Elemental interaction with counter affinities

Following a conversation I had with Spencer, I was wondering how elementals of counter affinities interact with one another. I know that they get an uneasy feeling and physical tension etc. but I was just wondering to what extent this is? When at the elemental council aren't elementals of all affinities in fairly close proximity? What happens with Harbingers? Surely they can't have this feeling all the time when together or how would any of the Six come to group decisions? I'm assuming that when they get to a certain level they can control it? Just wondering. I hope I explained myself properly haha xoxoxoxoxoxo

Hey, Elliot!

While elementals of counter elements are usually uncomfortable around each other, this feeling can be overcome if they truly do try to get along (or at least tolerate each other). This is more common with older elementals.

Being uncomfortable around a counter element comes naturally to elementals, and this makes getting along with an elemental of a counter element a little more difficult for younger, less experienced elementals. I wouldn't say it's impossible, but I think it would definitely take a lot of discipline and self-control.

As for the Harbingers, I think that at the end of the day, the decision making ultimately depends on their ideals as opposed to how they feel around each other. The discomfort counter elementals have around each other does not necessarily equate to a disapproval of everything the other does. I like to think that if two elementals share the same views, despite being counters, they would admit it. They may be reluctant to, or go about admitting it in a rude way (e.g., Harbinger Typh saying, "While I hate to admit it, I think Harbinger Demin may actually be right.") but it would still happen.

That one is a bit tricky to answer, however, as it truly depends on the driver and how they choose to play their Harbinger character. I think that, if the Harbinger is unable to put their discomfort aside or has an intense hatred for their counter, rather than mere dislike, then when an agreement can not happen, the final decision is ultimately made by the Ice Harbinger, since (s)he is the leader.

Other administrators and members can feel free to add to what I've said, or even contradict me. I do hope that I've managed to somehow answer your questions, though, or at least help in some way, haha. If you have any more, let me know. ^^

No, that sounds about right. To me, if you like/respect the other person, it's sort of like the sense of unease you get when you're around someone who has totally differing views to your own or who you know is annoyed with you for some longstanding disagreement.

I remember Linnet had a thread with Peter Alva's little daughter who's a baby Ice ele (and whose name totally escapes me atm!). Even though the little girl was only 5 at the time Linnet felt uncomfortable, but because the kid's got a 300 year old father and basically grew up around all kinds of eles, she was already to deal with the feeling a little, which helped Linnet see there was a way round it. Though that was basically luck that she understood *mentally* early on that counters can still get on even if they feel uncomfortable.

The other interesting twist is that an elemental can sometimes sense another's second affinity. So Lario felt vaguely uneasy with Demeter without knowing why until he found out her second affinity was Hor. So its all a bit complex and, as Mickie says, down to the drivers to a large extent. I think its helped by the large amounts of meditation that eles *have* to do in order to understand their own element, so the majority of them learn patience and tolerance to some extent, even if they don't actually behave that way naturally.

Yeah…not sure if that helped or not… xD

Ok thanks for clearing that up guys!!!!! Makes sense xoxoxoxxxxxx

My usual elemental disclaimer: these are my views and my interpretations of elemental lore (probably heavily informed by the earth harbinger in my head), don't take it as immutable fact.

Peter Alva's little daughter who's a baby Ice ele (and whose name totally escapes me atm

Sophie? Sophie Tannenbaum seems to ring a bell...

That one is a bit tricky to answer, however, as it truly depends on the driver and how they choose to play their Harbinger character. I think that, if the Harbinger is unable to put their discomfort aside or has an intense hatred for their counter, rather than mere dislike, then when an agreement can not happen, the final decision is ultimately made by the Ice Harbinger, since (s)he is the leader.

Slightly off topic, but another option to settle disagreements among elementals is the trial by starlight, which for some reason isn't in the guides anywhere. We should think about adding it. But basically this is an ordeal held in the presence of a powerful elemental artefact that emits a bright light that is very uncomfortable for those within it.  Two quarrelling elementals can enter it, and basically the one with the most staying power wins the argument.  It is a very dangerous rite, and stubbornness can kill.  The current Harbinger Garth, Peter Alva Tannenbaum seems to prefer to use this than to outright put his foot down and wield his power as head of the council, or at least did with Demeter.

More generally on your questions, I generally agree with what Carys and Mickie have to say.  As one gets older, and more experienced one gets more used to dealing with the presence of counter elementals.  Conversely though, I would think that as one becomes more in tune with one's element, the more pronounced the sensation (and similarly, if the counter-elemental that one is in the presence of is very attuned to their element, it would similarly be stronger).

I would however venture, that in the common areas in Inverness (i.e. outside the individual shrines) and particularly in the council of harbingers when they all meet, that the six elements are very well balanced, and this cosmic balance helps to dampen these issues. Bear in mind in addition to the counter elements, each element also has three "friendly" elements and one neutral, and altogether these balance out nicely.