Etheri

The etheri represent are one of the oldest and most powerful bloodlines of humanity. There are three major tribes of etheri: Aeri, Dari and Neri. Each is tied to a specific source of spiritual energy.   • Aeri are aligned with the power of SPIRIT and manifest a white color. Aeri favor the FLAIR and AGILE Approaches. • Dari are aligned with the power of CURSES and manifest a red color. Dari favor the WIT and MIGHT Approaches. • Neri are aligned with the power of VOID and manifest a black color. Neri favor the TOUGH and GUILE Approaches. • There are stories that other clans exist and manifest different powers and colors but most attribute these claims to other phenomena.   Etheri have an intrinsic sense of the spiritual and the realms beyond the Veil. This is not just an extension of their physical senses but a clear sense that they call Clairesse, unfettered by the physical. Some of the blood have a well-developed sense while others either do not have clear impressions or interpret it through their physical senses which can cause confusion as they interpret what their spirit knows.   In addition to the spiritual sense, etheri possess an awareness of the aura of all living creatures. This awareness of their own aura and those around them is perhaps the defining characteristic of these people. It represents the basis of their world view. In general, those of the blood hold that something with an aura, something alive to their senses cannot be owned by anyone or anything other than itself. What exists without an aura is purely physical and belongs to whoever’s aura touches it. Some items may resonate with another’s aura and to take those items as one’s own is an act against the spirit.   An etheri’s aura is so defined and strong that it influences the physical world around them. This process is known as Tinting. Objects that are in close proximity and touched by the aura or in contact with the etheri for a time will change color to take on the color of the etheri’s bloodline. This process takes a small amount of time and may or may not be a complete change of color, depending on the object, the length of time it was possessed, the strength of the etheri’s aura and other factors. It is rare to encounter an etheri who does not wear a fair amount of white, red, or black. Where the Tinting is a physical manifestation of an etheri’s aura, there is a mental manifestation as well known as the Kintala, or harmony with one’s spirit. This stems from the etheri’s awareness of their own spirit which manifests as extreme feelings when they act in concert with or against their inner nature.   Another truth of the etheri of Urth is that their relationships are colored by this sense of the spiritual. Either initially or over time an etheri develops a sense for the people closest to them. Those that stay with them experience a deep Crasis, a mingling of auras. This closeness can be disturbing to some. To help get a sense for people quickly, etheri will often revel with them as they say that one’s aura is less guarded during celebrations. Some of the blood are more introverted and practice more intimate methods such as the reading of palms, discourse or shared craftings. What the etheri seek in each other and others is what they call the Brio, the driving force that guides the spirit. It is said that some etheri and clans possess a means to change another into one of their own which also does not sit well with the superstitious masses.   What many claim is a restlessness of the etheri people is really derived from their connection to the spiritual. Many people do not feel comfortable around the etheri for their sense of world beyond. Some etheri choose to move on before it becomes a problem. Given the Tinting can alter the world around them over time, and in larger areas and greater effect the more etheri are gathered, the more some of the blood feel the need to travel when the tinting starts. Yet another reason is that the world beyond can influence the etheri as well. The sense of a place in the beyond can change or call to those of the blood.   Etheri are not often given positions of power in the Empire, but there are some who rise in the ranks of various organizations and even those who bear noble title. The Imperial Guilds of Merchants, Entertainers and Mages have the largest number of etheri members outside of the House of the Healing Heart. While not as populous as they are in the Empire of Koth, the etheri of Pan Orda are seen as outsiders but their powers are welcome in the Realms of Power.   Those of the blood are fiercely independent. Both individually and as a family, the etheri constantly seek to assert their independence through action. They believe that action is the key to change and are not content to wait for others to take action for them.   Some etheri choose to wear bright and bold colors to rebel against the Tinting and it is considered an insult to call someone pale, plain or insinuate that they lack color.