The Aether

## Brief Overview

The Aether is the name given to the land that we inhabit, it sings with magic and stretches for vast distances, the Gorge is included in this and stretches from end to end in 3 directions across the planet.

Aether is a planet thrice the size of Earth, yet mysteriously retaining similar gravity, atmosphere and pressure throughout most of its landmass. The planet was formed by the three stolen scales of Yuzhou Long, the Primordial dragon of order who created the universe.

#### Descriptive Examples of Aetherian Landscapes.

*"The forest was vast, light, and rich. Its canopy was claimed by hickory, juniper, and sycamore, and the occasional beam of light that made its way through the canopy allowed for a mishmash of mushrooms to sprout in the soft, rich soils below.*

*Coiling creepers dangled from a couple of trees, and a variety of flowers, which claimed quiet corners, clashed with the otherwise amber terrain.*

*A mishmash of noises, belonging mostly to rummaging critters, added life to the forest, and were backed by the sounds of a fight over dominance between larger animals."*

.*"You stand in a hilly terrain sprinkled with unusual purplish stones.  You can see the sea close by.  The temperature is somewhat warm and the sky is overcast."*

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*"The farm field is littered with suits, shells and bodies. Red, blue and pink are the new colours of what was once a quiet farm field, which has now become the stage of a ruthless battle.*

*The air which would normally carry the delicate scents of flowers and fruits is now a barrage of sounds of explosions, war cries and the screams of the wounded, enough to make even the bravest tremble in fear.Two armies fight each other because of the lies of their leaders, but there's no hint of which side will win. The wounded of one side lay in heaps across the farm field and the faces of the fighters are hopeful with victory in mind and gritting teeth, they carry out their orders in a tough fight.With both confidence and panic the other side desperately fights their enemies without knowing which side is stronger. Some have succumbed to terror and are mumbling things about home and family, while others fight merely for the sake of survival.*

*The toll on both nature and humanity is disastrous. It'll likely take a lifetime before this farm field will have recovered. It's clear rubble, metal and lost bombs have taken the place of plants, shrubs and grass."*

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*"There were fields as far as the eye could see. All around you deer and cows frolicked and foraged in the luscious pastures, and burrowing its way through and around the many fields ran a weathered, cobblestone road.*

*The road eventually reached a simple farmhouse with a huge courtyard. The farmhouse was beginning to show signs of weathering, but it was still in good condition. A giant barn housed the hay for the winter, a giant well stood just off to the side of the courtyard, and a small seating area provided a resting place for those enjoying some of the products sold right here on the farm. The farm had a pleasing feel to it, there was just something about the farm that felt very intimate and welcoming."*

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### Size

Aether is expansive, massive and on colossal breadth and width, even height. For perspective of size, each scale of The Aether has the same surface area of the Earth, equalling 3 Earths roughly total. Travelling from end to end can take months even on dragon back with minor rest, though there are no real number measurements made yet.

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### The Gorge

The gorge is the the oldest and most notable landscape feature that can be found in the whole of Aether. Splitting off in 3 directions into the vast distance, they stretch from end to end of the land and beyond into the Corruption. The Gorge itself is narrow, finicky and dangerous at best, with small crevices, caves, broken bridges and make-shift pathways that occasionally demand you scale the walls. The Gorge is often used in children’s tales as a lesson to never venture within its murky depths for fear of experiencing the horrors and dangers within.

It’s not just the terrain that requires obsolete concentration, The Gorge holds all manner of inhabitants that have adapted to survive the sweaty, dewy and arid land. It is highly ill-advised to venture into the Gorge without an experienced guide, too many have slipped and never been seen again, very commonly requiring the Dragon Guards assistance for travellers and the frail. Though that does not mean the Dragons that guard the Gorge are immune to its sinister chaos...

### The Fade

The Fade is the official name of the violent maelstrom of pure divine and blighted magic in the east of the Aether, although it can also be known as the Corruption Zone.

Warbling with constant chaos without pause, it stretches far into the horizon no matter where you stand, seemingly having no end, becoming more warped and distorted the further in one goes to the point of corrupting time and space itself as we know it. Many have been known to descend into madness just peering within after seeing marvels and wonder not of this world.

Any who have ventured more than .4 of a mile within have never returned, whether it be because of the viscous and incomprehensible monsters that dwell and feed off the energy, or because the Fade swept them into its destructive embrace will forever be unknown.

Even dragons prefer to steer far away from this place, becoming more and more distressed the closer they come to it, even the Gods appear to shy away.

The only known races to dwell within the Fade are the Nithusants - who are partially to blame for the Fade’s creation -, the Altered Beasts who remain a mysteriously consistent presence, and the Vrakith of the Hallowed Empire, whom have limited contact with the outside world.

It would be foolish to think that staying just far enough away from the Fade would keep anyone safe, for the Fade slowly creeps 4cm inland of Aether with each passing year, making it a looming threat at the back of everyone's minds. However, attempts to quell, halt or control the Fade have so far proved fruitless, and in many cases, lethal.

It’s spread is propelled by the funeral pyres of the Nithusants who are one of the only living civilisations within the Fade, the bodies of each Nithusant feeds the Fade and causes it to slowly increase over time.

The Fade is the making of Bephine, Divine of Love, and Inir, Divine of Thunder and Skies, whom sent down an almighty beam before their ascension in hopes of wiping out the Nithusants whom had been forged into existence by Angra at the time of his divinity over life, before his total corruption.

At this time, the Nithusants had the potential to rival the gods, however, with this beam came monsters - now known as Altered Beasts due to their evolving to live within the Fade - from across the Aether, lured in by its power and laying waste to all in their path. To counter this, post-ascension of the gods, the Nithusants advanced their civilisation within 30 days, constructing a way to split the beam and use it as a shield, leading to the formation of the Fade, a maelstrom of chaos.

Wremona is the only named Altered Beast lured in by the Mealstrom’s power, she resides within the dungeons of Aramoor under heavy guard.

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## The Major Kingdoms of The Aether

This section links to unique pages dedicated to each major kingdom. If you wish for a condensed version, please read the Condensed Lore.

The Aramoor City-StateSilia de la NotreThe Oushivia TowerRegis Caeli DyntasyThe Occidere Empire
* The Aramoor City-state

* Silia de la Notre

* The Oushivia Tower

* Regis Caeli Dynasty

* Occidere Empire

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### Minor Kingdoms

* The Hallowed Empire
* The Valheim Queendom of the Dsiri Northlands (Valheim)

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## Astronomy

Aether orbits Sol, sometimes referred to as Solaris herself, a sun which matches that of Earth’s sun much the same. Sol resides within the middle of an arm of a spiral galaxy called The Veil, due to its magical and wondrous appearance in the skies at night, and plays host to 4 other planets that many believe to be made from the same scales, though this is disputed.

* Marj-korrvi - a small rocky, barren planet orbiting close to the sun. It travels so fast it leaves a tail of dust behind it. It cannot be seen with the naked eye, and must be looked upon with a protected telescope during a few months of the year.
* Felandar - a gas giant third closest to the sun, after Aether, that uses its massive size to shield Aether from most catastrophic asteroids. This gas giant glows with an ominous power, is a mix of purples and greys, and has a slow orbit with 30 moons. It can be seen with the naked eye as one of the brightest shining objects flickering in the sky, however, a telescope is needed to see detail.
* Shen-shi - fourth closest to the sun, this planet has an abnormally thick white atmosphere, preventing anyone peering within and leading some astronomers to believe it merely glowed so brightly they would never see it, which turned out to be false. It can vaguely be seen with the naked eye as a small flickering dot.
* Icrindi and Shoran - furthest from Sol, Incrindi is small but covered in a thick layer of ice that regularly cracks and buckles, leading astronomers to believe there is melted water beneath. Shoran is larger and seemingly barren, hosting three inactive volcanoes so large they break it’s weak atmosphere, it is believed Shoran is the reason behind Icrindi not being totally frozen as the two encircle eachother. They cannot be seen with the naked eye and must be viewed through a powerful telescope.

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### The Moons of The Aether

There are two moons that swirl around the Aether, taking 1 month to pass around in tandem with Sol. This means there are 2 full moons a month, one around the 15th of every month and the other on the 28th.

These two moons eclipse once every 100 years in an event known as the Silverhelm, which plays a large role in Viothism, where the moons are closest to the Aether and between it and Sol, casting the Aether is a silver glow. Strangely, all light and holy magic is extremely hard to cast during this time, while dark and shadow magic become doubly as strong, leading to pure chaos and disorder during these 3 hours that the eclipse normally lasts.

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The first moon is called Dovar, it is the largest in the sky due to being the closest, Dovar holds the most influential control of the tides and weather patterns across the land. However, its core is constantly pushed and pulled by Daruta and the Aether, causing it to come to life with heat that warms its icy surface to create a moon that is one deep, lukewarm ocean, covered in a thick layer of pure ice.

Astronomers believe Dovar absorbs a lot of nutrients that are spewed from Daruta, needing the push and pull to stay alive and not become a barren wasteland that would leak all its water into space. Dovar is also reliant on the pull from Daruta to stay at a safe distance from the Aether and form an elliptical arch for its orbit pattern, creating the weather and tides we know today.

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The second moon is called Daruta, is it as large as its sister moon but a greater distance away. With no atmosphere, the land is devoid of all life, becoming an inhospitably lava like planet, erupting sulfer into its upper atmosphere and beyond, lava lakes flow at 60mph across its surface and its surface is constantly on the move. All from taking the blunt of all the solar flares from Sol and asteroids. Daruta also heavily relies on Dovar to stay in orbit over Aether due to how far it is, feeling the pull from both Aether and Dovar.

Despite being the same size as Dovar, Daruta's distance means the moon as little affect on the weather and tides of the Aether.

The most noteable feature of Daruta is its rings made up of bits of the moon that have been chipped away at and blasted into space from asteroid impacts. Daruta serves the purpose of protecting the Aether from lethal asteroid, leading some - especially Elven clans - to believe Daruta and Dovar to be gods of the sea and protection.

## Constellations and Seasons

The constellations and seasons of Aether align in unusual synchronisation, with one major constellation being seen through an entire season, in some cases 2. These constellations are linked to FangXiang, the God of Prophecy and Clarity, who is manifested in these stars and their meanings.

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### Spring

Patrons of Spring: Earth Titan, Bephine the Goddess of Love, Themega the Goddess of Justice.

Bephine has a holiday being that of Valentines which is held in the middle of the spring, when flowers are blooming at their brightest and mating season begins for most creatures. The mornings and evenings are chilly, with light frost and dew being common, night times are cold and wind can only exacerbate the effects, but there is a sugary scent to the air, a lightness on the skin and gradually, as time wares on, the dawn and dusk become warmer and warmer. The meadows and fields are alight with flowers that swamp the grass, trees release seeds in spore and cone shape, fish travel upriver for mating seasons and stampeding flocks of Deer and Peryton are common everywhere. With this new life comes an abundance of predators, with wolves becoming regular sights to travellers, though they keep to themselves rather than tangle with humanoids whom are not sick.

For those with hay-fever, this time of the year is a nightmare. Merely opening a window allows in a plethora of seen and unseen spores that cause runny noses, headaches, dizziness and irritated eyes, leading to masks and fortitude potions being sold in general and wellness stores for sufferers. This seasons plays host to one major event and a few small ones. The largest being Valentines which is celebrated Aether-wide in almost all cultures and in the honour of Bephine. This event takes place over the course of a week in the middle of the season. Petals line the streets, willows and sakura trees looming in the sky in with all manner of pink flora along with bunting and magical fairy lights, everything grows at a faster rate, fertility is increased and marriages are a dozen a day during this time. Merchants use this event to sell trinkets and tacky wares such as daisy rings, rose crowns, gowns, and more, but most commonly: the damnable love potions! Rife and everywhere, there are usually signs warning about drinks being spiked with such sweet liquids by tilted lovers or obsessive crushes. A main tradition of this event is dates, each SO treating their other or their crush to a date - should they agree of course - every day, experiencing something new. Spouses even perform mock weddings and renewals, going on weeks long trips to Silia de la Notre as well as pregnancy parties held in safe accordance. Balls are a main feature as well, romantic balls that usually end in lovelorn drama and tirades of jilted lovers being upset. Other small events through this season include bonfires and camping, enjoying nature in its abundance and all things natural. Fireworks are frowned upon during this time and arrest-able as it can upset newborn animals and disturb flocks of birds and creatures.

### Summer

Patrons of Summer: Fire Titan, Inir the God of Weather - although his connection is waning, Solaris the Goddess of Day and Youth, Phosphephos the God of Blacksmithing and Crafts.

Births begin to riddle this season due to the fertility of spring, flowers continue to bloom but the heat is rife and air can be stagnant as clouds become an uncommon sight in the sky. Any and all forms of shade provided by flora is valued and days become longer, night shorter and the moons are at their furthest from Aether, leading to lesser tides. Thunderous storms are are occurrence every other night, becoming so booming that many will struggle to sleep and sleeping potions become common in stores and apothecaries.

Spores are less common, but counteractives are still sold for those who suffer extra from its effects, insects reign supreme in this season as the new threat. Either collecting pollen and honey, or feasting on those that due, using the new heat to spread diseases and infect living creatures. Fungal infectious insects are the worst, finding a host, laying their eggs in them and then fleeing, after a few weeks the affected person will find their skin eaten away at by these new maggots should they not seek medical attention quick enough when they see the signs. Some insects burrow so far into the flesh that internal bleeding is the first signs, bloody coughs and searing pains. Doctors become invasive in their demands for these individuals to seek them out before they find their limb is no longer under their control or worse. But deadly diseases and insects aside, this season is celebrated by holidays most commonly. Many travelling to other major kingdoms under hired or Dragon Guard. Some private tutors will find their number of students for combative classes and gardening will also increase. The most prominent event of this time is the Aether-wide Solstice, dedicated to Solaris and Lunar, where the day is at its longest in the year and the night is at its shortest. Celebrated with ceremonial wine, traditional dances at dusk and watching the sun set, as well as whatever preference the individual wishes to celebrate with. The most prominent event within Aramoor is the Dragon Festival to celebrate the Primordial Gods, especially the Primordial Dragon of Order, HuangLong.

### Autumn/Fall

Patrons of Autumn: Air Titan, Hrana the God of Excess, Angra the Lord of Loathing

The heat of Summer cools, a change is brought to the air on the wings of the cooling breeze that wraps around Aether. The scorch of the sun is cooled a bit thanks this change in the air. Animals and mortals alike begin to gather food and store what they may for the upcoming change in season. Autumn is often fickle, coming in and leaving suddenly or otherwise refusing to release it's grip. The fauna becomes fluffy as thicker coats grow in while the flora release their final blooms and fruits of the seasons. Harvests are culled and gathered, leading to the seasonal bounty many have waited for through the seasons. The hard work of the Spring and Summer have begun to pay off. However, a unseen frost or a blast of cold sneaking in through the balm of Autumn may cause a time of struggle and turmoil as Winter creeps in. Many carry runestones engraved with the symbol of Hrana, praying and sacrificing to him for proper bounties of harvest and to keep at by Angra for another season.

### Winter

Patrons of Winter: Water Titan, Oris the god of protection, Kheldir the God of War, Lunar the Goddess of Night and Wisdom.

As the sun's dominion over night wanes, cold settles over Aether. Stars fill the skies for longer periods and plants begin to slumber in their withered states. The quiet nights give rise to the possibility of spirits and their appearance over the lands. The moons drift closer and hang heavy in the sky, tugging at the waters of the seas. Snowstorms appear suddenly, often blanketing the Aether in quiet, heavy layers of ice and cold and a false serenity. There is a peacefulness to the frozen wilds that surround Aramoor and tug at the Panhandle. Plants are paused in their growth, frozen in a state of between if strong enough to withstand the blast of cool air. Animals are sleepy and hibernating. Those that brave the frozen lands are skittish, careful, vigilant in their search for food. Illness becomes prominent as the weak battle the change in weather. Lunar, the Goddess of Night and Wisdom, is at her strongest as the moons rest high in the sky. Strife and fear brings Kheldir into the minds of many as the God of War senses frayed emotions in the difficult season. Oris stays ever close as patrons pray and sacrifice to the God of Protection.

Meanwhile the last constellation, the Silver Peryton, can be found only at certain times of the year, considered the rarest. It can be seen in the sky both at the end of Spring and early Summer and the end of Autumn/Fall and early Winter.

This lead astronomers to believe the stars that make the Peryton constellation is actually a series of magically synchronised asteroids and where FangXiang may even live, but Viothist priestesses dispute this.