The Simple Arts

The Simple Arts is the common term used for the most simple Spells wrought when manipulating the magical energy of the Field. They are the first magic Field users tend to learn, though despite their name, it often takes years to master them fully.

Use of the Simple Arts is quite common throughout Elderkin society, particularly in the lands of the Elves and Cyclopes. Their effects tend to be minor and mostly harmless manipulations of nature, though in areas where the Leylines are particularly strong, even the Simple Arts can be deadly.

Learning the Simple Arts is the first step of the ladder of Spellcraft, and though each nation and society across Tyrrell can differ massively in that regard, they all often start with a variation of the Simple Arts.

Conscious Attunement

The first step of learning the Simple Arts is performing a Conscious Attunement; where the trainee willingly opens themselves up to the Field and allows it to flow through them freely. This is made easy for the Elderkin, who share a biological link with the Field and unconsciously attune to it when its presence is strong.

Once a Conscious Attunement is made, the trainee gains a number of intrinsic benefits. In the case of the Elderkin, these benefits are doubled from their natural attunement. The trainee is then tested until they can maintain this focus for an extended period; usually a minute or more. Even for Elderkin, this state of focus takes time to develop.

After a trainee proves themselves capable of reliable Conscious Attunement, they move on to the art of focus.

Focused Intent and Will

There are many manifestations of the Simple Arts, especially across the nations. However, all involve a user attuned to the Field bending nature around them through strong willpower and a clear mental intent of the final result.

The exact mindsets to achieve this vary from teacher to teacher, but a strong focus is needed no matter the method. A weak or distracted mind and body (and soul, for some cultures) is not capable of bending the will of nature, the Leylines or the Field. Instead, they will exhaust themselves from the effort, achieving little.

Words and Weaving

Once a trainee is capable of prolonged Conscious Attunement, maintaining a clear mental image and can sense the Field's strength, they are taught the necessary words or weaving motions in order to command or shape the Field directly. 

When mastered, the Simple Arts can be performed through thought and willpower alone, but doing so takes decades of training and focused study.

• Breeze: The user twists their hands in a circular motion before pushing forward and saying "Breeze" in their native tongue. This generates a soft rush of wind from between their hands, blowing in the direction they are facing.

• Cool: The user locks their hands together, lowers their elbows and says "Cool" in their native tongue, before touching an object. The object will then slowly decrease in temperature.

• Spark: The user rubs their thumb and middle finger together briefly before snapping them and saying "Spark" in their native tongue. This generates a small burst of flame, which can be maintained in the palm of the hand or hovering over a fingertip.

• Warm: The user locks their hands together, raises their elbows and says "Warm" in their native tongue, before touching an object. The object will then slowly increase in temperature.