Ether

Overview

Associated with magic, ether is an element that has a strong field surrounding it, called an athic field, similar to a magnetic field. This field manipulates molecules, causing excessive amounts of quantum entanglement in surrounding areas. The molecule owes its exceptional qualities to it's possession of uncommon elementary particles. Ether can be synthesized by a protein coded for with specific DNA sequences involving the base Etanine, as seen in sorcerers,vila, and fey. The quantum entanglement is known as athic bonds, and manipulations to these bonds can cause effects similar to those we think of as magical. 

History

The study of athics, known as witchcraft, was outlawed during the reign of Queen Lilith, but enforced only loosely until the reign of The Sorcerer of Alassack . When he took the throne, witches were rounded up from the country and executed in the Dynian Genocide, killing 83% of practicing witches and wiping out most covens completely. Only the Sani coven remains unprosecuted for witchcraft, due to the fact that they are a strictly peaceful people who practice only healing magic, however they are required to serve as medics for a period of no less than 10 years in the Sorcerer's army, leading to high death rates and a declining population. The art of athics is thought to have arisen as a distinct field of study around 1,000 BCR, though it became discrete after technological innovations replaced the need for widespread knowledge of athics. Many of the laws of athics have been studied and painstakingly recorded by scholars and certain covens that placed an emphasis on intellectual studies. Most of these books were burned during the Dynian Genocide, but several remain in the surrounding countries of Soulton and Grimma.

Manifestation

Pure ether is extremely rare on the surface of the planet, though it can sometimes be found inside veins of stable materials like crystal. The moon Seraph is veined so thickly with ether that one can see the glowing veins from Eda . In its pure form ether is golden and gives off a slight glow. Athic bonds themselves are usually invisible, but can be seen as interconnected 'threads of gold' occasionally by sorcerers and trained witches. This network of athic bonds is known as the athic net. Most visible phenomena are not manifestations of ether itself, rather effects on other objects created by the manipulation of athic bonds, for instance the moving of an object across a surface without physical contact with said object.

Localization

Some places have higher concentrations of ether in the earth around them, and therefore a denser collection of athic bonds, magnifying the effect of magic in that area.

Effect on Life: Every living thing has a low concentration of ether in it's bloodstream, which leaves the body after death. The ether can carry a memory for several years after the creature's death. This 'soul skeleton' may manifest as a spector-like apparition around places of emotional significance or the place of death, especially if the creature died young. Some species have evolved to feed off ether (see vampire leech and bogwart) while others have adapted to manipulate it. Nothing can live without ether, and it's presence can be healing and promote plant growth.
Manipulation and Control: Athic bonds exist between all objects, and can be manipulated using a section of the brain known as the athic complex, which is situated between Broca's area and the temporal lobe. While all humans possess this ability, this area of the brain is enlarged in sorcerers and vila, and because typical humans have comparatively low ether concentrations in their blood, using magic can deplete their supply of ether, causing fatigue, and in extreme cases, death. Efficient use of ether can be learned through practice and study, individuals who perfect this art are known as witches. vila particularly faerimus athic, have higher potential for witchcraft than typical humans, but do not have nearly the capacity of a sorcerer, who can perform large-scale magic without tiring.

Type

Metaphysical, Elemental