Earth Magic

### *"Earth students are often quick-witted, book-smart individuals that are typically better with animals than with humans. Students of this element often find solace in being alone in the woods, sometimes bringing along a trusted animal or a close friend."*

The Earth element is one of the four elemental magics students may have an affinity for at Alentia's Sanctuary. The class is split into two pathways, Mountaintamers and Lifespeakers. Earth students are often intelligent and solitary, but known for being good public speakers and good with animals.

## Mountaintamers

These types of students are typically more outspoken than their counterparts, but no less intelligent. They're quick with a snappy comeback or answer to a riddle, and would typically rather solve a jigsaw puzzle or an escape room than read a book. This doesn't mean they're exceptionally extroverted, of course. Things are often quite the opposite! Mountaintamers like to head out on hikes and little adventures with a small group of close friends or by themselves (sometimes with an animal companion), to experience all that nature has to offer them without interruption.

### Abilities

As the more combat-based side of the Earth element, this branch of mages is adept at moving rocks, boulders, and dirt, and bending them to their will. They are very skilled at picking up boulders and small rocks to hurl them at their enemies, or raining dirt and sand at them to make things just a little more inconvenient.

Earthquakes are commonly felt around Mountaintamers when emotions are high, and the odd dust tornado or sandstorm isn't uncommon either.

Due to their ability to read the ground around them for signs of movement or life, these mages usually make great trackers, and are devastating seekers in Hide and Seek. Caving is a popular activity among Mountaintamers, especially those who are strong enough to manipulate underground caves and tunnels at will (this is usually attainable sometime around year seven or eight).

## Lifespeakers

These mages are typically much quieter than others, though they're just as smart. Many prefer to spend their days alone with a trusted friend (usually an animal) and a good book or a couple sudoku puzzles. They are often textbook cases of introverts, keeping to themselves quite a bit and only really opening up to the people they're really close to.

Lifespeakers are often much happier and feel more true to their personality by themselves, and many move on to work with animals in fields that don't require too much time with other people.

This doesn't mean that they're always antisocial, of course. Most Lifespeakers enjoy hanging out with their peers and other like-minded individuals at the odd party or after-class get-togethers, and have been known to be quite the partiers.

### Abilities

Students that choose this branch have a special talent for communing with animals, and they're able to understand them as easily as if they were speaking English, whereas other Earth students might only be able to comprehend body language without constant practice. These mages are also good with plants, their high emotions often affecting the growth speed of nearby vines, vegetables, flowers, and almost anything else.

These mages also excel in healing and herb work. They are able to heal others by touching them, though it is often very draining, and can find healing herbs and supplies with ease.

## Inclined Species

Some species tend to be drawn more to an element than others. Species involved most with Earth include:

* Elves
* Fairies
* Dryads
* Centaurs
* Bestias
* Satyrs

Many of these species have a closer connection with nature than others, and will often be inclined to Earth magic, particularly as Lifespeakers.