Aether

### General

Aether is the seemingly supernatural power available to a small subset of the population in Seuda. It is commonly associated with an unusually high level of emotional depth, although there are examples where this is seemingly not the case. [Insert link to page containing one of the major antagonists of City Seuda once page is done]

#### Theurological Aether

Using a Psychoactive Aetheric Implant, a cybernetic augmentation that alllows the conversion of Aetheric energy into more tangible things, some people who are gifted with Aether can manipulate energy itself in such a way that cause fires, lightning, or extreme cold. Aetherics capable of this type of energy manipulation are referred to collectively as Theurges.

#### Kinetic Aether

Other Aetherics have been known to be able to manifest Aether into ephemeral but extremely rigid and tangible objects such as platforms, walls, bridges, and sometimes even weapons. This style of Aetheric manifestation is referred to as Kinetic Aether, and its utilizers are reffered to as Kinetics. Implants are usually required to maintain and create physical forms unless the Kinetic is unusually gifted.

#### Empathic Aether

The "purest" and rarest form of Aetheric power is typically associated with the ability to read, comfort, or manipulate the emotions of living beings. The Aetherics capable of this power are known as Empaths. Empathic Aether manipulation neither requires nor benefits from the use of technology to intensify its effects. Empaths are typically considered to be extremely kind-hearted and hyper-aware of the suffering around themselves at all times, and many try to ease the emotional and mental pain of the people around them to lessen the burden of this hyper-awareness.

Although Empathic Aether power can be extraordinarily destructive (mind control, erasing someone's will to live, psychological manipulation and persuasion), it is extremely uncommon for this to ever occur because of the psychological toll it takes on the Empath. Empaths able to suppress the severe repercussions of using Empathic Aether immorally are extremely feared by society and are the subject of many horror stories.

### Origin and Implications

No one, not even the most brilliant minds within Ingenuity can determine for sure where Aether originated from. According to many, it was not always present in the world, although it does pre-date the [earliest recorded Great Insurrection].

Since the Theurological Insurrection, Aether usage has been highly frowned upon by the powers in Stability. Public usage of Theurological Aether of any kind is treated with the same scrutiny as any deadly weapon. SPD [Seuda Police Department] is more tolerant on displays of Kinetic and Empathic Aether, mostly because of its benign nature and difficulty of detection, respectively.

Aetheric power is sought after by many powerful individuals and corporations. Empaths, in particular, are of high interest to the business side of Seuda, who believe their power could be manipulated to improve relations with consumers. So far, no research has provided any avenues for transferring Aethericism from an Aether user, or even manipulating it against the will of the user.