Æther
Æther: Arcane Essence of Eothea
Rarity: Legendary
Type: Magical Substance (Crystalline & Gaseous Forms)
Origin: First discovered in 3998 during the twilight of the Age of Magic
Description
Æther is a rare and potent magical substance native to Eothea, existing in both crystalline and gaseous states. Crystalline Æther resembles radiant amethyst shot through with shifting iridescence. Its gaseous form is invisible to the naked eye but can be detected through arcane instruments. Both forms contain vast reservoirs of magical energy and serve as the cornerstone of Eothean magical technology.
Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Magic Conduction | Functions as a natural arcane conductor, amplifying spells and magical devices. |
| Luminescence | Crystals emit a soft, ambient glow; their radiance increases near magical fields. |
| Transmutation Catalyst | Contact with Æther can transmute base materials or awaken latent enchantments. |
| Magical Resonance | Æther vibrates in harmony with arcane frequencies, enhancing ritual casting and spell effects. |
| Invisibility | Gaseous Æther is imperceptible without magical detection (e.g., Detect Magic). |
| Arcane Concentration | Often found near ley lines, magical nexuses, or sites of ancient enchantment. |
Historical Role
- Age of Magic (0–4000): Æther’s crystalline form was discovered in 3998, symbolizing the final crescendo of the Age of Magic.
- Age of Discovery (4001–5999): Gaseous Æther was identified with the invention of the Æther-matic device.
- Age of Dragons (6000–9000): Dragons, drawn to Æther’s raw power, ravaged the continent to feed on it.
- Age of Restoration (9001–10000): The people of Eothea harnessed Æther defensively, developing magical barriers and technologies to reclaim their lands.
- Second Age of Discovery (10001–Present): Æther now powers society’s most advanced technologies—like the Ætherail network and Gnomish Googleboxes.
Applications
- Æther Trains (Ætherail): High-speed locomotives powered by Ætheric combustion and arcane resonance.
- Gnomish Googleboxes: Communication devices allowing two-way voice and visual transmission over great distances.
- Streetlamps & Arcane Infrastructure: Cities harness Æther as a luminous and renewable energy source.
- Magical Items: Enchantments using Æther gain increased potency or extended duration.
Æther Poisoning (Hazard)
Effect Type: Magical Poison
Exposure: Direct contact, inhalation of vapor, or ingestion of raw Æther
Symptoms:
- Electrical Discharges
- Spontaneous Immolation
- Convulsions
- Uncontrolled Magical Outbursts
- Physiological Mutation (e.g., horns, extra limbs)
- Cognitive Disruption (e.g., memory loss, magical delirium)
Game Mechanic (Optional):
A creature exposed to raw Æther must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or suffer one of the following effects (roll 1d6):
| d6 | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4d6 lightning damage (no save) |
| 2 | Ignite for 1d4 rounds (1d10 fire damage/round) |
| 3 | Fall prone, paralyzed for 1 minute (save ends each turn) |
| 4 | Cast a random spell from any school (DM’s choice) centered on self |
| 5 | Develop a random mutation (DMG pg. 285 or homebrew table) |
| 6 | Confusion spell effect (as per Confusion, no concentration required) |
Cure requires a Greater Restoration spell or a week of arcane detoxification with a trained healer.
Optional Item: Æther Crystal
Wondrous Item, Very Rare (requires attunement by a spellcaster)
While attuned to this crystal, you may store a spell of up to 3rd level within it. Once per long rest, you may cast the stored spell without using a spell slot. The crystal regains this property when exposed to a ley line or other magical nexus.
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