Elemental Transformations

Of the three basic uses of an Element, transformation is the most difficult (save for manifestations of Heavy Elements).

The premise of an Elemental transformation is simple: the transmogrification of matter to energy in the form of the Element. For example, turning a door to water, or armour to stone. The execution, however, is a truly difficult task for those who undertake it.

Partial Transformations
Transformations take two forms: partial (whereby the the mage alters an object or part of something) and full (where the mage transforms their own body wholly into the form of their Element). The uses of this are widely explored, whether it be for combat (arrows shoot harmlessly through a Fryth-form), stealth (no one can sense a Reth-form save other Reth mages), or civic (a Dostrom-form may move incredibly fast, and a Zhyr-form can probe deep waters with ease).

Organic tissue may be the subject of a partial transformation, however this does add a completely new threshold of difficulty. The ability to revert the transformation is the true sign of expertise, and critical for a successful Full Transformation.

Dispersion Path
According to the Theory of Energy Dispersion most magics follow two paths of energy: the Energy no longer facilitates the Effect, and the Effect is reverted naturally and Normality is restored; or the Energy acts out the Effect and then all is dispersed into the Environment to achieve Equilibrium in Charge. Transformations are of the latter class, where if a sword were turned to stone this would not revert on its own, but require the will of a mage to revert.

Transposing of the Will
Therefore it is absolutely essential for Full Transformations that the mage maintain his will even in the Elemental-form. This is known as the Transposing of Consciousness or Will.

The host’s body is disintegrated into energy, taking the Elemental-form. The only way this can be reverted is by the expression of the host’s will, which should have been disintegrated with the body. However- something still considered astounding to magical theorists- the Element can incorporate the host’s consciousness into its own non-physical mind, in what is sometimes known as Transposed Harmony, allowing the host to maintain control. It is a sign of mastery over an Element when the mage can force it to absorb his consciousness.

Dangers
The alternative is that the Elemental-form has no consciousness outside of the Element, and promptly disperses, leaving a puddle for Zhyr and rubble for Rothen. It is also believed that completion of the transposed will is the moment when a mage is weakest to the will of his/her own Element. This can supposedly lead to the creation of vessels and conduits.