(A quick rundown on the magic and power in this world.)
[1] What is Aether?
Forget what you know about mana . In this world, the source of all power is Aether.
Think of it as life energy. It's in the air you breathe, the ground you walk on, and the blood in your veins. Everything you do from swinging a sword to casting a spell is powered by your ability to control the Aether inside you. The more Aether you have and the better you can control it, the more powerful you are.
[2] The Three Parts of Power
A person's strength is like a three-legged stool. If one leg is weak, the whole thing falls over.
Body: This is your physical power. It covers your strength, speed, and toughness. A strong Body means you can hit harder, move faster, and take a beating.
Mind: This is your mental power. It's about focus, smarts, and control. A strong Mind lets you cast complicated spells or see the flaw in an enemy's fighting style.
Soul: This is your inner power. It determines your special magical talent, called an Affinity, and your sheer willpower. A strong Soul means your magic is potent and you're hard to break.
You need all three to be a true powerhouse. A strong body with a weak mind is just a dumb brute. A smart mage with a weak body is a glass cannon. Balance is everything.
[3] Power Ranks
People get stronger by going through different ranks. Each one is a big step up.
Beginner: The start. You can feel the Aether inside you, but you can't control it. Most people never get past this stage.
Apprentice: You can now pull Aether through you to perform basic skills and reinforce your body. This is the rank of a typical soldier or apprentice.
Expert: You can now use your Affinity to create real spells, like fireballs or shields of ice. This is the mark of a true mage or knight.
Master: You have total mastery over your own energy and can create large-scale, destructive techniques.
Grandmaster: A living legend. You don't just use Aether; you become a part of it. People at this rank are like forces of nature.
[4] Affinities (Your Special Talent)
Aether speaks differently to everyone, giving each person a special talent, or Affinity.
Common Talents: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, Shadow etc.
Rare Talents: Lightning, Ice, Metal, Wood, Poison etc.
Legendary Talents: Things you only hear about in stories, like Time, Space, or Void.
The rule is, you only get one. Being born with two is almost unheard of and usually means you're destined for greatness or a terrible end.
[5] The Dangers of Aether
Using Aether is like flexing a muscle. Use it too much, and you get tired. Push it way too far, and you don't just pull something you break. If you try to use power you haven't earned, you can suffer Aether Burnout, which is a nice way of saying your soul and body start to fall apart. It's a bad way to go.