A Beginner's Guide to Elementals

[Darastrix]

So you want to play a....

Beast
Clear
Earth
Fire
Ice
Mind
Storm
Water
Wind

Note: The basic personalities described for each Element pertain primarily to the Naruta continent and are CULTURALLY-based rather than being completely inborn traits. An Elemental raised in a mixed nation or one of the other Elemental lands will likely act more like the locals there than a “typical” member of their race.

[Darastrix]

As a Beast, you have an affinity with a certain animal. This will determine what type of bestial (animal) features you possess and what kind animal you communicate with best. If you have one Beast sign, these traits will be minor. People might not even be able to tell that you’re a Beast just by looking at you. If you have two Beast signs, your race will be more obvious.

(For example, a single-sign fox Beast might only have sharp teeth and claws, or he might have fox-like ears or a tail. A two-signed fox Beast, on the other hand, may have fox-like ears, a tail, claws, and fangs.)

Personality-wise, you may relate to animals better than people and feel more comfortable in natural surroundings, though there are city-dwelling Beasts as well as forest-dwellers. Aside from that, Beasts tend to share personality traits with their animal affinity.

You might have a companion animal, which will be the same animal as your affinity. A Beast’s relationship to a companion is similar to a sibling relationship, or that of a teacher\guide and student. Not all Beasts have a companion, especially in the cases of a Beast with an affinity to a creature not native to area in which they reside.

A Beast’s affinity is partially decided by their personality, as well as the environment they're born into. Because of this, a Beast need not have the same affinity as their parents and siblings, though it’s not uncommon for children to take after their parents. So while it’s not unusual for two lion Beasts to have a lion Beast child, it would also not be unusual for them to have a weasel Beast child as well.

Have you decided what your affinity will be yet? If so, start thinking what kind of animal traits you have. If not, no rush. Just keep it in mind while we go over what a Beast can DO with a Beast sign.

• You can send out a call to an animal of your affinity, or something close to it, to come to your aid. This is can be a mental "come to me" call, or a vocal one. To a non-Beast, a vocal call will sound like an animal making noise. If the right kind of animal hears you, it may or may not come, though a two-signed Beast has a better chance of getting a response. If you’re a rat Beast, you may end up with a rat, a mouse, a squirrel, or some other rodent.
  
  
• You can speak to and understand animals. If you have one sign, you’ll be fluent in the speech of your affinity and those species closest to it, but you can still understand most other animals. If you have two signs, you can communicate easily with your affinity and all other animals, as well as managing basic communication with insects and arachnids.
  
  
• You’ll have heightened senses. They won’t be as good as an animal’s, but they’ll be better than any non-Beast’s. This is the same for a two-signed Beast, with the addition of having the “main” senses of their affinity heightened even more. A single-signed hawk Beast will have heightened senses, while a two-signed hawk Beast will have heightened senses and an even keener sense of sight.
  
  
• You’ll have better endurance. Again, not as strong as an animal’s, but better than a non-Beast. A Beast with two signs will have better endurance than a one-sign, and any type of endurance specific to their affinity will be increased further.
  
  
• If you have two Beast signs, you may have a trait specific to your affinity. If you’re a skunk Beast, you may have the ability to produce a weaker version of a skunk’s spray.
  
  
• If you were born on Contrasta in either Anarlina or Morilanta, you also have the ability to communicate telepathically to your affinity and animals close to it, as well as the ability to heal twice as quickly as your non-Contrastan counterparts.

Just keep in mind that you, like all other Elementals, will need to touch your sign(s) to activate these abilities, and chant/pray to the Elements to accomplish major or lengthy tasks.

Now that that’s settled, where are you from? You can go back and choose a “So you want to be from…” location, but here’s a quick list of common places for a Beast.

1. The Beastlands – Main Beast population, divided into three clans
2. Clan Aluvar – An aquatic Beast clan.
3. Ilyamen – Mixed nation
4. New Anarlina – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
5. New Morilanta – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
6. The Firegem Isles -- Mixed, with a large Beast population on the isle of Celentia

[Darastrix]

You are not an Elemental and were born with no sign. This isn’t to say you have no power, though. You have no Elemental power, but somehow, that lack gives you the ability to ensnare the will of an Elemental.

Here’s how your power works: Any free Elemental that might come into your range (no more than a dozen paces away) can feel the pull of your aura, which grows stronger the older you are. You, however, can’t sense Elementals if they’re nearby. Your ability can’t be used to “steal” an ensnared Elemental from another Clear, and other Clears can’t take one from you. Your auras instead boost each other’s influence over whatever Elementals are in your possession. Likewise, being near a group of free Elementals can allow an ensnared Elemental to break free. Strength in numbers goes both ways. In addition, the further away they are from you, the less hold you have over them.

Your aura forces a snared thrall to feel a certain way, and that's what drives their actions in service to you. However, it is not impossible for a character to still retain their original thoughts and feelings below the surface. The captive Elemental has a surprising amount of free will. They can do anything they like so long as it doesn't go against your spoken wishes or will. However, once you give an order, it is irrevocable until said otherwise. This way, you doesn't have to continuously repeat a litany of simple instructions, foremost being "You will not leave me without permission."

This emotional change is a slow, creeping takeover. If someone escapes relatively early, the damage to their mind will be relatively light. But the longer they're under your control, the more of their psyche is taken over, and the longer the effects last after they leave your presence. If they've been kept long enough, they may become completely lost. This is why most ethical Clears do not keep elemental thralls or send them from their presence if they accidentally ensnare one.

Now, if you’re from the Firegem Isles, you live among Elementals. Your races don’t have the tendency to separate like those living on the Narutan continent. As a result, there isn’t a great deal of anti-Clear prejudice, even though you have no control over your aura. Your power is active all the time and takes no conscious effort to expend, but with so many Elementals and the Clears scattered around, it’s not hugely dangerous to coexist. If you were born here, it’s just as likely that your parents were both Clears as it is that one parent was an Elemental. Clear\Elemental pairings almost always result in a Clear child. It’s also possible, though extremely rare, that both of your parents were Elementals.

If you’re from Naruta and were born before 1001, you grew up with the same lack of control as Firegem Clears. However, relations between Clears and Elementals on Naruta are somewhat strained. This is partly because in the former Clear nation of Lacuna, ensnaring Elementals to be slaves was an accepted practice. With so many Clears in one place and no free Elementals, escape was next to impossible. Not all Lacuna Clears kept slaves, but many did.

There was (and still is) a village in Ilyamen called Atyar, where Clears and Elementals have lived together in relative peace.

In 1000, the Clear Wars began when a group of Clears captured the Mind leader and began using him as a weapon to help them capture more Elementals. In the end (1001), Lacuna was destroyed with lava by the Fire leader, and the Clears fled and set up camp where Reave is today.

Because of your race’s actions, you are not allowed in Sensatia, the Mind nation. Ronduin’s Mother, who was also held by Clears for a time, will not knowingly tolerate a Clear’s presence in her land. The other lands are of varying tolerances. That said, Naruta’s Clears were granted a boon in 1001: the ability to suppress or activate their auras with a thought. So if you’re from Naruta, you travel without anyone knowing your race.

[Darastrix]

…Earth.

As an Earth, there are two paths you can follow—the path of Rock and Soil or the path of Plants. Chances are, you started displaying an affinity for one or the other at a young age, though some people with multiple signs use both. In such cases, a two-signed Earth following both paths can only do as much as a single sign.

Personality-wise, your race tends to be friendly and free-spirited, with a deep respect for all life. Like Beasts, you might prefer nature over other people, though unlike most Beasts, you may lean more toward the pacifistic end of the spectrum.

If you’re a Rock and Soil Earth, your talents lie in manipulating the earth itself. You probably feel more at home on the ground or in caves than you do in high buildings or on water. You might make a good miner, gemcutter, or sculptor (though all the Elemental talent in the world won’t make you artistic).

On the Rock and Soil path, you can:

• Manipulate earth on a small-medium scale. You can create a pillar of earth, change the shape of stone, and create bits of rock or soil. Two-signers can do the same on a larger scale, with greater range.
  
  
• Walk unhindered over natural terrain.
  
  
• See very well in the dark, particularly underground.
  
  
• Sense whether something unnatural is buried nearby. If you have two signs, you can also get a sense of the object’s shape, as well as detect if something you’re specifically searching for is buried nearby.
  
  
• Sense an earthquake well in advance.
  
  
• Ground self to lessen injury from a lightning strike if you have advance warning.
  
  
• If you were born on Contrasta in either Anarlina or Morilanta, you can create a temporary protective “skin” of stone over your body.

If you’re a Plant Earth, you have a special affinity for plant life. You probably feel more at home outdoors in warm, sunny climates in areas that have an abundance of plants, and you may feel somewhat lethargic or uncomfortable in very cold climates where most of the vegetation has died back. Your Elemental ability won’t be much use where there are no plants or where the land is too harsh for any to grow. You might make a good gardener or herbalist (though you’d still need to study to learn what a plant DOES).

On the Plant path, you can:

• Manipulate plants on a small-medium scale. You can make plants grow, shrink, or move around. Two-signers can do the same on a larger scale, with greater range.
  
  
• Walk unhindered through thick vegetation.
  
  
• Gain sustenance from direct sunlight; hunger pangs ease, but you do still need food. Two signers also have the ability to recover from injury twice as quickly as a non-Earth in sunlight.
  
  
• Feel the general health and condition of any plant. A two-signer knows exactly what a plant needs just by studying it.
  
  
• Help plants thrive and grow in inhospitable conditions. If you have two signs, you can make plants grow just about anywhere so long as there's some soil nutrients, water, and sun.
  
  
• ”Speak” with plants empathically. With two signs, you can speak with plants verbally and hear mostly intelligent, coherent answers empathatically.
  
  
• If you were born on Contrasta in either Anarlina or Morilanta, you can create a temporary protective “skin” of bark over your body.

Just keep in mind that you, like all other Elementals, will need to touch your sign(s) to activate these abilities, and chant/pray to the Elements to accomplish major or lengthy tasks.

It should also be noted that you would not be able to have children with an Ice. This is a barren pairing and cannot be "cured" by anything short of Force intervention. However, pairing with a Water is practically a guarantee of parenthood, as Earths and Waters are the fertile signs. The sole exception to this is in regards to Contrastan Ices. If you were to couple with an Ice from Contrasta (provided this coupling takes place after year 1001), you would then have the same chance to have a child as you would with most other Elementals.

Now that that’s settled, where are you from? You can go back and choose a “So you want to be from…” location, but here’s a quick list of common places for an Earth.

1. Mount Humontis – Main Earth population. Rock-types tend to live within the mountain, while the Fields of Flora boast the most Plant-types.
2. Beastlands – Humontis is located between two of the Beast territories, so there’s some mingling there.
3. Ilyamen – Mixed nation.
4. New Anarlina – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
5. New Morilanta – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
6. The Firegem Isles -- Mixed

[Darastrix]

…Fire.

As a Fire, you command and create flame and smoke, as well as having a good heat tolerance. You probably feel most at ease in hot, dry areas, though your Element allows you to warm yourself a bit in cold weather. You may also feel somewhat ill at ease on the water.

Personality-wise, you may have a tendency to be passionate, quick to rouse to anger or any other strong emotion, and may allow that passion to fuel your fire (pun not intended).

You have no paths or affinities, though, as with anything in life, you can choose to apply your talents more in one area, gaining greater skill in one aspect of your Element at the expense of another. You might apply your Element to a profession such as blacksmithing or glass-blowing, or you may use it purely as a weapon.

As a Fire, you can:

• Create small to medium amounts of fire, enough to start a campfire or hurl a small-medium fireball. Two-signers can do the same on a larger scale, with a longer range.
  
  
• Manipulate small to medium amounts of fire. You can make fire dance and change shape or cause flames to recede long enough for a person to pass through unharmed. Again, two-signers can do the same on a larger scale at greater range.
  
  
• Resist getting burned. You’re not immune, but your skin will take a few seconds longer to burn from a fire or great heat than that of another Elemental. With two signs, this resistance is increased, granting the ability to prevent a burn for around a minute, as well as giving some resistance from unnatural fire (fire created by another Fire-type).
  
  
• Create small-medium amounts of smoke, centered on yourself, enough to obscure one or two people. A double Fire can create enough smoke to conceal four to six people.
  
  
• Burn away illness. Also known as Bloodboil, this dragon Gift, granted in 1001, allows Fires from Contrasta and Naurorod to heat up their own blood enough to cure an illness. Firegem Fires do not have this ability.
  

Just keep in mind that you, like all other Elementals, will need to touch your sign(s) to activate these abilities, and chant/pray to the Elements to accomplish major or lengthy tasks.

It should also be noted that while some Elementals may touch their signs together in order to tap into one another’s power and work together, there are two Elements you cannot do this with: Ices and Waters. Touching a Fire sign to an Ice sign will cause the Ice to lose their power, possibly permanently if you’re much stronger than the Ice. Touching a Fire sign to a Water sign would be lethal for YOU. Whether the Water wishes it or not, your lungs will fill with water and you will drown.

Now that that’s all settled, where are you from? You can go back and choose a “So you want to be from…” location, but here’s a quick list of common places for a Fire.

1. Naurorod – Main Fire population, divided into several clans.
2. Ilyamen – Mixed nation.
3. New Anarlina – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
4. New Morilanta – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
5. The Firegem Isles -- Mixed

[Darastrix]

…Ice.

As an Ice, you have the ability to create and control ice and snow, as well as having a good cold resistance. You probably feel most at ease in colder climates, though your Element can help you cool off some in hot weather.

Personality-wise, you may be somewhat aloof and distant from those around you. This detachment may make socializing difficult, but it can give you an edge by allowing you to better focus in intense or dangerous situations.

You have no paths or affinities, though, as with anything in life, you can choose to apply your talents more in one area, gaining greater skill in one aspect of your Element at the expense of another. You may use it purely as a weapon, or you might use your Element in a more creative fashion—ice sculpting, perhaps, or helping to keep perishable goods fresh in transit.

As an Ice, you can:

• Create small to medium amounts of ice or snow, usually in the form of ice shards or flurries. Ice shards may be “shot” from the fingers. Two-signers can do the same on a larger scale, with a longer range.
  
  
• Manipulate or “sculpt” small to medium amounts of existing ice into different shapes. Double Ices can shape greater amounts of ice.
  
  
• Resist the cold longer than a non-Ice, as well as take longer to succumb to frostbite. A two-signed Ice, while still not immune to the cold, may last for days without proper protection and also have some degree of resistance from the Elemental attacks of their fellow Ices. Ices from Contrasta have an even greater resistance than this, with their single Ices bearing resistance similar to that of Naruta and Firegem's double Ices, and their double Ices having more resistance than Naruta and Firegem's doubles.
  
  
• Guide naturally falling snow in your immediate vicinity to accumulate where you wish.
  
  
• Walk on snow without breaking through and walk across ice without slipping.
  
  
• (With two signs) Cause a natural snowstorm to start in a localized area if the weather is cold enough.
  

Just keep in mind that you, like all other Elementals, will need to touch your sign(s) to activate these abilities, and chant/pray to the Elements to accomplish major or lengthy tasks.

Another thing about being an Ice: you cannot bear children with an Earth. This is a barren pairing and cannot be "cured" by anything short of Force intervention. The sole exception to this is in regards to Contrastan Ices. If you are Contrastan and were to couple with an Earth, you would then have the same chance to have a child as you would with any other Elemental.

It should also be noted that while some Elementals may touch their signs together in order to tap into one another’s power and work together, you cannot do so with a Fire. Touching a Fire sign to your Ice sign will cause you to lose your Elemental power, possibly permanently if the Fire is much stronger than you are.

Now that that’s all settled, where are you from? You can go back and choose a “So you want to be from…” location, but here’s a quick list of common places for an Ice.

1. Khelek Crystalands – Main Ice population
3. Ilyamen – Mixed nation.
4. New Anarlina – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
5. New Morilanta – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
6. The Firegem Isles -- Mixed.

[Darastrix]

…Mind.

As a Mind, you possess abilities that can’t easily be compared to any of the other Elements. Telepathy, teleportation, and telekinesis are just a few of the abilities you can use and master.

Personality-wise, you may be of a more scholastic bent than most other Elemental types, or you might have a more sympathetic nature due to your ability to sense what others are feeling.

There are several different areas of specialization open to you if you wish to pursue one, just know that focus in one area gives weakness in the others. Here, we’ll go over some of what a Mind who does not specialize can do. A single-signed Mind can do one of these tasks at a time, while a two-signed Mind is capable using two of these abilities at once. Remember, if you do specialize, you may not be able to do all of the things listed here.

As a Mind, you can:

• Read minds. With one sign, you can only read surface thoughts, that is, what the person is thinking about at that minute. With two signs, you can detect deeper thoughts and some memories.
  
  
• Teleport. With one sign, you can teleport yourself and one other person up to one neighboring land away. With two, you can teleport up to two neighboring lands away with up to three other people. You must be touching the people you’re teleporting with, though a two-signed Mind can teleport with one other person without touching as long as they’re within line of sight.
  
  
• Speak telepathically. You can carry on a mental conversation with up to two other people at once. A two-signer can speak to up to four other people at once.
  
  
• Form barriers. You can create an invisible barrier of force large enough to cover one person. A two-signer can extend such a barrier over up to three people at once.
  
  
• ”Psyblast.” You can lash out against another person’s mind in a painful mental attack. Different people have different names for this ability, so you can call it what you like.
  
  
• Move objects telekinetically. With one sign, you can move light to medium-weighted items. With two, you can move heavier items.

Here are some of the areas that you can specialize in, if you so choose.

• Telepathy/Mind Reading - Mind to mind speech. This also involves reading the thoughts of other people. Some telepaths may choose to focus more on one or the other, or they can opt to develop both skills equally.
  
  
• Telekinesis - Moving objects with one’s mind. Telekinetic power can also be used as a battering ram or to hold an object or person in place.
  
  
• Teleportation – Instantaneous travel from one place to another.
  
  
• Foresight - Trying to get glimpses of the future. The strain of doing so is immense and usually one can't control this ability well. However, for priests of Etaf the strain is decreased, though they are prone to receiving visions without seeking them.
  
  
• Clairvoyance - Like scrying, being able to see things from a distance.
  
  
• Empathy - The understanding, sensing, and manipulation of emotions. Note that knowing what someone is feeling does not impart to you the reason why they feel as they do.
  
  
• Memory – The reading, manipulation, creation, and erasure of memories.
  
  
• Dreams – The manipulation and creation of dreams.
  
  
• Sensory – The manipulation of the basic senses. A sensory specialist may opt to develop their skill with all of the senses, or they may narrow their focus even further to gain more skill with a specific sense.

Just keep in mind that you, like all other Elementals, will need to touch your sign(s) to activate these abilities, and chant/pray to the Elements to accomplish major or lengthy tasks.

Another thing about being a Mind: Up until year 1001, your race could not bear Mind children with other Elementals. If you were born a Mind before that year, both of your parents would have been Minds. After that point, the Minds of Contrasta and Naruta were granted the same chance to have a child of their element with anyone as any other mixed-sign pairing. The Minds of Firegem, however, are still unable to have Mind children unless their partner is also a Mind.

Now that that’s all settled, where are you from? You can go back and choose a “So you want to be from…” location, but here’s a quick list of common places for a Mind.

1. Sensatia – Main Mind population. Most Narutan Minds lived scattered in hidden communities prior to Sensatia’s founding in 1002. They were: Glaciamens (Khelek), Supernamens (Talen’sul), Procellamens (Maelstrom), Pyremens (Naurorod), Bestiamens (Beastlands), Solumens (Humontis), Flumens (Ronduin)
3. Ilyamen – Mixed nation.
4. New Anarlina – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
5. New Morilanta – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
6. The Firegem Isles -- Mixed.

[Darastrix]

…Storm.

As a Storm, you command and create lightning, as well as having some resistance to electrical attacks and lightning strikes. You probably feel most at ease in areas that are prone to lightning strikes, as this would mean may take less effort on your part to create lightning yourself.

Personality-wise, you may be short-tempered and quick to react with violence. You may also be snobbish and controlling. Your race is known to look down on those of other Elements, viewing them as inferior.

You have no paths or affinities, though, as with anything in life, you can choose to apply your talents more in one area, gaining greater skill in one aspect of your Element at the expense of another. Since electricity isn’t really a thing outside of its natural form, there’s not many ways you can apply your power to a profession, unless you’re a soldier or similar. A Storm’s ability is most often seen being wielded as a weapon.

As a Storm, you can:

• Create small to medium amounts of electricity, roughly the amount in two lightning bolts. Two-signers can do the same on a larger scale, with a longer range.
  
  
• Manipulate small to medium amounts of electricity. You can alter the path of a bolt (with advance warning, though it’s still tricky since that stuff is fast) or cause lightning to stop in an area for a small amount of time (prevent lightning from raining down on your head if you have to go outside during an electrical storm, for example). Again, two-signers can do the same on a larger scale at greater range.
  
  
• Resist getting electrocuted. You’re not immune, but you will suffer less pain from a strike and it will be less likely to be fatal than it would for a different Elemental. With two signs, this resistance is increased. Most strikes from natural lightning will not be fatal to you (though it still hurts!) as well as giving some resistance to electricity created by another Storm.
  
  
• Create a weak magnetic field, enough to possibly ‘deflect’ or attract metallic items (deflection, in practice, is basically attracting the metal to a different point than its original target). A double Storm can create a stronger such field that is longer lasting.
  
  
• Generate light. Storms can use their power to create a burst of light, and can control the brightness of it. Two-signers can actually sustain this light, assuming they’re either using themselves or an object as a conductor for the electricity while the light is being generated.
  
  
• The dragon Gift, granted in 1001, allows Storms from Anarlina and Maelstrom to spend time in meditation to summon a shocker lizard companion. They are intelligent, quick, and capable of giving off electrical sparks and acting as a lightning rod. Storms born in Morilanta and Ekaitz may gain a small winged serpent known as a Quazi Serpent that does the same thing. Firegem Storms do not have this ability.
  

Just keep in mind that you, like all other Elementals, will need to touch your sign(s) to activate these abilities, and chant/pray to the Elements to accomplish major or lengthy tasks.

It should also be noted that while some Elemetals may touch their signs together in order to tap into one another’s power and work together, there is an Element you cannot do this with: Waters. Touching a Storm sign to a Water sign could be lethal for the Water. Whether you wish it or not, the Water will be electrocuted, possibly fatally.

Now that that’s all settled, where are you from? You can go back and choose a “So you want to be from…” location, but here’s a quick list of common places for a Storm.

1. Maelstrom – Main Storm population, part of Kingdom Caellium.
2. Ilyamen – Mixed nation.
3. New Anarlina – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
4. New Morilanta – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
5. The Firegem Isles – Mixed nations.
6. Ekaitz – Settlement of Storms established in 1004 who broke away from Maelstrom to continue the practice of slavery. This land was later taken over by New Morilanta and given to the pirates of Fireteeth. During the demon incursion, it was sacked by a contingent of demons. If you choose to be from Ekaitz, keep the timeline in mind and feel free to hit up the mods with any questions. Also, be aware that in most places, claiming to be from Ekaitz will not gain you many friends.

[Darastrix]

…Water.

As a Water, you command and create the liquid form of water, as well as being able to hold your breath and walk in your element. You probably feel most at ease around large bodies of water or swimming in them.

Personality-wise, you may be laid-back and somewhat passive, preferring to go with the flow than fighting against the tide (okay, so that pun was intended ). You may also be nurturing and compassionate, as your Element is the one with the ability to heal.

You have no paths or affinities, though, as with anything in life, you can choose to apply your talents more in one area, gaining greater skill in one aspect of your Element at the expense of another. You may focus on creating healing water, and use that talent as a healer, or simply sell what you create to healers. You may be a sailor, fisherman, or ferryman, using your power to aid in maneuvering your boat.

As a Water, you can:

• Create small to medium amounts of water. Two-signers can do the same, and in larger quantities.
  
  
• Manipulate small to medium amounts of water. You can create or still waves, send water rushing at someone as an attack, temporarily part waters. Again, two-signers can do the same on a larger scale at greater range.
  
  
• Waterwalk. You can walk on the surface of the water, with up to one other person, up to a distance equal to that of the distance from Ronduin to the shore of the Great River (east-west). A double Water can waterwalk with up to three other people for a distance equal to that of the distance from Ronduin to the northern or southern shore of the Great River.
  
  
• Hold breath underwater for up to half an hour. A double Water can do this for twice as long.
  
  
• Create healing water. Waters can create a curative version of their water that can heal wounds almost instantly, depending on the severity of the injury and how powerful the Water is. Generally, a single-signed Water can cure up to two serious wounds, and a double-water can cure four.
  
  
• Have gills. The dragon Gift, granted in 1001, gave some Waters from Contrasta and Ronduin gills, which are located on the sides of their necks. These gilled Waters can breathe normally underwater, and when on land, their gills are tightly closed so they can breathe air as usual. Firegem Waters do not have this ability.
  

Just keep in mind that you, like all other Elementals, will need to touch your sign(s) to activate these abilities, and chant/pray to the Elements to accomplish major or lengthy tasks.

It should also be noted that while some Elemetals may touch their signs together in order to tap into one another’s power and work together, there are two Elements you cannot do this with: Storms and Fires. Touching a Water sign to a Fire sign could kill the Fire, causing their lungs to fill with water whether you wish it or not. Touching a Water sign to a Storm sign could be lethal for YOU. Whether the Storm wishes it or not, you will be electrocuted, possibly fatally.

In addition, you, along with Earths, are known as one of the fertile Elements. Coupling with an Earth is practically a guarantee of parenthood.

Now that that’s all settled, where are you from? You can go back and choose a “So you want to be from…” location, but here’s a quick list of common places for a Water.

1. Ronduin – Main Water population, located in the middle of the Great River.
2. Ilyamen – Mixed nation.
3. New Anarlina – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
4. New Morilanta – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
5. The Firegem Isles – Mixed nations.

[Darastrix]

…Wind.

As a Wind, you command the very air around you, using it to create wind gusts and tornados or having it raise you up to ‘fly.’ You probably feel most at ease in high, open places such as the mountains, while being underground may make you feel claustrophobic.

Personality-wise, you may be flighty and fun-loving. You may also be given to whims and wanderlust, wishing to follow the wind wherever it may take you.

You have no paths or affinities, though, as with anything in life, you can choose to apply your talents more in one area, gaining greater skill in one aspect of your Element at the expense of another. You might use your skill at windwalking to ferry people through (or over) difficult mountain passes as a guide. You could use your control of air currents to bring down winged game or to make your arrows’ aim truer. As a performer, your element could be used to make your voice reach the very back of the crowd.

As a Wind, you can:

• Create small to medium amounts of wind. You can create a soft breeze or a gust strong enough to knock someone down, or make a buffetting whirlwind barrier. Two-signers can do the same, and to greater effect. They can form winds strong enough to pin someone in place or make a localized and controlled tornado.
  
  
• Manipulate wind. You can change the direction of an existing wind and increase or decrease its strength slightly. Again, two-signers can do the same and more. They’re able to dominate any form of natural wind, except for the most severe, such as tornados and hurricanes.
  
  
• Manipulate sound. You can cause sounds to carry farther than normal or be muted and restricted to an area. With two signs, you can completely silence a person or amplify someone’s voice like a loudspeaker.
  
  
• Windwalk. You can walk on the wind for up to half a land away and can support up to one other person in this manner. A double Wind can support about three people for a longer distance. Adding more people decreases how far you can go at once.
  
  
• Boost your speed. A Wind can use the wind to ‘push’ themselves along as they run, increasing their speed somewhat. A double Wind can do the same for a greater boost and a longer amount of time.
  
  
• Weather sense. You have a vague sense of weather patterns, and know between thirty minutes to an hour in advance before the weather changes. Two-signed Winds can predict this up to two hours in advance, as well as the severity of the change.
  
  
• Have wings. The dragon Gift, granted in 1001, gave some Winds from Contrasta and Talen’sul wings, which are large and strong enough to support flight, even without use of their sign. Wings most often seem to match the person’s hair, though there remains a stereotype that Anarlinans have white wings and Morilantans have black. Firegem Winds do not have this ability.
  

Just keep in mind that you, like all other Elementals, will need to touch your sign(s) to activate these abilities, and chant/pray to the Elements to accomplish major or lengthy tasks.

Now that that’s all settled, where are you from? You can go back and choose a “So you want to be from…” location, but here’s a quick list of common places for a Wind.

1. Talen’sul – Main Wind population, part of Kingdom Caelium.
2. Ilyamen – Mixed nation.
3. New Anarlina – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
4. New Morilanta – Mixed nation. A native would have been born on the continent of Contrasta.
5. The Firegem Isles – Mixed nations.