Aether

A Comprehensive Treatise on Fundamental Aetheric Forces

Compiled by The Library of Genos Dunkirk
Part of The World 4th Edition, Aetheric Age

Preface

Aether is the very fundamental structure of the universe, it is the spells we cast, the planes we live in, and the very lives we live themselves. — Genos Dunkirk, The World

$$ This document represents the culmination of millennia of research into the nature of Aether, drawing from the works of countless scholars, mages, and theorists. It serves as the definitive academic reference for understanding the fundamental forces that govern reality.

Chapter I: Background of Study

Definition & Nature

$$ Aether constitutes the foundational structure underlying all existence. This force constitutes the fabric of reality itself, manifesting as the medium through which all "magical" phenomena occur. Aether resides within, and constitutes the Aetheric Field, a medium that co-exists with space-time.

$$ Aether exists in a constant state of flux, responding to conscious will, environmental pressures and inherent forces of the plane that the field exists within. It's manipulation forms the basis of all magical practice, from the academic structure of wizard spells, the instinctual manipulation of sorcerers, to even the accidental magical influence seen in martial combatants.

Historical Development.

$$ The understood working of aether has changed over time reflecting major changes within the structure and understanding of aether.

$$ The first recorded instances of the study of aether, appears in fragmented form during the divine age, though systematic study remained primitive, as magic use was highly attributed to the presence and influence of the gods. The World, 1st Edition while mentioning aether in reference to the presence of aetheric residuals, does not have a dedicated entry or theory regarding aether.

$$ After the renaissance of magic brought on by the ascension of Dragons as deities, the first comprehensive theories of aether were established, with many principles that remain valid today—such as the Aetheric Behavior Theory—many of the principles still falsely attributed the presence and manipulation of magic as consequence of Divine Sparks. The first dedicated entry detailing the operation and use of aether were written in The World, 2nd Edition.

$$ During the Age of Man, Tharassa was subject to a plane wide anti-magic zone and had all physical connections to other planes cut off. This resulted in a general understanding of magic as myth, and much study and documentation of aether was lost or discarded.
$$ With the dispelling of the anti-magic zone, and technological integration marked a revolutionary period in aetheric understanding. The artificial intelligence created by Cytus Industries demonstrated previously unknown methods of manipulation of aether, although at the time this came with a false association with the Nano-Virus being the source of magical phenomena, but much of the terminology and understanding of aether written at the time in The World, 3rd Edition still stand.

$$ Current understanding of aether is a resulting blend of the consequential based study of aether from the second edition and the mathematical study of aether from the third edition.

Accepted Terminology

$$ The academic community recognizes several terms for aether, as it has been referred to by many names throughout time and by multiple groups:

• Aether - The formal, academic designation.
• Arcane Energy - An antiquated formal terminology occasionally used by wizards.
• Mana - Common practitioner terminology, especially prevalent during the Draconic Age.
• Chi - Terminology used by philosophical and meditative traditions.

Chapter II: Aetheric Alignment Model

Elemental Classifications

$$ Originally written in the The World, 2nd Edition, the Aetheric Alignment Model describes aether as not uniform, splitting it into classifications separated by the material influence of certain classes of aether. These associations are aligned with the Planar Wheel Model popularized in the draconic age, with each classification being based on the patterns found in the natural aethers in the negative elemental planes. Each alignment follows patterns of behavior when channeled, allowing for predictable patterns that experienced practitioners learn to exploit.

Fig 2.1 Elemental Classifications Table

Elemental Opposition Wheel

$$ As represented in the structure of the Elemental Planes, represented by a ring, the types of aether have opposing forces that create a tension and balance between types. Each aether alignment faces its opposite across the ring, creating polarities in aetheric principle.

$$ These aethers are not mutually exclusive or even necessarily incompatible with each other, their oppositions create interference patterns. They are less opposites in the traditional sense, and rather complementary aspects of aetheric structure. While magic using complementary aethers is more difficult to balance effectively, skilled practitioners balance these tensions using the natural stress to achieve greater stability and power.

Fire <—> Air

Consumption vs. Freedom
$$ Fire consumes and transforms matter into energy, while Air represents movement, freedom and the space between things.

Earth <—> Water

Permanence vs. Adaptation
$$ Earth embodies endurance and unchanging form, while Water represents constant change and adaptation.

Lightning <—> Ice

Sudden Change vs. Gradual Stillness
$$ Lightning manifests as instantaneous, explosive energy, as opposed to Ice representing as a slow cessation of change.

Acid <—> Force

Dissolution vs. Cohesion
$$ Acid breaks down and dissolves existing structures, while force represents structural integrity through motion and impact.

Vital <—> Spiritual

Corporeal Life vs. Ethereal Essence
$$ Vital energy sustains physical organic presence and bodily processes, while Spiritual energy connects to consciousness and the soul.

System Energy Classifications

$$ Not part of the original Aetheric Alignment Model, but instead amended by inclusion of the Aetheric Behavior Theory, the System Energy Classifications describe how aetheric systems influence the Aetheric Fields in which they reside. This classification system breaks all magical effects into one of two classifications—which stack with the Elemental classifications—based on whether they draw in aether from surrounding systems or push aether out.

Accumulator

$$ Negative polarity energy that draws aether inward, intensifying its own system and creating stable aetheric structures.

Emitter

$$ Positive polarity energy that projects aether outward, influencing external environments often in violent, sudden ways.

Chapter III: Aetheric Behavior Theory

$$ The theoretical framework that categorizes magical practices based on their interaction with aetheric fields. Relying on the [[#System Energy Classifications]] practical spellcasting theory breaks magic down into 8 distinct schools of magic, 4 emitter schools, and 4 accumulator schools, based on whether the spell adds or removes aether from the aetheric field.

Emitter Schools

$$ Characterized by the release of aether into the aetheric field, emitter schools are projective, transformative, and often sudden spells.

Reverberation

$$ Spells that manipulate the aetheric field to create vibrational effects within the field itself, including: force generation, sound, and telekinetic effects.

Destruction

$$ Spells that channel raw aetheric energy into direct, often violent manifestations, such as Elemental discharge, and explosive energy release.

Distortion

$$ Spells that warps perception, location, or information such as illusions, misdirection, or teleportation.

Expulsion

$$ Spells that expel entities, and influences, with sealing, wards, or anti-magic.

Accumulator Schools

$$ Characterized by the accumulation of aether from the aetheric field, accumulator schools typically conjure, restore, or enhance things.

Consolidation

$$ Spells that build and refine existing forms with barriers, or material enhancement.

Restoration

$$ Spells that accumulate aether to heal, purify, or repair.

Evocation

$$ Spells that store or shape spiritual forces such as summoning, or magic that manipulates the soul.

Comprehension

$$ Spells that divine truth from the world, be it the future, past, or secret information.

Chapter IV: Aetheric Pressure (A𝜓) System

$$ One of the most recent developments of aetheric study is the development of the A𝜓 (Aetheric Pressure) measurement system. The system provides a quantitative analysis of aetheric presences. As opposed to a deterministic measurement system as the Aetheric Behavior Theory, the Aetheric Pressure system measures magic in probabilistic nature.

$$ Spells, and other aetheric systems are best described as waveform functions within the aetheric field of the plane they reside in, with the mass of the waveform measuring it's potential. Aetheric objects with more potential have greater influence on the surrounding aetheric field, more potent real world effects, and more variance and possible outcomes contained within the function.

$$ A𝜓 (Aetheric Pressure) is measured on a logarithmic scale similar to other exponential measurements in natural philosophy, where each increment represents a significant increase in potential relative to the last.

$$ The system is used for all aetheric bodies, including: spells, creatures, magical objects, magic places, etc. The measurement system expands on [[#System Energy Classifications]] with the measurement being positive integers with Emitter type bodies, and negative with Accumulator type bodies. Magic systems without a specified system classification have a preceding '~' to indicate it as a neutral or mixed body.

$$ The Logarithmic scale used by modern scholars was devised by The Library of Genos Dunkirk as archivists discovered that while aetheric bodies exist on a gradient, they clump together at points along a sequence similar to the golden ratio.

Fig 4.1 — A𝜓 Measurement Table

¹ Collapse Threshold The standard stable upper limit of aetheric bodies. (See [[#Collapse Threshold Principle]] for more information.)

² Aetheric Singularity An aetheric body with infinite mass. (See [[#Aetheric Singularity]] for more information.)

Chapter V: Aetheric Fields

$$ The Aetheric field represents the foundational fabric that co-exists with space time across all planes of existence. Aetheric fields demonstrate complex topological variations within the structure of the cosmology, each plane having a unique field structure. Standard planes maintain aetheric fields with relatively uniform density and flow patterns. These fields exhibit three-dimensional special correspondence with physical reality while maintaining their own distinct properties. Aetheric Field density is measured in A𝜓/M² and is the density that the aetheric field is able to maintain aetheric functions. Aetheric fields are additionally capable of having attunements and other effects ripple through them that affect both functions within the field, and physical space that it overlaps with.

Leylines

$$ Leylines represent the circulatory pathways through which aether flows within planar field systems. Leylines exist in a few primary forms outlined below.

Primary Leylines

$$ Primary leylines serve as the major arteries of an planar field, carrying tremendous aetheric force across vast distances. Primary leylines form following predictable patterns based on the underlying topology of both physical and aetheric space. Primary leylines are visible to untrained observers as shimmering distortions in the air.

$$ Primary leylines are capable of supporting permanent magical installations and planar gates, even forming natural planar gates with other planes as the leylines erode through the aetheric field boundaries and connect through Asteanos linking two or more planes to one physical location.

Secondary Leylines

$$ Much weaker leyline structures that carry many of the same functions and properties as primary leylines, although carrying less aether, and being less heavily tied to strong topological features.

Leyline Structures

$$ The flow of the leylines through an aetheric field results in a handful of potential structures based on how they interact, including Planar Gate, Planar Wells. Divine Sparks, and a planes Animist.

Projected Fields

$$ Powerful entities or aetheric bodies can create and sustain their own planar fields and project them onto space around them. Aetheric projection can be part of the creation of a pocket plane, but is most often a phenomenon referred to as a Field Projection, or Aetheric Projection.

$$ When a field is created within another field, their forces play as oppositional forces, with the field density of the projected fields competing. If a projected field is able to overwhelm the density of the natural aetheric field it will distort the field around it pushing it away to make space for the newly projected field. The oppositional pressure creates a natural barrier between the fields which will disrupt any functions that attempt to pass through.

$$ Most planes have a field density of A𝜓 ~ 6 setting a standard threshold required to be matched in order to create a projection.

Chapter VI: Aether in Biology

$$ The intersection of aetheric forces and biological systems represents one of the most complex aspects of magical theory. Unlike the more predictable behavior of aether in controlled environments, biological systems introduce variables of consciousness, life force, and organic complexity that fundamentally alter aetheric interactions.

Aetheric Structure of The Soul

$$ Sentient creatures possess a unique dual-structure existence comprising two distinct but entwined bodies. First is the material body, constructed from ordinary matter, and permeated with Vital Aether. The vital energy sustains biological processes, and serves as an interface and anchor between consciousness and physical reality. Second is the spiritual body, constructed solely from spiritual aether. While intimately connected to the material body, the spiritual body maintains independent existence and can survive physical death under certain circumstances. The spiritual body provides intelligence, purpose, and consciousness to the creature.

$$ The relationship between these two bodies creates the foundation for all conscious aetheric manipulation, the spiritual body provides intent and direction, while the material body serves as a conduit through which aetheric forces are channeled into physical reality.

Aetheric Sensitivity

$$ Almost all living beings possess some degree of aetheric sensitivity, though this varies dramatically across species and individuals. The light cones in the eyes of nearly every living creature are mildly sensitive to aether and are capable of seeing pure aether and the aetheric field of the plane. This sensitivity is typically very limited and for most creatures, are unable to see pure aether in densities lower than A𝜓 ~ 3. This sensitivity can be amplified by a multitude of factors, through intentional enchantments, genetic predisposition, and Environmental exposure.

Aetheric Exposure

$$ The complicated and delicate systems related to life are subject to distortion due to concentrated or prolonged aetheric exposure. Contemporary research indicates that aetheric exposure has mutagenic properties, forcing rapid biological adaptation to aetheric conditions.

Acute Exposure Responses

$$ Immediate exposure to uncontrolled prolonged aetheric forces has a variety of effects on the body, with many typical effects listed below:

Low-Level Exposure (A𝜓 ~ 3 and up)

• Enhanced sensory perception, particularly aetheric sensitivity.
• Mild euphoria or disorientation.
• Occasional spontaneous minor magical effects.

High-Level Exposure (A𝜓 ~ 5 and up)

• Involuntary magical discharge.
• Significant biological damage and fatigue.
• Initial mutagenic effects: altered physical capabilities and occasionally features.
• Altered sleep patterns and dreams.
• Accelerated aetheric metabolic systems.

Extreme Exposure (A𝜓 ~ 7 and up)

• Severe physiological and psychological disruptions.
• Rapid mutagenic transformations.
• Loss of conscious control over internal and external functions.

Chronic Exposure

$$ Long term exposure to aether can lead to biological systems becoming saturated with aetheric energy, which can manifest as a gradual loss of ability to function in low A𝜓 environments, mutagenic adaptations related to the source of the aether, and deterioration or enhancement of physiological and psychological functions. Aetheric exposure to aligned aethers—particularly studied with planar aether exposure—will gradually distort living creatures to become aligned similarly to the exposing aether.

Aetheric Reproduction Model

$$ Reproduction is a biological shortcut to an aetheric process. The creation of a body and soul is completely possible through a series of complicated ritual spells, but is imbued into the physiology of nearly every living creature. Most creatures have similar mechanisms for reproduction, which crosses species barriers, requiring compatible aetheric patterns.

$$ When creatures of significantly different aetheric pressures—a difference of A𝜓 1 or more—reproduce, the offspring invariably follows the pattern of the higher-pressure parent. The stronger Aetheric presence overwrites the weaker, resulting in offspring that closely matches the more potent parent. This function is essential to the reproduction of certain high A𝜓 creatures that tend to be very solitary and territorial especially against others of their kind.

Aetheric Entities

$$ Pure manifestations of aether exist as stable aetheric functions without any biological mechanisms to anchor them. Aetheric entities typically will 'puppet' physical materials in order to mimic a body or interact more smoothly with the material world. Despite the lack of body, aetheric entities are considered living creatures in the same manner as those with.

Chapter VII: Advanced Theoretical Concepts.

$$ The preceding chapters have established the fundamental principles governing Aetheric behavior and measurement under normal conditions, however phenomena that exist at the outer limits of magical theory challenge conventional understanding. The following concepts represent the edge of current understanding and are essential in studying the true nature of aether.

Collapse Threshold Principle

$$ Standard planar field structure exists at a density of A𝜓 ~ 6. (See [[#Chapter V Aetheric Fields]]) and as such, functions exceeding the density of the plane they reside in start to damage the plane around them. Aetheric bodies measuring A𝜓 ~ 7 become particularly unstable due to the lack of support from the aetheric field, beginning to require auxiliary supporting systems to resolve properly. Bodies measuring at A𝜓 ~ 8 reach the Collapse Threshold, once that threshold is passed, the plane completely fails to support the function resulting in the mass of the function punching a hole in the aetheric field. This collapse can have catastrophic effects including permanent planar damage, or a cascading field collapse.

$$ A cascading field collapse, results from the mass of the aetheric body collapsing creating a ripple through the aetheric field around it. This ripple destabilizes aetheric bodies around it causing a cascading collapse of all aetheric bodies in a large radius from the event.

Aetheric Singularity

$$ The designation A𝜓 ~ Ω represents an aetheric singularity. This remains highly controversial within academic circles as aetheric understanding and math results in an asymptote in aetheric mass. Some believe that asymptote is due to a lack of proper understanding and dismiss it as an impossibility. Others maintain that the existence of certain anomalous events serve as proof of aetheric singularities.

$$ Aether measuring tools often fail and break down when trying to measure particularly large masses, as such the measurement of a singularity has never been done in an official setting, and instead relies on the anecdotal evidence provided by scholars with particularly strong aetheric presences confirming the possibility of an aetheric singularity.

$$ The official position of The Library of Genos Dunkirk is that Aetheric Singularities are a real phenomenon as within the library there are many masses given the designation written by the libraries sponsor and founder; Genos Dunkirk

Competing Field Projections

$$ The creation of a field projection that is able to overwhelm the planar field, is not an uncommon occurrence, but when multiple field projections attempt to exist within the same physical space it behaves peculiarly. Often the field projections act oppositionally similarly to how the forces between the planar field and the projected field and the field with the higher density overwhelms the other.

$$ Occasionally though, competing field projections instead of fighting each other merge into a single field space and merge and multiply their influence onto each other. It has remained unclear what factors lead to this result.

Uncertainty Principle

$$ While the measure of high mass aetheric bodies is associated with unpredictability, the type of uncertainty is a ratio between factors of known information. The more certain you are of any factors of the function, the less measurable other factors become. The factors measured include: Elemental Alignment, Location, Velocity, Physical Potential, and Range.

$$ This principle is a factor in low mass spellcasting, but not particularly relevant as the total uncertainty is low enough to not be much of a problem for spellcasters, but with high mass spells tweaking those variables is an essential part of proficient spell crafting.