TRANSLATION GUIDE

An explanation of Sekiri's ratings in 'Spells of Wizardry' Volumes I and II.

DIFFICULTY

Note that the bonuses quoted here and in the volumes are mostly those for a reasonable, but not certain, chance of casting the spell successfully. I.e. a starting point for wizards looking to use it. To be really proficient with a spell, you'll need much more.

Student: Spells whose required methods are under 100 bonus
Easy: Spells whose methods require between 100 and 200 bonus
Moderate: Spells where the majority of methods require between 200 and 300 bonus
High: Spells where at least one skill requirement is above 300
Very High: Spells with a significant number of requirements well above 300 or even 400, and where guild maxed skills are still not usually enough.

MORTALITY RATING

These mortality ratings are defined based on the assumption that the spell is cast under normal conditions.

Unclassified: Currently unknown. We're not currently aware of any ways in which it can kill you, but then again, we haven't even come close to ruling them all out either. You could be fine, you might not. You have been warned.
Harmless: This spell couldn't possibly kill you. Not even if you were stationary and gave it a chance to impale you with a really long run-up and a giant sword.
Minimal: Look, it's been known to happen, but only in cases that are under consideration for inclusion in the Darwin Awards. Shouldn't be able to do more than a few hundred hit points damage at most.
Manageable: There is some risk with this spell, but it's usually manageable with care. Like not trying it in a stupid place, or casting too many times without keeping an eye on your health, or ignoring obvious warnings.
Thyngs Can Go Wrong: Now we're getting somewhere. It's possible that this spell can kill you if you're over-reaching yourself, like trying to cast it with too low skills, getting a bit ambitious with targets, or otherwise doing something wrong.
Dangerous: I would get my will in order, but it isn't necessary to live in fear. The spell can kill you, no doubt about it, whether by overlooking something, completely ignoring the skill requirements, or really being on the unhealthy side. But on the other hand, it isn't guaranteed to.
Certain Death: This spell will kill you, no doubt about it. But what if ....? No. That won't help. You are going to die. If you want to use this spell, you need to accept that. Get ready to be friends with HE WHO TALKS LIKE THIS.

ESTIMATED OFFENSIVE MULTIPLER

This represents only a rough and ready way to estimate what sort of damage you might be getting with a spell. For you to reach the multiples suggested here for those spells though, you will need a fair amount more than the minimum bonuses being mentioned to cast the spell.

Zero: The damage is, for whatever reason, not necessarily linked to your offensive. Usually because of a low level cap.
Number multiples (1x, 1.5x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5-6x): Grab your offensive bonus, throw in a quick calculation by this number, and you have a guesstimate for your average damage. Remember, spells are quite variable, and you will get more or less than this on any individual spell.
Special: KOF is so special it gets its own category! Because of the way the waves work, the total damage of the spell in proportion to your offensive keeps rising up until you get to 12 bunnies, after which it never moves again. Ever. No, not even with THAT many levels of skill.
n/a: Not applicable of course. Though it is offensive, it does no damage whatsoever!

OVERALL RATING

Pointless: This spell is pointless. It has no point. Either the result is completely useless, or the spell has so many limitations few sane wizards would bother with it. The only purpose of this spell is to waste some of your mind-space on in the hope of some tms.
Toy Spell: Well, it's a toy spell. Basically fun but without any real purpose.
Quite Fun: This spell has a purpose. Now, it might not be all that flash, but some are sure to enjoy it!
Reasonable Option: This spell has a reasonable and practical application for a specific purpose. It's not for everyone, but then, most things aren't.
Useful: Definitely a spell to consider having in your arsenal. Everyone has to make trade-offs within their limited spell-memory, but this is certainly a contender. Some will have it, and some not, but this is a spell being used!
Must Have: You simply must have this spell. Almost every situation that springs to mind is a perfect opportunity to use it. Like right now! Cast it, go on, you know you want to! When you're not casting this spell, you are thinking about casting this spell. Men want it, and women want men who have it. If you do not have this spell, your life is practically a waste. No, I'm not joking. Have you gone and gotten the spell yet? No? What are you waiting for? Look, if you don't go and get it right now, I'm going to have to start kicking puppies. Look, now see what you made me do.