Aether (e̞ːθə)

Aether is a mystical substance that flows through the world of Aetheria. It is the source of magical power and can be harnessed by skilled practitioners to cast spells and perform other feats of arcane ability. Aether manifests as a blue vapor-like substance that can be concentrated and compressed into a liquid or solid form. It is believed to originate from another plane of existence and is highly sensitive to the presence of living beings. Certain areas of Aetheria may be devoid of aether due to metaphysical barriers or other factors.

Creation

During the Era of Creation, Aether played a fundamental role in forming life and shaping the world. The Titans, powerful beings of immense size and strength, were created from the very essence of aether. They tasked themselves with the responsibility of sculpting and shaping the natural world. The Titans themselves shaped mountains, forests, and rivers, and animals were imbued with aether to give them life.
But aether was not solely responsible for the creation of the natural world. The mortal races were also born from its essence. The dwarves, elves, humans, and other races that inhabit the world of Aetheria were brought into existence through the power of aether. Each race was imbued with unique abilities and characteristics that set them apart.
The Titans continued to shape the world and imposed their will on the mortal races. The Titans viewed themselves as the ultimate authority in the world, and their power was absolute. As a result, they were the oppressors of the mortal races, forcing them into servitude and ruling over them with an iron fist until their end during The Primordial Conflict.
Despite their tyranny, the Titans played an integral role in the creation and shaping of the world of Aetheria. Their legacy can still be seen in today's natural wonders and features. And though their rule may be over, their impact on the world and its inhabitants will never be forgotten.

Manifestation

Aether is a magical substance that permeates the world of Aetheria, flowing like a river through the fabric of reality. It is believed to be the source of all magic in the world, and its properties are governed by a mysterious plane of existence that lies beyond the physical realm.
Aether is often depicted as a chaotic blue vapor, swirling and pulsing with a life of its own. However, like other natural states of matter, it can condense and take on different forms depending on its concentration and pressure. For example, when highly concentrated, aether can solidify into crystalline structures or form a viscous liquid that skilled practitioners can manipulate and mold. Also, like other natural states of matter, it can not be created or destroyed, only changed.
One of the fascinating aspects of aether is its ability to imbue objects and living beings with magical properties. All things in the world of Aetheria contain some amount of aether, and skilled practitioners can tap into this innate energy to create powerful spells and enchantments by allowing the river of aether to flow through them.
However, working with aether is not without risk. The chaotic nature of this magical substance means that inexperienced practitioners can quickly lose control, resulting in unpredictable and often dangerous outcomes. In addition, exposure to concentrated aether can adversely affect the mind and body, leading to madness or even death in extreme cases.
Despite these risks, aether remains a powerful and vital force in Aetheria, shaping the very fabric of reality and fueling the magic that drives the realm's most powerful and skilled practitioners. Its secrets continue to be studied and explored by mages and scholars alike as they seek to unlock the full potential of this wondrous substance.

Localization

Dead aether areas are regions within Aetheria where the flow of aether, the magical force that permeates the world, has been significantly diminished or cut off altogether. This phenomenon can have a wide range of natural and supernatural causes.

Anti-Magic Fields

One potential cause of a dead aether area is an anti-magic field. These fields can be created by powerful magical artifacts or spells and negate or nullify the effects of aether within a specific area. In some cases, anti-magic fields may be temporary, but they can also be permanent, rendering the affected region permanently cut off from the magical flow of aether.

Entropic Flows

Another potential cause of a dead aether area is the presence of highly chaotic or disruptive magical energies. These energies can disrupt the natural flow of aether, causing it to become twisted or corrupted, rendering it useless or dangerous to those who attempt to wield it. This can result in the formation of regions where aether is highly unstable or absent altogether.
It is also possible for natural phenomena, such as leyline disruptions or the presence of certain minerals or substances, to disrupt the flow of aether within an area. This can create a dead aether where magical energies are scarce or non-existent.

Aetheric Depletion

While aether cannot be created or destroyed, that doesn't mean that the aether is infinite. As it is used, The aether is dropped into a lower state of energy, limiting its usefulness for magicians or the natural world. Enough use of the aether in an area can lead to a depletion of the magical energies and disruption of nature and the elements.
Over time, aether from the surrounding area will flow into the area, replenishing it. This process is known as aetheric regeneration and is a vital aspect of maintaining balance and harmony in the world of Aetheria. Without it, the depletion of aether in a particular area could have disastrous consequences, leading to the collapse of ecosystems, the extinction of species, and even the destruction of civilizations that rely heavily on magic. Some mages and naturalists have even proposed the theory that the depletion of aether in certain areas could be responsible for dead aether Areas, regions where magic does not function. The study of aetheric regeneration is a complex and ongoing field, and much research is still needed to understand this vital process's mechanics fully.
Whatever the cause, dead aether areas are highly unusual and can have significant consequences for the inhabitants of Aetheria. Without access to the power of aether, magical beings may be unable to use their abilities, enchanted objects or spells may lose their potency, and nature can become more chaotic. As such, these regions are often avoided by those who rely on the magical properties of aether and are generally regarded with a great deal of caution.

Type

Metaphysical, Arcane