Editing Elementalism (section)

==Elementalism in D&D==
In [[Dungeons & Dragons]], Elementalism has never really caught on, perhaps because there is already such a split between arcane and divine magic. As a result, there have been both priestly and arcane "forms" of elementalism throughout D&D's history.

It all started in [[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]]. The first arcane elementalism practitioner was, of course, the [[Elementalist]] specialist [[wizard]], as well as the [[Wu Jen]]; an attempt at an "Oriental Elementalist" spell-caster that is supposed to draw its powers from the Wu Xing elemental setup of Earth, Fire, Water, Wood and Metal. Priestly elementalism was handled via the [[Cleric Domain|Spheres]] system, and elementalist [[cleric]]s were the default priestly casters in the [[Dark Sun]] setting.

In 3rd edition, only priestly elementalism remained via the new [[Cleric Domain]] system; [[wizard]]s and [[Sorcerer (Dungeons & Dragons)|sorcerers]] were restricted to artificially theming themselves via spell selection and a handful of [[Prestige Classes]].

In 4th edition, the [[Sorcerer]] received some elemental traits in the form of both a magical origin (the Storm Sorcerer, in Arcane Power) and the Essentials "Elementalist" [[Variant Class]]. The [[Warlock]] similarly possesses an Elemental Pact. [[Dragon Magazine]] also created a Pyromancy school for the [[Mage]], which was a classic mono-element fire caster. The [[druid]] took over from the [[cleric]] as the "elementalism priest" class in this edition.o

5e continues this by having no fewer than four elementalism-themed sorcerer subclasses; the Storm Sorcerer (originally featured in the Waterborne Adventurers Unearthed Arcana, then Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide & Xanathar's Guide), and the Phoenix, Sea and Stone Sorcerers (all in the same Unearthed Arcana). Ironically, the best elementalist in 5e to date is the "Order of the Wu Jen" [[Mystic]], who uses [[psionics]] rather than arcane magic. Surprisingly, none of the elemental [[Clerical Domain]]s have resurfaced in 5e so far, and the closest thing to an official elemental priest is the Circle of Wildfire [[druid]].