Aether

Aether is the direct manifestation of ones existence. When used by those who are properly trained, and know what they are doing, it can be an exceptionally powerful tool. It harbors a few drawbacks as opposed to Mana. First and foremost, Aether cannot be manifested with adrenaline surges. And in fact, uncontrolled surges of adrenaline have been known to weaken the use of Aether. Aether manifests according to the will of its user, and can take many forms. Its initial manifestation depends on the user. And while its elemental affinity can be changed with great effort by its wielder, each person has their own affinity for the Aether they manifest.
Second, Aether is bound directly to its source. Meaning a person cannot, no matter how skilled, manipulate the Aether of another person. Aether is the source of the incredible power of the Gods, and that of the Protean and Norvaline. Furthermore, it cannot interact with other forms of magic. Aether sources Psionics and many summons.

Manifestation

When Aether manifests, the user must be focused and cool-headed. Otherwise the resulting manifestation will be weak and frail. Manifestations take on any number of asoects. Some physical, some ephemeral. Some permanent, some fleeting. Some visible, others unseeable. Knowing a person may give hints as to their aether. A fiery-tempered man may wield fire as their Aether, or a stubborn one may wield metal. Wise men might augment objects, creative men might leave objects behind.

Localization

In very rare cases, beings with "Authority Absolute" can break the second law of Aether. Aether becomes exceptionally powerful in Etheric Realms.

Type

Metaphysical, Arcane