Another out of story addition.  (no need to read if you don't want to,  also dense material)

(excerpt from one Jeru's assigned readings)

Conversations on Somodunamology

a discourse between 1. Ulumat of Erendil 2. Boro 3. Mildur Hadbane

 1 A body consists of its base elements as well as the power absorbed from the outside world. This power must be unconsciously absorbed from a young age and therefore should affect the growth and shape of the body. This is why earth element users are usually of broad stature, air are lithe and light creatures, fire are powerful and imposing and water smaller and unassuming

2 This idea seems to be anecdotal and does not account for the myriads of variation found in people. The fat air user, the gaunt fire user,  the earthen beauty or water giant.  Though one seems to be able to make a guess of an element looking at a person there is no universal physical characteristics that can separate someone.  The physical form may be more clearly related to diet or heraldry. 

3 I agree to some extent with both speakers. For me the issue is as follows: are there unseen elements. Does the earthen beauty not resemble a porcelain doll. Maybe there are lesser and greater elemental combinations to the unseen eye or still completely unseen elements. These may account for physical variations outside of common beliefs.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

2 If that is truly the case then the study of physical manifestations is indeed a fools errand as there is no way to see or classify the unseen in each person, even then the role of heraldry is most likely the predominant precursor to physical traits.

1 Taking the assertion of unseen elements as truth doesn't the practice have more value? Though more difficult isn't the prospect of discovering a mans power as well as future potential a valuable endeavor. Judging someone on sight may currently be imperfect but this does not mean the practice itself doesn't warrant further study.

3 An interesting practice but not one I think should be relied on in life or death combat. For what easier way to be skewered by an earth lance than charging what looks like a slender air user.