Spell Schools
The eight schools of magic (Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, Necromancy, Transmutation) with definitions and examples.
Every spell belongs to one of eight schools of magic. The school describes the type of magical energy the spell channels.
The Eight Schools
Abjuration — Protective magic. Spells that block, banish, or ward. Examples: shield, dispel magic, banishment, globe of invulnerability.
Conjuration — Summoning and teleportation. Spells that bring creatures, objects, or energy from elsewhere. Examples: mage hand, conjure animals, dimension door, teleport.
Divination — Information-gathering magic. Spells that reveal knowledge, pierce illusions, and foresee the future. Examples: detect magic, identify, scrying, true seeing.
Enchantment — Mind-affecting magic. Spells that influence or control behavior. Examples: charm person, hold person, dominate monster, power word stun.
Evocation — Energy manipulation. Spells that create or shape raw magical energy (fire, lightning, force, etc.). Examples: magic missile, fireball, lightning bolt, wall of force.
Illusion — Deception magic. Spells that fool the senses or create phantom images. Examples: minor illusion, invisibility, major image, mirage arcane.
Necromancy — Life and death magic. Spells that manipulate life energy, create undead, or drain vitality. Examples: chill touch, animate dead, raise dead, finger of death.
Transmutation — Transformation magic. Spells that alter the form, properties, or nature of creatures and objects. Examples: mending, enlarge/reduce, polymorph, true polymorph.
Relevance to Play
School matters for features like an Abjuration wizard's Arcane Ward or a Knowledge cleric's domain spells. Some creatures have resistance or immunity to specific spell schools.