Aether Use

[Dezarc]

Hi, I'm new to the FFXIV universe and I had a couple of questions regarding aether. 

 

Obviously classes and jobs like Thaumaturge and Summoner use it as a regular part of their abilities, but I was wondering if the Disciples of War and their jobs are also capable of using it in a more passive manner (i.e. a Gladiator toughening their skin or sharpening their sword) or if they were mostly mundane (aside from enhancements to their gear, which I just learned about in the Life, Materia, and Everything quest).

 

I'm leveling a Pugilist, and it seems like some of their abilities, like Fists of Earth, are slightly magical, but it's hard to tell how far I can apply that logic in an RP when there hasn't been any mention of it in the class quests so far.

 

Sorry if this is a dumb question and it's explained later, and thanks for reading.

[Seriphyn]

Absolutely. You'll see later in the MSQ, that NPCs who are just classes (not jobs), use pretty damn magical sword attacks and all that. It doesn't need to be flaming swords, either, but I'm confident the damage reduction GLD skills can be interpreted as using aether to toughen up.

 

Knock yourself out. The key trait to Eorzeans is that they have a natural aether to them, and it's not just mages who use it.

[Sounsyy]

Welcome to Eorzea and the RPC!

 

The answer, in short, is yes. Every living being is made up of aether and most of those creatures can, to some extent, weave that aether into magic in some form or fashion. There are of course those who possess less aetherwells (mana) than others and there are some Spoken that are incapable of manipulating it at all or with incredibly low efficiency (pure-blooded Garleans, for example). But every class and job weaves aether into their art in some form or fashion, some more so than others, obviously.

 

Some examples:

A technique used to close distance to an opponent' date=' the practitioner rushes forward and slams an aether-shielded shoulder into the target with concussive force. This move is favored by devotees of Rhalgr for its swift and brutal nature.[/quote']

This technique focuses aether at the tip of a blade' date=' then releases it in a dazzling flare of light. As well as causing temporary blindness, Flash unfailingly draws the foe's attention away from allies and onto oneself.[/quote']

While a dragoon allows the Blood of the Dragon to burn within her veins' date=' she is able to focus her elevated aether into serpentine blasts of energy. It is said that Geirskogul follows the same principle that dragonkind employ to infuse their breath with arcane destruction.[/quote']

 

 

Basic Aetherology

Within all beings - whether it be man, animal, or even plant - does aether flow. It is the spark which grants life to the lifeless. Conversely, death can be said to occur once aether has left a corporeal object. From this it is clear to see why many scholars use the words "life" and "aether" interchangeably. It can be assumed that a young man of sound mind and body will possess a high concentration of aetherial energy in his humours, whereas an older man, or one inflicted with corruption, will not. Some scholars have expanded upon this hypothesis saying that the consumption of food serves not only to fill the belly, but to provide the body with aether lost through exertion.

 

Aether is not by any means static. It constantly flows though creation, forming currents through earth, water, and air which ensure that life is sustained throughout the world. The stoppage of these currents would be akin to the atrophication of a limb cut off from the heart. Aether is the lifeblood of Hydaelyn, and without it She - and Her children - would perish.

 

Manipulation of aether in a manner that deviates from its natural tendencies is what scholars call "magic." While the various schools of magic such as thaumaturgy and conjury all employ differing methods to achieve this goal, the basic concept is the same.

 

A similar, yet more primitive type of aetherial manipulation can also be seen in non-sentient beings. A raptor breathing fire or a biast generating a levin-like shock are all examples of lesser-born creatures utilizing the aether within their bodies or available from the nearby environment to hunt or protect themselves from harm.

 

 

Additional lore on aether can be found in this Aether Lore Compilation which details what we know from in game about aether manipulation, aetherytes, and the Lifestream. Hope this helps! ^^ If you have more questions feel free to ask!