The Metalwood Saga / Reference Guide

Full-series spoilers

Soulblock

Soulblocking is one of the Fourteen Gifts of the Soul, primarily affecting newly awakened Prime Mages who emerge from the realm of Ambarhal without the guidance of a soulshaman. It acts as a mental and spiritual barrier that prevents a mage from accessing their full magical potential, severely limiting the powers they can tap into. A soulblock can typically only be lifted when the mage experiences a massive, core-shaking emotional event. For example, Quynn's soulblock shattered in a moment of intense rage when he caught Lorelei in bed with Trey, while Arra broke through her own block during the traumatic death of her sister, Elanil.