On the Nature of Magic and Aether

Magic is a manifestation of two different factor's: a person's own Aether and the Ethereal Plane.

Aether

Within each individual, and lifeform, lies the side-effect of creation in the form of particles that surround the mind, body, and soul known as Aether. These particles flow from the brain, theoretically where the soul is stored in the physical body, down through the nervous system and throughout the rest of the body. Aether is then utilized in various individuals through either Aetherial Channeling (see below) or through great physical feats. However, it takes a great amount of training and discipline to utilize the body's naturally occurring Aether. If an individual attempts to utilize Aether without proper training or discipline, the best an individual can hope for is a headache.

Aetherial Plane

The Aetherial Plane is not only made up of the shattered remains of various dead deities but it is also made up of the side-effects of creation and acts as a filler between planes. It also acts as a barrier from the planes and the Void. Most importantly, not only does channeling aether consume the usage of a dead god's shattered soul but channeling aether may also channel the souls of the departed that still lie in the plane. This can have the added side-effects that are listed in the Aetherial Channeling section listed below.

Magic, or Aetherial Channeling

Aetherial Channeling, otherwise known as Magic, is the utilization of both factors of the Aetherial Plane and Aether in order to gain some amount of supernatural power over the natural forces that bind the planes. The side-effects of not knowing how to channel Aether properly can range from incredibly painful headaches to wild and chaotic mutations. In the past, the reasoning behind this is that Mava, the goddess of Twilight and Magic, is paid tribute to in all Aetherial Channeling. If one does not pay tribute to her in the casting of spells, from simple thoughts to a word, it can cause her wrath to manifest depending on which of the three moons shines the most. This can range from the previous state headaches from her maiden side, all the way to mutating into a horrific abomination from her crone side. Presently, side-effects of magical casting has to do with not paying attention to what you are doing while casting due to Koschei and Marya wishing magic to not be limited to a select group of people.