The Nine Elements

In the world of Asterum, magical energy permeates all things both organic and inorganic. This magical energy can be distinguished into 9 main elements, being Light, Fire, Air, Nature, Stone, Shadow, Ice, Water, and Thunder. All nine elements are present in all three realms, but each has three Major elements that hold more sway in that particular realm.
Each creature on the planet has its own unique magical affinity, many of which have been influenced by their environments over generations. Those with a strong affinity towards an element are shaped by it, and can shape it in turn, using its energy to cast spells of various kinds. Each element lends itself to certain types of spells due to its unique nature, but no element is more capable of good or evil than the others.

Light

Light is one of the Major elements of Astra, manifesting through the eternal starlight that shines upon the realm. Light represents devotion, rejection, or sacrifice. A bright object is one that reflects all light and takes none for itself.
In spellcasting, light lends itself to effects such as blinding, banishment, spell-reflections, and self-sacrifice spells.
In creatures, the element of light can manifest in ways such as an ethereal glow, an excess of eyes, or a compulsion to give oneself for others.

Fire is one of the Major elements of Umbra, manifesting through the molten magma that churns throughout the realm. Fire represents spirit, destruction, and new beginnings. A fire burns hot and pure, wiping clean the slate for new life.
In spellcasting, fire lends itself to effects such as emotion-enhancing, purification, and dispelling.
In creatures, the element of fire can manifest in ways such as smoldering skin, smokey breath, or an insatiable personality.

Air is one of the Major elements of Astra, manifesting through the powerful winds that permeate the realm and keep it aloft. Air represents freedom, noncommitment, and lack of focus. Wind freely flows in any and all directions, never lingering and never knowing where it shall go next.
In spellcasting, Air lends itself to effects such as acceleration, confusion, and bind-breaking spells.
In creatures, the element of Air can manifest in ways such as feathered wings, lithe aerodynamic bodies, or an urge to always keep moving.

Nature is one of the Major elements of Terra, manifesting through the vast jungles and plantlife that cover the realm. Nature represents growth, unpredictability, and determination. Nature spreads with abundance and without limitations, even through the cracks of pavement.
In spellcasting, nature lends itself to effects such as (physical) growth, poisons, guard-breaking, and spells with varied outcomes.
In creatures, the element of nature can manifest in ways such as photosynthetic growths, assymetricalities, or a spontaneous and carefree attitude.

Stone is one of the Major elements of Umbra, manifesting through the rocky cliffs, caves, and pillars that support the realm. Stone represents stability, stubbornness, and patience. Stone holds the weight of the world on itself, rarely giving way to movement.
In spellcasting, stone lends itself to effects such as muscle enhancement, binding, and shielding spells.
In creatures, the element of stone can manifest in ways such as incredible physical strength, a rock-hard exterior, or a meditative mind

Shadow is one of the Major elements of Umbra, manifesting through the encompassing darkness that can be found in the crevices and caverns of the realm. Shadow represents absorption, ego, and attraction. A black hole absorbs all, and draws ever more into its embrace.
In spellcasting, shadow lends itself to effects such as charming, summoning, and spell-theft spells.
In creatures, the element of shadow can manifest in ways such as leathery wings, a hypnotic gaze, or the desire to bring others into your circle.

Ice is one of the Major elements of Terra, manifesting through the realm's snowy peaks and tundras. Ice represents calm, inaction, and refraction. Frost halts the growth of plantlife as well as preserving the freshness of food.
In spellcasting, ice lends itself to effects such as slowing, illusions, and silencing spells.
In creatures, the element of ice can manifest in ways such as frozen blood, a lack of aging, or a contemplative outlook.

Water is one of the Major elements of Terra, manifesting through the plentiful oceans and rivers covering most of the realm. Water represents adaptation, erosion, and fate. The river's flow changes alongside its environment, but always leads to the sea.
In spellcasting, water lends itself to effects such as scrying, memory loss, and transmutation.
In creatures, the element of water can manifest in ways such as webbed fins and gills, chitinous claws, or a willingness to go with the flow.

Thunder is one of the Major elements of Astra, manifesting through the great formations of thunderclouds that support the realm. Thunder represents willpower, pride, and ingenuity. Thunder builds up in the sky until it has the strength to burst through to the ground, never striking the same place twice.
In spellcasting, thunder lends itself to effects such as commanding, piercing, and enhancing other spells.
In creatures, the element of thunder can manifest in ways such as a booming voice, one's hair standing on end, or a brilliant and creative mind.