fatal

Few who are educated and familiar with ether
will argue against its existence 1 . Theoretically, ether
reacts as though it is infinitely small and without any
observable effects from weight, sound, or light, other
than conductivity. However, ether does react to
metals 2 . More specifically, only a portion of ether is
affected. Current theories hold that ether is comprised
of components, such as magic and spirituality.
However, only the magical component of ether
reacts with metals.
Magic is defined as a technique grounded in
a belief in powers located in the soul and the surrounding
universe, a technique that aims at imposing
willpower on nature or others. Mana, which is
magical power, is freely available in ether. From the
perspective of a caster, mana needs a vessel or a
channel; casters seek to be or control such a chan-
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nel. The understanding of the general populace is
that magic is an explanation for misfortune; more
specifically, any form of misfortune is likely to be
blamed on the witchcraft of sorcerers.
A philosopher asserted a theory that has
helped to explain the reaction of ether and metal.
He claimed that ether is comprised of indivisible
particles. The magical or arcane particle in ether is
termed mana. Meanwhile, a particle common only
to metals is referred to as a defigere 3 . It is hypothesized
that substantial amounts of defigere within
an inch or 2 of mana (magical energy) inhibit the
chances of mana functioning properly. As the metal
and mana separate, the mana reacts more normally.
It is for this reason that casters avoid wearing or
carrying much metal such as armor.
1. Amazingly, Aristotle’s incorrect postulate of ether was supported for thousands of years.
2. The interaction of ether and metal has no basis in historical fact, and has been invented for the playability of magic in
F.A.T.A.L.
3. Defigere means to fasten or fix, and to curse. Historically, defigere related to religion and magic. In F.A.T.A.L., defigere is
based on the electrical resistance of the metallic elements or compounds listed.
Chapter 11: Magic