Aether

Throughout time man has attributed amazing feats as magic, undefinable powers with infinite potential. As science developed, so did knowledge of this power. A Gallican astronomer known as Louie of Beurch was the first to imagine that an invisible element was responsible for the amazing abilites some had. His observations would go on to inspire Francis the Great to not only discover the aether, but to also develop the first aetheric lens, which allowed man to view this strange substance.

Francis studied the aether vigourously, the aetheric lens allowed him to see just how common this substance was. He would discover that it is a mutation in the nerves that allowed man to control this element. Aether is considered part of the Outfield, a special group of energies that only partially have tangible manifestations and effects on mass and energy. Aetheric and outfield interactions are thought to occur on a entirely new field of physics yet to be understood by modern science. Other elements considered to be part of the outfield are the slave-ore known as famulum, a brittle metal resembling graphite which can easily be manipulated with aether currents. Unlike other materials which aether simply passes around, aether instead moves through famulum, transferring kinetic energy by doing so. Alone, famulum is a fairly useless material, but it can be smelted into ores to create tools and weapons easily handled by aetherists. Rectorum, the so called "master-ore", was always known to be important to early cultures in the construction of loadstones; today we know that it acts as a manget for aetheric currents. Rectorum is an important componant in modern aetheric batteries, and an invaluble material for aetherists.

In the past Aether was exploited by the Pereginus in their great conquest. Utilizing their powers, they were able to deflect arrows, knock enemies from mounts, and exploit looted Engelous blades; most of which contained the then mysterious slave ore. While others were capable, if not superior, in their artheric abilities, the Pereginus were simply far more numerous. Only when they came upon the far lands of Mekazi did the Pereginus hordes find a true nemesis. The primitive musket, weilded by the Phobus of the Jericho enclave, proved to be far more deadly than the common arrow. Even the most powerful, most heavilly armored soldiers were unable to prevent the gun-lines of the Phobus from tearing them down. Far from the first defeat for those in the Great Conquest, it was certainly one of the last.

Millennia later, the doctrines and tactics have shifted significantly. Now the most capable of aetherists rely primarily on the gun, using their abilities in addition to modern armaments and their comrades. Even the role of the aetherist is being deminished by the ability of modern industry to produce aetheric weaponry, devices that require only the most basic understanding of aether physics. Currently aetheric technologies are used for missile guidence and communication by all participating powers. With an exception for the Centralists, who prefer utilizing their superior radeam technology, all curent powers are severly dependant on the aetheric communications network.

Actual aetheric weapons are becoming common, but all are still early developments in a field of technology that has only recently come into being. Below is a rough summary of faction specific aetheric devices.

"Throughout harmony there are series of laylines, aetheric pools, and ancient temples that gather the powers of the outfield. These locations spawn individuals that have gained an affinity for aetheric use, their bodies absorbing rectorum through the earth and their very brains warping to accommodate this new "sense".

Aetherists are short lived, rectorum is a toxin, and stimulating it only causes more damage to the body. Like strontium, Rectorum mimics calcium and is collected into the bones of a shaper. As the Shaper uses his power, the Rectorum causes damage to the calcium pathways. Tremors become more common, and insanity slowly sets in. Modern medicine is capable of stopping these effects with Elixer, yet the fact that it is a concoction of outfield minerals means that it reacts badly when used by active shapers; causing nausea and seizures if it is taken whilst or directly before Shaping"

Aetheric Physics
Aether is a strange energy, being describable as a "floating liquid" by some, and by others an ionized gas. General properties include a tendancy to be attracted to other aetheric particles upto a degree, with sufficent "flows" of aether clumping until reaching a certain level of density; the level of this concentration being dependant on the amount of energy the aether is carrying. Aether can be agitated by exposing it to extreme pressure, heat, or electrical implulses. Agitated aether tends to pull upwards in an attempt to clump with the massive amounts that exist in the upper atmosphere, allowing so-called aetheric engines to exploit this tendancy in order to create objects with negative weight! Aether flows across harmony, rarely leaving one area totally devoid for longer than a few moments. This is due to one of the moon creating a sort of tide upon the planet, in addition to aetheric leylines, fountains, and lodestones.

Uses for the aetheric energies
Aether has been proven to be 100% effective at maintaining heat, electrical charges, and pressure, in an isolated container; leading to the aetheric battery, fuel-cell, and countless other technologies that offer minor convieniences. In addition the aetheric engine provides the unique ability to directly transfer energy into lift, allowing heavier than air craft to fly without wings or vectored thrust.