Maintenance script: fixed The Suur Pillar (book) and various other internal linking

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fixed The Suur Pillar (book) and various other internal linking

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	Should any reputable scholar wish to bring a dispute		Should any reputable scholar wish to bring a dispute
	against our research, though, he should establish contact		against our research, though, he should establish contact
	with [[Sanaegweth]] Blodren, head of the GCMH's Magical		with [[Sanaegweth\|Sanaegweth Blodren]], head of the GCMH's Magical
	Theories Department.		Theories Department.

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	Clerical beliefs regarding lightning were laid to an		Clerical beliefs regarding lightning were laid to an
	undignified rest by the study of the [[Suur Pillar]] (see GCMH		undignified rest by the study of the [[Suur Pillar]] (see GCMH
	report "[[A Study of the Suur Pillar]]") -- while the Clerics		report "[[The Suur Pillar (book)\|A Study of the Suur Pillar]]") -- while the Clerics
	maintained, perhaps accurately or perhaps not, as this is		maintained, perhaps accurately or perhaps not, as this is
	beyond the nature of our focus or care, that the Suur		beyond the nature of our focus or care, that the Suur
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	element.		element.

	Aether was discovered by the prominent arcane researcher,		Aether was discovered by the prominent arcane researcher, [[Hh'reshh\|Archmage Hh'reshh]]. Originally from the S'Kra Mur city of
	Archmage [[Hh'reshh]]. Originally from the S'Kra Mur city of
	[[Muspar'i]], located in a desert area rich in concentrated		[[Muspar'i]], located in a desert area rich in concentrated
	pools of strong elemental mana -- certainly a significant		pools of strong elemental mana -- certainly a significant
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	experimentation -- Hh'reshh later left his home kingdom in		experimentation -- Hh'reshh later left his home kingdom in
	order to locate himself in a very distant and isolated		order to locate himself in a very distant and isolated
	portion of the [[Velaka]] Desert.		portion of the [[Velaka\|Velaka Desert]].

	Here, engaging in painstaking mundane and arcane research,		Here, engaging in painstaking mundane and arcane research,

Maintenance script: Treatise on the Elements, Volume I moved to Treatise on the Elements, Volume 1 (book)

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Treatise on the Elements, Volume I moved to Treatise on the Elements, Volume 1 (book)

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	A Report by the [[GCMH]], in the Year 370 [[BL]]		A Report by the [[GCMH]], in the Year 370 [[BL]]

	**********

	Table of Contents:		Table of Contents:
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	with [[Sanaegweth]] Blodren, head of the GCMH's Magical		with [[Sanaegweth]] Blodren, head of the GCMH's Magical
	Theories Department.		Theories Department.


	**********


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	further on.		further on.


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	them in our next chapter.		them in our next chapter.


	**********

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New page: This is the first volume in a two volume series. For the second volume, see Treatise on the Elements, Volume II ==Treatise on the Elements, Volume I== A Report by the GCMH, in t...

New page

This is the first volume in a two volume series. For the second volume, see [[Treatise on the Elements, Volume II]]

==Treatise on the Elements, Volume I==

A Report by the [[GCMH]], in the Year 370 [[BL]]

**********

Table of Contents:

Introduction
Chapter One: The Source of Elemental Magic, Elemental Mana 
Chapter Two: The Elements, In Particular the Four Elements of Primacy 
Chapter Three: Aether and Electricity 
Chapter Four: The Planes 
Chapter Five: Elementals, Their Existence Within Elanthia, Their Structure and Origins 
Chapter Six: Blackfire, Void, and the Zaulfung Stones

Introduction to this Treatise

We of the GCMH, the distinguished Gealeranendae College of
Magical History, have dedicated our lives, throughout the
centuries since our institution was first founded during
the golden age of the [[Seven Starred Empire]], to the
understandings of magical history and theory, with a
particular emphasis on the type of mana known as Elemental
Magic. It has long been our goal to understand with
exacting precision the history of Elemental Magic, and how
this type of magic functions in Elanthia and how best it
might be expanded and utilized to enhance the lives of the
people of the Provinces.

While we have taken part in numerous investigations on
unusual magical phenomena and on powerful artifacts, and
while we have written countless reports on historical
occurrences and on magic theories, this treatise should be
taken as the culmination of much of our research and the
most significant work we have yet produced from within our
institution. We have laid out here the most conclusive
results that we feel are attainable, and we present our
evidence, as well, to support our assertations.

Our findings have been diligently scrutinized by peer
review, and so we hold them to the highest standards.
Should any reputable scholar wish to bring a dispute
against our research, though, he should establish contact
with [[Sanaegweth]] Blodren, head of the GCMH's Magical
Theories Department.

**********

Chapter One: The Source of Elemental Magic, Elemental Mana

Elemental Magic, like all type of magic, derives its power
from the energy source known as mana -- specifically in
this instance from the specific subtype of mana we refer to
as Elemental Mana.

Elemental mana is, for all intents and purposes, derived
from the amount of raw elemental energy inherent to each
area. The elements are present in each and every thing and
in every place -- they are completely a part of this
physical reality in every way. What are the elements
specifically? Well, this is something we shall discuss a
bit later.

Elanthia itself is made up of the elements -- the planet is
given life through them, and all the actions and reactions
of the planet and of nature, such as the wind blowing,
volcanoes erupting, oceans moving, and so on, are powered
by the energy of the elements -- and so naturally, they are
a considerable source of energy. This pure, raw energy is
drawn upon, enabling a magician to manipulate an element or
elements in order to accomplish a specific effect.

We have been able to ascertain through rigorous research
and experimentation that, among all the specific subtypes
of mana, elemental energy best resonates with the physical
reality, and the physicalities (IE, a resonation with
specific physical objects) of Elanthia.

This is due in part to three different properties unique to
elemental mana: first (1st), due to the significant
presence of elemental energy within the physical reality of
the Plane of Abiding itself, to levels of greater
proportion than exist with the other types of mana such as
Holy, Lunar, and Life; second (2nd), due to the significant
presence of elemental energy within the specific
physicalities of Elanthia, such as specific objects -- we
would define this property as the nature of objects
themselves possessing degrees of elemental energy, for
instance the inherent level of the Earth element within a
rock, or the inherent level of the Fire element within a
flow of lava; third (3rd) due to the physical and tangible
nature of this type of energy -- unlike other types of mana
energy, Elemental energy is far more likely to manifest
itself in some type of physical and/or tangible form, while
the others will typically remain abstract energy.

One might ponder what the following riddle: if elemental
mana is the source of elemental magic, then what is the
source of elemental mana? In other words, whence does this
form of energy come, and what gives it cohesiveness?

The first and most simple answer is, of course, the
elements themselves, which have a verifiable and
overwhelming presence within Elanthia itself as a natural
part of the order of reality. They are the building blocks
that make up the planetary system and its smaller, but
still inter-related, subsystems, with almost all of the
individual elements present in everything, to varying
degrees. A rock, for instance, is composed mostly of
Earth, with a smaller, though still significant presence of
Fire, and almost no Air at all. So you cannot separate the
elements from Elanthia, as to do so would unravel the
pieces that give reality its physical form.

This is what we define as the elemental mana's Internal
Source.

This internal source is constantly replenishing, never to
be truly depleted, because the natural order of the world
dictates that it be so. The air is a constant; it cannot
be diminished. Water can be consumed, but not to the point
of true depletion -- it will also be restored through a
natural planetary cycle of rain. This natural cycle will
always replenish the element in order to maintain the
balance that is necessary for physical cohesion of the
planet. Fire, likewise, will always be regenerated,
outside of the control of mortal beings. While mortals can
both consume and utilize fire, and can also replenish it in
the form of creating fire, ultimately the existence of the
element of fire is outside of our control, as its presence
is dictated by a natural cycle. Beneath the surface of
Elanthia, we have been able to verify the existence of
layers of pure fire. This fire will be constantly returned
to the surface of the planet itself through way of volcanic
eruptions (which, needless to say, leads to the creation of
additional Earth) and so on.

But there is also an additional source of elemental mana
beyond the Internal Source. By this we mean that mana of
the elemental subtype is derived from more than simply the
raw elemental energy that makes up Elanthia. This is what
is identified as the External Source, which consists of
energy from outside of the Plane of Abiding, IE the
Elemental Planes. This is a topic which shall be addressed
further on.

**********

Chapter Two: The Elements, In Particular the Four Elements
of Primacy

Before one can adequately understand the concepts that have
been laid out to this point regarding elemental mana and
its workings, discussion of the elements is called for; to
comprehend the intricacies of elemental magic and the
theories and laws and powers behind it, one must first
establish what, precisely, the elements are.

This is a deceptively simple topic, but it is still a
cornerstone of magical theory.

There are four, shall we say, "primary elements," to use
the defining term our department has developed. These
primary elements, if you will, are: Earth, Water, Air, and
Fire.

These four elements have always existed, and Elanthia -- or
more accurately, the Plane of Abiding itself -- is composed
of these elements. Should they not exist, our reality
would not exist. They are the foundation of existence.

So what are these elements? Simply put, they are the
greatest source of energy our world has. Raw elemental
energy, which is the source of elemental mana, is drawn
from the existence of the elements. This form of energy
covers the planet, being constantly replenished.

But, as was stated, they are also "the foundation of
existence," and all objects on the planet are composed of
these elements. And so they are not merely a form of
energy, but are rather also a physical manifestation of
that energy. In other words, there is not just an energy
associated with a lit candle -- the flame as a raw source
of elemental mana -- but there is also a physicality in the
flame itself, which one can touch.

These elements exist in all things, in every thing, from
rocks, tables, plants, steel weapons, and mortal bodies.
Thus it is important for any aspiring elementalist to
recognize the true depth of the powers he is dealing with,
and to contemplate that significance.

One must note the relationship between Elemental Energy and
Elemental Physicality -- IE the raw energy of a flame,
which energy is used as the source of elemental mana, and
the flame itself which exists as a physical object.

They exist in a cyclical relationship. Which is the source
of which? Does the flame draw its strength and its
existence from the raw energy? Does that energy power the
flame? Or is that energy actually derived from the flame
itself? This is a series of questions we have been unable
to answer, save to say that they exist in tandem, each
giving power to the other. It is impossible to say which
is the original power.

Each of these elements is also tied to one of the six
Elemental Planes as well; on that topic, we shall be
discussing more later.

There are, of course, two other elements beyond these
primary four -- Aether and Electricity. We shall discuss
them in our next chapter.

**********

Chapter Three: Aether and Electricity

Aether and Electricity are both Elements as surely as Fire,
Water, Air, and Earth -- their presence amplifies elemental
mana and they both exist as separate Elemental Planes
conjoined and interconnecting with the Plane of Abiding.
However, there are a number of unusual traits to these two
elements, hence the additional attention we are giving to
them in this report.

Whereas the four primary elements have always existed and
have always been recognized and incorporated into the usage
of elemental magic, this is not the case with either Aether
or Electricity.

While we can estimate that both have always existed in the
sense that they were neither spontaneously created, though
perhaps they were gradually created through processes
outside of our capacity for study and understanding, they
did not always exist in the sense of being recognized and
utilized. Both of these elements were, for lack of a
better term, "discovered."

Popular myth has it that the element of Electricity was
first discovered by the Wind Elf, [[Windstrider]] -- this is,
of course, inaccurate. While he certainly was the first to
put it to so drastic and impressive a display, Electricity
was known to have existed before.

Prior to this discovery of the element, the Clerics had
always maintained that lightning itself was a divine
phenomena -- a power utilized by the gods themselves when
they were angry and wished to express their wrath upon
Elanthia. Thus it would not be classified as a natural or
elemental occurrence, but rather a supernatural or divine
one, as a manifestation of the Immortal will and power.

Through practical research and experimentation, we have
disproven this foolish Cleric notion.

The Electricity element was in fact discovered by watching
and studying Trollish shamans, who for some reason, seem to
have had an affinity for Electricity -- they were very much
in tune with it, you could say, and so utilized it with
great regularity and proficiency. This was a magic the
elemental mages were unfamiliar with, but seeing it
utilized by such a lesser creature led many to question the
diktat of the Clerics, that electricity and lightning were
of a divine province. It was, of course, not recognized as
an element at this point in time, but through study and
observation, the elemental mages were able to come to
understand the spell patterns being manipulated by the
Trollish mages; this ability to discern the energy streams
the Trolls were using as well as to understand the spell
patterns convinced them that what they were watching was
the power of an element at work.

It wasn't long before methods were discovered allowing them
to duplicate these works and create their own, more
advanced Electricity magic. The final threads of the
Clerical beliefs regarding lightning were laid to an
undignified rest by the study of the [[Suur Pillar]] (see GCMH
report "[[A Study of the Suur Pillar]]") -- while the Clerics
maintained, perhaps accurately or perhaps not, as this is
beyond the nature of our focus or care, that the Suur
Pillar was a creation of the god Firulf... it was still
established to a magical fact that, regardless of the
origins of the pillar, it functioned as a link to the
Elemental Plane of Electricity. Through the pillar, we at
the GCMH discovered this plane for the first time,
establishing once and for all the nature of the Electricity
element.

Aether was discovered by the prominent arcane researcher,
Archmage [[Hh'reshh]]. Originally from the S'Kra Mur city of
[[Muspar'i]], located in a desert area rich in concentrated
pools of strong elemental mana -- certainly a significant
enabling factor in much of his high yield research and
experimentation -- Hh'reshh later left his home kingdom in
order to locate himself in a very distant and isolated
portion of the [[Velaka]] Desert.

Here, engaging in painstaking mundane and arcane research,
as well as rigorous tests and experiments, Hh'reshh was
able to ascertain the existence of a sixth element, what we
identify as Aether. The evidence, and the work Hh'reshh
engaged in in order to obtain his evidence, is laid out in
his exemplary tome, "The Principles of Elemental Magic." We
will not restate his arguments here, except to reiterate
that much of the argument Hh'reshh laid out has become
justifiably accepted as magic theory canon.

Many questions remain, however, regarding the nature of the
Aether element, which is not so corporeal and physical an
element as the other five, putting it very much at odds
with them. These are questions we are not at present able
to answer. Be aware that further research into the nature
of Aether remains one of the GCMH's top priorities; a study
should certainly be forthcoming.

It may be the case that our study of Aether and its nature
will be greatly aided by the magics used by the Bardic
Guild; their enchantes seem to heavily utilize Aether to
enhance the natural primary elemental properties of their
songs.

As two elements have already been "discovered" beyond the
initial primary four, it remains a possibility that other
elements yet exist, remaining undiscovered by mortal mages
and researchers. Tests are ongoing to ascertain this
hypothesis.

[[Category:Book]]

Treatise on the Elements, Volume 1 (book) - Revision history

Maintenance script: fixed The Suur Pillar (book) and various other internal linking

Maintenance script: Treatise on the Elements, Volume I moved to Treatise on the Elements, Volume 1 (book)

Maintenance script at 21:31, 3 November 2007

Maintenance script: New page: This is the first volume in a two volume series. For the second volume, see Treatise on the Elements, Volume II ==Treatise on the Elements, Volume I== A Report by the GCMH, in t...