Channeling is usually defined as the projection of energy. Channelers are seen most frequently as violent magi who call on fire and lightning to kill indiscriminately. As with the other broad categories of magic, channeling can be wielded in many ways. Creating a runic circle that can make noise if an unauthorized person crosses them is a common form of home defense for magi and the wealthy. City-states with powerful channelers in residence can expect a healthy harvest of crops each gyre as both droughts and powerful storms can be prevented.
When insensati think of magi entertainers they mostly conjure up the melodians, but troupes of channelers travel about putting on shows of visual and auditory illusions to delight crowds. These illusions, known as projections, can include other senses but it is rare. Traveling channelers are also present in many caravans as they can manipulate more esoteric energies to lighten the load in a wagon or summon up sustained winds to help push people along the trail. Channelers also fight fires and prevent lightning strikes around city-states that can afford them. Many a brave channeler has attempted to gain fame by putting out the ever-present steppefire. None has ever succeeded.
Channeling has led to some of the most advanced functions of magic. Transiting, moving instantaneously from one location to another, is a dangerous aspect of channeling. Many promising magi have channeled themselves into solid rock or otherwise out of existence when experimenting with this advanced use. The creation of constructs, magical intelligent beings, is another aspect of channeling. It is believed that constructs were inspired by or evolved from the complex projections of illusionists.
The most common specialties within channeling are presented here. A battle magus is the traditional role of a channeler and involves direct applications like fire blasts and transparent magical barriers. Warders specialize in barriers, runes, and other defensive or triggered effects and especially as these apply outside of warfare. Stormwrights, sometimes known colloquially as windscapers, practice the broad application of atmospheric and weather manipulation, but have been known to create the occasional lightning blast alongside the best of the battle magi. An illusionist is specialized in making projections seem real to the senses. Wayfarers express channeling through movement such as transiting and manipulating kinetic and gravitational energies. Like many magics, channeling has those who wield it in the reverse of its intended purpose, but unlike others such as harmers who use theramancy to injure, dampeners are well respected as they can suppress energies. This includes putting out fires, slowing a fall, and even neutralizing lightning.
Kristofor Loren Carlson 