Five Elements

The 5 elements compose the basis for all living and supernatural energy in the universe.

Aether

Model of Control

Turbid / Coercion

Aether is also known as Spirit, this element is a projection of all living things and it is the force the binds life together. Since aether is a unifying force, all 4 other elements must be combined in order to counter aether magic. This magic is also the most difficult to understand, control, and use. Since it is the basis for the energy of life it behaves, rather than simply exists. Aether has a fundamental willpower to it, almost as if the universe had an id and an ego, these forces would be inlaid into that of aether. The forces of aether are at once both separate from the other 4 elements but also the same. It is both a unique entity and a property of the other 4 combined. To master aether, one must be able to master all four of the other elements, only then can they attempt to directly feel the flows of spirit and life which surround and bind all living things together. It is the embodiment of the whole, the person, the animal, the plant, and the reason for it all to exist.

Since Aether is even more fundamental than any other form of magic, it cannot be directly controlled without mastering both Psionic and Magical Energy, which is nearly impossible for a mortal to possess access to both in sufficient quantities. Thus, manipulating the Aether directly requires carefully calculated disruptions in its normal flows, or Turbid control. Making the flow of Aether more chaotic in order to alter its path. A subset and more refined version of this, is that of coercion, which is exceptionally difficult to do with the Aether, it is itself a dominating force and always tends to change the environment around it, rather than be changed by its environment.

For details on other aspects of Aether see:

• Magical Energy
• Psionic Energy
• Psionic Abilities
• Theories of Aether

The Force

What some term as The Force has been understood for the exceptionally rare people who are able to use both Psionic and Magical Energy. The Force allows someone to feel the flow of Aether directly. Aether itself is neutral when it is in balance. A person who can sense the flow of Aether would gain an innate sense of when this was the case. The two primary and opposing forces of Aether are Entropy and Harmony very similar to the ideas of Chaos and Order but neither are good or evil and both can be used for either purpose. This feels fundamentally different to a Force user than other realities in which the opposing forces have taken different shapes and forms.

Derivative Elements / Forces

Aether can be further subdivided into specific areas. These are not elements in the traditional sense and are sometimes referred to as forces rather than elements, they are both different sides of Aether and thus life itself. When the derivative elements are in balance together the work in tandem as the energy of life itself. This is modeled within how Aether itself is controlled. A disruption in either of these forces can be catastrophic, but each for its own reason, described below. Even the most skilled manipulator of Aether generally does not know how to manipulate the forces of Aether directly, though there is no reason this could not be learned. Experimenting with these forces can be deadly as they effect the very nature of life itself.

Entropy

Entropy is the energy of change, or rather it is change itself. Entropy is embodied in using the turbid model of control to Aether where a person disrupts and changes the flow of Aether in order to pull it into a specific shape. Entropy is responsible for change, without it, life could not change, adapt, or grow through metamorphosis from one state into another. Since entropy is change, if entropy is out of balance and has more presence than harmony, life changes quickly, radically, mutating from moment to moment in explosive distortions of its original form.

Harmony

Harmony is the energy of stability, it is itself the quality of life to endure and continue. This is embodied in the coercion model of control to Aether where a person imposes an alternate order to change the flow of Aether rather than changing it through disruption. Harmony is responsible for the static and concrete aspects of life, those things which do not change. Without Harmony life would explode and fizzle out in a bright flash of chaos. Should harmony be out of balance and have more presence than entropy, life becomes static and still, refusing to change or adapt even when required.

Basic Elements

Aether, being the primary force of life, is made up of these four elements, as such the derivative elements of Aether, also contain these four elements.

Fire

Model of Control

Dominance

This element is the natural opposing force to earth and thus fire magic can counter earth magic. Fire is the spark of creativity and life, its heat and light stave away the darkness and thus there is a strong sense of protection that goes with it. Fire is also a destructive force and dangerous, it can give life but also destroy it. It's power is wild and difficult to wield, it must be mastered or it will master its wielder. Fire is the embodiment of war, and destruction.

Wind

Model of Control

Coercion

This element is the natural opposing force to water and thus wind magic can counter water magic. Wind is all around everyone, it is ever present in all things and thus it is elusive and difficult to find. Once found, however, it can be more easily controlled and used than fire. While fire requires brute strength, wind requires calm and passivity. One must follow where the wind leads in order to lead the wind where they wish it. It embodies peace, energy, and magic. Wind can carry words away before they can be heard or they can carry words far enough to be heard.

Water

Model of Control

Submission

This element is the natural opposing force to fire and thus water magic can counter fire magic. Water is the most fundamental force of life itself, life cannot exist without it for more than a few days. Water is strong and powerful, but patient. It will wear down stone and earth over time creating chasms beyond belief, wash away those who do not respect it and take their lives as penance, all while it waters crops and nourishes the body. Water is never elusive nor will it respond to strength, you cannot grab water, as fingers will pass through it. Instead, to control water one must surrender to its power entirely, feel the rushing of its force around and then from within, only can it be controlled. Water is the embodiment of life and creation.

Earth

Model of Control

Dominance / Coercion

This element is the natural opposing force to wind and thus earth magic can counter wind magic. Earth is the foundation of all things, it supports and protects everything. Without the blessings of the earth crops would not grow and people would have no homes to live in. Earth is slow to move and change, it requires strength and cunning to master, moves must be planned ahead and decided on, for once earth is unleashed it is neigh impossible to stop. It is the embodiment of protection and purification.

Magic and Psionics

The energy involved in the use of magic and psionics are both fundamental branches of Aether, which is made up of the 4 base elements. Aether is the energy of all living things, which connects and binds them together - it is the source of all life energy. A user of magic pulls magical energy from the universe around them, or rather from the Aether round them. A psionic pulls energy from themselves, psionic energy is the Aether from within ones own living body and mind. As people both draw energy from and give energy to the Aether around them, so does balance be maintained from the life one has inside and the life one can see outside.

Balance and Consequences

Using Aether of any kind (psionic or magic) has a cost on the physical body. The more energy is used, either bey taking magical energy from the outside into the body or expelling psionic energy from the body to the outside world, has a definite cost to the body since that balance of energy must still be maintained. This uses the body's own physical strength and endurance to maintain the balance and wether the movement of Aether.