For an extensive explanation of Riigan magic, see On Magic

Elemental Spirits and Magic

Within Riiga exist elements that make up the world as a whole. Things are created using elements and things are destroyed using elements. This is the cycle of existence. Most elements have an elemental spirit, that is to say that there is a being (usually a Hireos or Odanon) that excels at the usage of an element, and thus are a sort of vessel. As an example, Buroba is a wind spirit, and he can wield wind as a second nature, but that is not to say that it exists because of him. He has an affinity to it, and for those extremely knowledgeable on Riiga, he is the representative for the element. Likewise, just because one's house burns down, doesn't mean to say it is the fault of She, or if the weather is oddly cold, doesn't mean to say it is the fault of Iusdiho.

Casting Magic

Using magic spells in Riiga is a lot like wielding an invisible weapon, in the sense that the gestures one makes and the attitude one holds greatly affects the effectiveness of the spell. A forward thrust of an open palm is the basic move for any projectile-type spell. Holding up crossed arms over one's chest is usually for a defensive or self-enhancing spell. A gentle touch of joined fingers is normally a healing spell. Clasping the fingers around an invisible sphere or similar is the common way of strengthening or enlarging the projectile, though none of these gestures are not completely adamant. As long as the movement is related to the purpose of the spell in regards to direction, strength, movement, and control, the spell will work. Though it is not required, voice can often enhance a spell, but it depends what is spoken. Again, it is similar to using a weapon. Some warriors kind that vocal activity can help them focus their efforts, and speaking some kind of curse against their enemy or encouragement upon themselves can also affect their state of mind. In this manner, such activity can affect a spell. The greatest way to enhance a spell is to speak either a wish of blessing or cursing (depending on the nature of the spell) in the native tongue of the respective elemental spirit. Though such curses or blessings in common tongue -- or any other language for that matter -- are nowhere near as effective, they still have some impact on how powerful the spell is.

However, though anybody has the ability to learn to use magic, this does not mean everyone can use it. Casting magic requires direct training under a superior mage of one kind or another. As a young mage, a student is first taught the essence of magic. A teacher will explain to his or her student what the particular element is for, how it contributes to the cycle of nature, and usually give some history on the element's connected spirit. Once the student has come to terms with the purpose of magic, only then can they begin to learn the gestures required. Because the movement so greatly affects how the spell works -- again this could be referred back to wielding a weapon -- the teacher stresses that the student takes great care in his or her movements. Even an aggressive open-hand thrust could launch a small ball of fire or anything else from an experienced mage. Once the student knows how to cast the magic and why one would actually want to use magic, they are taught to channel the element from its source, link the channel with their own soul, and project the element from its source, through their own spirit, and out of wherever they choose to eject it from.

The source of the magic is usually apparent in all parts of the world -- thunder lies in every sky, waiting to be formed and to strike -- earth is constantly beneath us -- fire comes from the sun -- water always hangs in the atmosphere, as does air -- and so on and so forth. All elemental energy flows in the direction that nature wishes it (Sage Carson had a theory that there is actually a being or similar that directs this magical energy, but it is dismissed as insane ramblings). A mage must find one of these channels by feeling its movement and then reach out for it with their own soul. The closer they are to the element's spirit or the spirit itself, the greater the chance of a link being established. Unless a spirit greatly dislikes the mage, it is extremely rare for a mage to be declined a link to a channel. Finally, once all this has been done, the mage indicates where he or she wishes the energy to go, and in what form, and the spell is attempted. Success depends on the physical and mental state of the mage, the strength of the link between the mage and the element/spirit, and the quantity of the element present. If a spell fails, nothing will happen.

All of this was discovered by Sage Carson, as he is the founder of mortal magic -- that is, the technique that mortals use to cast magic.

Consequences of using Magic

Casting magic is an exhaustive activity because the energy must first move through the body of the caster, and the weaker the caster, the faster they will lose energy. A mage with no energy is useless for magic. And because the soul is so tightly connected with all aspects of the person, all aspects suffer consequently. Repeatedly casting fireballs will make the caster feel very hot, and heatstroke is a possibility. Similarly, repeatedly casting ice can had just as dangerous effects on the caster. Though mostly considered a guess, some people predict that constantly casting shadow magic makes the user feel alone and generally bad. This is based on the fact that a light mage is often in a good mood. Casting healing spells focuses positive energies through the body.

As well as this, if the caster uses the spell in such a way that the spirit -- if present -- does not approve of, the consequences could be fatal. As an example, it is unbelievably unwise to assault a Keid with wind magic, as their leader is Buroba, who is the wind spirit. In this example, Buroba would sense the elemental activity among his own people and take action upon the caster. As such, users of certain elements either have some kind of connection with the elemental spirit concerned, or they simply take no offensive action against anyone innocent with their magic.

Fire	She
Water	None
Wind	Buroba
Earth	He
Thunder	Kagrouj
Ice	Iusdiho
Organic	None
Shadow	Yasrantia
Light	Rak

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The common elements...

Fire

Fire is the most primitive and savage of the elements. It burns and scolds but requires some kind of fuel to last. Fire magic is very offensive, as it rarely makes a sturdy barrier against oncoming elemental attacks. Fire mages are commonly found on Tekrikri.
Basic fire magic: Small projectile fireballs, lighting fires/candles/lanterns, illuminating areas,
Moderate fire magic: Large projectile fireballs, fire resistance
Advanced fire magic: Combustion, lava summoning, flaming weapon,
Rumoured fire magic: Volcano summon,

Water

Water magic is quite extreme. It can range from smooth and calm to raging and unyielding. Again, it is offensive, as it is a liquid and thus non-solid form. Water mages are usually quite controlled people and enjoy jewels and intricate items. They can mainly be found in places like Alacas.
Basic water magic: Moistening objects, drying objects, purify water,
Moderate water magic: Drawing water from underground/air, water projectiles,
Advanced water magic: Tidal manipulation, restraint using water, rain summon,
Rumoured water magic: Tidal wave summon,

Wind

Wind magic, though seeming soft, can be quite harsh and sharp. As wind cannot be seen, the only tell-tale signs of disruption is noise and objects caught in it. The best wind-wielders live in Jindiara. They use it to manipulate the flight of arrows fired from special bows.
Basic wind magic: Summoning breeze,
Moderate wind magic: Levitation, razor winds,
Advanced wind magic: Air current manipulation, tornado summon,
Rumoured wind magic: Flight, hurricane summon,

Earth

Earth magic is strong and reliable, as it uses sand and rocks and things of the planet's crust. As it is so sturdy, it is often used in defensive situation. Walls and shields of stone make good obstacles. Earth mages are commonly found on Tekrikri.
Basic earth magic: Stone projectiles,
Moderate earth magic: Stone shield/wall, large stone projectiles,
Advanced earth magic: Gravity manipulation, stone weapon, petrify,
Rumoured earth magic: Earthquake summon,

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And the more rare elements...

Thunder

Thunder magic is a combination of wind and fire -- explosive and rapid. Often, a thunder mage strikes using lightning, and is hence very dangerous in that one doesn't get much response time. There are no specific areas where beings who practice thunder magic may be found.
Basic thunder magic: Small shock,
Moderate thunder magic: Electrocute, paralyse,
Advanced thunder magic: Lightning weapon, storm summon, lightning strike,
Rumoured thunder magic: Vaporise, freak storm summon,

Ice

Ice magic is much like a mix of earth and water, therefore strong yet changing. Very few practice ice magic, as very few can withstand its lethal tendencies. One only finds out one's intolerance for cold when it's too late.
Basic ice magic: Icicle projectile,
Moderate ice magic: Freeze, mist summon,
Advanced ice magic: Deep freeze, snow summon, ice weapon,
Rumoured ice magic: Blizzard summon,

Organic

Organic magic uses living things of nature, such as plants or animals, and so is shunned by the more negative sort of beings. The only drawback to organic magic is that animals and plants don't always do what the caster commands, as they still retain their wills and instincts. There are no specific areas where mages practice organic magic.
Basic organic magic: Poison, remedy, growth, small animal summon,
Moderate organic magic: Large animal summon, disease,
Advanced organic magic: Plague, wither, plant weapon,
Rumoured organic magic: Living being command,

Adumbra

Adumbra magic isn't an element so much, but it is a form of magic. To read about it, see Adumbra.

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And the two that -- so it is said -- only the gods and strongest deities may wield...

Shadow/Psychic

Shadow magic is destructive and malicious. It involves playing with spirits to a greater extent than Adumbra magic does. It also falls under the category of psychic powers.
Basic shadow magic: Mind poison, shadow growth,
Moderate shadow magic: Dark projectile, instill fear, telepathy,
Advanced shadow magic: Shadow weapon, animate bodies, curse,
Rumoured shadow magic: Resist death, death,

Light

Light magic, though rare, is practiced by many priests and priestesses alike at a very basic level. The higher levels are said to be unattainable to all mortals and most of those above the mortal line.
Basic light magic: Heal minor, wakefulness,
Moderate light magic: Light projectile, banish shadows, laser
Advanced light magic: Light weapon, remove curse,
Rumoured light magic: Resist death, resurrection,