The Aethereal Galaxy

Overview

In this universe, space is sorted into five layers, each with differing environmental features. The lands of this universe are not large spheres of the three elements of our world, but are instead floating islands and archipelegos of a comparatively small size, being more comparable to continents and islands of Earth. Humans are not found in this universe; instead, other species were created to thrive in this strange universe. The cycles are measured by the clouds of the Nebulous layer, which darken the lands at regular intervals; the light of the universe originates from the stars at the top of the Astral layer. Travel between landmasses is akin to sailing on Earth, if it were in three dimensions. The empty space of the aether is full of aethereal currents that are sailed on as highways. Interspecial communication is generally via a non-verbal language, which in most of their cultures called "True Speech", or something to that effect, such as "Normal Talk". Each species talk in some strange or unique way, but some are rather familiar to humans. For example, the vyrnox speak verbally, but their lack of lips means they cannot make sounds from letters such as b and p.  

The Layers

These are the different layers of the universe, each with their own lands, features, and life.  

Astral Layer

The layer of light is where the galaxy's luminescence originates from. Due to this light, the mist there is incredibly thin; it's also incredibly warm, requiring a specially designed suit for most to visit this layer. There are no known landmasses there, so all beings found here are drifters. However, it is theoretically possible for a constructed satellite to dwell there, but several precautions would have to be taken for it to not be destroyed by the heat and pull of the stars.  

Nebulous Layer

The layer of clouds is where giant masses of gas block and filter the light from the Astral layer to give landmasses below a cyclical dark and light period with little to no alteration in the cloud's course. Any landmass found here lies within one of the large clouds, shrouding it in either low light or pure darkness; strange how something so close to the light of the universe could be so dark.  

Viridis Layer

The layer of green is where the islands are lush, the lighting is perfect, and the temperature is comfortable; at least, for most beings. The majority of lasting civilizations are formed and stationed here. For the most part, it simply basks in the glory of it's perfect positioning in the vast universe.  

Caligosus Layer

The layer of fog is where creatures who thrive in the cold, dark, and damp dwell; it's a well populated layer, but darker than the ones above. The landmasses here tend to be oddly shaped and have a foggy atmosphere to them.  

Abyssal Layer

The layer of darkness is largely unexplored and highly dangerous to most life; only large beasts of great strength and terrible hostility come from there. It's landmasses, civilizations, and the majority of it's life is unknown to those above.  

Energy Tech

There is a new and strange technology spreading through the galaxy: aethereal energy; commonly referred to simply as energy. It's stored in large batteries, and is generated by processing a substance called aetherium, which is found sporadically throughout the galaxy; the largest deposits are found in chunks from the Astral layer, leading to the theory that aetherium are star fragments or are made from the stars by some natural process, making it a byproduct. Once enough pressure is applied, it lets off energy, which is conducted through ether alloy, which is made from mixing metal and aetherium. This energy can be used to fuel powered ships, generate shields, and make specialized weapons have an extra bite to their strikes.