Co-Magic
In The Metalwood Saga, co-magic is a rare and powerful phenomenon that occurs when two mages combine their magical Aspects and Alignments to achieve feats neither could perform alone. By bridging their powers, mages can create devastating hybrid attacks, achieve perfect three-dimensional movement, or execute incredibly precise magical manipulations.
Mechanics and Requirements
For co-magic to function properly, one strict rule must be followed: the mages must maintain physical contact (most commonly by holding hands).
When two mages touch and activate their Primewood simultaneously, their souls temporarily blend. This creates a symbiotic river of energy between them, allowing them to share their Talents and direct their combined Will toward a single goal. The experience is often described as intensely intimate and euphoric, allowing the mages to feel each other's thoughts and emotions as they guide the magic together.
The Danger of Interference
If two mages attempt to manipulate the same object with different magics without touching, the results are chaotic and dangerous. Instead of combining, their magics actively interfere with one another.
Elanil and Rylan discovered this limitation during a skirmish with Cothellon forces in Fennas Elenathon. When they tried to disarm the guards without holding hands, their magics clashed, causing the soldiers' guns to fire wildly and uncontrollably in all directions. As soon as they grabbed hands, the erratic magic smoothed out, allowing them to perfectly command the weapons.
Notable Uses of Co-Magic
Rylan and Elanil
The concept of co-magic was pioneered by the young mages Rylan and Elanil, whose distinct Alignments made them a perfect pair. Rylan was a fallfoiler (capable of moving objects vertically using dark maple), and Elanil was a leafrunner (capable of moving objects laterally using light elm).
Together, they utilized co-magic to achieve unprecedented feats:
- Three-Dimensional Flight: By combining vertical and lateral gravity manipulation, Rylan and Elanil achieved true, flawless flight, allowing them to swoop and dive through the air with perfect control.
- Lockpicking: While escaping a Cothellon prison, Elanil lent her lateral magic to Rylan. The combined power allowed Rylan's mind to manipulate the internal tumblers of a complex lock in three-dimensional space, effortlessly opening the door.
- Telekinesis: They practiced their co-magic by seamlessly levitating a bucket over a water trough in Sylrantheas. They later applied this same technique in combat, throwing massive objects and simultaneously disarming entire squads of Cothellon guards.
Trey and Arra
Later in the series, Trey and Arra utilized the principles of co-magic during a massive battle against the Cothellon army in the Prime Forest. Because Trey possessed the Tree Ring Staff (granting infinite primewood) but lacked combat prowess, he initiated a co-magic link by resting his elbow against Arra.
Working as one, their souls intertwined to create a devastating hybrid defense. Trey generated hundreds of tiny forcefields and filled them with explosive shockstriking lightning. Arra then took control of these electrified spheres using her bladedancing and leafrunning magic, launching them like guided missiles to decimate the Cothellon ranks.