====== Spark magic ======
//For some of the thoughts behind this topic, please see [[tirades:2019-07-07|the Avishraa Tirades]]//.

**Spark magic** is the fourth most common of the eight [[chosen:magic:|types of magic]] to be found among the [[Chosen:]], and consists of the ability to project, transfer, and store energy, and to convert it between different kinds within their bodies. Users of Spark magic are referred to in the [[geopolitical:Citadel:]] as //energists//.

===== Mechanism =====
Energists are able to exert their will directly upon energy in such a way that they can direct it to move or change, even in defiance of the laws of thermodynamics. An energist's own body acts as the center of the energy transactions occasioned by their magical use; energy moved from one place to another, for example, must pass through the energist's vicinity in the process, and any conversion of energy of one type to another must occur in the same space. While this space is rather larger than the energist's physical body, it imposes a spatial limit upon effects over which they wish to maintain control.

An energist [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_of_energy|cannot create or destroy energy]], but most natural environments are full of it, and this, along with their ability to convert it into the form needed, means that their use of it is limited more by their own stamina and range than by any lack of resources.

===== Specific abilities =====


===== Prevalence and role =====
Roughly 14% of all Chosen are solely, or primarily, energists.

Spark magic is the type that lends itself most straightforwardly to damage and destruction. Energists are often called in when something needs to be demolished or burned, or for jobs which might call for an ability to attack people - guards, police, soldiers, and so on.

Most constructive applications of Spark magic involve moving heat around, and while this can be very useful it is also, if needed to be done constantly, often boring and exhausting. The abilities of elementalists and alchemists in metalworking mean that energists are not generally required in smithing, but wealthy [[ethnicity:ghyezramsi:|Citadelites]] will hire them to take charge of heating and cooling in their dwellings, or to preserve food through refrigeration. Many energists, however, prefer to pursue occupations unrelated to their abilities.

Any magic type may subconsciously, or unconsciously, use their magic in an uncontrolled way, especially under stress or when feeling threatened. Energists, however, are particularly noticeable when this happens, since they are capable of damaging people or property entirely by accident. One of the more stimulating, and frustrating, occupations for adult energists in the Citadel is as a babysitter and teacher for energist children - or as a minder for an emotionally unstable adult.