Element
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
The Elements are forces, as well as the building blocks of most matter in the Mortal Realm. The five types of elements are Air, Earth, Fire, Void and Water. Elemental spirits, or kami (not to be confused with the Kami who founded Rokugan) are present in nearly anything or being. These may be found in combination with other kami. For example, a stone may be composed of only the Earth element, while a cloud might have both Air and Water in its makeup.
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[edit] The five Elements
[edit] Air
As it relates to spell effects, Air is used to affect air and wind, sleep, illusions, detection of hidden things, detection of thoughts and feelings, reflexes, and awareness.[1] Also, whereas most spells that require the shugenja's concentration usually require complete or nearly complete focus, Air spells tend to require only a casual level of focus.[2] Asahina Shugenja, Soshi Shugenja and Yogo Shugenja focus mainly on Air.
[edit] Earth
As it relates to spell effects, Earth is used to affect earth and the land in general, minerals, metals, protection and warding, stamina, and willpower.[1] Kuni Shugenja and Tamori Shugenja focus mainly on Earth.
[edit] Fire
As it relates to spell effects, Fire is used to affect fire, light, lightning, flight, agility, and intelligence.[1] Currently, Agasha Shugenja and Moshi Shugenja focus mainly on Fire, though both schools formerly had different foci.
[edit] Void
Void is unlike all the other elements. Void is all and nothing. Only the Isawa family has a school that teaches Void magic, the Isawa Ishiken.
[edit] Water
As it relates to spell effects, Water affects water, rain, bodies of water, healing, detection of objects, scrying, stength, and perception.[1] Iuchi Shugenja, Kitsu Shugenja, and Yoritomo Shugenja focus mainly on Water.
[edit] Thunder
Not exactly an element in itself, Thunder is however considered an element of heroes and power. It even has a Dragon, the Dragon of Thunder who has an Oracle, much in the same way as the Five Elements.
[edit] Other Substances
The following substances, while not elements themselves merit attention due to their unique properties.
- Jade, formed from Amaterasu's tears, represents purity and provides protection from the Taint. It is poisonous to the Shadowlands and because it exists in Jigoku as well, Ningen-do jade is able to harm Oni.
- Obsidian, formed from Onnotangu's blood, represents corruption. Wounds given by obsidian weapons usually taint their victims.
- Crystal is an uncorruptable substance that is present in all realms. While able to wound Oni, crystal does not protect against the Taint. The Ashalan are able to form Crysteel from sand, an impossibly light and strong material and use it to make weapons. Crystal weapons are the only ones that the minions of the Lying Darkness are vulnerable to.
- Pearl is sacred to the mysterious Naga. All of their power seems to come from them. Pearls are not widely understood by humans, however.
[edit] References
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