Opening

Our world, Aetherra, is shaped by the interplay between Aether and Technology , where ancient war machines, alchemical constructs, and engineered intelligence exist alongside powerful spellcasters and industrial empires. Civilizations rise and fall based on their understanding of natural law, and factions wage war to control both magic and machines.

This document serves as a complete guide to the species, magic, and scientific advancements that define the world.

I. The Seeds of Aether

Humanity in this world is divided into distinct types, determined by their relationship with Aether, the fundamental energy permeating existence.

1. Dullborn

Non-Magic Humans

• Lacking any ability to sense or manipulate Aether.
• Most common in Searin—they rely on technology and warfare to compete with magic users.
• Highly disciplined and innovative, responsible for mechanized industry.

Strengths: Resistant to Aetheric corruption, skilled engineers and tacticians.
Weaknesses: Completely vulnerable to direct magic attacks.

Slang Term: "Greybloods" (Derogatory term for their Aetherless existence.)

"Magic is a crutch for the lazy. The future belongs to those who shape the world with their own hands."

— Admiral Octavius Bracchus Grant

2. Veilborn

Passive Magic Users

• Often unaware of their abilities, but are subtly guided by Aetheric ripples.
• Appear unnaturally lucky, perceptive, or charismatic.
• Many become navigators, spies, or artisans, using their supernatural instincts to excel.

Strengths: Subtle magical advantages, resistant to mental magic.
Weaknesses: Cannot actively cast spells or manipulate Aether.

"The greatest gambler is the one who doesn't even know he's cheating."

— Zyndellian Merchant, explaining Veilborn intuition

3. Aetherweavers

Long-Cast Magic Users

• Have Aetherweave, a hidden subdermal organ that collects ambient Aether.
• Can channel and refine Aether over time, then release massive, powerful spells.
• Used in long-form ritual magic, siege warfare, and battle-mage formations.

Strengths: Limitless casting potential, versatile magic.
Weaknesses: Slow casting speed, requires preparation and patience.

Slang Terms:

• "Sifters" (For sifting through the Aetheric layers to cast)
• "Slowhands" (Derogatory term for their slow spellcasting.)

"Patience is the blade that cuts the deepest. Do not mock a Sifter until his spell is cast."

— Lady Ophelia Valcrest

4. Aetherhearts

Instant-Cast Magic Users

• Have an Aetherheart, an internal organ that refines Aether continuously.
• Can instantly cast spells, but rely only on internal reserves (like a battery).
• Used as duelists, imperial enforcers, and elite spell-warriors.

Strengths: Immediate casting speed, great for combat.
Weaknesses: Limited mana pool—once depleted, they must wait to recharge.

Slang Term: "Flares" (Because they burn through their reserves quickly.)

"I burn fast, but I burn bright."

— Ferris the Flare before his final battle

5. Conduits

Religious Magic Users—Theorized but Unknown to the World

• Their brains develop Aetheric networks through faith and synchronized prayer.
• Can create miracles, but only if many believers share the same strict visualization.
• They are probably mistaken for Dullborn because their magic is only activated through religious unity.

Strengths: Can achieve world-altering miracles, such as healing entire cities.
Weaknesses: Miracles require massive dedication and unwavering faith.

"A thousand voices calling for the same miracle… that is the sound of the divine."

— Excerpt from The Holy Codex of the Seraphite Empire

6. Homunculi

Alchemically Engineered Organic Beings

• Created through alchemy, designed for war, labor, or arcane study.
• Some possess engineered Aetheric organs, enabling them to cast magic instinctively.
• Unlike humans, they are genetically engineered for specific tasks.

Strengths: Enhanced abilities tailored for their role, can outmatch natural humans.
Weaknesses: Suffer from mental instability or shortened lifespans.

"A man created by another man… does that make him any less real?"

— Homunculus Kruvish before deserting the Seraphite Empire

7. Golems

Mindless Constructs of War and Industry

Overview

Golems are non-sentient constructs animated by aether-infused cores, typically made of stone, metal, clay, or wood. They lack intelligence, functioning only as programmed machines or magically controlled bodies. The exact nature of their behavior depends on how they are engineered, with more advanced models exhibiting adaptive response mechanisms.

• Common Terminology: Aether Puppets, Aether Sentinels, Claybound
• Aetheric Affinity: None (Must be externally controlled)
• Creation Method: Infusion of aetheric cores into structured materials
• Common Uses: Labor, Security, Warfare

Strengths: Extremely durable, does not require maintenance.
Weaknesses: Has no intelligence—a mere tool for its creator.

"A golem is no different than a steam engine—it is a tool. Treat it as such, lest you mistake a hammer for a hand."

— Professor Aldous Merivain

Types of Golems

How They Work

1. Aetheric Cores: Golems are powered by aether-infused crystals or metals, allowing energy transfer to their structures.
2. Programming: Programmable golems require mechanical punch-card instructions to function.
3. Remote Control or Linked Commands: Most are manually controlled via Golemancy, while others execute preset routines until their energy depletes.

8. Automata

Engineered Intelligent Constructs

Overview

Automata are mechanical beings that possess engineered intelligence, distinct from golems due to their decision-making capabilities. Unlike their mindless predecessors, Automata exhibit autonomous thought, problem-solving, and some even display rudimentary emotions. The line between machine and sentient being is blurred with these constructs.

• Common Terminology: Clockborn, Machinemen, Tinkers, Mirrormen, Soulforged, Gilded Ones
• Aetheric Affinity: Varies (Dependent on their mechanical complexity)
• Creation Method: Fusion of aetheric processors, refined crystal cores, and mechanized intelligence systems
• Common Uses: Artificers, Warriors, Laborers, Experimental Subjects

Unlike Golems, they are capable of independent thought.

• An advanced version, Gideon-9: Mirrormen, appear sentient. Some accept their roles, while others rebel against their creators.

Strengths: Do not age, require no sustenance.
Weaknesses: Remain bound to their programming, making them unable to act against orders.

"A Clockborn does not die. It does not forget. And if it could think, I would fear its wrath."

— Final recorded words of a Kurellish Magistrate before the undefined Uprising

Types of Automata

How They Work

1. Aetheric Processing Cores: Unlike golems, automata possess crystal-based processors capable of storing, analyzing, and reacting to external stimuli.
2. Self-Learning Algorithms: Advanced automata refine their behavior through experience, growing more efficient over time.
3. Limited or Full Autonomy: While early automaton models remain bound to commands, some later models break free, acting independently of their creators.

II. Magic & Science

Aether: The Energy of Creation

Elemental Aetheric Reactions

• Exists in infinite layers throughout space.
• Cannot be accessed directly except through:
• Biological organs (used by magic users)
• Crystals and lenses (used by machines and alchemy)

Aether cannot be accessed directly, but through controlled interactions with specific materials and environmental conditions, it can be condensed into Concentrate for spellcasting, alchemy, or power generation. Different elements attract and refine different types of Aether when undergoing certain kinds of reactions, forming the foundation of both natural magic and technological applications.

Aetheric Lenses and Spellcasting

• Raw crystals produce unstable magic.
• Refined lenses allow precision-based spellcasting.

Because raw Aether is chaotic and difficult to control, refined crystal lenses are used to shape, direct, and amplify its properties. These lenses alter Aetheric flow much like glass manipulates light, allowing for precision spellcasting, energy refinement, and advanced aetheric weaponry.

Aetheric Crystals and Their Effects

Crystals are essential for storing, refining, and directing Aether, serving as the foundation of both magic and aetheric technology. Despite their production of chaotic, unstable magic before their refinement into lenses, gemstones still have their uses.

Technological Advancements

• Steam Giants: Massive war machines from an ancient age, now being reactivated.
• Aetheric Scepters: Early firearms using condensed Aether bullets.
• Aether Rail Cannons: High-velocity siege weapons.
• Portable Aether Shields: Deployable force barriers against attacks.

"If magic can be engineered, then war can be perfected."

— Searinin Military Doctrine

Closing

Some seek to dominate Aether through technology, while others strive to maintain its natural balance.

But as war escalates, one truth becomes clear: