Element Lessons

[Alexander Brighton]

Week One

First Years

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Element Theory - Welcome to your first lesson in the art of element wielding. I'm sure you're all very excited at the prospect of controlling one of the elements of the world, but there are the basics we need to cover before we get into the good stuff.

The most basic thing you need to understand is Element Theory. It's a very basic premise, but one that is very, very, important. The theory is as follows: Elements, nor anything else of this world, cannot be produced from nothing. Everything must come from somewhere.

It sounds simple, yes? But it's an important concept to grasp. A waterwielder is helpless without a river to draw from. A starwielder cannot wield underground where the stars do not shine. If you do not have access to your element, you cannot use it.

But what, you might ask, about elements such as fire and acid, both of which are conjured from seemingly nowhere? Well, the main generative power for such elements comes from one's own magical energy, sending a spark into the air to create a flame, or triggering a reaction to create the acid. Even those that are seemingly conjured from thin air have to come from somewhere. As you become more in tune with your element, you will be able to sense when it's nearby. Plantwielders can sense the smallest seeds in the earth. Waterwielders will have an instinctive knowledge for water. Crystalwielders will be able to separate glittering crystals from mere dirt.

Bottom line: if you do not have access to your element, you cannot wield it. Everything must come from somewhere.

Second Years

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Review - Welcome back. You chose your element last year, yes? You should have, at the end. I have some of each of the aspects in the classroom today - I just want you to practice manipulating them. Don't try anything fancy, just make them move. For you sparkwielders, there's a carpet that has some static electricity. And you boomwielders, if I catch you trying to blow up your fellow students, I will dock points.

Third Years

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Building - Welcome back. To show how well you learned last year, I have left your element at your desk. By the end of the week, I want you to be able to make the shape of a creature out of your aspect. Sparkwielders, there is a carpet full of static electricity for you to use. And boomwielders, please do not bomb your fellow classmates. I will dock points.

Fourth Years

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Independent - This year, elemental classes will be largely independent. You are free to spend this week and most of the other weeks on your control of your aspect, as well as your style. I will only intervene if what you are doing is too dangerous.

 

[Alexander Brighton]

Week Two

First Years

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Sol Fundament - As you should know already, there are three fundaments in this world: Sol, Luna, and Pure. These three fundaments make up all twelve aspects, and the twelve aspects make up the rest of the world.

The first of these three fundaments is Sol. Sol is one of the primary building blocks of the world. Its nature is order; without Sol, the world would not have shape and things would fall to chaos. It is aligned with the physical aspect of the world, and therefore when extracted is often used in medicines for physical ailments. In its purest form, Sol appears to be a solid block of light. Unstable Sol has the potential to burn one's eyes from their sockets. No, that is not a joke.

Elements influenced by Sol will usually have some aspect of light or solidity in their nature. For example, the crystal aspect, which we will cover later, is a hard, rigid version of earth. In contrast, the celestial aspect, another aspect influenced by Sol, deals with the physical aspects of light.

So, in conclusion: Sol is essence of order and light, and in its purest form would appear to be a solid block of light.

Second Years

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Control - This first semester is all about control. I just want you to focus on controlling your element right now. Once you generate your element, try to hold it for as long as possible. Don't do anything with it, just try to keep it under control. Sparkwielders, don't let it dissipate. Flamewielders, hold your flame in your hand. Feel its power. Understand its danger. Boomwielders, don't let the explosions you make get too big. I'll be coming around to see how you're all doing.

Third Years

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Manipulation - Well, you kiddos certainly got the hang of wielding quick. Good. Now, I know this all seems like review, but just play with your element. Move it back and forth. Dance with it. I imagine none of you practiced over the summer, so I just want to make entirely sure that you can still wield safely.

A word about how this year will work: I will start focusing in on one aspect in particular while the rest of you will independently study. This will give you creativity over how to adapt your element to your style. I'll start with the four Pure ones, then move on to the Luna aspects (since we have a number of elves at this school) and finally the Sol aspects. Please be patient.

Fourth Years

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Independent - Please use this time to polish your skills with your aspect as well as your style. Make it yours. Make it entirely your own. I knew two icewielders once, one who became an artist and created beautiful sculptures and the other who became a policewoman and used ice daggers. And both of them developed their skills in fourth year. Please use your time wisely.