water tuning

The control of water on the smallest scale, from palm-sized down to the invisible, is that most controversial aspect of water manipulation called tuning. It is still strongly associated with wringing, but that is only a subset of what is possible to do.

Effect

The results of successful tuning are difficult to observe, and in many cases not worth the effort. Tiny amounts of water can be more easily (if less accurately) moved with a flick of a wet hand. The most practical applications of tuning tend more toward the artistic. Tuners can direct dyed water to create hair-thin patterns in cloth or write messages under the surface of a leaf.

Source

The theory behind tuning is similar to that of handling and working: Water Seekers shape their auras in a manner that will be reflected in the water they control. Tuning protos are guided in methods of fine aura control, but not in how to apply it to anything other than free water.

Discovery

Given the percentage of Water Seekers who are tuners, it isn't reasonable to think that no one before Kezlaf realized it was possible. The effects are subtle enough that previous Seekers with tuning ability could have used it without being aware of it.

Potential

Kezlaf's abuses of tuning set the negative consequences strongly into public awareness, but there's now a generation's distance between the Wringers and today's Water Seekers. More and more Seekers and protos are questioning the oath that forbids practical uses of tuning. Naheni, for one, is outspokenly opposed to the breadth of the ban:

"These two things, healing and harm, are front and back of the same hand. If one doctor breaks trust and gives poison, why do you then stop all from healing?"

— Naheni Tozei, Vastlander

She has suggested possible uses for tuning in medical professions, especially for treating aura conditions like Deeps' Draw.

Gestures & Ritual

Tuning works best at close range to the target. This is most easily accomplished by the tuner keeping her hand as near as possible to the area she is trying to affect. The small details require intense concentration, and many tuners do their best work while in a partial float.

Applied Restriction

In order to take the title of Water Seeker, all protos regardless of their area of affinity must promise never to use tuning to affect the aura of any human or other self-aware being. Breaking that promise results in losing the title.