creating undead creatures.

Transmutation spells change the properties of some creature, thing, or condition.

There are a rare few languages with intimate ties to magical heritage.