Wizards, Sorcerors, and Bards cast arcane spells. Arcane spells involve the direct manipulation of mystic energies. These manipulations require natural talent (in the case of Sorcerors), long study (in the case of Wizards), or both (in the case of Bards). Compared to divine spells, arcane spells are more likely to produce dramatic results, such as flight, explosions, or transformations. What arcane spells do poorly is heal wounds.

Clerics, Druids, experienced Paladins and experienced Rangers can cast divine spells. Unlike arcane spells, divine spells draw powerfrom a divine source. Clerics gain spell power from deities or from divine forces. The divine force of nature powers Druid and Ranger spells. The divine forces of law and good power Paladin spells. Divine spells tend to be less flashy, destructive, and disruptive than arcane spells. What they do better than arcane spells is heal.