Aether

The Aether is the name given to the primordial energy that permeates the world of Elossis, widely regarded as the source of all arcane magic, metaphysical phenomena, and extraordinary natural events. It flows unseen and unfelt by mundane senses, but shapes reality at its most fundamental level. The Aetherflow, its living and active current, pulses like an invisible river through the cosmos—sometimes gentle and sustaining, sometimes wild and catastrophic.

Once the exclusive domain of the gods, Aether now runs freely through the world, transforming the nature of existence and forever altering the fate of mortals.

Origins and Myth

The true origin of Aether is unknown and subject to intense philosophical, magical, and religious debate. Myths and legends abound:

• Some claim it is the breath of the cosmos, a primordial wind that whispers the song of creation.
• Others believe it is the language of the gods, the thread through which divine will becomes manifest.
• Esoteric sects propose that Aether is not a force at all, but a sentient memory of the world dreaming itself into being.

Despite the diversity of interpretations, one consensus remains: before the Nexus Wars, Aether was sealed from mortal access, only wielded by divine entities known as the Watchers, who channeled its energies through sacred rites and miracles.

The Aetherflow

The Aetherflow refers to the dynamic, living current of Aether that now courses through all planes of existence. Unlike stagnant magic wells or finite energy sources, the Aetherflow is constantly shifting—sometimes abundant, sometimes volatile. Arcane practitioners often describe it as a river of light and thought, which must be tapped, shaped, or obeyed.

The availability of Aether to mortals after the catastrophic Nexus Wars changed the course of history. No longer reliant on divine intermediaries, mortals began discovering ways to channel the Aetherflow through spells, rituals, and inventions, birthing what is now known as arcane magic.

However, due to its wild and untamed nature, the Aetherflow is prone to Ethereal Fluctuations—dangerous surges in magic that can rupture reality, summon chaotic entities, or permanently scar the environment.

Aetherite

Occasionally, Aether interacts with rare natural phenomena—lightning-infused storms, geomagnetic ley lines, or sites of ancient destruction—and crystallizes into a solid form known as Aetherite.

Aetherite is rare, unstable, and immensely valuable. Its glow can be soft and ethereal or dangerously volatile, depending on the purity and region. It functions as a raw magical battery, capable of powering ancient machines, enhancing spells, or disrupting magical equilibrium altogether.

Natural Connection to Ancient Technology

In the age before the Sundering, civilizations of Elossis infused their wonders with Aetherite, using it to power Nexus engines, levitating citadels, and arcane constructs. Many such relics still lie buried in the ruins of fallen cities, often guarded by malfunctioning automatons or warped by rogue Aether.

Scholars believe Aetherite served as the bridge between technology and the divine, a sacred catalyst that enabled marvels long since lost to history.

Modern Rush and Rarity

In the present day, Aetherite is the most sought-after material in Elossis. Empires, guilds, and privateers risk life and limb to secure it. However, it can only be harvested from the most dangerous and unpredictable environments—often near Veil ruptures, former battlefields of the gods, or within territories tainted by the Ethereum Abyss.

The rush for Aetherite has led to:

• Bloodshed, as factions compete for control of known deposits.
• Exploitation, with unscrupulous barons sending expendable crews into forbidden zones.
• Smuggling and corruption, as Aetherite fuels black markets and underworld networks.

Despite the dangers, its power is irresistible—for in Aetherite lies the echo of divine wonder.

Applications of Aether

Aether is incredibly versatile and underlies many facets of magical and natural phenomena in Elossis. Known applications include:

• Spellcasting – The source of arcane magic, Aether fuels evocations, transmutations, enchantments, and more.
• Aether Constructs – Energy-bound golems, shields, or weapons created through ritual binding.
• Environmental Effects – Aether can shape terrain, create floating islands, alter gravity, or cause reality bends.
• Aether Resonance – Sensitive individuals experience visions or prophecies through deep contact with the Aetherflow.
• Aether-Infused Flora and Fauna – Some rare ecosystems are sustained entirely by ambient Aether, giving rise to magical lifeforms.

Conclusion

While mortals continue to study and manipulate the Aether, its essence remains a mystery. Some believe it has consciousness. Others believe it is shaped by belief, emotion, or history. There are rumors of Aether "speaking" through visions, guiding chosen individuals to forgotten truths or ancient ruins.

For all its wonder, the Aether is not a gift without consequence. Overuse can draw the attention of Abyssal entities, trigger world-shaking surges, or twist its user into something monstrous.

In the end, to touch the Aether is to touch the breath of the unknown—beautiful, dangerous, and utterly transformative.