Only sorceresses, those imbued with the power of the Great Hyne, possess the ability for real magic. Though we use the term "magic", students at Balamb Garden are actually trained in the art of para-magic, a means of controlling the energy of the world around them. By using the powers of Guardian Forces, a skilled student can extract energy from a variety of sources and store it up for later use.
Magic is key to your development as a SeeD, and so it is important to be familiar with it and to practice often. By using the Draw command in battle, you can extract spells from your enemies and either Cast them directly or put them in your Stock. The variety of spells available depends on the source creature and its level, so stay alert for the chance of finding something rare. Magic may also be stocked from the pink draw point located around the world, or extracted from items by using appropriate GF abilities.
Draw-Cast allows you to use a spell immediately on any target, even that from which you drew it. This "quick fix" is handy for using spells without having to know them, and it saves you from needing the Magic command, but it does limit your options somewhat. Instead, Draw-Stock is recommended as it allows spells to be saved. You can draw up to 9 counts (depending on your attributes) of a magic at a time this way, and may hold up to 100 of each in your stock. The Magic command will then let you spend these spells when required.
Another benefit to stocking magic is that it may be junctioned to yourself, greatly enhancing your powers. This is covered in more detail in the Junction module.
For the benefit of your study, you may find here a list of known magics, their sources, and the effects they may have when junctioned. They are divided up as follows:
- Elemental
- Offensive
- Restorative
- Support
- Negative
Spells primarily used for attacking, which rely on elemental properties to damage the enemy. Be careful not to use spells against opponents immune to, or even strengthened by, those elements.
Although most "black" magic is elemental, there are a few which deal their damage directly. As such, these spells are effective against many types of enemy.
At the other end of the spectrum is the "white" magic, which is used to restore yourself or your allies. Remember to keep an eye on your team's HP, and help them out whenever possible.
A third variety of spell is "indirect," or "grey" magic. These have the power to boost you or your teammates' abilities, giving you the edge over your opponent.
Indirect magic may also be effective against enemies, disabling them or otherwise preventing them from acting as they normally would. You don't necessarily need to injure your opponent in order to hurt them; a good student fights tactically.
