Binding

Binding is the magical act of enslaving or imprisoning an elemental. Originally invented by a dwarvish wizard, binding was first used commercially by dwarves to dig tunnels and mine gemstones. Gnomes later took up the craft as well.

The bindings of the primordials of earth, fire, and water represent the pinnacle of magical accomplishment. The bound primordials are inactive and thus do not contribute to natural disasters, but are too powerful to be controlled. They can be used in a limited capacity. For example, the Dwarves use the heat from Shaitan to power their greatest forges.

There are two binding spells: lesser bind, invented first, and greater bind, used on the Primordials. Several other spells were based upon these two spells, including conjure elemental, planar binding, and imprisonment.

Lesser bind is available to artificers, bards, druids, sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards. Greater bind is available only to wizards.

Some individuals, including most elves and druids, oppose the binding of the primordials on the grounds that it is against nature to do so.