Magic comes from something that is known as the 'Magic Stream' in simple terms. All accomplished mages can 'see' it, but the hardest thing is for the novices (or the people new to magic) to learn is how to 'see' and 'feel' the Magic Stream. However, once they can, they can pull out simple spells that they learn from instructors and books, such as the ones mentioned in the game like Firebolt and Frost diver. It's at this point when the new mage will begin choosing their preferred way of casting.
Wizard
The wizard casts by using somatic chants (in other words, has to speak to invoke their spells). The way they use the Magic Stream is by temporarily taking a small chunk of the Stream to invoke a short, powerful burst of magic in the physical plane, hence they have powerful attacking spells such as Meteor Shower and Storm Gust. However, effects usually last for less than a minute. Eventually the piece of energy they borrowed will be attracted back into the Stream. This style of casting requires a lot of concentration, which means that wizards are often in the back lines and often don't have much of an idea what is happening directly around them. Wizards tend to be more in demand during war times, so during times of peace, they may spend more time researching on how to improve their spells. Wizards usually carry some kind of staff that amplifies their power. Depending on their talent is how fast/powerful they can cast. Generally the faster casters are more aware of their surroundings and are more able to use magic for more minor things, such as summoning a small flame to light a candle.
Limitations
Usually how often and/or long they access the Magic Stream for. If they continuously access the Stream to cast average spells for extended periods of time, they're going to eventually burn out. Each subsequent spell will take longer to cast and if they really push it, they might end up loosing yourself in the Stream. Not a good thing for the brain. The wizard may end up babbling all sorts of rubbish and have no proper motor skills. Once they've pushed themselves that far, there's usually no going back.
Sage
Sages tend to cast by guesture, and are more 'in tune' with the energies of the Magic Stream than wizards are. Rather than ripping a chunk of the energy from the Stream, they coax the stream to flow to where they want/need it. Because they 'go with the flow' of magic more than wizards, sages are much more aware of what happens around them and can run around, carry conversations or even fight while they're casting. Although some spells may take longer to cast than wizard spells, they generally affect a larger area than wizard ones and usually do not directly attack...uh...monsters...Sage spells also tend to last for a lot longer and they do not need conscious effort to maintain the spell once it comes into effect. For example, sages have the ability to enchant weapons with a certain element. The enchantment can last for perhaps for 30mins to a few days depending on its potency, while the sage may be elsewhere having lunch. They tend to be more respectful to the land, and many do not use their magic for minor spells.
Limitations
For sages, it's a bit harder to set a definite limit on them. Because they spend so much time 'floating' in the Magic Stream, which is sort of like multi-tasking between the Magic Stream and the physical plane (the whole idea is to keep the two in balance and in harmony with their lives), they tend to not notice the drain 'floating' has on their energy. They'll start to feel tired and/or physically exhausted, and if they're not paying attention, it's not uncommon for them to suddenly collapse on the spot. Most sages can't loose themselves in the Stream like wizards can, so in a way, it's less life threatening, but it's much harder for them to gauge their limits in spell casting.
Acolytes/Priests
There is a 3rd type of caster, and that is those of the acolytes, priests and priestesses. These people look to a god or a higher being for their source of their spells. Mostly undeveloped at this point
Tailoring spells
On top of all this, spells can also be mixed and can be tailored to the occassion, making the kinds of spells that are cast much more freeform. All this really depends on is the skill of the caster and how well they have mastered 'controlling' the Magic Stream.
Eg. Safety Wall, which will withstand physical, melee attacks for a certain duration/number of hits in a very, very small area, and Pneuma which blocks ranged attacks, such as an arrow from a bow in a very, very small area can be combined together. By combining Safety Wall spell and the Pneuma spell into one, it's possible to create one giant, arena sized barrier which is see-through and will protect the audience from the battle within the arena. However, because the spell is so big, several magicians and acolytes are required to maintain it.
TenshiNoAkuma Community Member 
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