Elemental Path

Don’t miss a step or drop a note. If you do, it could be your last.

— Lesson one from the 'Dance of Deadly Dealings and Elemental Casting.'

Elemental magic is the oldest, and most primal, of all the Paths. In this tradition, practitioners study methods to harness the power of the elements, earth, fire, air, and water. They do this by channeling elemental power out of wildstones to produce the desired spell.

All wildstones, either ground or whole, have a natural affinity with an individual element. The color of the wildstone, its glow, and vibration are all signs of that element. For example, aquamarine wildstones are tied to elemental water, and amber wildstones are connected to fire.

A mage who follows the Elemental Path taps into that connection by connecting themselves to the wildstone’s vibrations. They create a rhythm that harmonizes with the wildstone that lets the magic flow from the stone and into them. Mages typically accomplish this through dance, meditation, or song while being in physical contact with the wildstone. Many mages just wear the stone against their skin in jewelry, but others paint themselves with body paint mixed with ground wildstones.

Components, Tools, and Methods

Wildstones used in conjunction with dance, song, or meditation.

Methods and Means

With dance, mages use specific movements and gestures to create the correct rhythm to harmonize with a wildstone’s vibrations. These dances are intricate and precise, with a different dance for each element and spell they with to cast. The movements are intense and require perfect timing and mastery of mind and body to perform effectively.

Meditation is the second way that a mage can connect to a wildstone’s magic. With meditation, the mage uses breathing techniques and visualization of the mage holding the raw element. This allows a skilled mage to ‘imprint’ their mind on the magic of the wildstone.

Once the mage has imprinted on the stone, they visualize the magic flowing from the crystal and into the mage. This forms the connection that allows the magic to flow through the wildstone and into the spellcaster.

Mages also sing to connect to a wildstone’s power. Of the three methods, this is the most common, where the mage sings or chants while holding a wildstone to invoke its magic. The tone, pitch, and temp of the song are key. This allows the mage to harmonize with the subtle tones produced by a wildstone’s vibrations.

These songs vary between elements and the particular spell being cast. Simple melodies produce subtle or weak effects, such as cantrips. Complex, fast songs always result in layered spells with more dramatic results, such as a fireball or a fire lightning storm.

Primal Power At A Cost

The Elemental path is powerful, but has its limitations. Elements are fickle and destructive. They require the utmost concentration from the mage to handle this magic with a delicate touch. If a mage loses their focus, the element will rebel against them. Instead of a spell, an elemental appears in the air in front of the mage. The furious creature immediately attacks the mage for the same length duration of the mage’s spell, or until the mage falls unconscious or dead. After that, the elemental vanishes.

Also, because of the raw power of the elements, mages of the Elemental Path are only allowed to cast with one element at a time. Once a mage channels an elemental spell the first time for the day, they become attuned to that element. Until they rest, the power of the elements compels them to only cast spells from that element until the mage can rest. If they attempt to change elements before resting, the spell will instantly fail and the mage drained of energy.

Then there is the nature of casting spells at all. Casting spells tires a mage over time, leading to fatigue. If they don’t rest to recover their stamina, the mage risks losing their concentration. If they lose concentration, they could find themselves confronted by a murderous elemental out for their blood.

Those reasons are why it’s critical for a mage following the Elemental Path to hone their skills, strengthen their stamina, and stay nimble. This way, they can channel these primal forces responsibly, otherwise it may devour them.