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TeafortheSoul · 01-06-2012, 04:04 AM

Part 1: Introduction - Incantations and Counter spells

What should a First Year know about Charms?

SPOILER!!: some great answers

---Transfiguration changes what something fundamentally is, while a Charm leaves the base object and gives it properties or changes its behaviour.

---The 'seven classifications of spells' aren't precisely wrong but neither is it a particularly useful or clean cut definition of spell types. You'll find different classifications depending on who wrote the textbook, and many of the classifications are arbitrary.

---The three main components of a spell are wand movement, incantation and intent. This means you have to get the wand movement right, focus on what you are trying to do, and pronounce the incantation correctly, all of which feed into your focus and intent. The intent is the most important of the three because eventually some will be able to cast their spells non-verbally, or in some rare cases, wandlessly.

Professor's response and next question

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What do we know about incantations?

---Incantations are the words or word we use in order to cast a specific spell. The incantation is the way your thoughts channel the spell you are casting, whether you think about it or say it, the incantation channels your intent, because of the links between the meaning and the intended outcome.

---With incantations there is a relationship with meaning and result. A stable semantic relationship between the incantation and the intended spell result is necessary for a spell to be memorable and effective.

---The pronunciation of any one incantation is very important but sometimes the pronunciation doesn't reflect the root of the word or follow particular grammar rules. The emphasis often falls on the second syllable if there are two or three syllables in the incantation.

---Incantations are often Latin or Greek based but not always. Latin, and Ancient Greek, and other ancient languages used for forming incantations, are not growing and changing the same way as English or other modern tongues. This means that the associated meanings are stable and our understanding of these meanings remains consistent, which is an important reason why we still use these languages to provide the root words for incantations used today.

---Societies without links to Latin or Ancient Greek are more likely to develop spells that have incantations based on other languages. However, where the language is still in use, it is less common as the meanings can continue to change. Where a language is more nuanced and subtle, or where the meaning is conveyed as much with how words are said, and who says them- as rich as such languages may be- they are less effective for spell-making.

Professor's response.

------------------------

How do you stop a spell from working?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ending or Negating Spell Effects

Use of a specific counterspell (e.g 'nox' to stop 'lumos')
use of a spell that opposes the specific spell effects (e.g 'aguamenti' to put out a fire started by 'incendio')
Use of a generic counterspell (e.g 'finite' or 'finite incantatem')
In some cases, the death of the caster
In some cases, lowering your wand and ceasing your focus
The use of potions to negate the effects in question (e.g Growth Charm countered by Shrinking Solution)
Preventing the spell from taking hold by blocking or warding against it
Wait for the spell effects to wear off on its own
Use a series of spells to negate composite spell effects

Professor's responses to answers in class.

------------------------
Why would you choose to use 'Finite' over 'Finite Incantatem' as a counterspell?

Finite targets a specific spell on an object or individual and Finite Incantatem ends spell effects in the surrounding area. Finite allows you to be specific in what you target, but Finite Incantatem would also target all the other spells in the area, as it is not selective about what it counters.

Part Two: Gripping Charms

What do we know about Gripping Charms?

"It was invented in 1875. It's used on Quaffles so players can catch them one-handed, as is necessary in most cases." - Ellie Stone, Ravenclaw (HaRoHeGiNeLu)

"You can use it to allow something wet or slimy to be easier to grip." - Jezzabelle Antoinette, Gryffindor (HOPEendures)

"A gripping charm, as implied by the name, would be good at holding onto something. This seems, at first thought, like a type of sticking charm, but there's a difference between gripping and sticking." - Nate Stone, Ravenclaw (EastonionNW)

"Gripping charms would serve the purpose of allowing you to have a better hold of something, like a quaffle in quidditch or say a ledge or tree branch when climbing." - Gideon Gert, Gryffindor (Macavity)

"The Gripping Charm, as mentioned, is used to facilitate the grip on an object. I heard some wizards do this in duels to prevent them from dropping their wands in case their hands become stunned or petrified. Though I can't be certain if it would be considered cheating." - Eino Uronen, Ravenclaw (Starbreeze)

"I think they might help in dangerous or at least tricky situations, too. Sometimes a person just has too much to manage at once, and I think the charm might come in handy then--like in dueling or high-speed flying." - Sierra Greingoth, Slytherin (Anna Banana)

------------------------

The Gripping Charm is 'Prehenso'. How does the meaning of this incantation relate to its purpose? What are some related English words?

In Latin, Prehenso means to grasp or seize hold of, which is the purpose of a gripping charm.

Related English words include:
prehension
prehensile
apprehend
reprehend
comprehend
hend
pre-
(credit to etymonline and wordnik. The links will take you to those sites.)

------------------------
Gripping Charm
Incantation: Prehenso
Meaning: to grasp or seize hold of
Effect: gives target object more grip
Wand Movement: twist and tap

Counterspell
Incantation: Finite
Meaning: to limit, set bounds to, to end
Effect: Stops spell effect
Wand Movement: point

In class activity instructions: here and here

------------------------
Capture the Flag Game

01-06-2012, 04:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
TeafortheSoul Formerly: Tegz Demiguise Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hobbiton Posts: 24,246 Hogwarts RPG Name: ??? Ravenclaw Hogwarts RPG Name: Ronnie Thurkell Gryffindor Seventh Year x12 x12	Term 30: Introduction to Charms and the Gripping Charm lives in a hobbit hole \|\| Ern and Touz's Nuzzle \|\| roflysst \|\| looking at a seed packet Part 1: Introduction - Incantations and Counter spells What should a First Year know about Charms? SPOILER!!: some great answers "Charms in general tend to last longer than normal spells." - Selina Skyler, Gryffindor (fanficfanatict) "I ought to think new students should learn the difference between Charms and other types of magic, like Transfiguration. Charms is used to alter an object, while Transfiguration changes the nature of an object." - Eino Uronen, Ravenclaw (Starbreeze) "It is important to know when working on a charm is that it's necessary to have intent on the spell you are trying to cast." - Kennedy Escalante, Slytherin (Bubbles) "Charms is a type of magic that enchanting an object to do something that isn't normal for that object, like the cheering charm which cause mood improvement to the object." - Edvard Messer, Hufflepuff (Poolicious) "I think, first years should know that charms can be some of the most powerful spells in their arsenal, like memory charms or disillusionment charms. In dire situations, spells like those can make the difference between life or death." - Ara Cassandra Prewett, Slytherin (mellamaet) "Well... Charms are basically spells that cause an object to behave in an unnatural way for an object of sorts I think... and I think my Uncle once said that Charms generally have a more... positive tone as opposed to curses which seem to be the opposite" - Prudence-Melinda Robinson, Gryffindor (DancingwithRainbows) "Charms can be useful for all sorts of everyday tasks, but we shouldn't always depend on them. Knowing how to actually do things without them can help us understand how the charms themselves work. At least sometimes," - Stella Gardiner, Ravenclaw (SilverTiger) "Well I guessed firstly of all they should know what charms are and to know all their functions so as to use them in suitable situations. But the most important of all is to use the right spells at the right time and also to understand how to cast a spell." -Tiffany Pevensie, Gryffindor (Dan and Emma<3) "Many charms tend to be positive unlike curses and a really well chosen charm can be a very powerful magical tool." Jezzabelle Antoinette, Gryffindor (HOPEendures) "Professor, I think first year students should know that Charms can be super fun! Like there's charms that will make your teacup tapdance or do cartwheels. If I had known that, I would've looked forward to Charms the most as a first year. But Charms can also be dead useful. Like there's a charm to produce a jet of water, and if your robes catch on fire during Potions, no one will deny how handy it would be to know that incantation." - Keefer Marius, Hufflepuff (hpluvr037) "I think it's important to know that charms take practice and you're not going to get them right first time." - Aurora Stewart-Quinn, Slytherin (AuroraQuinn) "I think it's important for all students to know how charms can be applied to other branches of magic, not just distinguish the differences. Charms is one that can be used in virtually every other aspect, and not just the basic charms' spells. Spells that by definition are used for one thing, can have multiple uses. It only takes a bit of curiosity and creativity." - Arya Lovegoods, Hufflepuff (grangerfan8) "Well, I think first years should know that, just because some of these spells may look easy, like Alohomora or Lumos, that doesn't mean charms is an easy subject you can just skate by in. It requires discipline and concentration, just like any other branch of magic. Always pay attention to what you're doing too, or else you might end up blasting your eyebrows off or something." - Alex Greingoth, Hufflepuff (Lissy Longbottom) "Professor I think that it is important for students to see that Charms is not a fluff subject and shouldn't be taken lightly. Charms vary in strength, intensity, and variety and it takes a skilled with or wizard to master them." - August Goldstein, Gryffindor (DanialRadFAN01) ---Transfiguration changes what something fundamentally is, while a Charm leaves the base object and gives it properties or changes its behaviour. ---The 'seven classifications of spells' aren't precisely wrong but neither is it a particularly useful or clean cut definition of spell types. You'll find different classifications depending on who wrote the textbook, and many of the classifications are arbitrary. ---The three main components of a spell are wand movement, incantation and intent. This means you have to get the wand movement right, focus on what you are trying to do, and pronounce the incantation correctly, all of which feed into your focus and intent. The intent is the most important of the three because eventually some will be able to cast their spells non-verbally, or in some rare cases, wandlessly. Professor's response and next question ---------------------- What do we know about incantations? ---Incantations are the words or word we use in order to cast a specific spell. The incantation is the way your thoughts channel the spell you are casting, whether you think about it or say it, the incantation channels your intent, because of the links between the meaning and the intended outcome. ---With incantations there is a relationship with meaning and result. A stable semantic relationship between the incantation and the intended spell result is necessary for a spell to be memorable and effective. ---The pronunciation of any one incantation is very important but sometimes the pronunciation doesn't reflect the root of the word or follow particular grammar rules. The emphasis often falls on the second syllable if there are two or three syllables in the incantation. ---Incantations are often Latin or Greek based but not always. Latin, and Ancient Greek, and other ancient languages used for forming incantations, are not growing and changing the same way as English or other modern tongues. This means that the associated meanings are stable and our understanding of these meanings remains consistent, which is an important reason why we still use these languages to provide the root words for incantations used today. ---Societies without links to Latin or Ancient Greek are more likely to develop spells that have incantations based on other languages. However, where the language is still in use, it is less common as the meanings can continue to change. Where a language is more nuanced and subtle, or where the meaning is conveyed as much with how words are said, and who says them- as rich as such languages may be- they are less effective for spell-making. Professor's response. ------------------------ How do you stop a spell from working? Quote: Originally Posted by Ending or Negating Spell Effects Use of a specific counterspell (e.g 'nox' to stop 'lumos') use of a spell that opposes the specific spell effects (e.g 'aguamenti' to put out a fire started by 'incendio') Use of a generic counterspell (e.g 'finite' or 'finite incantatem') In some cases, the death of the caster In some cases, lowering your wand and ceasing your focus The use of potions to negate the effects in question (e.g Growth Charm countered by Shrinking Solution) Preventing the spell from taking hold by blocking or warding against it Wait for the spell effects to wear off on its own Use a series of spells to negate composite spell effects Professor's responses to answers in class. ------------------------ Why would you choose to use 'Finite' over 'Finite Incantatem' as a counterspell? Finite targets a specific spell on an object or individual and Finite Incantatem ends spell effects in the surrounding area. Finite allows you to be specific in what you target, but Finite Incantatem would also target all the other spells in the area, as it is not selective about what it counters. Part Two: Gripping Charms What do we know about Gripping Charms? "It was invented in 1875. It's used on Quaffles so players can catch them one-handed, as is necessary in most cases." - Ellie Stone, Ravenclaw (HaRoHeGiNeLu) "You can use it to allow something wet or slimy to be easier to grip." - Jezzabelle Antoinette, Gryffindor (HOPEendures) "A gripping charm, as implied by the name, would be good at holding onto something. This seems, at first thought, like a type of sticking charm, but there's a difference between gripping and sticking." - Nate Stone, Ravenclaw (EastonionNW) "Gripping charms would serve the purpose of allowing you to have a better hold of something, like a quaffle in quidditch or say a ledge or tree branch when climbing." - Gideon Gert, Gryffindor (Macavity) "The Gripping Charm, as mentioned, is used to facilitate the grip on an object. I heard some wizards do this in duels to prevent them from dropping their wands in case their hands become stunned or petrified. Though I can't be certain if it would be considered cheating." - Eino Uronen, Ravenclaw (Starbreeze) "I think they might help in dangerous or at least tricky situations, too. Sometimes a person just has too much to manage at once, and I think the charm might come in handy then--like in dueling or high-speed flying." - Sierra Greingoth, Slytherin (Anna Banana) ------------------------ *The Gripping Charm is 'Prehenso'. How does the meaning of this incantation relate to its purpose? What are some related English words?* In Latin, Prehenso means to grasp or seize hold of, which is the purpose of a gripping charm. Related English words include: prehension prehensile apprehend reprehend comprehend hend pre- (credit to etymonline and wordnik. The links will take you to those sites.) ------------------------ Gripping Charm Incantation: Prehenso Meaning: to grasp or seize hold of Effect: gives target object more grip Wand Movement: twist and tap Counterspell Incantation: Finite Meaning: to limit, set bounds to, to end Effect: Stops spell effect Wand Movement: point In class activity instructions: here and here ------------------------ Capture the Flag Game __________________ love is like a letter wrote :: and life is like an envelope be careful who you give it to :: they might not give it back to you