Aether is the closest thing to magic that exists in the Neon Age continuity. It needs to be stressed, however, that aether does not behave like traditional magic. You cannot curse or hex anyone, there are no vampires or werewolves, there aren't any incantations and spells aren't a thing either.
What the hell can you do with it?
Think more along the lines of telekinesis and related phenomenon, illusions (light manipulation) and things of that nature. Applied on an industrial scale aether can be used to enhance current technology to achieve things not possible using conventional means such as the almost-antigravity properties of grav-lifts. It has also been used to open rifts to other dimensions, though that use has been outlawed.
When used by people, aether is activated by force of will and skill. Its use does take a toll on the body so the more you use it or the more impressive the feat the more it'll tucker the user out. Theoretically mages - aether users - could create their own rifts in space but the amount of skill and energy needed to do so would require quite a bit of skill. The bigger the rift, the more power you need.
Who can use aether?
Basically, anything organic with the willpower to do so. This includes humans, hybrids, and trans-dimensionals but not synthetics.
Additionally, not everyone is created equal. Some people have a natural affinity for aether and others have to work hard to progress - others can barely do a darn thing.
Synthetics cannot use aether under normal circumstances because they are not built with an aether capacitor unlike other machinery such as grav-lifts. Synthetics by law are not allowed to be built with such capacitors for safety reasons but they may be built with certain approved devices that do use aether for specfic purposes.
Can we see it?
No, like many things in particle physics aether is not something we can see, only measure. Instead we see the effects aether has, but under extreme circumstances in the lab we can see it or what we think it might be.
What is the public opinion of aether?
Most of the general public holds a double standard regarding aether. They fear it and the mages that use it yet rely on and enjoy multiple aether-based devices.
What the hell can you do with it?
Think more along the lines of telekinesis and related phenomenon, illusions (light manipulation) and things of that nature. Applied on an industrial scale aether can be used to enhance current technology to achieve things not possible using conventional means such as the almost-antigravity properties of grav-lifts. It has also been used to open rifts to other dimensions, though that use has been outlawed.
When used by people, aether is activated by force of will and skill. Its use does take a toll on the body so the more you use it or the more impressive the feat the more it'll tucker the user out. Theoretically mages - aether users - could create their own rifts in space but the amount of skill and energy needed to do so would require quite a bit of skill. The bigger the rift, the more power you need.
Who can use aether?
Basically, anything organic with the willpower to do so. This includes humans, hybrids, and trans-dimensionals but not synthetics.
Additionally, not everyone is created equal. Some people have a natural affinity for aether and others have to work hard to progress - others can barely do a darn thing.
Synthetics cannot use aether under normal circumstances because they are not built with an aether capacitor unlike other machinery such as grav-lifts. Synthetics by law are not allowed to be built with such capacitors for safety reasons but they may be built with certain approved devices that do use aether for specfic purposes.
Can we see it?
No, like many things in particle physics aether is not something we can see, only measure. Instead we see the effects aether has, but under extreme circumstances in the lab we can see it or what we think it might be.
What is the public opinion of aether?
Most of the general public holds a double standard regarding aether. They fear it and the mages that use it yet rely on and enjoy multiple aether-based devices.
