Water Elementalism

Water elementalism is the form of Elementalism native to the Mariel due to their spiritual bond with the elemental water spirit Undine. This ability allows for the manipulation of water in and out of their aquatic environment.

The ability to manipulate water comes naturally to the Mariel and all individuals are capable of it, to varying degrees. True mastery requires devotion and practice, including meditative practices that allow Mariel to commune with the Undine spirit bound to their souls. Half-Mariel born to a Mariel mother inherit their ability from her, though their potential may be limited if mixed with human blood or an opposing element (Air or Fire).

Basic skills for Mariel include the manipulation of currents to push, pull, and improve their movement in the water. During their brief period on land, Mariel are still able to use their elementalism even though the environment is different from the one they are accustomed too. However, Mariel who do not return to the ocean when their five-year journey comes to an end are punished by Maris by losing their Undine spirit and ability for water elementalism.

The control of water extends to all liquids that contain water. Salt water and fresh water function the same for Mariel magic. Oils cannot be directly manipulated, but they can be carried by water. On land, journeying Mariel often discover that they can draw water from their environment. Pulling moisture from the air and from surfaces is a skill that most learn during this period. With further practice, they can learn to draw moisture from within living things, which is a dangerous skill and perhaps a good reason for Maris to strip land-bound Mariel of their Undine.

Along this troubling line, master water elementalists can control bodies with deft manipulation of the water within them. This skill is typically only used by Priests of Maris in self-defense or during war, though other master water elementalists can defend against the control. Most Mariel view this control as abhorrent and some orders of priests hide the knowledge of this potential.

Much like the Zaedyn, Mariel have martial techniques that employ the element that surrounds them in combat. Control of water currents and pressure can push or impede opponents, strengthen weapon strikes, control the trajectory and momentum of projectiles, and other techniques. However, the Mariel rarely see any combat except for occasional conflicts with each other, so their opponents possess the same talents and neither truly have an advantage.

As Mariel rarely fight each other, this is usually turned toward aggressive wildlife, or surface threats from sailors. During the War of the Gods, Mariel used their power to sink enemy ships, cause tsunamis and affect local weather by bringing cold or warm currents to regions that would spawn storms. Creating tsunamis and affecting weather changes are tasks that require many Mariel working in concert.

Water elementalism can also be used to heal Mariel, but this healing ability does not help other creatures.