Elementalist

An elementalist uses their will and a scientific understanding of the world around them to manipulate the forces of nature. They gather, bend, and shape raw elemental energy like a carpenter shaping wood. All sentient creatures have the ability to influence elemental energies, but most don't have the control, strength, and understanding required to bring about a noticeable effect.

Elementalist training requires intensive study or an innate knack. It requires that the practitioner have a deep understanding of many complex equations and ways of looking at the world. Although there are common threads that run through all areas of study, each element uses different equations and models. Understanding the mysteries of opposed elements to a useable extent in both is beyond the grasp of most mortals. That is not to say that all the elements are radically dissimilar from one another. With dedication, it is not uncommon for an elementalist to learn to use two similar elements with proficiency. Some elementalists choose to learn more, but their skill suffers greatly.

There are 18 elemental spheres each containing 5 circles of power. Each sphere has it's own strengths and weaknesses and it's own spell like abilities. Each sphere also has a list of exit spheres and access spheres which determine what other spheres the character can eventually learn.

(Exit vs. Access : Exit allows the elementalist to one day learn from it's exit and access lists. Access does not. Elementalist exit spheres are elementalist spheres. Elementalist access spheres are minister spheres, and they must also meet any restrictions on the minister sphere. Ministers have access to elementalist spheres, but they don't have exit spheres because their selection restrictions are based on alignment, species, etc.)