Ether

An ancient realm hidden from the outside world, believed to have existed since the earliest days of creation. It is the homeland of the Zephyrians.

Unlike other civilisations, Ether was never founded through conquest or war. It grew naturally around the Burning Tree, whose roots stretch beneath its mountains, forests and settlements, carrying warmth and magic throughout the realm.

The Zephyrians believe that as long as the Tree continues to burn, Ether will remain alive.

Entering Ether

Ether cannot be reached by ordinary travel. Its entrances, the Sunpassages, are hidden within flames — a hearth, a bonfire, a ceremonial candle — and only those the realm recognises may pass: a Zephyrian, someone they guide, or someone carrying a key a Zephyrian willingly gave them. Every passage opens beneath the Burning Tree in Ayrith.

Once you enter Ether, the world seems to change. Beyond the flames lies a vast land of mountains, forests, rivers and ancient cities. Old structures are built into the landscape, some so old that no Zephyrian remembers who first raised them.

The realm

• Ayrith, the capital, built around the Tree
• The surrounding towns, each devoted to a different discipline
• Naaru, the Silent Woods
• Mirel, deep within Naaru

Its people

Peaceful, compassionate and deeply respectful of life. There has never been a war within Ether. Disagreements exist — Zephyrians have their own personalities, ambitions and beliefs — but unnecessary conflict is considered a waste of life and energy, and public arguments, manipulation and deliberate cruelty are strongly discouraged.

Zephyrians are especially intolerant of outsiders bringing political conflicts or personal feuds into Ether. A visitor who tries to involve Ether in an outside war will usually be asked to leave.

The realm is guided, not ruled, by the Circle of Roots.

The protection of the realm

Ether's defence is layered around the Burning Tree:

• The Outer Veil — the barrier that conceals Ether from the outside world and prevents unauthorised entry.
• The Rootwardens — who watch the Tree and its roots.
• The Sunward — Defenders who gather when Ether faces a serious threat.

Intruders are usually warned, restrained or removed before force is used. But if someone threatens the Tree or the lives of innocents, the Zephyrians will not hesitate to defend themselves. Their kindness should never be mistaken for weakness.

History

1. The First Flame — the Sun makes the first Zephyrians and places the Tree. Year zero.
2. The Age of Wandering — Zephyrians go out into the world, and choose to help it.
3. The First Bond — the first Defender, and the first lost feather.
4. The Closing of the Gates — the Sunpassages restricted.
5. The Great Freeze — the Tree drained, the people called home, the gates shut.

Since the freeze

The Cold-Sigils were placed on the Tree and Ether froze. Everything above is the realm as Taara remembers it, not as it now stands. She was outside the barrier when it closed, and no one has seen the inside since.

Since session 30, "the inside" is in the Shadowfell. Taara brought Ether there with the Amulet of the Planes. See Ether's Flame.