Ether — a special energy that permeates all spheres of activity. The primary source of power and resource for various technologies and magical practices.
Purified Ether — a safe and stabilized form of ether, suitable for everyday use and rituals. Has undergone a process of filtration and stabilization.
Dead Ether — the original, raw form of ether. Unstable, destructive, and dangerous. Officially recognized as an uncontrollable and harmful energy source.
Ether Ore — a crystallized mineral that serves as a concentrate of dead ether. Used as raw material for creating synthesized energy sources. Due to its instability, it can cause infection.
Infection — an abnormal disease caused by the penetration of ether ore into the body. Characterized by uncontrollable proliferation of ore within tissues, leading to the gradual destruction of the organism. Deadly, especially in later stages, and almost untreatable.
Side Effects of Infection — psycho-emotional instability, chronic psychosis, hallucinations, impaired perception of reality, severe mood swings, and loss of control over actions.
Ether Users — a special caste of people possessing the unique ability to control ether flows through immaterial structures built into their bodies — synchronization channels. Their skill in controlling ether directly depends on their synchronization level.
Infected — individuals who have come into contact with ether ore and contracted the infection. Their condition gradually worsens, often resulting in a complete loss of self-control.
Synchronization Channels — immaterial, energetic structures present in some beings, including humans. Serve as conduits and amplifiers of ether flows within the body.
Synchronization Level — a measure of a person's control over ether. Expressed as a percentage, reflecting the efficiency of synchronization channels and the ability to manipulate energy.
Types of Ether Users:
Warriors — basic synchronization level (up to 15%). Specialize in combat skills and direct use of ether in battle.
Mages — intermediate synchronization level (up to 40%). Master complex ether control techniques, capable of creating spells and energy effects.
Priests — advanced synchronization level (above 40%). Possess deep understanding of ether. Specialize in creating complex mechanisms and technological systems integrating ether flows.
The Great Cataclysm — a large-scale event that occurred approximately 500 years ago, during which ether first revealed its destructive properties, giving birth to the modern world and changing the nature of energy.
Hybrids — mysterious creatures of unknown origin, distinct from animals and humans. Like humans, they possess synchronization channels, allowing them to manipulate ether, but with unique traits.
People and Factions
Scrubs — people who are uninfected and do not use aether. A derogatory term.
Grimmers — hunters of the infected. Often slightly infected themselves.
Whispers — scouts who use aether trails for surveillance.
Demon — An entity that arises after the death of an infected individual. Upon contact with an aether user, it acts like a Loader, overloading the aether channels and making the user vulnerable to dead aether.
Spirit — An artificially created entity in laboratories and temples. Controlled by priests, it directs aether flows, enhancing or managing mechanisms (spirit-machines).