Every magical spell is an IQ/VH skill. Magical effects are achieved by rolling against the magic skill with an appropriate penalty, or a bonus, according to the effect being attempted. Thus, for instance, the "necromancy" magic has several spell effects, one of which is "sense spirits", achieved by rolling against "necromancy" -2. With a skill level in a spell group, a mage can attempt any of its underlying effects, as long as he can cope with the proper penalties. If a mage has no skill level in a specific spell, he cannot attempt any of its effects. There are no default level for spells.