| The Elements of Nature and the Etheral as Pertains to the Higher Levels |
| It would seem that most have a concept of the elements. It is a subject of great concern mostly for the novice practitioner. Expierienced witches, mages and clerics usually have a good grasp of where they fall into the greater scheme of things and how not to clash with the powers they work with. This is a rather personal matter to be used as best fits ones personality. That is, while very few people succesfully contradict the general schemes as dictated by nature, numerous folk could go on and on, on end, as it were, about the subject. They could come up with entirely different ideas concerning the ways of things and still not be out of alignment with the elements. What all this means, really is that, regardless of what one wizard may say, it is entirely possible to have another seemingly contradict him, but at the same time, they both may well be correct in thier statements. As I class them there are four major elements in nature that spring from the world itself. These represent the different types of forces in general groups which roughly represent the disposition of those forces within that catagory. Any natural element can be destructive, ordered, prosperous or wasteful in the extreme. Natural elements are above all, unpredictible. The four elements are earth, water, fire and lightening, and air. These forces are rarely pure in nature, although most would use their power in a pure form. Consider a Typhoon, this is a force of great destruction, and it has the power of both the air and the ocean. Consider also gentle rains, the same powers, but they are not heavily destructive, in fact, they are nuturing. The mixing of these forces in manners both powerful and subtle shape the land and the sea and provide ferility and destruction. It is the goal of most elementals to harness one or more of these forces in great quantity, often for destructive use. This is very difficult. Often I will prefer to use methods not at all arcane and rather crude, some might think, and I think if one doesn't have to manhandle the forces without cause they react better. Sometimes the wise farmer can do more by damming a creek than a mage can by summoning a hurricane. Consider this before you are tempted to go through great lengths to do what could be accomplished simply. There are also astral elements which have an effect on our world. Without the sun, crops cannot grow and the world would freeze. The moon is the dominant factor in the rise and fall of the tides and the cycle of many creatures functions. It is also a source of odd power. The stars and planets and other bodies can all have effects as well, though these are less noticable. These elements are often overlooked by folk, although this is changing. Finally there are etheral elements. I will let the details of these alone until we have thoroughly burrowed through the rest. HOME Magic Index |