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This article is about an element. For an alchemical ingredient, see Fifth essence. For a substance, see Aether. |
While most disciplines of magic on the Continent focus on the four Prime Elements, there exists another, spiritual essence. Variously called Quintessence (Fifth Element), Spirit, Idea,[1] or Ether,[2][3] it is the building block of souls[2] and other ethereal beings.[4]
Ethereal Plane[]
an Ethereal pathway
Plane connected to the element is referred to as Ether[2][5] or Ethereal Plane.[2] It is a strange realm where time, heat, light and matter do not exist; material creatures who enter experience unease,[6] and might become insane if they remain here too long.[2] Unlike the Four Prime Elements, Ether does not permeate the Material Plane through ley lines[7] but touches it and other realities in a different way.[2]
While mages casually use Ether as a medium of "instantaneous" transportation (teleportation takes persons and goods from one place in the material world to another by moving them through what seems to be the Ethereal Plane), several notable individua such as Geralt of Rivia and his horse Roach find the experience unpleasant, even though Harlan Tzara once described Geralt's fear as irrational.[6] Is one to be trapped there, it is extremely hard to locate them and bring them back; some, like Krepp, claimed they could try but without promising success.[8]
Known inhabitants of the plane include hyms[5] and perispirits.[2]
Ether magic[]
Teleportation
Ether or Spirit magic is perceived by some as an extension of Mind Magic, possible to obtain through training one's intelect;[9] even the prefix "tele-" is often included in names of spells belonging to both of these disciplines. Spells utilizing this element are used for teleportation, illusions of any kind, becoming incorporeal or preventing other beings from doing so, as well as dispelling, diverting, deflecting, or otherwise manipulating magic.[10][7]
The majority of mages can access Ether magic by drawing from two or more Prime Elements, which has led to the label Mixed Element being a common name for the Quintessence.[10] Priests and druids, following a different philosophy of harnessing Power, can tap into the Ether through a single ley line or intersection of one of the four Prime Elements.[7] A caster that overexerts themself or fumbles while casting an Ether spell might experience magical energy sparking out of their body and causing damage both internal and around.[10]
Witchers can access Ether magic in form of Yrden, a Sign that causes confusion in adversaries who enter its area of effect and allows witchers to harm specters inside as if they were material beings.[5][10]
Invocations and spells[]
For the full list of Ether-based abilities, see Category:Ether magic.
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ The Witcher
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Warriors of God
- ↑ Gwent: The Witcher Card Game
- ↑ The World of the Witcher
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Season of Storms
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 A Witcher's Journal
- ↑ The Last Wish
- ↑ The Witcher: Old World
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 The Witcher Role-Playing Game