Aether

A type of energy which occurs worldwide, aether has only recently become a known substance in the world. Though theories about its existence have existed for longer, they were difficult to prove. Only in more recent times has its existence become more certain, largely due to Imbued Energy Overflows, which sometimes turn the currents of energy visible.
Formerly known, and still commonly referred to, as Imbued energy, aether is an invisible force which has existed on Earth at least as long as humans have. It steadily flows around the planet in patterns, though it is currently unclear whether these currents are static or if they shift. And, as its old name suggests... it is solely responsible for the presence of superpowers in the human species.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Aether is typically not visible, nor can it be sensed in any way. During an Overflow it may be concentrated to the point of visibility, in which is looks like a flowing mass of energy: slight glow, slight transparency, like light made visible, except it flows like a fluid. Its color varies, and may shift.
Even when concentrated to the point of visibility, aether can't be sensed in any other way. It can't be felt, not even by those connected to it by their powers, it can't be heard, smelled, or tasted. There has been some talk that Overflows might be visible even to those with little to no light perception, but no research has been done due to the devastating and dangerous nature of Overflows.

Geology & Geography

Aether occurs worldwide, with its strength in any given location varying by nature. Like a fluid, it shifts, its currents stirred by Imbued people, who naturally absorb and release it. Unnaturally high amounts of aether may occur in the events of an Overflow, in which case they're brief but devastating, or if the number of living Imbued has drastically gone down. In the latter case, it typically compensates by more (and more powerful) new Imbued being born.

Origin & Source

The origin of aether is unknown, and will likely remain unknown due to the difficulty in studying it. It has likely existed as long as mankind has, but it's impossible to say if mankind were simply the first to develop the ability to use aether, or if any previous species have simply gone extinct before we knew about them.

History & Usage

History

Throughout all of mankind's history, aether has given some people incredible abilities: superpowers, even if they weren't always known as such. From demigods to legendary heroes, to ordinary people with incredible abilities, superpowers have always existed, as so has the aether which granted these powers. Though theories about aether have existed for a long time, people wondering why these powerful people came about, certainty about its existence is a very recent thing.
In the past, those who thought aether existed thought of it in many shapes. Some thought of a god--or multiple--which blessed some with powers and cursed others to exist as Mutants. Some thought of it as magic, or a sentient energy capable of picking and choosing of its own. Some thought the aether didn't exist at all, and some people simply had powers, like some people had blue eyes and others had brown eyes. Truly, countless opinions of it existed, and many continue to exist to this day.
Now that it is known to exist, even if its mechanics are largely unknown, there is some talk about using aether to power machinery. It can be wielded via items, allowing even Mundane to manipulate aether, but items capable of this are extremely rare and often ancient, the knowledge of their workings lost to the tooth of time.

Everyday use

Aether is, per definition, used by all Imbued. Those who have powers of any kind naturally absorb aether, and in turn release it whenever they use their abilities. Some items and machines may also make use of aether, though these are incredibly rare, and much work and research needs to be done for these to become a common sight.

Type

Metaphysical

Odor

Odorless

Taste

Tasteless

Color

Typically colorless; if made visible color varies and shifts

Common State

Energy

Related Species

• Human