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Summoning and Conjuration

by Asahrd den Karenth

So, you aspire to become a skilled conjurer or summoner?

This reference will present the proper incantation techniques and describe the process which is required to change the intended subject of summoning or conjuration spells. Despite what you may have been taught, conjuration and summoning is one of the most powerful schools of magic and will be a rewarding pursuit even if you do not intend to focus in it.

==== Basic Definitions: ====
Both techniques involve transferring matter from a remote location although the intended subject is quite different depending on the incantation.

Conjuration - the process of creating an inanimate object or force at the location selected by the conjurer.

Summoning - the process of enticing or forcing a living creature to the location selected by the summoner. Since the subject of this process may be disoriented or angered due to the summoning process, special care must be given to protect the summoner from retaliation.

==== Why choose to study Conjuration and Summoning. ====
Summoning incantations offer the aspiring mage several advantages, the foremost being protection. A young mage can summon forth a menacing animal that can be directed at their will. While the subject is under your control, they will obey every command given until the spell expires or they perish. What power you wield when you have complete control over another being!

While a summoned creature is under your control, you must spend a considerable amount of time concentrating to keep it that way. The creature will constantly attempt to break the magical chains holding it in bondage. Some creatures are too weak of mind and can be controlled with little effort while others, especially those from other planes, can only be controlled for short periods due to their ability to repulse the magical forces binding them to you.

Conjuration can bring forth inanimate matter or energy that can be bent to your will. Melf's acid arrow is a classic example of a conjuration. Some believe this to be an evocation spell since it behaves in a similar manner. The comparison is invalid and it is more powerful than a simple evocation incantation because instead of simply releasing a discharge of energy, you are conjuring actual acid that continues to erupt from the target. The conjuring process will continue to keep burning and distracting your enemy giving you ample time to send forth one of your summoned minions and turn the tide of the conflict. Distraction is one of the most powerful tools available to the conjurer; use it to its fullest extent!

The summoning process is based on an entirely different technique than conjuration. Summoning selects a being that matches an Aura specification, which is already ingrained in the summoning spell, and transports the subject to you. The most common summoning spells already have these Aura Patterns ingrained within the incantation and the summoner must simply repeat the incantation with the proper inflection and pattern.

Every living creature has an Aura and this enveloping field of energy contains two layers of information. The first piece of information is the type of creature that it is producing the Aura. When the spell is cast, the magic will seek out the first viable creature that matches the Aura Pattern that was contained in the spell. The selected creature is then transported back to the location that was identified during the summoning process.

The second layer, and most difficult to detect, is a specific identification code for each creature. These are unique and are similar in nature to True Names. If the exact pattern of a person or creature is ever obtained, one can summon that person without error and will contain control over them until the spell expires. They will be unable to repel the magic that is binding them to you due to the exact pattern match which strengthens the spells power.

Obtaining new Aura Patterns or determining Exact Aura Patterns requires the skill of a highly specialized Diviner. This process is quite costly and has only had a small margin of success in all the recorded attempts. Fortunately, most of the common patterns are known and are diverse enough for most conjurers.

==== Words of Caution ====
Summoning compels an intelligent being to you and, as mentioned, they might become quite aggressive. Summoning should be done with extreme caution and with the proper protective wards in place.

First and foremost, use a Summoning Circle to call forth your subject! This can not be stressed enough, and it is recommended that you make one out of silver powder and rune stones if you are unable to use a permanent Summoning Circle. There is an excellent Summoning Circle located at the Arcane Tower.

Second, ward your mind during attempts that involve summoning planar creatures. While most patterns are reliable, extra-planer Auras are quite complicated. A small irregularity might summon forth a creature that is not even remotely close the Aura Pattern you selected. These creatures may be too powerful for you to control and they will attack. During failed attempts, the most common form of retaliation recorded is the creature trying to force its way into the mind of the summoner. Do not let this be your fate! A simple mind shield is an easy defense as well as employing the protective runes of the Summoning Circle.

Thirdly, conjuration spells bring forth objects that have no mind of their own. Use caution when traveling with others because once a conjuration has materialized, it will react with indiscrimination to everything around it. I once witnessed the unfortunate and untimely death of three men who were reduced to a bloody pulp just mere moments after getting caught in an Evard's Tentacle field.

Lastly, there are times when the Weave wanes and the ties between you and your subordinate will weaken. While the spell sometimes holds, the creature may become disoriented and will not respond to your commands. During these times, it is best to release the subject since your continued attempts on regaining control may cause you to become unaware of your surroundings.

==== Conclusion ====
Summoning and Conjuration is a very rewarding field of study and is one of the most satisfying schools of magic. I wish you well on your quest for knowledge and your pursuit of perfection in this field.

Perhaps, with years of study and practice, your name will be spoken amongst aspiring mages as they attempt to cast your powerful conjuration or summoning spell.

May Mystra keep you!

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