Æther
Gods' tears that strengthen the mortals who once believed in them.
Æther is a volatile substance found in the world of Arc - Tus. It is a semitransparent, non-inflammable, usually turquoise liquid that has distinctive colors and smells. A material whose origin is not wholly understood, æther is chiefly used as a way of enhancing an object's properties through infusion. These augmentations usually come in the form of reduced weight, higher physical durability, greater resistance to blows and impact, extended potion duration and many more.
There are inconsistent reports that speak of æther as a way to animate or energize certain constructs, inventions and vehicles. While no such apparatuses have ever been put forth to the public eye, there are documents that reveal æther's energy-storage capabilities and its possible future uses.
There are inconsistent reports that speak of æther as a way to animate or energize certain constructs, inventions and vehicles. While no such apparatuses have ever been put forth to the public eye, there are documents that reveal æther's energy-storage capabilities and its possible future uses.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Æther can most easily be described as a semitransparent, turquoise colored liquid that is never seemingly still within its recipient. Its color can vary depending on a number of factors, going from a vibrant blue to a pale aquamarine.
Above the surface of an æther deposit or recipient, a low-hanging vapor can almost always be observed. Curiously, this vapor seems to move as the liquid beneath it does, albeit describing a regular, circular motion instead of a seemingly random one.
Above the surface of an æther deposit or recipient, a low-hanging vapor can almost always be observed. Curiously, this vapor seems to move as the liquid beneath it does, albeit describing a regular, circular motion instead of a seemingly random one.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Æther can be cool or warm to the touch, being the opposite of where the deposit is found. Therefore, if the space is cold, the liquid will be hot and viceversa.
Another identifying trait is the light it gives off. Through some unknown alchemical property, any amount of æther glows moderately, the light produced being amplified by the hanging vapors, which give the substance its characteristic smell and do not appear to be dangerous.
Æther should not be consumed directly by anyone who wishes to continue living, as undiluted æther can easily undo the bindings that keep a humanoid's flesh together. This, however, is not a clear indication if the substance is corrosive or acidic, and only appears to directly affect living organisms and not, for example, leather or other skin-based apparel.
The last property is further muddled by the fact that æther reacts very well with objects such as metallic weapons, infusing them with magical properties and causing it no structural harm.
Another identifying trait is the light it gives off. Through some unknown alchemical property, any amount of æther glows moderately, the light produced being amplified by the hanging vapors, which give the substance its characteristic smell and do not appear to be dangerous.
Æther should not be consumed directly by anyone who wishes to continue living, as undiluted æther can easily undo the bindings that keep a humanoid's flesh together. This, however, is not a clear indication if the substance is corrosive or acidic, and only appears to directly affect living organisms and not, for example, leather or other skin-based apparel.
The last property is further muddled by the fact that æther reacts very well with objects such as metallic weapons, infusing them with magical properties and causing it no structural harm.
Compounds
As mentioned previously, æther can be used to bestow unique properties onto weapons, armor and other inanimate objects. Certain alloys can be made with æther-infused metals, giving them a distinct coloration and a slight glow.
The substance is used in alchemy in conjunction with other reagents as a catalyst or as a property enhancer, depending on the amount used.
The substance is used in alchemy in conjunction with other reagents as a catalyst or as a property enhancer, depending on the amount used.
Geology & Geography
To date, the only somewhat characteristic a natural æther deposit presents consistently is the fact that it is shielded from the elements, meaning that they are most usually found inside caves. However, there are notable exceptions to this rule, such as some æther pools being found deep in the ocean.
These deposits can be found anywhere in the world, so long as the surrounding heat is not high enough to evaporate it entirely.
These deposits can be found anywhere in the world, so long as the surrounding heat is not high enough to evaporate it entirely.
Origin & Source
As described previously, æther is naturally found in pools of varying depths and widths. Normally, these deposits are made of hard rocks and are lined with metal ores that are saturated with the substance.
Certain animals are also known to produce trace amounts of æther in their waste or their blood. The wispfish is one such species.
In mythology, Æthera, the world's largest moon, is often described as being the source of all of the world's æther, giving it its name. Other stories state that it is those who persih and leave behind an imprint of themselves, such as a phantom or a specter, that are the reason for its existence. A variation on the latter states that all æther pools are a mark left on the material plane when it intersects with the ethereal one. None of these stories can be entirely dismissed or corroborated.
Certain animals are also known to produce trace amounts of æther in their waste or their blood. The wispfish is one such species.
In mythology, Æthera, the world's largest moon, is often described as being the source of all of the world's æther, giving it its name. Other stories state that it is those who persih and leave behind an imprint of themselves, such as a phantom or a specter, that are the reason for its existence. A variation on the latter states that all æther pools are a mark left on the material plane when it intersects with the ethereal one. None of these stories can be entirely dismissed or corroborated.
Life & Expiration
Æther appears to lose its consistency when not bound to anything after a certain amount of time, with pools of dull æther being reported in several places in the world. Once æther becomes dull, most of its magical properties dissipate. The time necessary for this to happen has remained wildly inconsistent.
However, once an object is infused with æther, it is expected to remain enhanced until it is destroyed.
However, once an object is infused with æther, it is expected to remain enhanced until it is destroyed.
History & Usage
History
Throughout the ages of the world, æther has always been perceived as an incredibly valuable resource, with several conflicts surrounding its obtainment. With the greater focus on investigating the world's magical and metaphysical phenomena, the already sought-out material became a necessity for several, now extinct civilizations. When it was discovered that these deposits were incredibly rare and too easily exhaustible, most abandoned its search. That did not stop others from further looking to establish settlements around legendarily large pools of the substance. The individuals that searched for these locations are now called ætherdrifters.
Discovery
The first report of an æther deposit ever document is found in an Elder Rune discovered in Vanhindle, though the name of its author has been lost to time. This same rune describes how it can be used to brighten weapons, making them lighter and more resistant to damage.
The first to use it as a way to energize a machine, however, is believed to be an Al Rami inventor who was perceived as a heretic for his works. In his notes, of which only fragments can be found, they speak of it serving as 'the spark of life' that made metal akin to mortal, with it being able to move of its own accord.
The first to use it as a way to energize a machine, however, is believed to be an Al Rami inventor who was perceived as a heretic for his works. In his notes, of which only fragments can be found, they speak of it serving as 'the spark of life' that made metal akin to mortal, with it being able to move of its own accord.
Everyday use
As described previously, æther is most commonly used as a way to enhance the properties of existing objects. Most specifically, the durability, weight and strength of weapons and armor. However, it can also be used for various alchemical purposes. Depending on the quantity used for a certain reaction, it can function as a catalyst or as a property enhancer, augmenting or strengthening how strong the concoction's intended properties are. This extends to potions, though is to be used in extreme caution due to how adversely æther reacts with a living being's system.
Another, still to be proven, use of this material revolves around its supposed energetic properties. Reported only by accounts scattered through the ages and separated by great physical distances, æther has an inherent energy potential that can be exploited for the use of certain machines and apparatuses, with it serving as fuel. This, however, has yet to be consistently demonstrated.
Another, still to be proven, use of this material revolves around its supposed energetic properties. Reported only by accounts scattered through the ages and separated by great physical distances, æther has an inherent energy potential that can be exploited for the use of certain machines and apparatuses, with it serving as fuel. This, however, has yet to be consistently demonstrated.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Æther has always been seen as a mystical substance derived from the gods themselves by most cultures and traditions. The people from Starpath, in particular, use it within their rites as sacrifices to their deities and to infuse their ceremonial weapons with visual decorations.
Refinement
In the city of Starpath, wispfish are bred to obtain the essence of æther they produce naturally. This substance, in itself, is not æther, yet it can be distilled into it. Several ounces of the essence must be obtained before this can occur, which are to be deposited in a glass recipient that must be sealed as completely as possible. A small hole can be found atop this container's sealing lid, to which a straight glass tube with a bent 'elbow' is attached. This, in turn, is connected to a separate container.
The essence is to be heated up under a low-powered flame, which makes the æther within it evaporate. The gas is pushed by upwards by the heat, leading it into the tube and subsequently into the connecting container, where it will eventually deposit as liquid æther.
This process may need to be done several times before obtaining the expected or desired quality. The yields for this procedure are very low, almost never surpassing two ounces of æther for every twenty five ounces of essence used.
The essence is to be heated up under a low-powered flame, which makes the æther within it evaporate. The gas is pushed by upwards by the heat, leading it into the tube and subsequently into the connecting container, where it will eventually deposit as liquid æther.
This process may need to be done several times before obtaining the expected or desired quality. The yields for this procedure are very low, almost never surpassing two ounces of æther for every twenty five ounces of essence used.
Manufacturing & Products
The most common product obtained from the use of æther are magically-enhanced objects, materials and augmented potions. These can be used for any number of purposes.
Byproducts & Sideproducts
When æther is distilled, the undistilled essence can be used in alchemy as a minor ingredient. Courageous cooks state that it also serves as a wonderful condiment, yet most shy away from this notion.
The most notable use for the remaining substance is as a fertilizing material. When mixed into arable soil, crops grow vividly and with greater taste.
The most notable use for the remaining substance is as a fertilizing material. When mixed into arable soil, crops grow vividly and with greater taste.
Hazards
Æther only poses a threat to anyone who ingest or imbibes it in its pure state. If this were to happen, the person's internal organs would deteriorate and eventually lead to their death. In Starpath, where the refinement of æther is commonplace, an individual handling the substance must wear a ceramic mask to prevent this from happening on accident.
Reusability & Recycling
The infusion process leaves no waste, and, once used, separating æther from an object becomes practically impossible. The only real way to recicle this substance would be to find a use for a discarded object that had been previously infused.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Æther does not normally have a presence in markets and bazaars across the world because of its rarity and difficulty to obtain.
Storage
Æther is to be stored in a cool location, usually underground, where the risk of it heating up is minimized. Glass containers are recommended, as metals seem to simply absorb the substance in a form of natural infusion. In the event that the storage area is liable to increase in temperature, it must be kept in a sealed container which allows little vapor to escape from it. This way, the trapped gas is liable to deposit itself once the surrounding are cools down.
Law & Regulation
Only Filmente and Starpath have laws regarding æther. In the case of the Divine Autocracy, all found æther must be offered as a tribute to the country as soon as it is found, with hoarders being arrested. Starpath's Codices Legum Magnо̄rum state that no individual may legally produce home-brewed æther, facing imprisonment should they be guilty of performing such an act.
Type
Metaphysical
Value
An ounce of æther can easily cost around a thousand gold pieces.
Rarity
Very rare
Odor
Varies, yet is usually stated as the smell that lingers after a strong rain.
Taste
Varies, but can usually be described as tasteless with a strong alcoholic aftertaste.
Color
Turquoise, yet frequently changes its tonality.
Boiling / Condensation Point
Low. Can be reached by leaving a sample under sunlight for five minutes.
Melting / Freezing Point
Extremely cold. Solid æther can only be found deep underneath the frozen plains of northern tundra.
Common State
Liquid.
Related Species
Related Items
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