'CONCENTRATION' When mages and priests cast spells, they use a piece of their soul. This process requires exceptional and unique spellcasting skill, and requires concentration to perform correctly. A mage's concentration can be improved by practicing spells by rote, for this helps them to memorize what steps were taken. Certain items in the realms, such as a wizard's hat, can serve to help focus the mage's thoughts upon points and thus improve their concentration. While there are other disparaging affects that may reduce concentration - such as, the hysteria spell, headbutts, and the panic induced by marks of shadow.