Fate Stay Night

(taken from fuyuki wiki)
魔法 - Mahou

Miracles.
The arcane laws.
Feats that are impossible with current science. "Results" that can be realized with time and resources are not called magic. A true miracle. In the early days of civilization, the majority of magi were magic-users. Currently, there are only five left.

The current remaining magic in the world are what those who reached the Root left behind. Those same people never came back for some reason.

Note that all 6 of the sisters of the (Program probably) No. 1 Earth Saving System in Notes used magic. This hints to there actually being 6 total (at least by that time).

Of the 5, Denial of Nothingness, Time Travel, and Operation of Parallel Worlds can be applied to "resurrection".

The First

第1魔法・？？？・無の否定
Name: Unknown

Territory: Denial of Nothingness

User: Deceased

General: Unknown

Notes: Related to Ether clumps (materialized nothing) according to the Rakkyo dictionary.
User has died a long time ago. Of course, people often still say there are 5 users. This really depends on your point of view. It's the difference between not counting a person that no longer exists, or counting him to be still alive regardless of whether he's dead or gone as long as those traces still exist.
Also note that this user is the only magus recognized by the Barthomeloi.

The Second

第2魔法・？？？・平行世界の運営
Name: Unknown

Territory: Operation of Parallel Worlds

User: Kishua Zelretch Schweinorg

General: Generally involves opening a hole to another possibility.

Notes: See Jewel Sword Zelretch, Kaleidostick entries in Artifacts. Both only apply parts of the 2nd. Zelretch has already past his peak and can't use the 2nd to the extent that he had done before. He currently uses it to shift into other parallel worlds.

The Third

第3魔法・天の杯・魂の物質化
Name: Heaven's Feel (AKA the Golden Grail)

Territory: Soul Materialization

User: Unknown, (Probably Lizleihi Justica von Einzbern)

General: The lost magic of the Einzbern. Not the creation of a replica from a soul in the past, but the making of a high-dimensional (planar) being that can cause interference in the material world on its own while being a mental body.

The turning of a soul into a living being to bring it onto the next step as a life form. Resurrection of the soul. A soul materialized by the third can and will reshape itself into the "form of the soul" completely if put in a vessel with similar enough properties as a human being based on the "genes from the soul". According to Rin, the "organic" soul itself is moving the body by remote-control. Of course, putting that soul back into the body, while getting the benefits of reenacting the soul through the body, means it's also going to be anchored into it. Meaning that you know who will get sick, bleed, age, and die like a normal human being.

Notes: Servant summoning uses imperfect pieces of the 3rd. Giving form to a soul. The ideal goal is to make the physical body unnecessary to living. A living ghost. The Einzbern Dress of Heaven does enable materialization of the soul independent of the Greater Grail, but only for several seconds, and is used for transmission of a soul into another object (judging by many of Ilya's bad endings).

Angra Mainyu's incarnation as All the World's Evil is an example of a successful case of what the 3rd could accomplish, but that wasn't as a result of the 3rd. The turning of the soul into an eternal generator.

A secret among secrets even within the Association, since Bazett didn't seem to know about it when mentioning denial of nothingness, parallel worlds, and time travel.

Also see Dress of Heaven entry in Artifacts.

The Fourth

第4魔法・？？？
Name: Unknown. Possibly time travel. Looking back and forward into time, while imperfect, is becoming possible. It should be noted that spatial warping (which is also listed among being beyond human power) may or may not be covered by time travel.

Territory: Unknown. Possibly time travel. One of the candidates for the almost possible with science (but only as far as taking a peek into the past).

User: Unknown

General: Unknown

Notes: Alive but location is unknown. Like Zelretch and the user of the 3rd, no longer human (or had never been human in the first place - Justica). One of the candidates for the soon to be possible with science.

The Fifth

第5魔法・青・？？？
Name: Blue

Territory: Unknown. Possibly time travel. Looking back and forward into time, while imperfect, is becoming possible. It should be noted that spatial warping (which is also listed among being beyond human power) may or may not be covered by time travel.

User: Aozaki Aoko

General: Unknown

Notes: Unknown.
Aoko is no match against a serious Caster.
Retrograde Canal, Creation Light Year - Act Cadenza Last Arc. As everybody else in the #Beastslair channel concluded, looks real weak. Looks like she's using her family crest for the generation of the bubble. Kind of initially looks like one of those Caster spells where she anchors the space around the guy to trap/freeze him. Then followed by an unimpressive volley of energy balls. I liked the ReAct Aoko better.
The Aozaki heads have a high probability of inheriting the title of magic-user through the road made by one of the previous heads of the Aozaki family (the 3rd head was supposed to be amazing). Also see Aozaki.

Originally, I had this down as being the 4th, but it seems that according to the Melty Blood AC dictionary, she's really the user of the 5th.

Probably insignificant, but a MB AC line has her saying "Sane (?) Timeless Wars".

Imitations of magic

Teleportation - Caster, Araya (but only within the Mebius Ring)
Spatial Quarantine - Araya
Innate Time Control - Kiritsugu

True/pure teleportation, time control, warping of space, spatial quarantine, and resurrection of the dead are feats that that are (currently) possible only through magic.



Thaumaturgy

魔術 - Majutsu

The general term for the artificial reenactment of mysteries and miracles, such as astrology, kabbalah, alchemy, shinsendou, etc.

While there are differences among each school, the underlying basis of all is that they use the mechanism of "converting the Prana of the practitioner's body or of the outer world".

The first so-called magi were just scholars apparently. The power gained gradually built up to what it is now through the accumulated blood and history of their lines.

The practitioner, in accord with the system that each school operates, sends a command which executes a pre-built program. To send that command, the necessary electrical current is Prana.

Thaumaturgy uses Prana to "activate rules of the world that are already determined" and cause manipulations of nature through stabilization of those rules. For example, pouring gasoline (Prana) into a car (the rule) to cause it to move. Activation of thaumaturgy requires the necessary amount of Prana for that activation, the key to run the engine (password, spell, code) and the circuits to transfer that Prana into the engine. If Prana is electricity, then circuits are the power source that creates that energy and the pipelines that run the system.

Thaumaturgy has the image of being all-powerful, but the truth is that phenomena is conducted through by Give and Take. Thaumaturgy is the conscious conversion of an existing object into a different object. Or, the base of all thaumaturgy is to send one's Prana into an object to elevate it. However, the result must be something that already exists or something that can exist. A non-existent, imaginary object, say a phantasm, will be crushed by the world.

Trying to affect greater nature is going to require for activation just as much Prana as is filling greater nature. Only so much can be done with just Od.

Furthermore, thaumaturgy is descended from magic and hence draws on a predetermined power from the Akasha. Because the amount of power available for that is fixed, the more people who draw on it, the weaker it becomes. The more people who use it, the less supernatural or mysterious it becomes.

Each school/style engraves their system of thaumaturgical theory into the world and uses those rules and systems to operate their spells. A system of little belief/small scale is weak. Outside of one's own country, it's common for it to not even activate properly. The thaumaturgical theory that has the broadest system are the teachings of the Church; their holy words.

It's probably likely that that this only applies to spells that are being processed outside of the body rather than inside the body to affect the outer world - greater thaumaturgy and the like.

Manipulating the psyche of others and altering the orientation of one's thoughts do not require physical costs, however, it will also drag along the practitioner's psyche to the altered orientation - two graves for one curse or so they say. In the Association, the study of curses are looked down as not being academia and are heavily behind that of the Middle East.

The principle of thaumaturgy as academia is to charge into the impossible. If with current thaumaturgy, something can't be created from nothing, then the point of thaumaturgy is to figure out how. Immense thaumaturgy like high thaumaturgy and greater rituals are ultimately challenges in order to reach that nothingness (or ), magic.

After a certain point of development, thaumaturgy isn't really a matter of real or fake, force vs. force. A fight between two powerful magi is not going to be a fight of pure power, but a battle of concepts. Not which one has the greater power, but which one has the rules with the least tears.

等価交換 - Toukakoukan

The basic rule of thaumaturgy. To cause something to appear before you, it has to be taken from somewhere else. Meddling with an existing object to change it into something else. Something created entirely out of images, especially something that doesn't exist anymore, will be wiped out by the world itself as this rule doesn't apply to it.

Current thaumaturgy can only create something with something. As such, something cannot be created from nothing. Of course, magic does just that.

And of course, Archer and Shirou break this rule since everything they're pulling out is made entirely from their own internal world (Reality Marble).

Reenactment

再現 - Saigen

The basis behind thaumaturgical theory. To reenact miracles, the mystical (supernatural phenomena).

Thaumaturgical theory

魔術理論 - Majutsuriron

What is "engraved in the world" to allow the foundation/system for a type of thaumaturgy to work. A world egg. Also called, 基盤 (literally foundation, but called in several instances, "system").

Akasha

根源 - Kongen

"God". The Root. The source of everything in the universe and the end of everything in the universe. The place where all phenomena originates. The goal of the magus is to reach it. One way of describing it would be "ultimate knowledge", but the term ultimate relies on parameters and reduces it to being something finite.

Araya tried to uncover it by tracing the roots of the soul, something that is there but not there (Schrödinger's cat; quantum mechanics); transparent and hence the focal point of a group conscious could be reached by working through it. Touko worked with the roots of the human body itself with the intention of creating the original human body; currently modern humans have become too complex and diverse genetically, as a result they cannot reach the grand source (which would be supported by Gilgamesh's assertions about humanity and Noble Phantasms (a number of additional powers may be developed but the weapon itself becomes too mongrelized as a result?) and the United Language theory). Tohsaka Nagato had believed he could reach it by reaching the state of nothingness (based on his martial arts background); enlightenment essentially.

Mechanisms

Circuits

魔術回路 - Majutsu Kairo

The pseudo-nerves within a magus' body. What produces one's own Prana and the pipeline that moves the system or to be more precise, the pathways to convert life energy into Prana, the pathways that take in and convert Mana into something usable, and the pathways that connect to the high thaumaturgy formula (program) systems. What connects the ethereal body to the material plane. What magi are ultimately using is Od, converted life-force and Mana. It's not really correct to say that Mana's being used to cast spells. When Mana itself is being drawn upon, it follows the rules laid out by Formalcraft (see below), which doesn't seem to operate by the generation rules of circuits.

The number of these are determined at birth. Lineages do what they can to tamper with their blood in order to birth a heir with even just one more circuit. Once opened, these can be turned on and off at one's will.

Shirou, however, originally made the mistake of thinking he had to make a circuit each time instead of turning one on; extremely dangerous as it runs the risk of blowing himself apart if he screwed up. Kiritsugu also used his circuits in the same way, supposedly, or at least didn't realize that Shirou was doing this. Because he didn't know that he just had to make a circuit once in order to be able to use it, most of his 27 circuits had been "sleeping". As a result, his normal nerves were becoming his circuits. Opening and activating one of these sleeping circuits by force caused it to enter a state of shock, and temporarily screwed up his own nervous system. Self-mutilation might have been what helped lead Shirou to his brand of thaumaturgy. Lineages and magi do not try to increase the circuits of a heir after birth.

Transplanting circuits is possible, but carries the same risk of transplanting a foreign organ. Circuits don't multiply or decline in number. Sure you can transplant them, but it'd be the same as putting in an extra kidney.

The image of the switch differs from practitioner to practitioner. Shirou's image involves a firing hammer, while Rin's is that of a heart being stabbed by a knife. This is related to the very first time the circuits are opened. There are those that open when sexually excited, those that only open when the user inflicts damage on himself, etc.

As the operation of the power source that circuits are necessitates organic activity, it is a common error to think that circuits need the magus' body to operate. There are rare occasions, however, that should the practitioner cease vital operations, the circuits themselves operate independently. To completely ensure that the circuits are completely halted, the brain must be destroyed.

The reason why Od is recovered after being completely used is because the circuits are operating. On the other hand, without circuits, Od can no longer be generated. A magus that pushes his limits by using power beyond him runs the risk of destroying his circuits.

Circuits are stretched throughout the body like nerves and are broken up into core points and bypasses that connect these points. The bypasses that link the cores are like the synapses of the brain and as such if cut or connected hastily, the core will not change. Strictly speaking, this core itself is the circuit. Also, the actual location of circuits is found in the soul rather than in the physical body. On the other hand, the body's ability to actually express these is pretty important, apparently.

Circuits also have properties that reject external Prana. For example, any sort of spell that is used to control the target will be rejected by the circuits (but not always with success).

As the physical body rejects the use of circuits, when active, there will be a certain degree of pain or uncomfortableness. Furthermore, filling the circuits with Prana will wipe out physical sensations. Therefore, filling them has the same meaning as destroying oneself.....according to Tsukihime Lab. Which would make sense as to why Rin's body wasn't able to handle the stress of absorbing 1000 bits of Prana at once. The human physical body wasn't meant to use circuits.

The number of circuits Shirou has is a surprisingly large 27. 10 units of Prana can just barely be handled by one circuit (while damaging his circuits as well), but this isn't by any means the average nor is it consistent.

Rin's main circuits are 40 in number, while her sub-circuits (What the hell is a sub-circuit? A crest?) are each 30. Prana resulting from that is around 20 times the amount of the average magus.

Shinji has 0, but the Matou line does genetically have inactive/unusable circuits that can be forcefully opened.

Sakura should have the same number as Rin.

Touko has 20.

Araya has 30.

Alba, by the number of his circuits alone, can be considered a high-ranking magus superior to Araya and Touko. Number of circuits ≠ ability to win, however. The fact is that a lot of the dangerous bad guys tend to not be that great as magi. This is usually made up for by certain unique abilities, overwhelming ingenuity, or backed up by extraordinary combat prowess. Araya, Kotomine, and Kurokiri are actually mediocre as pure magi.

Note that the average number of circuits for a magus is 20. However, the quality and precision of the circuits may differ by lineage. The Aozaki line for instance has less circuits than the average group, however, their precision is enough to overwhelm that. Touko is said to have a number of circuits that is among the top class within Aozaki history. Aoko's parents have about 0 and Aoko herself shouldn't have much more than that (implied that she only has 1).

呼吸・歩法 - Kokyuu, hohou

Duh, of course this would have a large effect on improving physical fitness.

BUT. It also plays a role in the strength of nature interference. Not that important for those western practitioners (people in the Association), but among the teachings in the east, the art of breathing and walking are said to be high level techniques that can't be imitated by learning them.

Image-wise, it'd be the taking in of outer energy, or breath of life, in order to link the inner world (yourself) with the outer world. The processes of sucking, vomitting, and what not are part of those processes used to take in or release the gods. If you want to know more about that, go read a book.

The "proper ways of breathing" are secret techniques among each school. As long as there's one person in a generation that could learn this, then that's good enough, apparently.

Those who use incantations to cast spells are only magi. However, those whose very breathing, movements, bones, very existence are fit for taking in the will of god, then these are pure circuits that surpass magi.

Some of this can be found in Shindo; those who can repel unnatural forces just by clapping or so. But this type of skill takes an entire lifetime to learn.

On occasion, however, there are those who were born with the proper way of breathing and walking. As a result, their body acts as one natural circuit. Often times, these are treated as holy children or prodigies when young and generally get picked up by those of the arcane way in the end. There's also those who manage to mature without being noticed for what they are. Those humans can use mysteries greater than magi, without knowing anything of thaumaturgy.

Kuzuki follows this somewhat, but he doesn't have that much ability in it since it was built up from rigid and harsh training rather than inborn ability. Basically, he just walks and breathes the right way, but has absolutely no talent for magery.

Eh well. This could possibly be an explanation for Ciel, the original Roa, Merem, and God Word, possibly.

It should also be noticed that disrupted breathing does influence effectiveness of spells even for western practictioners, hence, Shirou trying to calm his breathing to normal conditions during the Gilgamesh fight.

Blue Blood

貴い魔術回路 - Tattoi Majutsu Kairo

Noble Circuits. A powerful brand of circuits that the Barthomeloi family has which is probably one of the factors that allowed to be at the top of the Association.

Resistance

抗魔力 - Koumaryoku

A power that anyone with circuits will have. Basically, circulating Prana within one's circuits to get rid of any "impurities".

The power to resist spells that control the target's behavior such as sleep, restraint, and enforcement. An ability originating from the natural rejection of Prana outside of one's own circuits by one's circuits. Thus, as its likely for the spell to be disrupted before its finished, it is difficult to even affect a lesser magi. Those with circuits but are not even magi can also reject spells unconsciously.

However, what is being canceled out is Prana itself, not the spell. Comparison-wise, Prana is the equivalent of water and the spell is a solid object. Unless the target has as much Prana as Caster, a finished spell cannot be canceled. Modern spells are "structurally" inferior to ones from ones from the time of Caster and hence can be washed away easily by Caster, using the above example.

Not the Prana Invulnerability of Servants. The equivalent of a save vs.

The general result is that these kinds of control spells have low success rates, which is why many tend to go for spells that cause a physical result.

Prana

魔力 - Maryoku

Magic force. The substance needed to activate thaumaturgy. Also said to be the source of life, or life force itself. (Well souls, mental energy, blood, etc. can be processed into Od by the soul/mind/blood-sucker so....)

Prana is divided into two types, Mana and Od (Odic Force). Mana is the breath of the planet spread through the world, nature. Od is energy found in organisms. Od, once used up, will regenerate over time. Mana also will regenerate, but that takes time. For a general amount of how much Mana is in a given area, the giant cavern underneath Ryuudouji had approximately 1000 points.

...On the other hand, Prana can't exist independently of either as it only exists within objects, which is why it is sent through objects or used as a starter to conduct nature interference. By itself, unaligned/stained Prana won't do anything. Examples of unstained or "chromatic" Prana are Eirei that have been defeated and lost their Servant class (shell); ie souls. In that case, however, the energy doesn't belong to the current world so it will forcefully be returned to a/the originating Throne.

...Of course, there are exceptions, like the Einzbern Holy Grail and incarnated demons in which miracles can be performed just by releasing that energy.

Regarding the above mentioned nature interference, at least some large-scale (such as Roa's numerology and probably Alba's stuff) spells that work with the environment can't be cast without Mana in the atmosphere already present, even with a large amount of Od. As said before, Od is used as a starter (catalyst) to work with the Mana in the atmosphere into creating a large scale effect. Smaller scale spells such as reinforcement or anything else that doesn't work directly with the environment should be fine. Either that or once Od gets outside of the body, it's prone to fade away quickly by Mana draining effects. Well, who knows really.

Also, Prana generally does not have an alignment. However, when channeled and stored in things that do have an alignment, such as jewels and other such things in which nature spirits dwell, that energy will also be stained by that alignment (until released probably).

Mana is also called the Greater Source, while Od is referred to as the Lesser Source.

There is no difference in the quality between the two. The only difference is the absolute greater amount of Mana there is compared to Od.

Mana can be absorbed in accordance to the number of circuits that one has, but actual conversion process into a usable form takes time....according to Tsukihime Lab.

Tokuhon and Fate/stay night's MP standards seem to work a little differently (since Rin's supposed to be 20 times more than the normal magus; while Ciel is over 100).

Average magus - 40 as of Tokuhon. 25 within Fate (the term used is mature magus, however, which might actually be greater than the average magus, or so goes the thinking of Tsukihime Lab). Either way, means a change in thinking as far as numbers go in Kinoko land.

And while there aren't any real numbers, Aoko (circuits probably?) happens to be freakingly incredible with how she uses her Prana. The equivalent of say running a car 1000km with a liter of gas.

Rin - 20 times the amount of Prana of the mature magus, 500. A maximum of 1000 points can be released or stored at once with her circuits.

Saber - under Shirou, has 1200 to 1300.

Sakura - under normal and ideal conditions, should have the same amount as Rin. However, that energy is constantly being eaten by her worms.
Sakura, when connected to Angra Mainyu, has access to over 1,000,000,000,000. But with the number of circuits, only 1000 can be released at any one time. Furthermore, the amount of power she has is said to be similar to the level of Counter-Guardians (when incarnated in their normal role). Each of her shadows has 1000.

Ciel - 100 times the amount of the average magus, 4000. On the other hand, she doesn't use Roa's old knowledge for spells. If readjusted to matured magus in Fate, then 2500 or a less if mature magus (1st-rate magus) > average magus (kind of strange that she would have twice to four times the amount of a part-dragon). Only sure thing is that she has much more than Rin. At least Servant-level Prana load anyway.

Rider's Pegasus - 100 times the amount of Prana of the average magus, 4000 or 2500.

Shirou (UBW) - 20-30.

Next, if we assume that 1200 to 1300 is a general indicator of amount available or at least current full capacity (not a very good indicator, imo)
Black Saber (A++) - approx 4500.
Rin Saber - approx 1500.
Lancer - approx 900.
Archer - approx 1200.
Rider - approx 1200.
Caster - approx 3000 (but, like Rin, also has access to external Prana/sources).
Assassin - approx 300. (LOW for a Servant)
Berserker - approx 1500.
Gilgamesh - approx 1200.
True Assassin - approx 1200.

Cost of using Excalibur is estimated at 700-800.
One light bolt from Caster - 70-200.
Rain of light from Caster - 700-2000.
Tracing cost - 5.
Reinforcement cost - 2.
Shirou UBW (initial) expansion cost - No more than 270.
(Stabbing) Gae Bolg - Can be used 7 times without refueling. Which would make each use no more than around 120, although it's likely that the cost is less than this. I'm kind of curious what a full Lancer could have down if he was summoned in Ireland and had a better supply source.

Saber consumption
Battle with no damage - 10
Amount regained per day - 8
Amount needed to maintain body per day - 6
Amount spent fighting in the first 3 days - 250.

If 1000 maximum as an indicator of how much Rin can draw out at once using the two sets of sub-circuits including her main ones; the number of Prana that can be used per circuit would be around 10. Shirou could barely manage with 10 per circuit but that was screwing up his own system at the same time. Efficiency of circuits based on training and incantations probably would affect how many circuits are mobilized and how much each circuit could run. Probably.

Eishou/Jumon

The operation needed to run thaumaturgy.

When using a form of thaumaturgy already stabilized/established as a first-rate school, an already determined process has to be gone through. Part of that process are incantations. Procedure-wise, incantations would be the "application" part in a system of application, acceptance, examination, and issuance.

While incantations themselves are just part of the procedure in regards to execution of thaumaturgy having large systems, in the case of execution of personally-styled thaumaturgy, they have high effect as means of self-hypnosis. To turn on and run one's internal circuits effectively, incantations were created.

Incantations are chanted not to the world but to one self. The reason why incantations may vary between magi even though the spell is the same is reflective of the difference in the personality of the caster.

Those incantations that are cast at the world and not one self are "grand incantations" and fall in the category of great rituals. Use by oneself is said to be impossible.

As spells already have predetermined abilities, no matter which magus uses it, the force of the spell won't change. The only thing that differs are the incantations. The incantations of a spell are what activates the thaumaturgy inscribed in one's own body and also illustrates the nature of the magus. This is because as long as the necessary meaning/set keyword are included for that spell, the details of the incantation are up to the magus' personal tastes.

The incantations of those magi that are easily intoxicated with themselves are long. However, by adding more meaning to it, the power of the spell increases. The stronger the self-hypnosis, the better a magus can draw power from himself (probably in terms of maximizing the power of circuits). It's best to find a good balance between meaningful length (words that would enhance the mind), reduction of rhyme, and quickness of pronunciation. For Shirou, Archer's UBW incantations are the ones that are best suited for raising success rate for tracing overall. Changing the words of the incantation doesn't mean much; what really matters is the meaning behind them.

Single Actions - Requirement is to only pass energy to activate. Gandr shots and mystic eyes are single action spells. Instant spells.
One-Line - Fixing an effect within oneself, ie, Rin activating her crest to cast a One-Line spell for either removing a sigil, or for gravity adjustment and weight reduction.
Ten-Count - Instant Contract. A simple ritual. Necessary for high thaumaturgy (rank A spells or higher). Casting time is typically one minute for a fully-trained magus and 30 seconds for one with high speed incantations). Consisting of ten or more lines, which may consist of one word per-line at the bare minimum.

Archer and Shirou's incantations are over 5 lines long and are close to Ten-Count types. Probably referring specifically to the UBWs.

The majority of Caster's spells fall into the One-Line category, but speed is even faster or at least just as fast as Single Action spells (No Action) and power-level is no less than that of Five-Line spells. Also, as her spells are Divine Words, they do not fall into the normal categories and thus the conditions of Anti-Prana B, C, and D do not apply to her.

It should also be noted that despite how long Archer's UBW verses might have actually been, gamewise, the completion of the spell was VERY short.

Note that for long incantations, before the spell is actually completed, there will normally be an observable effect on the outer world (with the exception of Reality Marble incantations or any other spells that don't activate already existing "programs").

Anything longer than a Ten-Count incantation is probably considered an actual ritual.


Formalcraft


Conversion of elements. The system a magus with a weak bloodline uses. An ancient system of offerings, something that has already had a preset form, in which offerings are made, rather than using one's own power. Drawing on Mana rather than Od. Sacrifices, circles, etc. Allows a magus with a weak bloodline to use spells. However, knowledge is a strong requirement.

Generally involves rituals and circle construction. The Greater Grail falls under this category.

Used by Sajou Ayaka because she has no talent for witchcraft sorcery (black art type curses). According to Ayaka, this type is "brainless" thaumaturgy.

Formalcraft probably seems to be the root behind most elemental (fire, water, etc) spells for magi in the Association.

Elements

Zokusei

Normal

The chemical elements that make up the world, according to the Association.
Wind, earth, water, fire, void (ether).
Or
Water, fire, ground, wood, metal.
A magus is normally going to bear one of these. Fire is called normal, wind is called noble.

However, there are those that bear elements that belong to neither of these, but they tend to not be part of the Association or belong to very specialized houses. Alignment can be altered, but it is extremely, extremely, dangerous and painful.

Caithness: Wind and water
Tokiomi: Fire
Forte: Wind
Aozaki: Wind
Barthomeloi: Wind
Matou: Water
Tohsaka Rin: All five. (Title of Average One; pretty much someone who can do practically anything. Valued by the Association.)
Matou Sakura: Water and Imaginary Numbers (Shadow)
Shirou: Sword (supposedly)
Roa: Lightning (possibly; many of his spells have a lightning alignment so it wouldn't be surprising if he had the same alignment)
Cornellius Alba: Fire (probably)

Imaginary numbers are classified as being listed among one of the imaginary elements, making them different from the normal 5/4 or variations of them. The general focus of the imaginary numbers element are on those creatures created or composed of Prana (ethereal or similar beings) so the effect isn't as great on normal people with no trace of the supernatural on them. This turns into a different story when Angra Mainyu is able to act through the shadows though.

Ether

o Ether - The 5th element (or the fifth substance?) in the Association.　Merges with the other 4 elements and thought to be the necessary medium used for objects to gain form (nothingness converted into matter).　Formless and cannot gain form on its own but without it, thaumaturgy wouldn't work. One of the original theories on the ability of mankind in the age of gods to use such powerful mysteries, prior to Kurokiri's theory on the United Language, was that the positioning of the moon and the stars in relation to the world made the world rich with ether.

o Ether clump - Liquid clay. Ether, which under normal circumstances becomes one of the 4 other elements, becomes a physical object that is none of the 4 elements due to the failure of the practitioner. No matter what one may try to do with it, even when powerful Prana is used to bind it together, it will return to its original clump state in one day. Good for conducting Prana (as well as practice since it'll restore itself), but otherwise totally useless. (Well, it actually does have its uses.) One way of looking at it is creating "nothing".　Connected to the 1st magic. Used in True Assassin's Zabaniya, Touko's first suitcase familiar, and Alba's slimes. Leysritt is also mainly formed from an ether clump (other homunculi may be the same) and is unique in that she's self aware. Kind of (however, personality is mainly derivative of Ilya's).

o The Sixth Imaginary Element - Possibly an additional element.　Demons. A power that materializes through the wishes of humans. Just as the greater spirits do, they also need images provided by humans to materialize. The retina of Rider's eyes are made up of this. At the same time, it's also been called ether. A different type from the 5th?

o Ethelite - Short form for the proper title, Ether Lite. The nanofilament used by Sion. Used in MB like a whip. However, Ethelite is normally meant to read the memories and thoughts of the target by contacting the skin and connecting to the cranial nerves of the target. Because of this technology, those who bear the Eltnam name are called "spiritual particle hackers". While there is a tendency for the Ethelite function of "reading the opponent's mind" to be thought of as its primary utility, what's really threatenning is the aspect that "shares/reproduces knowledge/experience". Avoided even in Atlas as being an unethical and satanic means of "acquiring the lives of others".

o Grain - Gin - Space dust. AKA, as True Ether (Fifth Element). The general term for the toxic, unanalyzable particles overflowing the heavenly body that had lost its planetary mechanisms. Also called "ether" because while harmful to the body, it has, very rarely, caused unique mutations. A-Rays, Liners, Ether Liners; all of them are simply new races born through grain. The energy transfer rate of the grain dispersed in the atmosphere is incredible, causing the birth of a theory of battle that hadn't been possible on the old planet. In the battles of the grain-absorbing A-Rays and grain-crystallized Knight Arms, all of weapons of the old era had been rendered worthless. Note that Ether is supposedly the base component of stars - that is, heavenly bodies. Therefore; it's best to think of Ether as what ought to be the true and perfect of a planet as a "star"/heavenly body etc. Working on this basis, those creatures that lean more towards the planet/star will be more based on Ether. This would probably apply to the Aristotles; the manifestation of their respective and all-perfect planet's/star's will.

o The Fifth True Theoretical Element - Longinus was apparently made using this.

Kigen

The beginning factor. The orientation of one's soul. The foundation of one's existence. Origins are the type of actions refer to the direction of one's life since creation. Even a person with absolutely no talent for thaumaturgy by lack of circuits can "cast" spells by following's one origin. Overlaps with elements, at least as far as magi are concerned.

Some kind of direction that occurs like a flash of lightning inside the source of everything, the Whirl (of Akasha). A meaning of "doing something" streams out and matching that stream, matter takes form and at times, it becomes a human being. Ultimately, the absolute order implanted to make all things with form exist as they are.

Unlike elements, origins are direction-oriented, as in, doing ____ (verbs not just nouns). These are impulsive behavioral patterns on the existential level; absolute orders, not things like "swords" or "fire".

According to Araya, it seems that death and origins are related. He discovered/experienced 64 different kinds of death, meaning there may or may not be 64 different types of Origins.
Azaka - Taboo - Tendency to stray away from the norm.
Araya - Stillness
Shirazumi Rio - Consumption
Shiki and Angra Mainyu - Void/Nothingness - Absolute negation that goes beyond the concept of "presence" and "non-presence." Nonexistence. Or another way of thinking about it in the case of Ryougi Shiki; nothing = everything.
Tomoe - Worthlessness
Mikiya - "Totally normal and more than anyone else, is unable to hurt anyone."

Other

Crest

魔術刻印 - Majutsu Kokuin

The inheritance of a lineage. The concentrated knowledge of the generations within a family. Circuits given form. An internal Grimoire. Without it, a person really cannot be considered a magus. Or at least is at a serious disadvantage. While spells are only temporary and instantaneous, crests are a form of thaumaturgy that are long-lasting. In a sense, the mystical embodiment of the research and history of a family line.

Around one's death, a magus will hand over his achievements to his heir in the form of a crest. The number and complexity of the crest will increase over the generation as each thaumaturgy is perfected. The ones with long histories are called thaumaturgical crests. A curse of having to bear the weight of centuries of work in order to reach the goal of all magi.

Once one spell is mastered, that spell can be used easily. In other words, once it passes the region of being a "treated program", that spell that has become a part of oneself will remain with a form. This is, in short, the stamped version of an anchored (stabilized) mystery. When Prana isn't being passed through them, crests are not visible.

A different set of circuits which take form when passing Prana through them. Not only is it a database, but to supplement the practitioner, incantations are performed independently. As long as the spell is recorded in the crest, the practitioner can access it in the database of the crest in a process similar to activating normal circuits by sending Prana into it, search for and process the relevant spell, and then activate it by incantation.

Just like normal circuits, these are like internal organisms and thus cannot be passed along to those outside of the family. As these are circuits, just by engraving some of these on the body, transplantation rejection occurs. As a result, these are transplanted little by little during childhood. The child is forced to drink herbs and crushed bone in order to build up resistance.

A person will grow used to this as they mature, but crests in the end are part of someone else's body. A family with a history of 500 to 600 years will have enough control over the bloodline to handle this, but one with a history of far less than that (the 200 year old Tohsaka with their mixed blood from foreigners) will have to rely on medicine.

Of course, as only one person can inherit this (and it must be done within the bloodline) it is typical for fights to occur among the family in the situation that there is more than one child. The Edelfelt lineage might be different, however.

Some other characteristics. If a magus is heavily injured, as long as he/she still has Prana, the crest will try to keep the magus alive. Crests can also be used up completely. A more basic and limited form of these crests that aren't found within the body are the jewels that the Tohsaka use. Also, the Matou crest used on Sakura is made of worms, instead of the typical types used among families.

Runes and jewels also count as crests. The crests mentioned above are more akin to magic circles engraved on the body.

Kiritsugu's crest is located on his back.

Crest worms

刻印虫 - Kokuinchuu

What was planted inside Sakura and Matou Kariya. Worms that will continue to eat the Prana of the user and do nothing more than transmit whether the user is still alive or not.

Forces the body itself to physically remember the thaumaturgy of a line and hence is regarded. Can expand one's circuits (and will eventually act as artificial circuits in one year) and speed up acquisition of thaumaturgy in a short amount of time provided training. Cost in that case is extremely shortenned life (only a few years) in addition to the pain factor (as well as being turned into a puppet).

Sakura's worms were made from the remains of the 4th grail.

Thaumaturgy special traits

魔術特性 - Majutsu Tokusei

A general term for unique abilities.

Edelfelt - Sisters - Responsible for two different aspects of one Heroic Spirit being summoned
Fraga - Godsholder (virus)
Tohsaka - Transfer of Prana - Specifically into jewels.
Matou - Restraint, absorption
Einzbern - Transfer of consciousness
Einzbern Holy Grail - Wish-granting - Spell-casting without direct knowledge of spell itself; formation of miracles just through Prana; in other words, able to skip through the thaumaturgical theory process and cause formation of wishes based on how much the wish-granter's circuits can do - apparently what was used to cause the whole hollow ataraxia Ilya's Castle scenario
Sakura - Imaginary numbers
Kotomine - "Opening wounds" - Best fit for spiritual surgery.

Further information:

* Imaginary numbers - 虚数 - One of the imaginary elements. Also, Sakura's elemental alignment and thaumaturgy ability. Has high effect on ethereal beings. When combined with Matou restraint spells, can hold (and skewer) the target using invisible uncertainty and sink it into a one dimensional world using a sea of shadows. Not so useful against non-supernatural/mysterious (ha version) at least.
* Mystic eyes are considered a thaumaturgy special trait.

Consecration

聖別 - Seibetsu

Identification of the elemental alignment of a person through the use of sage, tarot cards, and personality tests.

Noble Colors

Exceptional cases. In the Association, names given for those special gifts one is born with and mainy used with Mystic Eyes, eyes that aren't used for obtaining information from the external world, but for affecting it.

These eyes are designated according to said system of the Association (meaning people outside of the Association probably won't know the proper names). Note that the color or the way how the eyes sparkle when used are what determines the designation of the eyes. The Crimson Moon's eyes shine like a rainbow, hence the title "Rainbow". Normal mystic eyes will be red or green.

They typically work like single-action spells when used. Also, activation does require the use of Prana.

Mystic eyes can be gained by changing one's eyes into a circuit through a process similar to lineage crests and they are also the symbols of first-class magi, due to their concealability and powers.

Shiki and Fujino's eyes are also Noble Colors.

Artificially-made mystic eyes are limited to:

Charm

魅惑 - Miwaku
Whisper (suggestion/hypnosis)

暗示 - Anji

The Nanaya's are also said to have these sorts of eyes:

Jougan

淨眼 - Jougan
Pure eyes. The ability to see "things that normally can't be seen." The ones Kiri had were relatively too weak to be considered proper Jougan; his could see a misty rendition of the thoughts of others, but that was relatively useless.. Note that Jougan are not supposed to do what Shiki's eyes do. I'm personally guessing that the Jougan helped Shiki see death after he experienced/understood it. As Jougan are blue, the Noble Color designation ought to be the same color.

As an elaboration of the Jougan there is:
Eyes of Instant Death

直死の魔眼 - Chokushi no Magan
What Shiki obtained; eyes that see the death of things. Represented by black lines and dots. Lines are those lines where it is easy for that substance to break while dots are death themselves. Slice a line and that part will die even if the main body survives and won't move. Strike a dot and that solid object will cease to function completely. Lines will be seen even if one doesn't think about them, but to see the dots, the source of the lines, this requires extreme mental concentration. While it's said to be able to see death as a defined form, it's not death itself but the lifespan of the substance. To be more precise, it's the existential boundary that had been predetermined at the moment of that object's origin (on the other hand, other than Roa's soul, so far he's generally killed objects that have actual physical substance, real bodies and what not - not that he can't, but it'll take some time and adjustment and a migraine). Poke out a dot and you end it's reason/conditions for existing in this world. For example, the soul itself is said to be the one indestructible substance in the world but is only allowed a limited time of existence based on the body it was developed in; this is its time limit. The soul is not destroyed; the predetermined time limit is put to into effect. When that time limit is up, the soul returns to Akasha, dispersed, and then recycled. Therefore, killing phenomena is not possible; everything in our plain of existence can be destroyed or has a time limit. Phenomena come from above - Akasha - directly and take form as occurrences. Current incarnation may be destroyed but the phenomena will keep occurring under certain conditions. Further note that Shiki didn't see dots on said phenomena.

As said again and again and again. It's not so much the existence or the record. It's the predetermined life span, as in what binds the object to the relevant plane of existence, in other words, the time limit, is seen.

And as said in the game, lines cannot be seen on those things that can't be killed (broken) in the present era. The base power of a human user of these eyes work in relation to the limits of the humans of that era. And obviously, as an extension of that, the base power an Earthling user, be it person or object, of these eyes is going to work in relation to how the system of Earth works. Be it rock, stone, salamander, or concept, as long as it was born in this world, there's going to be something fundamentally similar with hairy apes.

Shiki's eyes had originally been for Jougan. By experiencing temporary death, he was connected to Akasha and his brain came to understand death. His eyes work as a set with his brain and so he he could see death directly.

Using his eyes on his own will causes them to turn blue, the color of normal activated Jougan.

The eyes of the other Shiki, or rather, the body of Ryougi Shiki had more or less been optimized for this from the start. Even then, slicing a line on an arm with the remains of Shakamuni didn't destroy it. A second slash did sever it, but it was later reattached. What should have been a fatal strike to Araya, a 200-year old monk that was becoming a concept, didn't kill him either in their first encounter.

Further note that those eyes cannot be used on the Ultimate Ones as they do not have the concept of "death" (a time limit as we humans perceive). Shiki uses his own world of perception (that is the environment he was born in; the world "organic life" can exist in) as the lens for seeing death; the Ultimate Ones, as is the case of Ea (which is representative of the original state of the plent which isn't even possible to understand as long as one is an organic existence), have probably differed too much from the very origins of creatures born from Gaia for the laws of Earth to work on them; they carry with them their laws of nature even outside of their own homes and are closer to the true/perfect state of celestial bodies. Anything born from Earth can be understood and killed as there is a common background. However....

As (Tohno) Shiki understands the "meaning to kill meaning" from the Akashic Records, there is the possibility for him to see the past and the future. However, (Tohno) Shiki's channel doesn't have that much exposure, therefore, at best, he will only be limited to "seeing". It isn't possible for him to "control".

Powerful mystic eyes are ones that the holder is born with and are said to be able to intervene in destiny itself. These are:


Binding

束縛 - Sokubaku



Compulsion

強制 - Kyousei


Contract

契約 - Keiyaku


Flame

炎焼 - Enshou


Illusion

幻覚 - Genkaku


Jinx

凶運 - Kyouun


Enchantment

魅了 - Miryou


The eyes that most vampires have. Classification is Gold.

Cybele

石化 - Sekika
Petrification.
While there are those that can use petrification thaumaturgy (although few in number), eyes that can actually petrify others are a rare sort that no modern magus (whether human or not) has. Eyes that are possessed only by beasts from the age of gods and holy spirits and are considered greater than the mystic eyes of the Dead Apostles. Designated as "Jewel" under the Noble Color system. Regardless of whether the target looks at them or not, the eyes will affect him if he's within their field of vision and will petrify those of below B rank in MGI without question. Those at rank B may or may not be petrified, depending on the circumstances. Rank A MGI targets will not be petrified but they will be weighed down, reducing stats by one rank.

Somewhat mystic eye-ish and falling in the above category:

Distortion

歪曲 - Waikyoku
Causes the generation of an axis of revolution around the target. Normally would fall under ESP, but because of some additional artificial tinkering, this falls in the border line between ESP and thaumaturgy. Of course, going by the "born with" line, it could be argued that most powerful mystic eyes are just ESP.
A variation of this, "refraction", can also alter the trajectory of projectile weapons, such as Ciel's Black Keys and Akiha's hair.

???
A type of mystic eye possessed by a Celt god. Just by glaring at someone, the death of that same someone would be actualized. The predecessor of the mystic eyes of the two Shikis.

???
The greatest of mystic eyes. The symbol of the king of the moon. Designated as "Rainbow" under the Noble Color system.

Spiritual land

霊地 - Reichi

Holy ground, sacred/mystical land, etc. Areas with strong leylines. The best are generally the property of the Association under the care of a family that is aligned with them. A family rerooting itself to a different land might find itself incompatible with the new soil and fall into decline (gradually lose circuits over the generations).

Second Owner

管理者 - Kanrisha

A magus from one of the important lineages that is entrusted with the care of one of the spiritual lands by the Association. A magus that wants to set up shop on the same land first must visit them and receive permission for the construction of a workshop. Depending on who's in charge, it is possible to sneak in there easily, which is what Kiritsugu did in Fuyuki.

Lands

* Fuyuki - Leyline centered on Ryuudouji. Under the care of the Tohsaka line.
* Aozaki territory - The best spiritual land in Japan, under the care of the Aozakis. Also, the only place in Japan where it is possible to activate magic.

Workshops

工房 - Koubou

The lab of a magus. First and most important step is to block off Prana from leaking out, so as to hide its presence. It's also common to put up a barrier around these to subliminally prevent others from taking notice of it. Requires the permission of the Second Owner of the land to set up. In a way, a dungeon to finish off any external threats. Treading on someone else's workshop without permission is seen as an act of war. The step above a workshop is a temple.

Incantation variations

High-Speed Divine Words

高速神言 - Kousoku Shingon

The ability to activate thaumaturgy without the connection of incantations/circuits. The words from the era of gods, back when words played a heavy role in the actualization of mysteries. As a result, pronunciation is impossible by modern humans.

Incantations necessary for the connection of oneself to the outside world don't have to be used. To the person with divine words, spellcasting isn't so much an incantation, but a direct command.

At Caster's level of Divine Words, high thaumaturgy can be cast in a single action.

(Probably the words themselves ARE the thaumaturgy, not just the process.)

High-Speed Incantation

高速詠唱 - Kousoku Eishou

The (modern) ability to activate thaumaturgy at faster than normal rates.
An A rank incantation that normally takes 60 seconds can be reduced to 30 seconds at best. Divine Words on the other hand are much, much, faster.

An Aoko skill. Probably used by Alba.

Types

Magus

魔術師 - Majutsushi

A term that once also included magic-users, but is now associated with those that use thaumaturgy. Those that try to accomplish the impossible, knowing full-well the futility of doing so, but still aiming towards that goal. Devotion towards their "science" instead of standard morals. Not just a name, but a certain mindset. The magus is one who's interested in the greater truth, not to answer worldly existential questions, but simply for the sake of knowing. The name of those unrewarded who render the self transparent and retain only the ego. At least ideally. The reality is that those in the Association often find themselves in petty power struggles

Also translated as sorcerer/mage (Moonlit World) or magician (misc fansubs).

Archmagus

大魔道師 - Daimadoushi

A term for the greater magi of the past. Justica.


Lord

ロード

The ones in power in the Association. The nobility.

Wizard Marshal

魔道元帥 - Madougensui

A title for Zelretch and Barthomeloi Lorelei. Apparently more of a military rank rather than just a title. Barthomeloi Lorelei herself is a present Wizard Marshal and is the commander of Chelon, a Canticle Brigade of the Association. Lorelei herself is the assistant director of the Clock Tower.

Houjutsushi

法術師 - Houjutsushi
Those who exorcise spirits through means other than sutra, faith, and prayers. While those who reached enlightenment are able to draw just on the power of the kami and buddhas to perform deeds, those monks with insufficient training are unable to reach them. Thus, they add their own power, just like western Magi do, to that to accomplish their feats. There's an organization of these people in Japan. Very secretive. None of the monks in Ryuudouji are Houjutsushi.

Shaman

呪術師 - Jujutsushi

Similar but somewhat different from the concept of the Association magus. Deals with medicines, curses, etc. The so-called witch.

Spell-user

魔術使い - Majutsu tsukai

What Shirou is/will be. Independent from the standard philosophy/mindset of magi....not exactly the sort that's gone through the sort of training as typical magi. More or less, someone that just has enough knowledge of thaumaturgy to use some spells.

Average One

五大元素使い - Godaigenso tsukai

Title in the Association given to those who can use the 5 great elements. Like Tohsaka Rin for example. Pretty much the, hey! I'm proficient in everything! type of deal.

Freelancers

フリーランサー

Magi that aren't in the Association. Hired guns. Hitmen.
Often end up fighting agents from the Association or Executors from the Church.
Aoko's pretty much a freelance magus (I wouldn't go out and say that she's a hitman) though.

Spiritual doctor

霊媒医師 - Reibai ishi

A doctor that heals through a spiritual medium. Those who heal not through the flesh but through the soul. Kotomine Kirei is probably one of the best and could use this knowledge to extract command spells from the nervous system, not physically, but from the spiritual body. Not really thaumaturgy-related since this is something that can also be found in the Church.

Faker

複製者 - Fukuseisha

A term for those that are adept at projection (Gradation Air) type spells. Archer is probably the best Faker in human history.

Hermit

隠者 - Injya

A term for one of the two types of magi that have been given a sealing designation. Generally regarded as the "fallen magus". Conceals their work, passing it down only to their kin. Association would like to take them under their care before that talent is buried, but due to the lack of danger, as long as their talent isn't amazingly great, the Association won't go out of their way to pursue them.

Wiseman

賢者 - Kenja

The term for one of the two types of magi that have been given a sealing designation. Closes themselves off in their own territory while desperately continuing their research. Able to generate large results in a short period, but due to being driven into a corner by a sealing designation, ends up sacrificing innocent people to accomplish their goals.

As the Association is an organization that prioritizes the concealment of thaumaturgy rather than ethics and morality, they will leave the magus alone while his work is still going smoothly despite what crimes he may commit, however, once the magus has gone as far as to break the "concealment of thaumaturgy", the Association will immediately move into action.

Enforcers

実行者 - Jikkousha

AKA the people that go around doing the sealing designated magus capturing business; sealing agents. Looked down upon by the Nobles. The Association equivalent of the Church Executors; hence, both generally tend to attack each other, as while the target may overlap (the wiseman), the Church side intends to not just destroy the magus, but put to flames all his research, while the Association side wishes to at least bring back the body.

Note that these are typically used for magus sealing; events like the Heaven's Feel are generally not thought of as falling within their scope. Bazett's selection by the Association as a representative Master was due to Kotomine's recommendation.

Known branches

Houjutsu

法術 - Houjutsu
Japanese spell-casting based around Shinto and Buddhism.


Withcraft

呪術 - Jujutsu
Shamanism, curses, etc. Not thought of as academia within the Association.


Formalcraft

元素変換 - Genso henkan
Elemental conversion.


Summoning

召喚術 - Shoukanjutsu
Summoning. Not too many details on it. Some sort of ambiguous difference between it and spiritual evocation (koureijutsu).


Spiritual evocation

降霊術 - Koureijutsu
The art of conjuring a spirit. Merem's Demonition, etc. The department for this subject in the Clock Tower is called Eulyphis.


Spiritual invocation

霊媒術 - Reibaijutsu
The art of working via spiritual mediation. Spiritual surgery, spiritual possession, etc. A department in the Clock Tower exists for this subject.


Minerology

鉱石学 - Kousekigaku
The studying of minerals. The Tohsaka jewel arts would fall under this category. The Clock Tower has a department dedicated to this subject, in which Rin is enrolled in.


Alchemy

錬金術 - Renkinjutsu
Academia with the common theme of studying the flow of matter.
Most alchemy delves in the conversion of matter. However, Atlas is researching the conversion of phenomena.


Kabbalah

カバラ
One of the big European systems.
Not mentioned that often, only once in Tsukihime itself. Arc has already developed resistence to this.
One of the ancient methods, the Notarikon (short hand based on initial or ending letters of words used for sentence construction), is used by Aoko.
Gematria (which is probably the basis for Roa's numerology) and Temurah are the other major ancient methods.

Families


Aozaki

蒼崎

The name of the family in charge of the greatest spiritual land in Japan. The word that's the representation of "trouble" in the world of magi.

An old lineage but not one of the famed ones (in fact, they're treated like heretics). Due to the "road" opened by one of their family heads generations ago (apparently the 3rd of 6 heads; also this was apparently from a secret method that he dug up), the head of the family has a high probability of inheriting "the use of magic".

This generation's contenders for succession were sisters, an ill-omen in any magus lineage, and at the end of a conflict for the rights of succession, the younger sister acquired the position of "magic-user".

The older sister crossed over to London and became renowned for her work, but she didn't get along and left soon. (More like, she was given a sealing designation.) Could have entered the highest part of the Association, but realized that she'd never be able to get out once she did.

The younger sister on the other hand took off while talking to "the clerk at the reception desk on the 1st floor lobby" because it was a pain in the ass.

During the 5th Fuyuki grail war, the older sister was in hiding while the younger sister was touring the country, without a care in the world. The little sister isn't good at anything other than destruction, but, the older sister is more of the skilled craftswoman type.

And a lot of people seem to be making this mistake, but to make it real clear:

T-o-u-k-o c-a-n n-o-t u-s-e m-a-g-i-c.

Generally, Association interest in the Aozaki family is mainly just based on them being successors of magic, rather than any sort of individual talent. Touko herself happened to be an exceptional genius with beautiful circuits that were average in number but overwhelmed all else through precision, a born set of mystic eyes, five senses that could feel the intricacies of the world, and knowledge adapting to the natural laws without wasting her own unique aspects. Even without the magic part, the Association would take notice of her genius, but the fact that she was supposed to be the inheritor of the 5th was more significant.

The Aozakis have been losing their circuits over the years and by the time of Aoko's parents, there had been practically none, dooming the magus history of the Aozakis to end in that generation, until Touko showed up, whose number of circuits and deviation was in the top of the history of the Aozaki's.

The Aozaki crest itself is probably related to the issue of "inheriting the Aozaki magic".


Fujou

巫浄

Just as the name implies, a lineage of miko (priestesses). A family that passes down their special powers to their children just like the Nanaya, except not by blood but by instruction of techniques and knowledge. Females taking the name Fujou will become blind. Apparently, this is to allow them to see the other world in exchange for no longer being able to see the material one. The house of Hisui and Kohaku existed among this as a branch family. Unlike the main branch, Hisui's family passes along their powers through their blood line. Their mother, however, had broke one of their laws, resulting in the ruin of that branch family and both children being picked up by Tohno Makihisa. Another member of the family is Fujou Kirie.

Going by Rakkyo, this family is treated like a magus lineage (although not affiliated with the system of the Association of course).


Tohsaka

遠坂

A lineage with 200 years worth of history. Formerly hidden Christians. Nagato, the first magus head of the family, is said to be the least promising of Zelretch's pupils. However, in just 200 years, the family has managed to reach the 2nd. The Tohsaka women seem to generally be the more skilled of the bunch. Has had some foreign blood come in (Rin and Sakura's grandmother or grandfather).

Favorable connections with the Association just because Nagato was a pupil of Zelretch. Also has pipelines with the Church.

Users of a secret variation of Chinese kenpou, due to the Tohsaka's (Nagato's) traditional emphasis on not just thaumaturgy but Budou. Kotomine also learned (more like imitated) the basic motions from Tokiomi but hadn't actually mastered the principles behind it. The imitation form, even without using any reinforcement or other sort of spells (Kotomine at this point had no Od left), is enough to destroy the internal organs with one blow and difficult even for an Archer-enhanced Shirou to follow.


Machiri

マキリ

A lineage with 500 years of history. Came over from Eurasia after being chased out and settled. Descendents have ceased to have circuits.

Formerly one of the grand houses, but during their time of decline, refused to accept any outsiders into their lineage. By the time they realized this, no one was willing to come to them.

Mercury?


Einzbern

アインツベルン

A lineage with 1,000 years of history. Obsessed with regaining their lost miracle. Took hundreds of years for them to realize it was impossible to gain it on their own and some more centuries to accept that they needed outside help. Not one suited for combat, but if forced to, can be dangerous. The 8th and current head is a homunculus nearly 200 years old going under the name Juvstacheit (more commonly known as Old Man Acht). Or however it's spelled.

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"Forte's" lineage. A lineage that's continued for generation. Wind element. "Forte" is only an alias and not her given name nor surname.


Archibald

アーチボルト

A noble house in the Association. The elite of the elites and the only group of Lords in the Association that has ties with the Barthomeloi.

Was on the verge of ruin following the death of the 9th generation head, the "prodigy", Lord Caithness Archibald El-Melloi. The El-Melloi faction (house of Archibald) was restored thanks to the efforts of an apprentice of the deceased. After the situation cleared, the apprentice became known as the "man who revived the Archibalds" or the "new El-Melloi", so thus, he ended up becoming called El-Melloi II. Of course, the proper heir of the El-Melloi name is someone else; a little girl on the bottom end of the Archibald family. As a result of his accomplishments in rebuilding the house (as well as the fact that he'd better do what she says for the rest of his life since it really had been his fault in the first place), she bestowed him the name El-Melloi II, chaining him to her.


Barthomeloi

バルトメロイ

A family line with a fair number of mysteries surrounding them. Even the history of the recording of the name Barthomeloi is unknown.

A house that had appeared during the construction of the Clock Tower, becoming lords with their powerful Blue Blood (noble circuits), and from then on, reigning at the peak for centuries. Perfectionists in each generation perhaps, the head of the Barthomeloi does not appear in public until he or she becomes perfected as a magus and is raised only inside the Barthomeloi manor. Having them appear outside while inexperienced appears to be an embarrassment for them. As a result, when the head first steps inside the Association, he would at that point be the leader of a department.

In a way, even more intense aristocrats than the 27 Ancestors, that believe that even their fellow lords ought to be submissive to even more venerable and excellent blood. The only magus seen as the equal of the Barthomeloi lord is the embodiment of the 1st Magic.

The current lord has some degree of friendly relations with the Archibald family, but other information concerning her succession and her background are unknown.

All of the Barthomeloi's hate vampires and have engaged in vampire extermination.


Eltnam

エルトナム

A fallen house of nobles. Feared and scorned for their creation and mastery of Etherlite.
The head of the house 3 generations ago was Zepia Eltnam Oberon who was also the cause of their ruin.


Edelfelt

エーデルフェルト

A Finnish lineage famed for their Gandr skills. Thaumaturgy special trait of having 2 successors. A rich and aggressive group of nobles.


Fraga

フラガ

A family with the ultimate right of authority....if it hadn't been for the fact that they confined themselves to a little village by the ocean. Not particularly rich nor renowned. Formerly served one of the gods and received runes and Fragarach as rewards for their service. Like most lineages, there is only one successor.

Kept themselves hidden away from the Association, at least until Bazett decided to make contact. Generally looked down upon by the snobs of the Association.

Familiars

使い魔 - Tsukaima

Normally miniature copies of the magus that he uses to perform tasks (flexible in accordance with the thought patterns of the magus) while busy working on his research. Acts as the magus would as if it were a part of him, although it is an independent entity (which is generally the best type of familiar). The symbol of the magus itself and fundamentally different from creatures binded by summoning and contracts. Physical and mental connections exist between the magus and the familiar.

Takes too much work to make a human being familiar from scratch, as well as to maintain it, which is why small animals are preferred, like dogs, bats, or cats.

Basically an aspect of the magus with the same knowledge but different personality and form of reasoning to serve as another way of gaining a different perspective on things.

Can be prepared by placing the lingering remains of a person's soul into the body of a dead animal. The soul is used to allow the smooth formation of a personality. This isn't resurrection, though. The resulting creature is something totally different. Following that, the corpse is repaired and a connection is added to the corpse to make it an extension of oneself, which is accomplished by moving parts of the practitioner's flesh (the parts where circuits are particularly strong in the caster; eyes, hair, blood, etc) onto the animal.

The resulting familiar will gain circuits that the original animal had never had before and can use spells just like the magus who created it. However, Prana cannot be created independently. This is supplied by its creator through their spiritual line. Hence, the magus is needed for the familiar to cast spells as well as survive. Some of the abnormally powerful familiars (those like Len who have a demonic aspect) can overcome this and form contracts with others to survive if their creator dies. These can also take Prana through other methods if they have no master.

That of course is only one type of familiar and many magi really don't like that method. Actual living animals can be binded to be made into familiars instead as well. There are also those that would make a familiar out of another living human being, but that's seen as monstrous. Also, familiars without souls can be used; however, the modern versions of these are weak.

In terms of relationship, the ideal familiar is not supposed to act without the orders of the magus.

Transference of consciousness into familiars is possible. Hence, the magus can use them like remote control units for recon or exploring. However, this isn't possible with familiars that have souls as they are the ones that are controlling the body. Just obtaining a video-feed from the familiar is also possible (like Kotomine did with Lancer in HF).

While it is possible to transfer one's consciousness/soul into a creature with an existing soul, this is nearly impossible. Even transference into a familiar without a soul doesn't mean that the magus has completely transferred himself. Destruction of the body (this also includes through natural means like aging) of the magus will mean the destruction of the soul of the magus. There are ways to get around this, for instance, complete transference using the Dress of Heaven, resurrection (Roa), or vampiric methods that Zouken had resorted to (and even then, it's not clear whether Zouken transformed or transferred his main body into a collection of worms).

Nrvnqsr's 666 beasts (or rather body itself) are also familiars. What makes these particularly different from other familiars are that they all are generally equal in power (each is Nrvnqsr himself would be one reading of it in relation to the above).


Slime

スライム
Used by Alba. He really should have joined one of those special effect crews that work on horror movies.... Made of Ether.


Inchuu

淫虫 - Inchuu
The lowest of familiars. Used by Zouken. Worms that love feasting on the blood, marrow, and energy of humans. Will shatter the spine of males and suck on the brain, turning them into cripples. Will feast on the mental energies of the women instead by sexual stimulation through the nervous system. Will not normally eat the flesh of women, but the uterus is one of their favorite meals. Will consume the placenta once sexual pleasures, enough to fry the nerves in the brain, are given to the victim.


Dragon Tooth Warrior

竜牙兵 - Ryuugahei

A familiar made from the fangs of dragons. Scatter the fangs on the grounds and out'll come disposable footsoldiers that'll gain the Prana of dragons and knowledge from the earth. Will be familiar to those pen and paper rpg oldtimers. Really strong actually. A level 5 adventurer trying to take one out will probably be killed instead. From the legend of Cadmus.


Vampire familiars

死者 - Shisha
The deceased. Corpse. A dead person. Or, "Those who are not alive anymore Lololol". Basic point. Soulless puppets that won't move or act without a head honcho behind them. It really is just a dead person that's being used as a familiar.

The familiars vampires use. A person that gets their blood sucked out by a vampire is going to die from that. But. Send your own blood into the person you're sucking blood out from, and the dead person can be used as a puppet.

Pretty much those who are being controlled completely as extensions of the vampires when the whole process of revival into a bloodsucker (ghoul to vampire) that a human would undergo is ignored.

Not so much as the soldiers of the vampire, but 100% puppets/ants that are connected to their creator, unlike ghouls and such. Meat is consumed in order to maintain their bodies, but more than half of that energy is transmitted over to the vampire.

Several ranks stronger than the living dead, but still mindless and soulless.


Len

レン - Ren
An unusually powerful familiar formed from the remains of a human soul and the corpse of a cat.


Projection machine

幻燈機械 - Gentou kikai

One of the familiars Touko made to replace the familiar that her sister destroyed. An orange suitcase that operates like a projector, shaping an ether clump into a monstrous shadow cat. The cat itself will not be destroyed unless the suitcase is destroyed. Has the ability to heal Touko if it overlaps on her. Seriously. A ghost liner type?


The Sealed Box

封印の匣 - Fuuin no hako

The second of Touko's current familiars. A black monster in a box with thousands of mouths and thorn like tentacles. Drags the poor sucker inside and eats it. A Ghost Liner possibly?


Shadow Giants

影の巨人 - Kage no kyojin

Sakura's familiars. Normally they would be extremely small, but when she is functioning as a grail, they become humongous. The Prana composing their bodies is around some 1000 each. Plus, they're really just a big materialized curse due to Angra Mainyu corruption. You wouldn't want to get in contact with one of these. A Ghost Liner possibly?


Black hound

黒い猟犬 - Kuroi ryouken
A black Doberman. Alba's familiar. Which didn't show up in Rakkyo, but he or she was around. Alba, who can't love other people, was really fond of animals that could love others easily. Alba looks quite like the main character (instead of the throw-away character) when he struts around in town wearing a red long coat and a silver hat, with his black Doberman at his side.


Owls

梟 - Fukurou

Used by Rin for recon. Made of amethyst.


Ghost Liner

ゴーストライナー -

The greatest of familiars. Servants are pretty close to this type.

Senpai,am i dirty? then skirt flip XD