Lightning Magic

One of the four Elemental Magics that spills forth from the Realm Tear in the South Western continent into Erina, altering the natural laws of the area it collects in. Lightning magic seems to act as the magic with the least vast natural range of the other Elemental magics, as it collects around the archipelago in the south-west, not far from its place of origin. Though, it has spread further due to the movements of its Elementals. Lightning magic appears as crackling electricity that is bright blue. As a volatile magic, and as one might expect from its name, Lightning magic is constantly looking to balance the charge, striking ground. The current and voltage of Lightning magic can differ depending on what state it is in, what is producing it, and how much control is exerted to prevent a massive amount from surging forward. This magic moves fast, and demands those affected by it to do so as well. They live fast, constantly looking towards the future, inventing new ideas, and flying far above the ground. As such, Lightning magic is considered to be the magic of the future, innovation and speed. The emotions that most would associate with its presence or influence are increased curiosity, focus, and joy.

Effects on the Physical World

Lightning magic starts its influence on the world by increasing the frequency and severity of storms. Even causing thundersnow to occur rather than just regular snow storms. Lightning strikes become increasingly common, and though it is a myth that lightning doesn't strike the same place twice, Lightning magic causes it to happen to a degree to change the mind of anyone still living with that incorrect perception. Alongside this comes an increase in humidity and temperature. In other universes where the Lightning Elementals may gather, this is the extent of the effects due to the ward. Without the ward in Erina, the next step includes extreme rainfall and flooding from storm surges on the coast. Though, where the coast often lies quickly changes, as water levels rise.

Areas effected by a large amount of Lightning magic quickly become tropical rainforests, or at the least seasonal forests in areas that still don't receive the same constant rainfall. Land is broken up by rivers, and in extreme cases land that once was a continent seems to split, so filled with constant flood water that the pieces of dry land left behind are better called islands. Hot, and barraged by constant storms, which never seem to dissipate.

Effects on living creatures

As Lightning magic changes the climate and terrain of the areas it effects, it also changes the creatures living there. The mutative effects are strong, and even as fast the place they are living in changes, they seemingly adapt. These generally range from being immune to being electrocuted (by conducting the electricity away from them), travelling magically fast, fur or hair that is hydrophobic, to being able to fly either through magical means or through the development of wings. Plants, specifically trees, are often mutated into 'natural' lightning rods, often having metal deposited within them so that the strikes flow through them to the ground rather than burning and destroying the tree. Other plants have adaptations for the storm surges and floodwaters, having pneumatophores (snorkle roots) to prevent their roots from suffocating under the water.

Lightning magic also effects the behaviour of the sentient organisms that it integrates in. This generally leads to creatures being excitable and hyper, constantly moving from place to place. Their energy can feel endless, but can be exhibited in several ways, from fighting to playing to flying. It can also make them unpredictable, as they move around constantly and often at a speed that makes them appear more of a streak of light than solid matter. Around Lightning magic influenced creatures, it becomes incredibly important to be quick on your feet and to think fast.

Aside from this physical quickness, species with a high amount of Lightning magic integrated within them are often significantly more intelligent than their unaffected ancestors. They have a habit of using strategy to get their prey, or to escape. And some are smart enough to make deals with Elementals, or demand something for safe passage.

Use by non-sapient creatures

As a volatile magic, Lightning magic is easily used by sentient species, especially considering that its integration can raise their intelligence. Many species use it to create lightning strikes, or electrocute their vulnerable prey. It can be used to fly, or can also act to prevent the user from being injured from falling, instead creating a lightning strike upon contact with the ground. Birds and other winged creatures create small storms with their wing beats, forcing weaker flying competitors from getting meals. Prey hide from their predators on clouds made solid. Lightning strikes, whether from the storms or the creatures, happen constantly. And so due wildfires when they strike none mutated plants that burn.

Use by Elementals and Ravagers

Both Lightning Elementals and Lightning Ravagers are species with extreme integration of Lightning magic, with the Lightning magic within them being considered 'the person', rather than any organic organ. Ravagers specifically contain corrupted Lightning magic, which has been permanently changed by the effects of Devastation Syndrome. Through this process of corruption, the original victim is destroyed and replaced by the altered magic that takes control after the completion of the disease.

For Elementals, Lightning magic can be used both for destruction and creation. Either using its stored form to power inventions and devices, to creating devastating lightning strikes. Unlike stable forms of magic, Lightning magic easily jumps forth at the chance to move and be released, finding its way to strike the ground. A practised mind can use it for all sorts of reasons, from mastering flying to creating light shows with just their mind. Through it, Lightning Elementals have a natural sense for the movement of electricity, easily creating circuits. In combat, Lightnings often use it to move at supernatural speed, and flying through the air before using it to create the force beneath their feet to land a strike against their enemies.

Lightning Elementals can also use their magic to influence others, creating a sense of curiosity and increasing intelligence. This also tends to make people hyper, and incredibly focused, and can lead to someone working themselves to death.

Compared to Lightning Elementals, Ravagers struggle to create, and the corrupted form of Lightning magic is best used to destroy. The magic is dark blue, and appears to consume the surrounding light rather than producing any. In a Ravagers hand, it is used to create deadly storms and destroy. The only future that Lightning Ravagers dream of is one filled with death, and they pursue it with as much reverent determination as the Lightning Elementals do.

Phase and Areas of Strength

Like all Elemental magics, Lightning magic has phases of strength throughout the year, as well as conditions that increase its strength. It is the strongest during the Spring months, peaking at the equinox and then retaining this strength until the end of the season. As Spring comes to an end, its strength begins to decline, reaching its lowest point at the Autumn equinox, and remaining low for this season. This weak period causes the 'dry' season, which generally features dry thunderstorms. Though these storms are less destructive than they are the rest of the year.

Areas that are in moments of transition, filled with a sense of innovation or curiosity, or high up from the ground strengthen Lightning magic. It often means that research labs, libraries, or even playing games of wits or other kinds, all have the ability to strengthen it. This goes in hand with strengthen the increase to intelligence, which often means a group of hyper-focused Lightning Elementals can get a lot done if they start in the right conditions. There is rarely calmness is these areas, which is one of the reasons, as well as the focus on the future, that Lightning magic is strong against Earth magic. However, Lightning magic is weak to Ice magic, as the effects of stagnation and cold weaken it.