Shal ak Esri - Mentors of Elements

Homo Elaqitanii are born with magical genes, but to activate them and channel their powers, they must complete an apprenticeship consisting of three phases – the Eleh-Sekh-Anuri . They are accompanied by Shal ak Esri, who act as movement mentors during the various phases.

Sources on the origins of the Eleh-Sekh-anuri are rather scarce. The first basic documentation of the three phases known today was recorded by Yahad Ishbi, a physician from Amtaru in the 13th century BCE. His book "The Phases of the Eleh-Sekh-anuri," published in 1268 BCE, is considered a standard work on which many later documents were based.   Another important book is by Kishari Hadiz of 1,073 BEC entitled "Magical Vibrations," which explains the first 150 or so fundamental movements. Kishari Hadiz is often called the first Shal ak Esri of the Eleh-Sekh-anuri, as she laid the foundation for the first movement courses, which are considered the pillar of elementary balance of the 1st phase.   Subsequent mentors expanded the Kishari steps and refined the procedures and rules for learning all three phases. Corresponding schools and training facilities emerged, which can now be found in every city. Since the 7th century BCE, the Shal ak Esri have been an important pillar of the magically gifted society of Idaka, and their profession is one of the highest-paying professions on the continent.

The Shal ak Esri course is open to all genders and is equally distributed among the Homo Elaqitanii population. All Homo Elaqitanii can learn the profession, as after completing their three phases of magical training, they already master at least one element and the approximately 1,500 essential basic and elementary steps and movements.

However, mentors are expected to know and be able to teach all of the approximately 3,000 moves. There is a significant difference between this and mastering them. Many mentors only know the moves, but they don't master them, as this is genetically determined by their magical inheritance. The few who master multiple elements are descended from royal families and high nobles and primarily teach only their descendants.

The minimum age for training is 18. By then, students have completed puberty and their own magical training. Students have also already gained initial experience in harnessing and channeling their element. There are no entry restrictions, but since the program requires a high degree of concentration for the additional movement sequences and the pedagogical and spiritual components of the training, as well as strong willpower, only about 50% of graduates complete the course.   The training lasts four years, including extensive training in the other basic movements. Starting in the second year, additional hours are required for the pedagogical and spiritual components of the program. After the four years, graduates must teach for three more years in a movement institution before they can take their Shal ak Esri exam.

Mentors work as employees, freelancers, or in specially established movement facilities. These facilities offer spacious rooms and quiet, shady outdoor areas for movement training, as well as specially equipped rooms that meet the requirements of Phase 3 training (fireproof, waterproof, etc.). The facilities are regularly inspected and receive a certificate certifying that they are permitted to teach the Eleh-Sekh-anuri.   Most mentors work with between two and five children. A strong bond of trust develops between a student and their mentor during the magical apprenticeship, which is attested to by an elemental blessing at the beginning of a child's magical apprenticeship. Of course, dislike for a mentor can arise even after the blessing, but this would not be conducive to successful development of the three phases of Eleh-Sekh-anuri and is frowned upon. Only if the relationship of trust is severely damaged will the relationship be dissolved and continued with another mentor. However, these apprenticeships are less successful than if the apprenticeship is completed with the first blessed mentor for the entire three phases.   The profession can generally be practiced well into old age. Mentors are physically and mentally very fit due to the daily routine of movement and teaching. At the same time, the harmony of their inner balance seems to favor a longer life expectancy than that of the average Homo Elaqitanii.