*PREFACE, Overview and Intent*

Over the centuries, countless scholars, mages, and students of elemental magic have built an impressive knowledge base concerning the derivation of Elemental mana (see the seminal Treatise on The Elements), those foundational sources of energy known as the Elemental planes. Leveraging this knowledge toward practical purpose has allowed the Guild of Warrior Mages and other groups to accomplish great feats that would be otherwise impossible without the aid of the Gods themselves. Over this time, however, a sort of theoretical orthodoxy concerning the nature of the Plane of Abiding and the elemental planes has emerged amongst elemental scholars. While the theoretical works of those in the past have shaped the history and development of elemental magic, it is important to remember that our Art is one based on forever pushing the boundaries of mortal understanding in service to our Duty.

It is imperative to note that what is "known" of the elemental planes from scholars of the past is conjectural at best. More precisely, the theoretical underpinnings of our Art are merely a model of the known planar configurations and laws, and are adopted for sake of operations in practical magic. It is a model which, though efficacious in some ways, contains glaring omissions. Take for example the asymmetrical inclusion of the element of Electricity. This element, though relatively recently mastered by our Art, has always existed in the Plane of Abiding, yet it does not fit neatly in the mathematically precise geometry of our traditional four-element model (presuming of course that the model views Aether as a medium of elemental conveyance and not a foundational element). This raises questions as to the universal application of the model in actually coming to an understanding of planar layout, physical laws, magical applications, and how the elemental planes interact with the reality of the Plane of Abiding.

With this spirit of innovation in mind, I have pursued a longstanding series of researches into the nature of the elemental planes and the Plane of Abiding. Through my research and practice as a member of the Guild, I have developed the theoretical rudiments of an alternative model of the elemental planes, the Plane of Abiding, and the mana interaction between them. In order to fully appreciate these conclusions, which I have come to call the Planar Projection theory, we must also redefine the concepts of Aether and Electricity.

*AETHER & ELECTRICITY, The Odd Elements*

Of all the elements, the most poorly conceptualized in the minds of spellcasters is Aether. Many elemental practitioners do not understand anything of this mysteriously diffused planar energy, though strides in pattern technique and spellcasting practice have enabled even the most theoretically backward mage to master difficult spells that depend entirely upon Aether energy. Aether is normally understood by the Guild as a misty, diffuse element that pervades spaces that do not entirely contain other elements. That is, it is understood to 'fill in' the cracks where other elements do not exist and provide a sort of net or connecting element that binds the Plane of Abiding together. While my research agrees with this view in part, it is a gross oversimplification of the importance of Aether. As the Planar Projection model outlined below will illustrate, Aether may be one of the most important elements of all in forming our reality. Under the new model, Aether not only provides an energy-based connection between materials and elemental energies on the Plane of Abiding, it becomes the very backdrop, the universal canvas, upon which the Plane of Abiding is painted. It is the backbone of our reality; giving heft, solidity, and permanence to the elements that superimpose upon it to form our world.

Similarly, Electricity holds a very odd place in the normative understanding of the elements. Not one of the four foundational elements, nor a connective element in the same way as Aether, Electricity has baffled theoretical elementalists for some time, as it seems to refuse to find a steady place in the planar map that the Guild operates by. It is commonly understood as a rapidly moving, crackling, and highly volatile form of elemental energy. According to researches on the legendary Suur Pillar, clerics even tied the phenomenon of electrical energy directly to the Gods themselves. Though it might pain some of my brethren to admit, the clerics may have been more right than they could have known. The Planar Projection model, as you will see, gives Electricity a vital and immensely important place in the universe, as it is the method by which elemental projection takes place; the lifeblood of the ever-changing Plane of Abiding, and the source of the light and life we hold so dear.

*PLANAR PROJECTION, A Newfound Understanding*

Commonly accepted planar lore as taught by the Guild indicates that the Plane of Abiding exists at a sort of 'crossroads' of the elemental planes. This understanding is fundamentally informed by the fact that we commonly associate reality with ideas of space and dimensionality. As recent scholars have pointed out, the elemental planes are so radically different in terms of structure that they can be said to possess no space or dimensionality at all. Applying this knowledge to the planar map brings up a number of problems, some of which are outlined above. The Planar Projection theory puts forth a radical re-imagining of the way the Plane of Abiding is constructed. Most picture the Plane of Abiding as a two-dimensional area defined by the overlapping of the elemental planes. Instead, my theoretical model would envision the Plane of Abiding as more akin to a shadow cast upon a wall, with the elemental of Aether providing the 'wall' and the other elements providing a the ‘shape’ of the object being cast. The element of Electricity, long associated with constant movement and the production of light, provides the method (light, in the analogy) to cast the shadow and give rise to the Plane of Abiding.

As one can see, this neatly explains two long-standing conundrums with the more classical scheme of the elemental planes. It provides both Electricity and Aether solidified place in the model of the universe, while accepting that these elements seem to operate in magical practice in vastly different ways than the traditional four elements of Earth, Fire, Air, and Water. Secondly, it explains the practical, demonstrable issue of the Planar opposition observed between Aether and Electricity. In my studies, this opposition was inexplicable by all of the scholars and mages that I have read or spoken to. Why? Because the classical planar map is insufficient for giving Electricity and Aether the full measure of importance to our Plane that they deserve. They are opposed in that one represents the motion of the projection (Electricity), and the other represents the medium of the projected shadow itself (Aether) and hence the diffusion of the motion that produces the projected Plane of Abiding.

In addition to the practical explanation of the opposition of Aether and Electricity, the Planar Projection model also neatly explains how the phenomenon of attuning an area or a physical body mechanically occurs. Utilizing techniques taught by the Guild, it is relatively simple to gather and disperse planar energy, including the summoning of objects and familiars. Under the old model of two-dimensional planar correspondence, this would (pardon my pun) involve the movement of the heavens and earth. That is to say that summoning elemental energy into the Plane of Abiding under the old model literally involves moving the entire Plane of Abiding around to adjust the amount of energy. As you can imagine, moving a plane is no mean feat! The Planar Projection theory, however, makes it as easy in theory as we know it to be in practically: an adjustment of the precise elemental energy flows to reshape the area (or one’s own body) to contain more of a given projected element. No motion, as we would understand it, is necessary as the planes have no such structure to move. Instead, the very energy projected from the planes is shaped by the Will of the operator to affect the landscape of the resulting portion of the Plane of Abiding.

As well as redefining the nature of the Plane of Abiding, the new model raises intriguing challenges to the old model of the elemental planes. It is commonly understood and has been stated throughout elemental scholarship that material objects in the Plane of Abiding have elemental correspondences and produce mana. Although this may seem true, it is the result of a misunderstood view of how objects manifest. The Planar Projection theory would explain that any residual elemental signature that a physical object contains is simply the contour of the shadow cast by the elements in forming the object. Objects in the Plane of Abiding are not really objects at all, in the theoretical sense; they are merely projections of extraplanar energy seen through the prism of the elements and against a backdrop of Sether. This stands in contrast to the explanations of elemental mana presented in the Treatise on the Elements and other classical discussions of the relationship between energy and material reality. For example, in the Planar Projection theory, lava does not produce Earth and Fire energy as the old model would have it; rather, a specific balance of projected Earth and Fire energy concentrated onto a specific point of the planar canvas creates a “shadow” phenomenon that we call lava in our dimensioned Plane of Abiding. In other words, this wondrous, strange melange of projected energy gives rise to the dimensioned space in which you and I exist!

*THE VOID, A Practical Redefinition*

Where, then, does this new understanding of planar correspondence leave the stepchild of the old model, the so-called Void? The Void in the Planar Projection model is quite neatly explained as a phenomenon that blocks and diffuses all the energy of the elemental planes, such that none are able to project and create the Plane of Abiding. It is not a "hole" in reality so much as a total redirection of all the projected energy that forms our world. As in the above analogy, picture a large object being placed between the wall and the source of light. This new object would absorb the shadow being projected by the planes, preventing it from reaching the wall and materializing in a way we could perceive it. The Void therefore intercepts and disrupts the planar energies and prevents actualization of the Plane of Abiding, or reality as we understand it.
By way of practical demonstration of this new idea, take the summoning of elemental weapons, a technique taught to all Guild members. The old planar model would describe this phenomenon, once more, in terms of a ‘hole’ to whatever elemental plane the practitioner chooses. The Planar Projection theory re-envisions it as the Will of the operator forming a minute, temporary blockage against all the planar energy being projected toward the Aether wall except energy emanating from one plane of their choice. This blockage then causes a pure projection of one element that appears as an undimensioned fissure that be manipulated and literally shaped into the form of a weapon. Thus, this operation, though generally harmless, is a manipulation of the concept of the Void.

This also goes to explains why the usage of the Voidspell produces such disastrous and potentially cataclysmic results. It is not a normal manipulation of the elements; rather it is a fundamental reversal of the foundational building blocks that make up our world that prevents elemental reality from even being given rise to. The danger of such a phenomenon cannot be understated. It is unknown at this time if the mind of a mortal spellcaster could provide the required Will to block sufficient amounts of Elemental energy enough to physically de-actualize large portions of the Plane of Abiding (such as the disintegration phenomena associated with Blackfire), but such an event must be prevented at all costs. Further research into Void must be extremely closely regulated by the Guild to prevent this dangerous anti-reality magic from falling into the wrong hands.

*CLOSING, A Hope For Tomorrow*

Though it is by no means complete, it is my sincere wish that this research and new theoretical perspective will stimulate further inquiry into a more complete understanding of our universe and can be turned to practical purpose to enrich our lives. Though I realize that some of these conclusions could be extended to other realms of mana theory, including that of Lunar and Holy, such concepts are beyond the scope of my professional understanding. Any implications that this theory may engender in the realms of theology, for example, are unintended by the author. In closing, it remains our Duty and privilege to continue striding toward a better world through the measured and just application of our beloved Art!

<A flourishing signature reading “Voyle Oracelya, M.S” adorns the bottom of the page, executed in black ink).

The Dangers of Elemental Magic
By Saragos Daerthon

Elemental magic has the longest line of unbroken history of any of the schools of magical study. It reaches into the distant past, to times when what little is recorded exists as nothing more tangible than myths and legends. This same lineage might also be the one most likely to kill every last one of us.

Our world, as most experience it, is both predictable and immutable. The rock that the field hand touches every morning on the way to his labors is no more likely to yield like clay to his touch on one day than the day before, nor to shatter, take flight, or roll away like a ball of so many weeds. To him, the rock will always be the same rock, with the same properties, for the rest of his days.

Elemental mages know differently. Beneath this enduring façade lie a multitude of invisible levers and dials that, when triggered with the right gesture or phrase, can make the rock perform all of these tricks and more. This unyielding reality that others rail against is a ball of malleable clay, ours to change as we wish. We revel in the storms of burning flame we call down, of the earth that shivers and rends with our gestures. We bring the water in the very air to heel and shape it into castles of ice, and dance to the lightning we draw from the heavens, bent to our will.

And yet, despite our pride and exultation in these feats, we forget the extent of our powers – that the power to change is also the power to destroy. That the same ball of clay we mold so easily could just as easily be smashed flat, or fired in the kiln until it becomes something else entirely. Perhaps it is a lingering effect of the point of view of our youth, that of the unchanging world, that our imagination fails to fire us to consider that we might in fact be able to end it.

The history of Kermoria is one littered with such disasters wrought by Elemental Magic, wrought of pride, ambition, and carelessness. Our oldest tales are those of the Blackfire Cabal and The Four who saw in that all-consuming flame a horror so profound that it could only be met with magic even more dreadful: the Voidspell. We continue to pay the debts for these spells, both likely Sorcerous, to this day.

According to the research done by the Gealeranendae College of Magical History, the Zaulfung Stones were most likely constructed to seal a planar rupture caused by the Voidspell. This rupture, in turn, is very likely to have been the one that allowed an assault on our plane by an entity from without, theorized to be the demon Maelshyve. It should come as no surprise that the Zaulfung itself is the only known point of access to the Spiritual Plane or that its denizens act in unnatural ways.

These events alone ought to give cause for extreme pause, as the Voidspell’s consequences may ultimately be the cause of our plane’s unraveling - and we are only beginning to understand their dire nature thousands of years later. But there are many more examples of our ability to invoke catastrophe. In the account of the Elven-Human war, it is said that the War Mages of the S’Kra developed a magic so devastating that it provoked the first known intervention of the mysterious beings known as the Heralds. They issued a warning that while the war did not concern them, the magic did. It was a warning that went unheeded, and ultimately resulted in the incineration of everything within a quarter-mile area - including the S’Kra Wind Clan.

More recently, we have the examples of Paeldryth, the Mage of Storms, and Mibgluc - events that still lie within the living memory of some. Paeldryth’s loss of control over his summoned elementals permanently changed weather patterns. The legacy of the Mage of Storms hangs over Shard to this day, its potential to destroy the city held at bay by Guildmistress Melear. And for those in need of more visible evidence, the burnt out shell of Arhat’s Tower and the wreckage of Sicle Grove from Mibgluc’s rampage can be readily seen.

Beyond purely magical disasters, we have the example of the Imperial College of Magic. The Empire of the Seven-pointed Star is many things to many different people, and there are likely as many who would curse its name as would yearn for those glory days. But, unmistakably, the Imperial College served as a potent weapon in the Empire’s wars of conquest, a testament that remains close enough to us now for us to know what organized slaughter by the elements can achieve.

We in the Warrior Mage guild spend our lives forging ourselves into effective weapons. The Guild assists us in this. But the question as to how those weapons should be wielded is rarely raised, leaving the decision to each individual mage. We are not blades where the blacksmith can disclaim responsibility for what is done with his creations. We are the living fist that holds the blade as well, and it is our duty to use it wisely – and to watch to ensure that others do as well. Should we fail to do so, the consequences can be high indeed.

Can we, as a Guild, do better than our forebears? Even the conflict-averse History of the Warrior Mage Guild implies Arhat brought into existence the Guild as we know it today in a decidedly different form than it existed in the past: one that offered cooperation and aid with the elemental clansmen instead of the autocratic fist of the Imperial College.

This was likely forced onto him by the circumstances of the Resistance War, but it places us in an interesting position for the future. The guild is both more able to watch over all of its members for not relegating them to the shadows, but also less able to reach a consensus as to what, if anything, should be done to guide them. Regardless of one’s politics, we ought to be able to agree on on the protection of our world, and the preservation of civilization. If we fail in this duty, we become little more than a society for the perfection of explosions, and a danger to all around us.

Congrats to the winner! I really enjoyed reading these and hope they can find their way into some guild libraries.

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"Warrior Mages don't bother covering up their disasters.

They're proud of them."
-Raesh

Great entries! I really enjoyed reading each of them.