Kyl-Y-Ormà ([kil:i:ɔːmɑː])

Translation

From Foyiitùn to Common Tongue:

• Kyl: Shield (speakers of Common Tongue please note this is not related to the Parànti word "kill")
• Y: there (or "here")
• Ormà: Light *

* the accent is added to the à of Orma as a pronunciation prompt. Orma on its own may be pronounced with a short 'a', depending on where in the phrase it is found. For more information see: Foyiitùn.

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Limitations of Kyl-Y-Ormà

As stated, its primary purpose was the blocking of magick or mental attacks. Thus, in most cases, was not the best use of battle time against physical projectiles: arrows, bullets, canon balls, rocks etc.
Whether it blocked the magick/mental attack was determined by the strength of will of the opponent, the justness of their cause and various other attunements.

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Teamwork with the Elements

If the Mage casting Kyl-Y-Ormà works in tandem with another Element, some of its weaknesses may be mitigated. Most effective is with Element Erdé, to provide protection against physical attacks or with water and wind to ward against Ice or "scattering" spells or weapons.

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Effect

Casts a shield of light in the direction intended by the wielder. If using a Brand or Branch raised over the Mage's head, it is usually to create a "bubble" around the Mage for protection.
It is commonly used to intercept and neutralise specific types of spells: Elemental (for example, lightning) or mental attacks.

The Colour of the Shield

While being a "shield of light", the colours generated were wide and varied, as light it in nature. Though a shield was always made up of one colour, defined by that colour and hues close to it given that such shields "shimmered".
Sometimes this may have a bearing on the caster's mood (e.g. purple, pink, blue).
The Element they are closely attuned to (as identified under Myst Sensitivity) could alter the colour of the shield also: red (for Fire or Erdé), various shades of blue (for Water, Air or Sky) or even grey (also for Air or Sky).
Oftentimes, the shield was just a result of the caster's will, either as a demonstration of their character traits or intentions. The colour had no bearing on the potency of the shield, though it may be used to visually distract an opponent.

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OOC Note

Kyl-Y-Ormà forms part of a current collection of articles relating to Light, relevant characters for that Element and the Crystal of Light. I may have pre-linked these, but they're not live yet, but will be completed in the coming days.

Discovery

Kyl-Y-Ormà has been in existence at least as long as Qal'ath has been founded.

Arcane Kyl-Y-Ormà

It is believed that She of the Few was utilising what is now called Arcane Kyl-Y-Ormà, a more powerful form of the incantation, to protect what was left of her homeland. Attempting to discover the reasons why it was much stronger than what we can expect today has been challenging, but it may have been to Her belief in the justness of her cause, being supported by Savàni itself.
She of the Few was recorded to have stopped all objects penetrating the ward without drawing on the Element of Erdé, a feat we cannot reproduce (though we have made the attempt).

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Material Components

Theoretically, Kyl-Y-Orma may be cast from any Elemental Crystal, even a Shard of one. However, it was more potent (naturally) from the Crystal of Light or those fashioned with Everice.
The ultimate gauge of whether it may be cast is the caster's intentions.

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Gestures & Ritual

While a master Mage may cast this with a simple wave of the hand, usually some form of brand or branch was required to fully manifest a strong shield. Moreover

1. ...the brand must be crafted of natural components in as raw a state as possible - hence some brands being referred to as branches.
2. ...the Crystal (or Shard) must be attuned to an Element and have been found in nature. This excludes manufactured (Technical Crystals) or normal gemstones (i.e. rubies, emeralds, Baracite etc.)
3. ...the accuracy of placement is determined by the direction the brand/branch being pointed, unless the strength of will of the Mage keeps the desired position in their mind regardless of flailing or attempted interruption.

Related Element

Light

Effect Duration

As long as the caster can concentrate on sustaining it. Adept Mages could still cast other spells while Kyl-Y-Ormà was active, but at the cost of mental energy, leaving them drained much quicker.

Effect Casting Time

Under a second.

Level

Guardian Mage (Usually)

Applied Restriction

This spell will have next to no effect in areas surrounded by high levels of light or reflections. This does not mean a clear, sunny day, but in places known for a "presence of light" such as the Glasdei Anormà.

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Known Casters

Claris, Farynna, Kyaevy