I was Unofficially asking the question of the designers. What is the rationale behind the need for the element on those spells? Was it intended to be more widespread? Was it just to add a bit of a restriction on everyone casting earth, fire and water spells? I'm actually curious.

John

Another question might be how specific races can be sources of elements for their own spells, but not others. Why can't someone nearby use a Kelekene Elorii as a source of fire? Is he or isn't he semi-elemental? It seems odd (not crazy, but odd) that only they can access themselves as a source. Can an elemental deny you using it as a source? Can an elorii allow himself to be used as an elemental source by another individual?

It doesn't seem quite as odd for the appropriate Val, since they aren't as "elemental-like" as Elorii, but it stands for them too.

I strongly imagine it has to do with consenting. Those beings, though being elemental-like, are empowering the spells with a small portion of their (elemental) essence. Using them as a source would be like taking a part of them akin to "blood" (though not exactly). They can access it themselves because they know how to do so without harming themselves. Having someone else do it is ripping it from them (should be an attack on them rather than treat them as a source).

Just my two cents ...

Ask me at Origins one night.

*Looks at Kickstarter*

"$22,000 -Sorcerous Pacts PDF

This PDF will give further information on the mysterious elorii as one of their own go on a quest throughout the Mortal Realms attempting to contact their slain gods. Along the way, he meets powerful beings and makes powerful Pacts with them that even today, those who wield elder Sorcery can call upon."

Nope....no Volcano spells. *whistles innocently*

I've got a mental image of people taking elorii captive and slashing their throats to use the blood for spellcasting in battle, now.

. . .

::Runs to computer to write a new mod::

WineDrinkers already do this...

Maybe. Or maybe they retain a connection, however tenuous, to the elemental realms and are able to manipulate and access that connection as part of their elder arts?

Regardless there are lots and lots (and lots and lots...) of examples of sacrificing people for power in the world of Arcanis going all the way back to the Human Gods consuming the elorii's 4 Elemental Lords in order to work the imprisonment of the Other whom the elorii call Umor.

What came to mind was something more bloody and gruesome akin to L5R's Bloodspeakers and Maho users using others blood to empower their spells.

I need to take that as a sign to stop thinking like some of the PCI members