The Ether

Ever since the creation of the world, God's eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. (Romans 1:20)

In the SpiritQuest game universe, there is a form of energy called Ether (EE-ther). Like any other natural form of energy, Ether is empirically measurable and definable. Not only can Ether be transformed into other more common forms of energy such as light, heat, etc. — it can be translated into sensory, material, and thought forms as well.
From the ancient Elváen word for the Spirit (E’Thera), Ether has traditionally been associated with the spiritual realm of reality — the invisible plane of existence simultaneously overlapping the material realm. All things in the created universe exist to a varying degree in the ethereal realm of spirit and energy, as well as the material realm of matter and substance. The dynamic intersection of these two realms results in what is perceived as an ethereal manifestation.
Even though ethereal energy permeates the natural world, the knowledge of its use is rare and difficult to master. To those unfamiliar with the scientific principles of Ether, it's manifestation may seem magical or supernatural. Only characters who are specially trained to do so are able to make use of raw ethereal energy. By those with such training, Ethereal energy is capable of being harnessed and used for various purposes, from the mundane to the fantastic. As a neutral form of energy, it can be used by those of good or evil intent.
Originally, the use of ethereal power was limited to human beings of Elváen blood. Their origins in Arkhea, in the time before the cataclysm, put them in touch with the Ethereal Realm in a way that was unknown to the other races of humanity. Even to the present day, only those who are descended from the Elvá are gifted with the power to actively manipulate raw ethereal energy.
However, since over the years bloodlines have mingled among the peoples of world, this gift has spread to other cultures as well. Nevertheless, it still remains most prolific among the Western races. Among human beings, only those who are descended from Fae blood are able to wield active ethereal power. Others may use only passive forms, such as natural substances, medicines, etc.). With the advancement and spread of the Fae, etherea came to be divided into various “schools” known as Ethereal Methods -- often based on a specific type, function, or approach.

THE FOUR ETHEREAL MODES

Over the centuries, four independent "schools of thought" have developed on the subject of ether, associated with in different cultures. Known as Ethereal "Modes", each represents a specific approach to the way ethereal energy is harnessed and used. The four Ethereal Modes include:
THE CANTAIC MODE - Western-Style, “Air-Formed” Etherea: The Cantaic Mode was originally developed by the Lunari Fae, and remains most closely associated with them and their ancestors. To the degree that the Aisheloni culture has been influenced by the Fae, it makes limited use of the Cantaic mode as well.
THE PYRAIC MODE - Eastern-Style, “Fire-Formed” Etherea: The Pyraic Mode originally developed among Solari Fae, and spread to the eastern and southern cultures. In later years, it came to be used among the Uruk, Mindrassi, and Thrau cultures, as well as by Mirriling ascetics.
THE RUNAIC MODE - Northern-Style, “Earth-Formed” Etherea: Least common and most passive of the four, the Rünaic Mode developed among the northern cultures. Currently, the only ones who use it to any great extent are the Düergun, along with limited use among certain Jötun and Lurvite tribes.
THE SULAIC MODE - Southern-Style, “Water-Formed” Etherea: The Sulaic Mode was developed by the Southern races. Simple forms of Sulaic etherea are found in the most primitive af tribal cultures, among the Thrau, Ismani, and Gremen peoples. Its most advanced use is among the Mirriling people, most commonly for medicinal purposes.

DEFINITION OF TERMS Within the SpiritQuest world, various terms are used to describe the use of ethereal power:
Ether (EE-ther): n. a natural form of energy, able to be harnessed and used for various purposes.
Ethereal (ee-THEER-ee-al): adj. possessing or associated with the energy of ether, as in the phrase “Ethereal Artifacts” or the “Ethereal Realm.”
Etheric (ee-THEER-ic): n. a person trained in the use of ether; also, a specific character Class that makes use of ethereal power.
Etherical (ee-THEER-ic-al): adj. associated with professional skill in the use of ether, as in the phrase “Etherical Classes.”
Etherea (ee-THEER-ee-ah): collective plural n. a general reference to ethereal things (items, topics, uses).