Æther

The æther describes a physical field that influences randomness and entropy. It is a measure of exergy and essentially determines how things progress through time. The æther interacts with everything, and everything interacts with the æther; all physical interactions in the universe operate through the æther.

The æther as a whole is chaotic, especially as a result of The Shattering; it rapidly changes and appears unpredictable.

Physical Interactions

The state of the æther governs all physical interactions.

Thermodynamics

The æther directly affects thermodynamics, as it is itself a measurement of available energy.

Thermodynamic functions of the æther can be summarized through three scientific laws:

First Law

1. Any increase in local exergy requires an equal or greater system-wide decrease.

Exergy is the magnitude of a vector on a point of the æther. It is inversely proportional to entropy; it measures how much energy is "available" for use. Through sequencing, or through natural causes such as wind, exergy can be introduced into a system from outside, reducing entropy. Exergy in an isolated system cannot increase.

The Zero State (Second Law)

2. An isolated system is always progressing towards equilibrium.

Total exergy reduces with time, as it cannot be created. In regards to the æther, the zero state describes the lowest point of exergy: thermodynamic equilibrium. It is essentially the "zero" of a magnitude toward which all settles.

The absolute zero state refers to the equilibrium of an isolated system, usually in reference to the universe as a whole. A drop in the absolute zero state caused The Shattering.

The relative zero state refers to the equilibrium within a within a subsystem. It is useful for describing changes in an area over time.

Third Law

3. Exergy is inversely proportional to entropy; higher exergy correlates directly to a higher number of possible microstates within a system.

Exergy and entropy are intrinsically linked.

Electromagnetism

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Spacetime

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Features

The æther can be described as a physical vector field. Each infinitesimal point in physical space corresponds to a vector on the æther, the magnitude of which equates exergy: the amount of "workable" or "available" energy. Objects take up regions of the æther just as they do physical space. The points within the object describe the object's energy state and dictate how that state changes.

Axes

Each point in the æther corresponds to a two-dimensional vector. Each axis of each vector may be positive or negative.

Fae named these two axes somewhat arbitrarily:

• The ground-sky axis, or the vertical axis. "Ground" (V+) magnitudes are positive, and "sky" (V−) magnitudes are negative.
• The warm-cold axis, or the horizontal axis. "Warm" (H+) magnitudes are positive, and "cold" (H−) magnitudes are negative.

The "elemental" names originate from a classical understanding of sequencing: the ground-sky axis was thought to drive electromagnetism, and the warm-cold axis was thought to drive thermodynamics. This is incorrect, yet the names are still used. In the modern day, scientists prefer the alternative "vertical/horizontal" naming convention, which originates from dowsing.

Force Carrier vs. Wave Theory

Fae currently debate over whether energy is carried by force-carrying particles, or if the æther is purely a mathematical construct.