Things the game gives you

hex
A curse on an enemy. Several effects grow stronger with the number of different hexes on a target, so variety matters more than repetition.

summon
A creature fighting for you. Its damage is its own and most of your effects do not apply to it.

barrier
A shield that absorbs damage before your health does.

aura
A repeating effect around you that hits or helps everything in range while it is active.

autocast
A spell that casts itself on a timer, without you pressing anything.

essence
A resource dropped by monsters, spent on upgrades.

rune
A consumable you conjure and use.

tonic
A drink granting a timed bonus.