Herein lies the secrets of Aetherean lore.
Read at your own risk. Many story spoilers ahead.
The true history of Aetherealm is far different than what most believe. This is the truth of how Aetherealm came to be.
At the conception of the Terra Rune, Ryder’s life force, Arcaenion was born. He emerged within the void of Ryder’s subconscious, alongside the Arcaenyx: a massive, glowing crystal of radiant blue. The incarnate form of the rune itself. From the beginning, Arcaenion understood his purpose. He was the curator of this hidden realm, the echo of Ryder beyond the Vael—the barrier that separated Ryder’s waking mind from the world within. He was the Architect.
To protect the Arcaenyx, Arcaenion formed the Sanctuary, a stronghold built around the crystal. But defense alone wasn’t enough. He began shaping a world to surround it, drawing from the pure essence itself, Visible Imagination. Starting with Vaeleria, a labyrinth of many magical traps and puzzles, he topped the land with beautiful flora and marbled structures, his own garden and personal oasis. Beautiful yet deadly. He then moved onto landscapes, oceans, and entire regions that he formed in his mind’s eye, each one a safeguard, a creation born to shield the heart of the realm.
Arcaenion began with Obscyra, the smallest continent, growing outward from his own personal oasis of Vaeleria. He cloaked the entire continent in a magical barrier, making it invisible to all but himself. Only his power could lift such strong magic.
Next, he crafted the continent of Luminaris—the Subconscious Mind—where he formed the life-giving tree later known as Aeiaris, the Mother Tree. Atop the highest peaks, he raised the Aetherspire, his refuge and watchtower, so he could look out over the realm he had shaped.
Finally came Aetheris—the Conscious Mind. Here, Arcaenion carved a place where Ryder’s thoughts and imaginings could flourish. A realm of creation, it would become the foundation for many of the imaginings Ryder would one day bring to life.
Over the millennia, as time flowed strangely in this place, Arcaenion continued to shape the realm. He painted lakes and mountains, forests and rivers, each detail born from the swirling storm of imaginations within him. And so he named it: Aetherealm.
Though the realm was taking shape, it remained a blank canvas full of promise, but empty of presence. Arcaenion found joy in creation, yet he had no one with whom to share it. From the depths of the Arcaenyx, he drew forth the essence of Visible Imagination and the captured soul of the toadstool, fragments tied to Ryder’s origin. From these, he shaped companions: Bastian and Aman, the incarnations of essence and soul.
No sooner had Bastian and Aman emerged than Alice appeared. Yet unlike the others, she was not of Arcaenion’s making. The moment he saw her, he was struck by her presence—elegant, mysterious, and clearly born of Ryder’s conscious mind. The first Muse.
Arcaenion wished for these first companions to flourish. Bastian, gifted with the power to transform from familiar to protector in an instant, remained by his side as both protector and closest friend. Aman, whose spirit was pure and curious, he kept hidden in the highest tower of the Aetherspire, shielding them from harm. For Alice, he conjured a haven: Felrose. He named her its queen. Flattered, she accepted the title and wore her new crown of roses with pride.
After the arrival of the founding three, Arcaenion began to shape more life, creatures both fantastic and mundane, drawn from the ever-growing well of Visible Imagination. Soon, the Wilds overflowed with all manner of beings: some wondrous, others fearsome, each vying for space within the untamed landscape. Even Arcaenion came to regard the Wilds with caution and feared his imagination got the best of him.
As time passed, he noticed Aman’s quiet sorrow. In response, he allowed them supervised freedom beyond the tower. First around Aeiaris, then into the bordering Glimmerglade Forest. The change was immediate. Their spirit brightened, and something within them began to awaken. From this freedom bloomed floramancy, the rare ability to commune with and control the flora around them. In Aman’s magic, Arcaenion saw the beauty of unbound potential.
Aman began to create, craft, and build beautiful little beings they called Aetherlings. Each being crafted from a combination of pure aethermancy and floramancy.
Seeing the pure joy emanate from Aman while they were with their creations, Arcaenion did something he had never done before: he gave Aman a choice. They could remain in the safety of the Aetherspire, or live freely among the forests. Aman didn’t speak, they simply ran to him and embraced him. That was answer enough. The Wilds were calling.
And so, Aman thrived. Amongst myth and legend, they carved their place in the realm, Aman’s Abode. Ruling gently over the creatures of the land and discovering the secrets hidden within. One such secret was the existence of the Dovaa, living deep within the Wilds.
After much of Aetherealm had taken form, Arcaenion uncovered a magical discipline unlike any other—chronomancy, the magic of time itself. To safeguard its secrets, he carved a hidden sanctum deep beneath the roots of Aeiaris: the Archive of Time. There, past, present, and future converged, and the full breadth of chronomancy was laid bare before him. Within that chamber, he witnessed both the boundless potential and the perilous cost of time’s dominion.
Arcaenion knew no single being could shoulder such a burden. Thus, from the same story that shaped Alice’s beauty and design, he gave life to another creation: Archibald, the White Rabbit. To him he entrusted the Timepiece of Everwhen, a relic capable of bending both time and space mirrored after this newfound magic. Named Aetherealm’s Timekeeper, Arch was charged to guard the relic with his life, never letting it leave his side. From that day forth, he became Arcaenion’s hidden hand, appearing at the turning points of fate—always in the right place, at the right time—bound eternally to his creator’s will.
Yet Arcaenion knew such knowledge must never fall into unworthy hands. He sealed the Archive away behind Aeiaris’ portal, concealing a secret entrance beyond a mural in the Arcaenyx Sanctuary. Only by weaving every elemental magic across its surface could the way be revealed, ensuring that only one who had mastered the full spectrum of Aetherean magic might step within. To further protect this power from corruption, he forged a relic of unparalleled might: the Tablet of Everwhen.
This was no mere record. Its surface shimmered with living runes, symbols shifting in intricate patterns that only Arcaenion could decipher. To guard its wisdom, he shattered the tablet into three fragments, each tied to a different pillar of Aetherean magic. Only when the fragments were reunited, and the Timepiece set at their heart, could the tablet unveil its hidden truths.
The Sun Stone, made of gold and marked with the blazing sun of the Luminaries, safeguarded the mysteries of aethermancy—the source of all magic—and its transcendent form, genomancy, the art of creation itself.
The Moon Stone, made of silver and engraved with a crescent moon amidst the clouds and stars, bore the realm’s most perilous secrets: the veiled magics of the Mist, the memory-revealing enchantments of Revaeris Lake, and above all, the forbidden truths of chronomancy.
The Dovaa Stone, made of pure aetherium and inscribed with a dragon crafted in glyntstone crystal flying through clouds, preserved the teachings of the elemental magics, the primal forces that bound the realm together.
Even Archibald was not permitted full knowledge of what he carried. To preserve the secrets of time, Arcaenion laid a curse upon him, stripping away every memory tied to chronomancy and his true purpose. What remained was a single fragment of duty: to keep safe the pocket watch he carried, though he would never again know its origin. Cast adrift into the Wilds with no past to anchor him, Arch wandered alone, burdened by a destiny he could no longer comprehend.
It was then that he met Alice. Seeing the frightened and anxious White Rabbit, she offered him shelter and protection. From that moment on, Arch found in her a companion who would stand by him across all time and space.
As Aetherealm grew, Arcaenion knew he could no longer guide it alone. To preserve balance, he divided his immense magical power in half and with it, he created two beings: Vaelric and Oberon.
Vaelric was forged as the embodiment of Ryder’s conscious mind, his inner voice and magical will, and was entrusted with Aetheris, where he could help shape its evolution. Oberon, born of the subconscious and representing Ryder’s innate sense of order, was given dominion over Luminaris and tasked with aiding Arcaenion in guiding the realm, quickly becoming its face.
The Architect entrusted the brothers with two sacred fragments of the Tablet of Everwhen. To Vaelric, he gave the Moon Stone, vessel of the most perilous and hidden magics. To Oberon, he bestowed the Sun Stone, guardian of the foundation and creation of all things. Each was charged with the same solemn command: to safeguard their relic for all eternity, and never allow its power to fall into the hands of those who would twist it toward darkness.
Arcaenion, writing a piece of history, granted himself the title of Grand Luminary, a title charged with guiding the realm and preserving its harmony.
In those early days, Vaelric made his purpose known: to unearth the realm’s deepest magical truths and forge something that mattered from them. Oberon, by contrast, fulfilled his role with quiet resolve—never seeking power, only using what power he had to sustain balance across Aetherealm by Arcaenion’s side.
With Arcaenion’s mentorship, Vaelric crafted a spell unlike any before it utilizing all of the Aetherean elements, one that could pierce the Vael, the boundary between the subconscious and the waking world. He named the spell Vaelbreak. For this, Arcaenion bestowed upon him the title: Vaelbreaker. This same magic would later be used to allow Alice and Bastian, along with any other muses, to cross the Vael into Ryder’s reality.
Yet even as its creator, Vaelric could not open the Vaelgate alone. And in that moment, he understood the magnitude of his own power, surpassed only by Arcaenion himself. His magic was beyond any other mage in Aetherealm.
As Ryder began forming bonds in his waking world, echoes of those individuals, known as Aethereans, began appearing across Aetherealm. Drawn from his thoughts and emotions, they stepped through magical rift in Aeiaris’ trunk, emerging with fragments of lore embedded in their minds. Though none knew the full truth, each carried a piece of it, shaping their own beliefs. Over time, these scattered souls formed communities, and an entire society began to take root. Some of those Aethereans began to fight with the Dovaa, stealing their souls and tears, creating the first currencies of Aetherealm. However, others utilized the Dovaa souls to empower themselves, corrupting their physical form and have since become known as Dovaari.
As Aethereans began to reproduce, two sects began to form. Those born of Aeiaris, known as the Bloomfolk. And those born of union, known as Kinborne. Some took this to mean that Bloomfolk were higher or more deserving than the Kinborne, as Aeiaris herself birthed them. Others found that to be utterly ridiculous, as all were one under Aeiaris’ branches.
As the realm grew, so too did Vaelric’s discontent. He watched from the shadows as Oberon rose in prominence, celebrated as the Grand Luminary’s Dawnkeeper, a title for second in command of Aetherealm, and hailed as a beacon of peace. Vaelric, though arguably far more powerful, remained on the sidelines, relegated to hiding away in Sporehold. While Oberon helped rule from the Aetherspire, Vaelric buried himself in research, convinced his purpose lay elsewhere: to uncover the deepest truths of magic and unlock Ryder’s full potential.
But time and solitude twisted that ambition. The choices made by Arcaenion weighed heavily on Vaelric. What began as a pursuit of knowledge became a hunger for power and eventually, due to the events explored in Aetherealm, a thirst for revenge. Quietly, Vaelric vowed to escape the confines of the Vael and unravel the very world that had cast him in shadow. He would make Aetherealm remember his name.
While Vaelric plotted in silence, Oberon continued his work, unaware of what stirred a continent beyond. That was until the aeiablooms began to flourish. When he brought word to Arcaenion, the Architect immediately understood the truth. The blooms were not a blessing, they were a warning. The Arcaenyx was weakening. Small fractures had begun to form, leaking aether into the world above. Its once brilliant blue light had started to dim, a creeping darkness pooling at its base. It was dying.
Arcaenion searched for Vaelric, returning to Aetheris for the first time in an age. But what he found was devastation. Vaelaris Lake shimmered with excess aether, its waters unnaturally charged. The damage was done—the Arcaenyx had been torn, and its lifeblood spilled into the land above. Though the cause remained unclear, there was no denying the truth: something deeper was unraveling beneath the surface.
As the blooms spread, the realm was divided. Some viewed them as a plague, watching helplessly as mages succumbed to aether poisoning. Others saw them as signs from Aeiaris, a divine warning to turn away from magic. This era became known as the Blue Bloom Plague.
Amid the chaos, Vaelric made his move. He had found a way to shatter the Vael without the help of Arcaenion, opening a Vaelgate after locking Alice away in Grimhollow, with Ryder and Bastian held captive in Sporehold during the harrowing events of the Nightmare Arc.
With no other option, Arcaenion took drastic action. He had to find a way to stem the bleeding, to stabilize the Arcaenyx no matter the cost. If the crystal failed, Aetherealm would collapse… and Ryder would die with it.
Arcaenion’s first step was Glyntvael. There, he carved a perfect cube from the sacred glyntstone, its facets smooth, its form precise. He adorned it with gold accents, knowing what it would one day become: the Vaelstone.
From within his own spell tome—later known as the Lexicon of Luminaries—he began crafting the Sealing Spell, the most powerful incantation in all of Aetherealm. But he no longer held the magic he once did, having given up half to form his sons. He would need help. He turned to Oberon.
Together, they descended into the Sanctuary, only to find the Arcaenyx on the verge of death. Its radiant core was nearly extinguished—only the tip still faintly pulsed with life, a fragile thread barely holding the realm together. Time was running out.
Combining each of the elemental magics together, they enacted the ritual. Arcaenion transferred his consciousness into the Vaelstone, giving up his physical form to reignite the Arcaenyx. His body became sealed within the crystal heart, encased as if frozen in time, his sacrifice restoring the life force needed to keep Aetherealm, and Ryder, alive.
The spell worked. The Arcaenyx flared with light, its magic pulsing once more, its heart beating anew. However, this was but a temporary fix, as the Arcaenyx still bled, albeit at a far slower rate than before.
Oberon returned to the Aetherspire with the Vaelstone and the Lexicon in hand. There, he vowed to uncover the truth behind the Blue Bloom Plague and honor Arcaenion’s sacrifice. In time, he discovered the depth of the Vaelstone’s power. Not only would it empower his own magical spells, but when placed upon the cover of the Lexicon, Arcaenion’s voice would return. Pages began to appear with a glowing golden light within the tome, filled with his thoughts, his warnings, his wisdom. In this way, Arcaenion lived on. His spirit entwined with the relics, and with Oberon, who became their guardian.
Arcaenion’s sacrifice is what kept Ryder alive as he was hidden beneath the floorboards of his own bedroom during Vaelric’s reign in the Nightmare Arc. When the arc came to its end, and Vaelric was finally cast back into Aetherealm, he was found unconscious near Aeiaris. Oberon brought him to the highest point of the Aetherspire, the Crown, and sealed him away there. Using his magic, enhanced by the Vaelstone, he crafted a prison that sealed Vaelric in the tallest tower, where Aman was once held.
This marked a turning point in Aetherean history, prompting a new chapter to be written. That of the Aetherial Ascension. A grand tournament; a gathering of mages to test their skill, seek truth, and push the boundaries of magic itself, the winner earning the title and responsibility of the Grand Luminary.
Finding that he was still able to influence reality in even a small way through the revived Arcaenyx; Arcaenion’s magic reached up into Aeiaris. The Mother Tree’s leaves pulsed with new aetheric energy, and the wind carried memories of the tournament across the realm. Aethereans who breathed in this mystical air began recalling the tale as if from childhood, both familiar and nostalgic. They now knew the name Arcaenion as Aetherealm’s Architect and first Grand Luminary, and Oberon as his successor.
With Vaelric locked away, the realm slowly began to recover. Oberon, ever watchful, turned to a new ally, the echo of Ryder’s guardian: Eon. He entrusted Eon with the truth of Aetherealm, revealing its origins and its fragile balance. In turn, Eon pledged his aid should the realm ever face such peril again.
With help from the Vaelstone’s reality-shaping power, Oberon conjured Eon’s Estate near Aeiabloom Field, where Ryder had first begun shaping the realm within his consciousness. It was a strategic decision, one made in quiet foresight, in case Ryder ever crossed into the world fully. A wise move.
By then, Bastian had established himself as the Keeper of Stonehaven, placing himself at the edge of Aetheris to watch over the borders and to ensure that those loyal to Vaelric would not rise again.
And so, it is here that our story begins.
Aethereans are the native beings of Aetherealm. Though united by their connection to the realm, Aethereans differ in origin, forming distinct lineages that reflect the magic of their world.
Bloomfolk are those born of Aeiaris, the Mother Tree. They are the incarnations—or reincarnations—of echoes drawn from Ryder’s waking life. Some arise as fresh reflections of people he knows, while others bloom anew from souls that once lived and have rejoined the aether, returning to the realm in altered form.
Kinborne are Aethereans born through the union of two others, conceived and raised as any child would be. They carry the inherited magic of their lineage and represent the natural evolution of the realm’s inhabitants, untethered from Ryder’s conscious influence.
Dovaari are Aethereans touched by draconic corruption. Some were once ordinary, but through the absorption of Dovaa souls or Dovaa tears, they have been transformed—forever marked by raw elemental power and the primal essence of the Dovaa. Others are born of Dovaari blood, their draconic heritage woven into their very being.
These are characters of legend. Important Aetheraeans alongside their true histories.
Arcaenion,
The Architect
See The Legend above if you’d like to view his full history alongside the true history of Aetherealm.
Born at the creation of Ryder’s Terra Rune, Arcaenion is the true creator of Aetherealm—Ryder’s Echo and its Architect. From the void of Ryder’s subconscious, he raised the Arcaenyx Sanctuary, weaving the foundations of the realm itself.
Arcaenion, upon uncovering the threads of time magic, dared to master chronomancy. He soon discovered the cost of such power. As he bent time, time bent him in return. Each attempt drew years from his life, aging him far beyond mortal measure—an affliction even his brilliance could not undo. Recognizing its peril, he decreed that no being should wield such magic freely, and from his hands were born the Tablet and the Timepiece of Everwhen.
As guardian of the Arcaenyx, Arcaenion gave his final mortal breaths to the realm he crafted. To preserve Aetherealm—and Ryder’s very life—he surrendered his body, fusing his consciousness into the Vaelstone. Physical form entombed within the heart of the Sanctuary, his spirit endures: whispering wisdom to the Grand Luminary, and shaping destiny through the wind-stirred leaves of Aeiaris
Aman,
The Soul Incarnate
Aman was formed by Arcaenion from the very soul of Ryder—drawn from the toadstool that symbolized his roots. They are the embodiment of Ryder’s connection to the earth itself: grounded, nurturing, and quietly resilient.
At first, Arcaenion kept Aman hidden away within the Aetherspire, protective of their innocence. With magical creatures beginning to populate Aetherealm, he feared the growing dangers of the outside world and sought to shield them from harm.
But Aman longed for freedom.
One day, Arcaenion took Aman outside and offered them a choice. Live with him and Bastian in Aetherspire or find a home out here in the Wilds. The choice was clear and easy. And it was in the untamed Wilds that Aman truly began to flourish. There, surrounded by nature, they felt whole. Witnessing their joy and strength, Arcaenion saw the powerful floramancy blooming within them and knew they were more than capable of caring for themself.
Aman took root in the forests near Briarthorne, shaping a sanctuary from soil and magic. The Wilds became their haven, a sacred place woven with life. As darkness crept deeper into Aetherealm, Aman took on the quiet role of guardian, watching over the Wilds and their creations—the Aetherlings—protecting them with an ever-present, nurturing vigilance.
Bastian,
The Essence Incarnate
Born from the Arcaenyx by Arcaenion’s design, Bastian embodies Ryder’s essence—Visible Imagination. Serving as both protector and companion to Arcaenion and Ryder. Initially residing in the Aetherspire with his creator, he later became the vigilant Keeper of Stonehaven, safeguarding the realm against emerging threats. Bastian’s unwavering loyalty and strength are pivotal in maintaining the balance of Aetherealm, especially during times of turmoil.
Alice,
The Nascent Magic
Unlike other inhabitants of Aetherealm, Alice was not crafted by Arcaenion but emerged fully formed from Ryder’s conscious mind, an embodiment of his imagination and emotional depth. Captivated by her presence, Arcaenion created the enchanted Felrose Fortress for her, crowning her its queen.
Graceful yet enigmatic, Alice bridges the divide between Ryder’s waking world and his subconscious realm, serving as a muse and anchor to Ryder and a protector and leader in Aetherealm.
Archibald,
The Timekeeper
Archibald—who prefers the simpler name Arch—was brought into existence as both a blessing and a curse. When Ryder first sought Arcaenion to teach him of chronomancy and creation magic, he was warned that such knowledge must remain hidden, guarded from those who would twist it toward evil. Archibald was thus shaped by Arcaenion himself, an embodiment of that forbidden magic, destined to remain concealed from prying eyes.
Yet, after Arcaenion’s sacrifice, Arch knew nothing of this, nor of his true nature as the Timekeeper. From the moment of his arrival in the Wilds, his sole mission was to guard a peculiar pocket watch with unwavering devotion, never allowing it to leave his sight as it would lead to utter chaos in the realm, it was intrinsically tied to him with no rhyme or reason. He did not question this command; he simply obeyed.
But after meeting and befriending Alice and receiving her guidance, his curiosity about the things of this world stirred. He began to wonder about the significance of the watch. Driven by his diligent persistence, Arch continued his search, peeling back fragments of truth from the watch’s hidden power, uncovering its secrets—and magic—piece by piece.
Unbeknownst to him, he carried the Timepiece of Everwhen—the very key to deciphering the Tablet of Everwhen, and with it, unlocking the deepest mysteries of Aetherean magic itself.
Vaelric,
The Shadow of Ambition
Vaelric—aka Erryd, aka Nox—was created by Arcaenion to embody Ryder’s ambition, prowess, and inner voice. Assigned to rule over the continent of Aetheris, his duty was set. He was on a mission to find the secrets of Aetherealm’s magic and build something meaningful.
In the beginning, with Arcaenion’s help, Vaelric developed the Vaelgate. This allowed the spirits of Aethereans to cross the Vael into Ryder’s conscious world—earning Vaelric the title of The Vaelbreaker. It was at this time that Vaelric realized that he truly was a far superior mage to anyone in Aetherealm, outside of his creator.
At the time, Vaelric was revered not only as one of the most powerful mages in Aetherealm, but also as a friend to many of the earliest Aethereans. He formed a particularly close bond with Aman after they were released from captivity. As their friendship deepened, Vaelric entrusted them with his most treasured possession, his personal spell tome, believing its contents would help protect them from harm. It was a gesture of trust and care, meant to empower Aman with the knowledge and strength they might one day need.
However, following the events occurring within Aetherealm’s story, Vaelric begins secretly recruiting outcasts and building Sporehold and Grimhollow around the early seeds of Ryder’s imagined Aeiabloom Field.
By drawing aether from deep within the land, cracking and breaking the Arcaeyx in the process, Vaelric created Vaelaris Lake—empowering those who bathed in its waters while corrupting Aetherealm itself. His ambition soon twisted into greed as he discovered he could siphon the aether directly from the Arcaenyx, rather than relying on his own alone, birthing the first aieablooms, igniting the Nightmare Arc.
When Arcaenion uncovered Vaelric’s betrayal, the other Keepers began to fortify Aetherealm against him. Enraged, Vaelric plotted to escape Aetherealm entirely, capturing Bastian and Alice in the process and seizing control of Ryder’s newfound magic. When the Trader took away Ryder’s inhibitions and allowed him to begin forming reality, a new floor of Aetherspire was added by Arcaenion. The Floor of Forbidden Magic. It was here that Vaelric secretly infiltrated and learned the secrets he needed to create an even more powerful Vaelgate, one that truly broke through the Vael, allowing him to cross it entirely. Utilizing a strong spell he created called Vaelbreak, utilizing every Dovaa soul, alongside the power he learned of in the Floor of Forbidden Magic, he was able to escape the bounds of Aetherealm and fully cross over.
Though later sealed within the Crown of Aetherspire at the conclusion of the Nightmare Arc, the spell broke when Ryder reentered Aetherealm. Vaelric escaped under the name Nox, hiding amongst his Forgotten and stirring rebellion. Those who opposed him were cast into the Mist of Mystvael Village, their souls lost to time.
When Vaelric escaped, he cloaked himself in pure aether, altering his very form until no one could recognize him. To most, he appeared as just another Aetherean, nothing remarkable aside from his eyes, pure void, nothing familiar. But to those who are able to see the aether for what it truly is, his disguise is clear: aether wrapped around him like armor, masking everything beneath it. Not just hiding him, but changing him.
It was then he shed his name, and took on a new one: Nox. And with it, a title that would echo like a warning—The Void.
From the shadows, he began to gather others like him, mages cast aside, dreamers who’d lost their way, the hungry and the broken. He offered them more than power. He offered purpose. And thus, the Umbramancers were born. His Forgotten.
Oberon,
The Light of Wisdom
Formed by Arcaenion as the embodiment of Ryder’s subconscious mind, Oberon was granted stewardship over Luminaris and charged with maintaining the harmony of Aetherealm. Wise, composed, and resolute, he was chosen to bear the Lexicon of Luminaries and safeguard the Vaelstone after Arcaenion’s sacrifice. As Grand Luminary, he stands as the realm’s leader and final line of defense against corruption. Though often burdened by solitude and duty, Oberon’s strength lies in his calm leadership, a skill not all possess.
By utilizing the magic instilled in him by Arcaenion and with the help of the Lexicon of Luminaries and the Vaelstone, Oberon has been able to keep an Everlasting Vaelgate open within the Aetherspire to allow passage of Ryder’s imaginings into his world. However, this Vaelgate only allows the spirit to cross.
Eon,
Echo of Reuben
Eon is a reflection of Reuben’s steady wisdom and quiet strength. Entrusted early on with the secrets of the realm, he was strategically placed near the Aeiabloom Field to watch over Ryder from within his imagination. Though lacking raw magical power, Eon became a master of warding, aether sensing, and eventually floramancy, earning his place as Ryder’s guide and loyal companion. His brilliance lies not in combat, but in insight and unshakable resolve. Through unwavering dedication, Eon ultimately ascends as the next Grand Luminary, carrying forward Arcaenion’s legacy.
Eon’s youth comes from drinking aeiabloom tea. It’s like a magical potion, which infuses him with trace amounts of aether, constantly keeping his tolerance for aether poisoning high and as a side effect, it has reversed the aging process and has kept him looking and feeling young for decades.
Nym,
Echo of Ivy
Formed from pure floramancy, Nym is Ivy’s Echo—a being many revere as the Goddess of Aeiaris, or even Aeiaris Incarnate. Though worshipped in every sense and honored with devotion, Nym herself rejects such titles. She does not see herself as divine; she simply lives her life, following a cause and purpose known to all who dwell in Aetherealm.
Her arrival into the realm was both wondrous and tragic, for with it came the Blue Bloom Plague. Since then, her existence has been bound to the turning of Aetherealm’s seasons, repeating in an endless, sacred cycle dictated by floramancy itself.
At First Dawn—the 1st day of Verdantide—she awakens from her hibernation and begins preparations for her pilgrimage into Aeiaris. Through the following seasons, until the cycle calls her again, she serves as Aeiaris’s guardian. Under her care, the great living city has flourished, its labyrinth of homes, tunnels, and chambers shaped by her own hand to shelter a thriving community.
When the final week of Duskwane arrives, her pilgrimage begins. Eight days later, on the 64th day of Duskwane, the rift opens once more. Nym returns bearing the newest Bloomkin—souls reborn, Aethereans given new life. After this sacred return, she withdraws into deep hibernation throughout the long quiet of Noctaer, awaiting the First Dawn’s call again.
Thus turns the endless cycle of Nym—echo, goddess, and guardian of Aeiaris.
The special or magical items within Aetherealm.
Aeiabloom
Aeiablooms are mystical flowers native to Aetherealm, once golden in color (called auriblooms) and tied closely to the natural flow of aether throughout the realm. They first bloomed near the roots of Aeiaris, the Mother Tree, and later, were found all around the realm. However, as the Arcaenyx began to weaken due to Vaelric’s aether siphoning, these flowers changed. Their petals turned a striking blue, their glow pulsing with unstable energy. This transformation marked the beginning of what would become known as the Blue Bloom Plague.
The sudden spread of Aeiablooms was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. To some, they were seen as divine warnings. Manifestations of Aeiaris herself, urging restraint in the use of magic. To others, especially mages, they became a harbinger of death, as prolonged exposure to their energy was thought to lead to aether poisoning. Their presence often signals places where the realm is bleeding magic, and their appearance always marks a shift, whether emotional, environmental, or magical. In many ways, Aeiablooms are a living symptom of Ryder’s inner turmoil, blooming wherever the balance of Aetherealm is threatened.
Arcaenyx
The Arcaenyx is the heart of Aetherealm. A massive, glowing crystal born from Ryder’s Terra Rune and buried deep within Vaeleria. It fuels the realm’s magic and holds Ryder’s subconscious world together. Everything in Aetherealm, from its lands, creatures, and energy, flows from this single source. For centuries, it pulsed in harmony, guarded by Arcaenion, who shaped the world around it to protect both the crystal and Ryder’s mind.
But that harmony fractured when Vaelric began draining the Arcaenyx to fuel his own power, corrupting its magic and spreading what would become known as the Blue Bloom Plague. As the crystal weakened, Arcaenion gave up his physical form to fuse with it, stabilizing the flow of aether from within. Though his body is encased within it, his consciousness lives on through the Vaelstone. If the Arcaenyx ever fully fades, Aetherealm, and Ryder, will unravel with it.
Auribloom
Auriblooms are radiant golden flowers native to Aetherealm, intrinsically bound to the pure flow of aether that nourishes the realm. Wherever the lifeblood of Aeiaris runs strongest, these blossoms unfurl, their petals shimmering as though kissed by sunlight. Unlike their corrupted counterparts, the Aeiablooms, Auriblooms embody harmony and renewal, blooming as natural beacons of balance across the land. To many, their presence is seen as a blessing of Aeiaris herself, a living reminder of the realm’s resilience and beauty.
Forgotten Pin
Alongside Nox’s Ring, each new recruit of the Forgotten is presented with a pin—an unassuming token meant to be worn at all times. To the outside world, it appears trivial, a trinket or passing fad with no real significance. Yet among the initiated, it stands as a badge of honor and belonging, a quiet symbol of unity that binds the ranks together in shared purpose.
Unknown to its wearers, however, each pin carries a far darker truth. Imbued with Vaelric’s own sigil, the pins serve as his unseen network. Through them, he can mark every bearer’s presence upon his map, tracking their movements with chilling precision. With but a thought, he can open a pin-sized rift—listening in on whispered conversations or peering through like a keyhole into their world. To the Forgotten, the pin is a gift of camaraderie; to Vaelric, it is a lattice of control, granting him eyes and ears everywhere, while his loyal followers remain none the wiser.
Forgotten Ring
This iconic ring, bestowed upon the Forgotten as a sacred gift alongside the Forgotten Pin, is forged from shimmering aetherium and inlaid with finely cut glyntstone. The glyntstone’s crystalline heart glows faintly with stored energy, for the ring itself possesses the rare ability to charge and hold additional aether. The aetherium metal not only strengthens its vessel but also enhances the natural current of magic within its wearer, refining and steadying the aetheric flow. With this, the bearer gains sharper control, greater balance, and a heightened harmony between body and aether—making the ring both a symbol of belonging and a conduit of power.
Glyntstone Scepter
Forged by Vaelric in defiance of the natural order, the Glyntstone Scepter was created with one purpose: to open the Vaelgate without relying on the power of Arcaenion. Its core is crafted from pure glyntstone, threaded with veins of aetherium. Glyntstone, a crystalline reservoir for compressed aether, serves as a powerful battery that stores and amplifies magical energy. Aetherium, a rare silvery iridescent alloy, acts as a flawless conductor, allowing that energy to move freely and with precision. Together, these elements create a volatile yet potent union of containment and flow, enabling Vaelric to channel immense power and pierce the boundaries between realms without the use of his father’s magic.
Lexicon of Luminaries
The Lexicon of Luminaries is the most revered magical artifact in all of Aetherealm. A living spell book passed down to each Grand Luminary upon their ascension. Originally created by Arcaenion, it contains the deepest secrets of the realm: ancient spells, world-shaping rituals, and the foundational laws of aether itself. Its weathered cover bears the etched symbol of the Terra Rune. Chief among its contents are the Sealing Spell, the incantation used to bind great threats, and the spell required to access the Arcaenyx Sanctuary amongst many others.
More than just a tome, the Lexicon is a conduit. When the Vaelstone is placed upon its cover, it allows Arcaenion, whose consciousness now resides within the Vaelstone, to speak directly to the wielder. New pages appear in his voice, often containing insights, warnings, or spells tailored to the moment. In this way, the Lexicon is never truly finished; it evolves with the realm, and serves as both a guide and a responsibility. To hold the Lexicon is to carry the burden of Aetherealm’s protection and the voice of its original Architect.
Tablet of Everwhen
The Tablet is Ryder’s answer to getting home. It contains the answers to the mysteries of Aetherealm; answers to all of the most tightly held secrets of the realm.
Created by Arcaenion in the beginning as a way to keep the mysteries of Aetherealm a secret, he shattered it into three separate pieces: Sun Stone, Moon Stone, and Dovaa Stone, allowing the secrets to be revealed only when the Timepiece is placed at its completed center.
With the help of Archibald and the Timepiece of Everwhen, Ryder is able to decrypt the codes and messages found within the completed tablet. This revelation upgrades his current map to become the Map of Everwhen, granting him unparalleled powers in chronomancy.
Timepiece of Everwhen
The Timepiece of Everwhen is the master key to Aetherealm’s deepest secrets. When placed at the heart of the completed Tablet, it awakens the full breadth of arcane knowledge sealed within.
Its guardian is Archibald, bound to the relic since the moment of his creation. When his memories of time were stripped away, the Timepiece’s true power was likewise concealed. Yet should Archibald ever awaken to his true identity, both he and the relic would stir once more, their hidden magic revealed in full.
The nature of the Timepiece remains enigmatic, its workings a complete mystery. Only Archibald himself holds the capacity to grasp its true potential, for the Timepiece and its keeper are bound as one.
Vaelstone
The Vaelstone is a powerful crystal relic forged by Arcaenion from a shard of glyntstone, crafted to act as a vessel for his consciousness and a tether to the heart of Aetherealm. Infused with creation magic and adorned with golden accents, it was designed as both a safeguard and a last resort. When the Arcaenyx began to fail due to Vaelric’s corruption, Arcaenion sacrificed his physical form and transferred his essence into the Vaelstone in hopes of stabilizing the realm’s failing magic. Though his body was sealed within the Arcaenyx, his mind lives on through the Vaelstone.
When placed upon the Lexicon of Luminaries, the Vaelstone awakens its dormant connection to Arcaenion, allowing him to speak through the book by inscribing new pages with his thoughts, memories, or warnings. It is through this bond that he continues to guide the Grand Luminary and help protect the realm from within. While it appears as a simple cube of polished crystal with the swirling of aether within, the Vaelstone holds immeasurable power and is considered one of Aetherealm’s most sacred artifacts. Only a select few know its true purpose: to serve as the last link between Ryder and the Architect who built his subconscious world.
Zil
Centuries ago, the realm was stricken by poverty. The people attempted to make a living by selling the souls and tears of Dovaa exclusively. Although the souls and tears were the currency of the world, the people's drive to hunt the Dovaa decreased as they began staying within the confines of the Wilds. It was realized that, as time went on and technology began to increase, these currencies were unsustainable. Then a group of high-class merchants whom called themselves the Zilaein Traders, began to do something unthinkable prior to this time.
The Zilaeins created a set of minted coins to be used as a universal currency, one that could be crafted out of the common metals that littered Aetherealm's landscape. After some convincing from Oberon, Arcaenion agreed that minted coins that were uneasily duplicated would be a perfect addition to the world and would promote a whole new workforce as well.
There are three distinct coins. The Dovaan, Solaris, and Lunaris. Dovaan denoted 100, Solaris denoted 10, and Lunaris denoted 1. Each coin was made of a different precious metal. Dovaan were constructed with a Dovaa head on the coin and made of aetherium. Solaris were constructed with the image of a sun and clouds made of gold. Lunaris was crafted of silver with the moon and stars.
The leaders of each hold had agreed that because of the poverty stricken lands, it would be best to attempt to introduce the coin to see if the world would take it. Luckily, through the persistence of the Zilaeins and the help of Oberon, the coins reached every far corner of Aetherealm and was accepted widespread, backed by Dovaa’s souls, tears, and other precious gemstones found within the world from the large banking system that Oberon helped create.
As time passed, poverty began to dwindle and workers were paid a fair wage for their work, The economy boomed and the workforce flourished. Aetherealm had begun a new working revolution that would last for centuries to come. The currency was dubbed zil after the Zilaeins persistent hard work and it has stuck ever since.
An ever evolving list of different terms you will come across throughout Aetherealm’s story along with their definitions.
Aether (ee - ther): The life force of Aetherealm. Using magical abilities consumes the casters aether reserve. Aether is everywhere and everything. Vaelric and his Umbramancers have found a way to consume the aether around them (from flora/fauna/others/loose aether) to manipulate, killing the surroundings instead of taking from within themselves—a grave offense in Aetherealm.
Aeiabloom (aye - uh - bloom): Aether infected flowers that bloom a gorgeous blue, yet seep aether that Ryder can see. Said to be the “gift” from Aeiaris, yet to those aware of Aetherealm’s secrets, it’s a sign that something is amiss.
Aeiaris (aye - are - iss): The “Mother Tree”. Legend says that it is responsible for all life on Aetherealm, where the most aether is contained. Deep within Aeiaris is where Arcaenion and the Arcaenyx share their cell. It is from this tree that new Aethereans emerge. Every passing person in Ryder’s life is formed and given life in this tree and is then thrust into Aetherealm with knowledge of where they best fit to start their new life. The tree is what gives Arcaenion some sort of “perception” of Aetherealm now that he has sealed himself away with the Arcaenyx.
Aethelixir (eth - el - ix - er): An herbal remedy that staves off the effects and symptoms of aether poisoning by breaking up the aether that pools in the heart and brain—helping it to flow once again, offering pain relief to the drinker. It does not rid the body of the aether, it just allows it to flow, eventually the effects of the potion wear away and blockages could occur once more.
Aetherial Ascension: The customary tournament of mages that determines the next Grand Luminary after the current’s passing.
Aetherium (eth - er - ee - um): The strongest metal material in all of Aetherealm. Glistens with an iridescent sheen and is used as a powerful conductor of aether in many aspects. It's natural affinity for aether makes it a perfect protection that can be enchanted with magical properties.
Aetherealm (eth - er - elm): The very realm of the Aethereans. The realm “beyond the mirror”. Ryder’s subconscious mind brought to life by Arcaenion with help from the Arcaenyx—the source of all life.
Aetherean (eth - ear - ian): The race of Aetherealm, they are Ryder’s imaginings and echos brought to life within the realm. Every person Ryder has met or seen has an echo living within Aetherealm. Every memory or thought Ryder has of the person they are an echo of, shapes the world around them. For example, if Ryder simply passed by someone, getting a glimpse of their face, their echo has become a permanent Aetherean with their own past and backstory. However, if he had interacted with the person, say, as a cashier at a store, that person’s echo may own a shop in Aetherealm that sells certain wares. Each person being categorized and placed in the area that best suits their Aetherean persona and aesthetic the moment they are brought into the realm.
Aether Poisoning: A condition that happens to mages when they use too much aether, whether it be their own or stolen as the aether has to move through the caster to use. In large amounts, it causes a sharp headache and chest pain that can become debilitating until the aether is dispersed or dissipates within them over time (if they hadn’t overdone it to the point of paralysis or death). It can be drawn out with hydromancy healing magic, or dispersed amongst the flora using floramancy. Powerful alchemists have also created the Aethelixer, the only known agent that helps break up blocked aether within the body and allows it to flow once more.
Arcaenyx (are - cane - ix): The large crystalline structure floating in the center of Aetherealm, deep within the crust of the world. Legend says it is the container of all aether, the heart of Aetherealm and all of it’s magic. Due to its extreme loss of aether, Arcaenion has encased himself inside to help stave off the loss and, in doing so, he is trapped there holding it together for eternity. The Arcaenyx, in reality, is Ryder’s life force and magical heart, his very rune incarnate. If too much aether seeps out, Ryder—and all of Aetherealm—will die.
Bloomkeeper: The title bestowed upon the Sisters of the Nymaen Order. They serve as gentle guides and mentors for new Bloomfolk. At the conclusion of the Aeiaris Festival, when new souls are reborn into Aetherealm, it is the Bloomkeeper’s duty to help them adjust to their forms and nurture their first steps in the realm. They provide comfort, teaching, and grounding, acting as both healers and spiritual stewards. In this way, they are both guardians of Aeiaris and shepherds of new life, ensuring that the cycles of renewal remain unbroken.
Crimson Gauntlet: A band of gang members, mostly out of Mystvael, of religious extremists who despise mages, thinking they are the reason the Mist of Mystvael exists. A vigilante group hellbent on eradicating mages entirely from society by any means possible. At the very least, they intimidate and terrorize mages into leaving Mystvael altogether.
Dawnkeeper: Title given to the second-in-command of Aetherealm, personally chosen by the Grand Luminary as their most trusted advisor. Should anything befall the Grand Luminary, the Dawnkeeper assumes leadership as interim ruler until the Aetherial Ascension concludes and a new Grand Luminary is crowned. Though often seen as a steward of balance and continuity, the Dawnkeeper also holds the right to compete in the tournament, should they choose to pursue the mantle themselves.
Disciples of Aeiaris: Aethereans who believe in Aeiaris as a divine sentient being. According to them, Aeiaris deems mages to be unsavory, and they are to believe mages are the root of corruption. They claim that if all mages were eradicated, leaving only the Priests of Aeiaris—those who have mastered dispersion—the world would be purified and allowed to thrive. This belief stems from the fact that the plague (and aether sickness) primarily affects mages.
Dispersion: The act of an Aetherean dying. Instead of a general death like one would see; they begin to break away and their bodily aether flows away on the wind in pixels, becoming one with the aether and the world, leaving nothing behind. This allows them to be reborn through Aeiaris.
Dovaa (doe - vah): The name for a dragon in Aetherealm.
Dovaari (doe - var - ee): Corrupted Aethereans who have consumed far too many Dovaa souls and tears, corrupting their corporeal form and transforming them into Aetherean-Dovaa hybrids, often humanoids with scales, horns, and wings. The corrupted are often exiled to the Wilds to live amongst the beasts and are typically looked down upon when they are seen within larger cities.
Echo: What the Aethereans call their Earthly counterparts and vice versa.
Frostfyre Salve: An herbal remedy that is used to treat burns and frostbite.
Glyntstone: The very crystals used to store and possess aether. It is said the very Arcaenyx itself is made of pure aether and glyntstone. Obtained by harvesting from the crystals of Glyntvael. This crystal is very hard and sturdy—properties that many artisans love to utilize in their wares. It can be used for so many things: tableware, utensils, weapons, armor, etc. The crystal glows when infused with aether and dims as it diminishes, this glow is visible to all. Though Ryder can see the inner workings of the aether in the crystal as their individual dust particles move about.
Grand Luminary: Ruler of Aetherealm, the most prestigious and honorable title to hold. They are in charge of keeping the peace between the Keepers and being the ultimate “Guiding Light” for all of Aetherealm. They are also entrusted as the protector of the Arcaenyx to ensure no harm comes to it. Having access to, and protecting, the Arcaenyx is the largest responsibility of the Grand Luminary, even in all of Aetherealm. At their coronation, they are given the Lexicon of Luminaries and the Vaelstone (see below), two artifacts that are essential for the Grand Luminary to rule and protect what is necessary.
Keepers: Rulers of the individual strongholds and cities within Aetherealm. Current titles held by: Vaelric of Sporehold, Oberon of the Aetherspire, Alice of Felrose, Bastian of Stonehaven, Eon of Moonvael, Kavanna of Briarthorne, Terryk of Tidefall, and Nyxa of Grimhollow.
Map of Everwhen: The Aetherealm Map of Time created by Ryder towards the end of his journey. It’s basically an upgrade to his current map he has been using since the beginning. It’s an ever-changing and interactive map that shows small runes in the locations of core memories he’s made throughout Aetherealm, which are portals to his past, his own “mushrune”—a marker that moves with him like a video game, and areas that glow bright blue are in dire fissure areas throughout Aetherealm where aether seeps the most. The areas of the map that are not discovered are veiled.
Mist: The Mist of Mystvael is a powerful entity that is Ryder’s Essence incarnate. The Mist steals people away, freezing them in time forever, their thoughts utilized in a jumbled mess amongst the hundreds of others it has taken to lure those who knew their voice into it’s embrace as well.
Nymaen Order (nim - a - in): A devoted assembly of Disciples of Aeiaris, entrusted with the sacred duty of preserving the vitality of the Mother Tree. Under Nym’s guidance, they weave together floramancy and ritual care to ensure Aeiaris flourishes in harmony, maintaining the delicate balance of aether that flows through her roots and branches.
Priests of Aeiaris: The only mages that are allowed to utilize magic, and only for the practices of dispersion. Most in Aetherealm view the Priests to be extremist lunatics who prefer to torture their victims into submission to their theology, threatening and utilizing dispersion as their primary method of torture.
Rift: A portal to another place on Aetherealm, a way in which Ryder, Vaelric, and Oberon are able to quickly travel.
Tablet of Everwhen: The puzzle pieces that Ryder is able to find throughout his journey of Aetherealm come together to create the Tablet of Everwhen. When decrypted with the help of Archibald, unlocking the Map of Everwhen.
The Council: Those chosen by the Grand Luminary to assist in running Aetherealm smoothly. Typically those in the council consist of Keepers and close confidants of the Grand Luminary.
The Court: Consists of The Grand Luminary, The Council, and the Keepers.
The Vael: The barrier between Ryder’s consciousness and subconscious.
Timepiece of Everwhen: A mystical relic that is the master key to unlocking the mysterious magic of Aetherealm.
Vaelgate: The gate opened by use of the spell, Vaelbreak. Allowing passage from Aetherealm into the waking world.
