The Aether

The Aether is a theorised realm existing outside the universe. It is not directly connected to any other dimension and is believed to be completely inaccessible. However, it's effect permeates everywhere, as the Aether is the source of all magic in the universe. It is the place where all stem particles and anti-stem particles originate, these being how magic functions at a subatomic level. Stem and anti-stem particles only naturally exist in the Aether; they can be summoned into the universe by the will of a magic user but as soon as the user stops controlling them they will very quickly return there, or instantly if they meet each other and annihilate. Almost nothing is known about the makeup of the Aether, except that it is believed to be a place of pure chaos. It is thought that only stem particles, anti-stem particles and photons exist there; no other matter or anti-matter. These stem and anti-stem particles are believed to be forever moving in totally chaotic ways, while the photons fly around in a single wavelength, all constantly annihilating and pair producing. It is not known how large the Aether is and how much energy it contains, or even indeed if it is infinite.
It should be noted that the Aether is only theorised to exist. No one has ever been to, seen or measured the Aether. It is thought to exist to explain how stem and anti-stem particles materialise in the universe and to keep within the laws of energy conservation. Without it, energy would be being created and destroyed, which is impossible according to the laws of physics. Some have criticised the idea of the Aether due to the supposed absence of any other matter or anti-matter, as probability-wise some of these should be created in pair production instead of stem and anti-stem particles. However, no other alternate theories have gained traction.

Geography

The Aether is a place of pure dynamic chaos, so has no physical features or points of stability to speak of. It is unknown what it looks like, if it is even looks like anything at all. Nothing but pure magic energy exists there, moving in completely unpredictable ways.

Fauna & Flora

Only stem particles, anti-stem particles, and photons can exist in the Aether, so no other matter or anti-matter can exist there, let alone anything living. Nothing from the universe can enter the Aether, but theoretically if it did, it could be likened to teleporting into the sun. The organism or object would likely be instantaneously destroyed but it is unknown what would happen to the individual atom components, as they would theoretically still be present, thus disrupting the homogeneity of the Aether. One theory suggests some anti-stem particles would become the respective anti-particles and annihilate them, but this seems unlikely without a magic user. It is thought, then, that entering the Aether is truly impossible for anything from this universe.

Natural Resources

The Aether is the place where all stem and anti-stem particles originate, and therefore is the source of all magic and anti-magic in the universe. Stem particles can be drawn from the Aether through the will of a magic user and anti-stem particles will also appear at the same time. However, they will both naturally, and very quickly, return there at the same time after the user relinquishes control, or instantly if they meet and annihilate each other. With these stem particles, a user can create any other fundamental particle, though upon control being relinquished they will quickly revert back to stem particles and go back to the Aether. Anti-stem particles cannot be controlled but will mirror their corresponding stem particle.

Alternative Name(s)

The Source; The Magic Realm

Type

Dimensional plane

Related Materials

• The Anti-Stem Particle
• The Stem Particle