Aether

Aether is an incredible metamaterial that is considered sacred and culturally crucial in many parts of the world due to its use as a power source and amplifier. So valuable it is a point of contention between factions seeking to control this valuable resource for the monetary value but also the military value it generates.  

Origin...

Aether can be found across Ur to those that understand how to source it, this metamaterial begins as a vapor that manifests into Ur from some, currently unknown, source outside of the physical world as we know it. These vapors are usually identified for harvesting as they rupture into reality from vapor build ups, the most potent sources are found in places where primordial powers and ley lines mingle which tend to be the more dangerous regions across Ur. 
Some of the largest and most exotic deposits of aether shards are massive wagon sized shards that may fall from the rings of Ur. To some Kaiur that have experienced these Aetherfall events, they are of two minds. First being they are terrible omens from the arcane chaos they may sometimes bring as they may spread including localized mutations or other arcane manifestations. Though to many the bounty of trade and economic resources they generate make them a risky but rewarding occurrence. Within the New Kaigen Collective these materials are almost considered as sacred and extremely valuable towards the progression of arcanist research or as a power source for new arctek designs.

States of Aether

As Aether is compressed in its mist like form it becomes more fluid or oil like in nature and can be much more safely implemented into a variety of arctek as a fuel. With further refinement the Aether oil can be solidified into shards of the hardened oil. These crystalline oil structures are the most potent, expensive and sacred of aether variations. Used as prestigious gifts for people of note for the most well connected individuals or well supplied organizations. 
The Aether shards specifically have an almost explosive quality for the elements they are comprised or extracted from, as an example fire Aether is industrialized in it’s production by a variety of Kaiur for military use due to the fiery explosions it can create when channeled through with arctek or particularly widespread destruction it can cause when overcharged and detonated. Consumption of any form of aether (gaseous, oil, shard) leads to a surge of ones natural arcane abilities

Uses...

While it is a powerful additive to an Arcanists arsenal it is also extremely volatile and dangerous that comes with a price for it's enhancements. Overtime with consistent use it is lethal and will actually degrade the users physical form or cause dangerous mutations in exchange for the enhanced power. The more modern use of aether across Ur is to cross it with Technology to more efficiently activate it and shield the user from the more toxic element of Aether. This form of technology is referred to "Arctek" or Arcanist Technology that consumes Aether as a fuel and is primed by the users internal channel of naturally occurring Aether most Kaiur have within them.

Type

Metamaterial