Most role playing games take place in an alternate, more fantasy-oriented universe. These worlds often make use of magic as a common element of life and most, if not all of the characters within that world will have a certain degree of magic ability. Simple spells can be used by the characters within that world. Anything from a simple healing or a truth spell can be easily mastered by common characters, giving every player the chance to use a little magic in their normal quests. Some players are specialized with magic, however, serving as wizards, witches, or mages of light or dark power.

With magic being a common element in these worlds, it is no wonder that characters will react to the involvement of magic in their normal quests and battles with no surprise. Spells are a common element not only in battles, using the power of magic to gain an advantage over your enemies and hopefully smiting them, but spells can be a powerful tool to help players get on the right path in their quest. Spells can provide protection against getting ambushed. They can help players with a sense of direction when they are lost or they can help direct other characters toward them.

While each player and character will have a certain amount of magic proficiency, most players can learn new spells when the opportunity comes along. This is especially true with the characters who specialize with magic power. They not only will have the greatest amount of power with using magic, but they will have the widest arsenal of spells at their disposal. Sometimes, these characters will even have the ability to teach magic to some of the other characters, lending a bit of their power for the good of the group.

Doing battle with magic can be a powerful option. Not only can certain spells protect characters from harm, either blocking attacks entirely or lessening the amount of damage they do, but they can provide a strong offense. Spells can be cast which will either slow down or even freeze an opponent in place. They can drain strength from the enemies or blind the attackers, making their chances of missing you in an attack much higher. Additionally, magic can be used by potentially throwing things at an opponent. Magic could allow someone to form a fireball and hurl it at an enemy. Lightning could be called down to strike an opponent or special protectors from another realm can be called to smite an enemy where they stand. Magic can be placed behind an attacking fellow warrior, giving strength to their hand-to-hand combat. It can make aim better with long-ranged attacks and it can even transport members of a battle either closer to the action or farther away, to safety.

Magic can give a great advantage to anyone within a role playing game, allowing them a sense of power which would never be available in the real world. Additionally, it allows the game a great sense of escapism, letting players truly feel like they are a part of something greater.