The Metalwood Saga / Reference Guide

Full-series spoilers

Lightprime

Lightprime magic is the umbrella term for the traditional, culturally sanctioned magic practiced by the elves of Valaralda, known as the Eldrim. Derived from the normal, uncorrupted wood of the fourteen Prime Trees, lightprime powers are divided into six main "Woodways" linked to the Aspects of the soul: Builder, Protector, Destroyer, Scholar, Governor, and Creator, alongside a seventh Primal Way. Unlike darkprime magic, which relies on corrupted wood and activates with mere Will, lightprime magic requires an "Investment" to function. This Investment is a skilled physical action corresponding to the mage's Talent—such as carving for mistweavers, dancing for leafrunners, or gardening for soulsoothers—which primes the wood before the magic can be unleashed. Almost all the traditional elves of Sylrantheas use lightprime magic, encompassing characters like the mistweaver Allain, the bladedancer Imra, and the soulsoother Keya.