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Aether

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Aether is magic in particulate form: the fine, living substance of magic itself, which gathers in aetheric fonts, pulses through rifts left by the First Shattering, and collects in Aetheric crystals.

On Nova, instead of the Weave, magic flows from Aether.

Definition and nature

Aether is the mystical, invisible energy that flows through all living beings, the environment, and the planet Nova itself. It’s the essence of life, magic, and existence, described as a dynamic, ever-flowing force that binds the world together. It exists in various forms (e.g., corporeal aether in living beings, incorporeal aether in the environment) and is tied to the planet’s Lifestream.

  • Nature: Aether is often visualized as a glowing, colorful substance in spells, or aether crystals. It’s both a physical and spiritual force, capable of being manipulated for magic, technology, or even physical transformation. Its balance is critical to Nova’s stability.
  • Elemental Aspects: Aether is categorized into elemental aspects, which influence its behavior.

Cosmology

Nova itself is the source of Aether, the collection of all magical particulate that exists. Aether originates from the planet’s core. It flows through the Lifestream, a subterranean current of energy. The Lifestream circulates aether across the world, sustaining life and enabling phenomena like magic, and it wells up at The Twelve's aetheric fonts, sacred sites that power Nova's magic (see Aetheric fonts below).

Aetherial Sea

When beings die, their aether returns to the Lifestream, specifically the Aetherial Sea, a metaphysical realm where souls dissolve into raw aether, awaiting reincarnation or dispersal.

Aether across Nova

Aetheric fonts

Aetheric rifts from the First Shattering

  • In the First Shattering, aetheric fonts destabilize.
  • Glacithar: rune-carved caves hide Aetheric rifts from the First Shattering, and Aetheric Rifts cause chaotic effects.
  • Ezogashima: Aetheric rifts from the First Shattering pulse with chaotic energy. Lizardfolk purify them at the Hot Spring Shrine on Sakurajima, and Kenku shugenja seal them at the Storm Altar on Tsukishima.
  • Sanctara: Aetheric rifts from the First Shattering linger with spectral energy.
  • Aetheria: in lagoon caves, Aetheric energy from the First Shattering pulses.

Aetheric crystals and harvesting

Across the continents

Divine and corrupted Aether

  • The Twelve are ancient aetheric deities. Primals are corrupted, physical manifestations of divine aether that cults summon.
  • Primals (god-like beings summoned by worshipers) are manifestations of concentrated aether, often fueled by crystals and faith. Their summoning disrupts the natural aetherial balance, draining the land. Overexposure to primal aether can “temper” beings, enslaving them to the primal’s will.
  • Circa 2001: Dragons channel aether to create Klythar, whose domains include Aetheric Corruption; his Megaflare Roar unleashes a devastating blast of chaotic Aether. Dawn Haven's mages trapped him in a prison that became the Ebon Moon, using aetheric seals.
  • Nythera, the Spirit of Magic, is "the enigmatic pulse of raw Aether"; her rod Umbra Lunara pulses with multicolored Aether. She ensures that Aetheric studies in the Aetherian Senate remain rigorous, ethical and open to revelation.

Rules

Magic and Abilities

All magic draws on aether, either from the caster’s body or the environment. Classes like wizards or sorcerers manipulate aether directly, while melee classes like monks channel it for physical feats.

Crafting and Gathering

Aether is used in crafting (e.g., aethersands, rare materials) and gathering, where aether reservoirs are rich in elemental aether.

Crystals

Aether crystals are solidified aether, used for crafting, summoning of primals, or powering magitek.

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