Earth

This article is about the element. For the planet, see Earth (world).

One the Four Prime Elements or Principles, Earth represents stability and solid matter both living and inanimate. Its Power is tremendous but static, requiring much strength to draw from.

Elemental Plane of Earth

According to Nordling mages and clergy of the Immortal Ones, the Elemental Plane of Earth, also called the Dimension of Earth or the earth Plane,^[3] is a strange universe^[4] that consists entirely of the Earth Principle.^[5] Despite the Plane itself having been out of the reach of natives of the Material Plane^[3] since the time of Conjunction,^[4] its energy still permeates the material world through ley lines.^[6] The elemental Earth manifests most strongly where these ley lines meet, at intersections which, in the material world, can be found along the fault lines or in the depths of natural sinkholes and caverns.^{[7][N 1]}

The Dimension is inhabited by a variety of earth elementa,^[5] the most powerful of which being d'ao, the genies of Earth. When summoned to the material reality, d'ao act as living reservoirs of Earth magical energy capable of causing earthquakes or even moving mountains.^[3] Less powerful, but still much more intelligent than typical Earth Elementals that are most often summoned by mages or appear near Earth intersections spontaneously,^[6] are the neufrae, sometimes found roaming the material plane either in their natural form or under an illusion spell:^[8]

Earth magic

	Earth—Though this element is almost universally accessible, earth is not an efficient transmitter of energy. Drawing from it requires a large expenditure of labor, mainly on account of the static nature of the Power held within. Most sorcerers find the effort required to be disproportionate to the gains realized. It cannot be denied, however, that those who have mastered this art have exceptional means at their command, for the Power hidden within earth is tremendous.
- pg. 84, The World of the Witcher

Drawing from Earth requires strength and effort, making it a tough task for inexperienced magic users, but giving back mighty Power to those who have mastered it.^[9][10][11] The Earth Principle is best used for transformational magic of various kinds: influencing plants and animals, healing, polymorphism, changing properties of matter, magnetizing metals, or even moving through solid obstacles as if incorporeal.^{[7][6][11][12]}

In case of drawing to much Power from Earth or overexerting oneself while casting an Earth spell, the caster might get immobilized as the ground trembles around them.^[7] A mage attempting to move through solid object might fumble and change into said object themself.^[12]

Invocations and spells

For the full list of Earth-based abilities, see Category:Earth magic.

The manipulation of Earth in general is called geokinesis,^[6] whereas communing with the Element in order to reveal people's whereabouts is referred to as geomancy.^[13]

The common witcher Sign Quen is usually associated with the element of Earth.^{[14][13][7][11]}

Gallery

Earth magic avatar in Gwent

Earth magic border in Gwent

Earthen Maw

Polymorphy

Lylianna using Earth magic

Footnotes

References