Tier

Spell
In modern spellcraft the classification of spells go from Tier 1 to Tier 9.

Tier 1 - 3 is accessible to almost all Mages. This tier is capable of combating individual, as well as groups of Monsters.

Tier 4 - 6 exists within the realm of all Maguses as well as most Senior Mages with a single School of Magic. This tier is capable of wiping out Monster lairs and Demi-human villages.

Tier 7 - 9 is open usually to Magisters for reason of both academic-access as well as state sanction. High tiers of Magic can act as strategic-class spells capable of wiping out cities.

Affinity
The attunement of a Mage to their element. The higher the affinity, the higher the efficacy for Damage and Mana Cost. As Affinity grows, damage increases by a magnitude of 10% for every observable tier. Likewise, mana cost for spells decreases with higher affinity. Though damage increase appears to be on a linear scale, mana cost suffers from diminishing returns. As such, a spell will never be 'free'. Higher affinity likewise involves physiological and psychological changes for the Mage in question. Some examples are provided below, taken from the story-in-progress.

Fire Mages are often hot-tempered and over-zealous, possessing a short fuse. Physiologically, they gain resistance to cold and heat.

Air Mages become fragile and whispy, becoming airy and flighty in their mannerisms.

Earthern Mages undergo the most profound physiological change, becoming taller and more robust, with enhanced musculature, increasing both strength and fortitude.

Water Mages are known to be pliable and easily convinced, with personalities that like water, are capable of fitting any vessel.

Lightning Mages gain increased metabolism, becoming prideful and possessive beings.

Ash Mages are known to become apathetic. Their emotions become dulled by the continued practice of Ash Magic until they waste away.

Void Mages are rumoured to exhibit extreme hunger, both physiologically and in terms of their psychological demands.

Ooze Mages are said to be slothful and lazy, unmotivated and uninspired.

Mineral Mages become dispassionate and pragmatic, often, their eyes take on the likeness of their attuned mineral element.

Positive Energy Mages are ubiquitously known to be amiable, friendly and full of life and vigour, possessing a halo of likability.