The Five Rings system is an elemental system.

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Elemental systems:

Long ago, people viewed everything as being made of some kind of blend of Earth, Fire, Air, and Water, and most gods were embodiments of emotions or elements.

The four element system with traditional elementals:
Gnome = Earth
Undine = Water
Sylph = Air
Salamander = Fire

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…as seen in Arabian legend, Greek/Roman culture, Buddihism, Paganism, Hinduism, and many other religions.

People were highly superstitious regarding these elements for centuries. Therefore, this idea is deeply entwined with our past. I found it interesting even Pope Alexander III had a tunic made of salamander (fire lizard) skin, which he highly prized. Times have certainly changed. Read the rest of this entry »