Aether, the Unknown God of Air (aka All-Father of The Aether), is an elemental deity of immense significance within the Unknown. Birthed from the union of Unknown, the Unknown of Space, and Unknown, the Eldari of Force, Aether embodies the boundless and intangible essence of air. His existence is intrinsically tied to the Plane of Zephyron, a realm of perpetual sky, tempestuous storms, and floating islands that drift amidst the infinite expanse.
Divine Form and Function
The true form of Aether is beyond mortal comprehension, as he is the very embodiment of air and the currents that permeate existence. Yet, through the accounts of Avatars of the Air and ancient Mythar depictions, glimpses of his form have been etched into legend. Aether is described as:
- A six-armed, winged primordial, his form vast and radiant, with six sets of translucent white wings that shimmer with celestial energy.
- His feathers, pristine and almost ethereal, appear like rays of sunlight breaking through stormclouds.
- His head resembles an angelic skull, its features undefined yet exuding an aura of purity and reverence.
- His limbs end in talons akin to those of great avian beasts, sharp and formidable, representing his dual nature of creation and destruction.
Despite his fearsome visage, those who have encountered him, such as Avatar Aegis, speak of an overwhelming sense of peace and purity. Aether’s presence is said to cleanse the spirit, inspiring both awe and unwavering devotion.
The Plane of Zephyron
The Plane of Zephyron, Aether’s dominion, is an awe-inspiring dimension of eternal skies. Great thunderclouds pulse with raw energy, and floating landmasses of crystal, stone, and enchanted flora are suspended by unseen forces. The winds of Zephyron are said to sing with Aether’s voice, carrying whispers of the divine across the cosmos. It is here that Aether’s Archon, Zirael (aka Goldbrand), watches over the Etherstone, ensuring the flow of Rift Magic and maintaining balance within the material plane.
All-Father of The Aether
Aether is deeply intertwined with the fabric of the Continuum Crystal Cosmology. He played a pivotal role in The Aeonic Struggle, consuming the essence of the Storm Elementari and transmuting their raw energy back to the Plane of Zephyron. This act established his dominion and ensured the balance of air within the elemental harmony of the Prime Plane.
Most notably, Aether co-created the Ether alongside Mystera, the goddess of magic. The Ether is the foundation of all Rift Magic, threading through the Riftways and binding the elemental planes to the cosmos. It is said that Aether infused the Ether with the essence of Zephyron’s boundless skies, granting magic its fluid and expansive nature. His contribution to the Ether ensures the seamless flow of arcane energy, connecting all realms and preserving the order of creation.
Bonds of The Divine
Aether’s love for Mystera is one of the most poignant tales within the Pantheon of Primus. The Primus God of Air first gazed upon the Goddess of Magic during the First Age of Creation, following the Unknown, and was captivated by her radiant beauty and the intricacy of her essence.
Although they cannot interact directly due to the constraints of the ordered cosmos, their connection endures through their shared creation—the Ether—and their mutual stewardship of Zirael and the Avatars of the Air. These Avatars are considered the divine children of Aether and Mystera, embodying their combined love and purpose.
The Archon of Air
Aether entrusted the protection of his realms and the Etherstone to Zirael, the Archon of Air. Zirael, a golden dragon of immense power and wisdom, is a manifestation of Aether’s will and a guardian of the Prime Plane’s balance. She serves as a mentor and guide to the Avatars of the Air, ensuring their alignment with Aether’s divine purpose.
Avatars of The Air
Every 3,000 to 4,000 years, Aether selects an Avatar from among the mortals to act as his steward and protect the balance of The Air Realm. These Avatars undergo the Trial of Mystera, a divine rite that tests their worthiness and grants them unparalleled mastery of Ether-Rifting.
Lineage of The Avatars
Avatar Aegis: The first Avatar, chosen by Zirael, who founded the Vanir civilization of Aerenal and protected the Etherstone from those who sought to exploit it. Aegis undertook the Trial of Mystera, confronting the goddess herself in a land shrouded in mist, and emerged as the embodiment of Aether’s will.
Archmage Kelak Nilfard: A once-misguided soul drawn into the Cult of Infinitum, Kelak redeemed himself by aiding in the defeat of his brother, Kalekai Blackhand, during the Third Continuum Crisis. His service to Aether restored balance and ensured the continued protection of the Etherstone.
Avatar Guy the Grateful: A renowned half-elf hero and member of The Sunsations. Guy was chosen by Zirael after saving Aerenal from the Blight of Balathazar. His journey brought unity to the Vanir and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Etherstone.
Legacy and Mythology
Aether’s legacy is one of boundless possibility and unyielding harmony. He represents the endless skies and the freedom they embody, ensuring that the balance of air remains unbroken. Through his love for Mystera and his guardianship of the Ether, Aether bridges the elemental and arcane, preserving the delicate harmony of the cosmos.
The Avatars of Air and Zirael, his golden Archon, continue to uphold his will, ensuring that the Prime Plane remains a realm of balance, beauty, and boundless potential.