Sons of Ether Revised

T R A D I T I O N B O O K :
By Samuel Inabinet and Malcolm Sheppard

Contents 1
T R A D I T I O N B O O K :
Contents
Overture: Waves Within 4
Introduction: Strangeness and Utopia 8
Chapter One: The Eight-Track Method 12
Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 34
Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 66
Epilogue: Every Step of the Way 99
Contents 3
4 Sons of Ether
Overture:
Waves Within
Southern California, 1978: ass paint job. Blue flames licking out of the grill
“What a heap of junk!” against a deep red background, with “La Fuente del
“That thing s’posed to roll, or tunnel Ritmo — Baja ’78” written in a florid script above the
inta the ground, or what?” fenders. When his cousin had said that the color
“Looks like fuckin’ Buck Rogers or scheme seemed backward (“Everyone knows flames
something!” are red, man!”), he had tried to explain about light-
speed, relativity and the Doppler effect.
Ace whipped out a rag and dusted off
his ride with well-practiced swipes. Not “Where’s the dingleballs? Thought you beaners
because of razzing from gringo hot-rodders — leaving always hung them dingleballs on yer rods!”
them in his dust was just going to be the icing on the Carefully wiping out the air intakes, Ace couldn’t
cake. It was the dust itself that worried him. He help but chuckle. The scoops were absurdly huge,
didn’t know what would happen if extraneous matter mounted in the trunk, facing backward like rocket
got caught in the field when he kicked it into high nozzles. Yeah, I guess she does look like some kind of
gear. Residual ionization had already coated the hull goofy Flash Gordon contraption, he thought.
with magnetized dust, covering up his cousin’s fine- “So, we doin’ this already, or what?”

His opponent, tall and lanky, blond and tan, The only sense of motion was derived from the
revved his jacked-up Mustang and drummed errati- seemingly slow roll of the Earth’s surface far below.
cally on a chrome chain steering wheel. Ace slid into He was passing over a broad river that he guessed to
place and flipped the ignition toggle. La Fuente be the Colorado. His mirrors showed fading red;
coughed to life, blasting dusty air forward through ahead was cool dark blue. Is this the Doppler effect? he
the grill. wondered. No, I can’t be approaching light speed. It’s
“Hey, ya stupid beaner! Y’know ya got yer fan in just the sunset behind me. A layer of haze distorted the
backward?” sun’s lower half; its upper portion was clear and
“Don’t you know nothin’, man? He’s gonna jet- painfully bright. With a shock Ace realized that he
propel on refried bean farts!” was leaving the earth’s atmosphere. If I’m all the way
Ace ignored the insults, watching how the dust out in space, how can I be breathing? Shouldn’t I be
in the air moved. Out the front, around back to the blowing up like a balloon and exploding or something?
air scoops, muddying the sunset in the rearview That didn’t happen. In fact, he felt wind on his
mirror. Perfect. A toroidal field, like a doughnut face, whipping his long black hair into his eyes. Ace
turning itself inside out, channeled through every relaxed, enjoying the song of the wind that seemed to
system in the car — combustive, electrical, heating, be flowing straight through him, as though composed
lights and sound — all attuned in perfect synchroni- of some finer stuff than mere air. Leaning back, he
zation. As long as the central internal waveform was astounded by how many stars he could see, even
retained modular coherence, it should move forward more than from the desert at night. The whole sky
without the slightest trace of air drag, friction or looked alive.
even a sonic boom. After experimenting with vari- Suddenly the horizon loomed ahead, straighten-
ous sorts of modulators, Ace had finally decided on a ing and rushing toward him as he reached the apex of
variegated electrosonic pulse running in a continu- his trajectory and began a nose dive back to earth.
ous loop — that is, his new eight-track tape of Carlos His stomach twisted in protest. The brake pedal
Santana’s Caravanserai. Now, as long as the intake nearly bent as he pressed both feet into it, arching his
filters don’t clog… whole body. Nothing. Why didn’t I think about how to
The starter flag was a monogrammed hanky held stop this thing? What the fuck am I gonna do now?
by his opponent’s squeeze, a squeaky Barbie doll in a Frantic, he tried to downshift while thumbing the
tube-top and cutoffs. When the flag dropped, the rheostat backward. The engine went into a coughing
Mustang fishtailed forward amid a shriek of burning fit, shaking the car, now fast and now slow, following
rubber. Supremely confident, Ace let him take the a logarithmic scale he was too panicked to register.
lead, carefully putting La Fuente into gear while There was water directly below, and he was
slowly twisting a rheostat taped to his gearshift handle. rushing toward the tip of a huge peninsula with a
The outer surface of the toroidal field flowed back rather suggestive coastline that any suggestible ado-
faster. lescent male would recognize. Then the ground was
So intent was Ace on monitoring the movement rushing up too fast to make out any more detail,
of the field that he didn’t see the stunned expression blurred by inconceivable speed into an engulfing tie-
on his opponent’s face as the Mustang fell behind. dye rosette, but at its center the impact site came into
Nor did he notice the momentary blur of the finish focus, opening like a stone flower to receive him. It
line as he passed it one tenth of a second later. Nor looked like some kind of palace courtyard made of
did he realize that he had left the ground entirely enormous rough-hewn rocks, with thick walls, a
until the horizon ahead started to curve and sink square tower, pylons topped with globes and cres-
beneath the hood. cents, and even tables and chairs like Flintstones
After a brief bout of scrotum-tightening panic, furniture. A few yards from ground zero, framed by
Ace took stock of his situation. He and his hot rod one of the large irregular crescents, stood a human
were both intact and seemed to be functioning figure.
smoothly, the motor thrumming as though happy to In the last instant of his headlong plummet, Ace
play a part in Santana’s masterful percussion section. made out the details of this figure. It appeared to be
6 Sons of Ether
wearing a bulky metal space suit adorned with tubes Ace. Purplish light from the gun’s barrel pulsated in
and valves. Inside the bubble-helmet was a pale, time to La Fuente’s lurching engine.
gaunt and clean-shaven face, around 10 years older Ace shot through the large stone crescent, ready
than Ace, with an expression that combined grim to plow into the earth with meteoric force, but when
determination with peevish annoyance. The figure his bumper was about two feet from the ground,
held a wide-mouthed ray gun pointed directly at something very strange happened.

8 Sons of Ether
Introduction:
Strangeness
and Utopia
The nature of things is in the habit of concealing itself.

—Heraclitus, “Fragment 123”
The Sons of Ether often seem themselves up for a fall when they fail to realize the
directionless, eccentric and delusional. importance of the observer’s will, which is why so many
The Technocracy would tell you that of their proud innovations are revealed to be fraudulent
Ether Science merely trades mystical su- or filled with dangerous side effects. Reproducible ex-
perstition for crank theories or ideals that periments might regulate reality, but Fortean
inevitably fall to stark pragmatism. Some- phenomena, psychic Resonance and enigmatic cosmo-
times, they’re even correct. logical principles will always interfere.
Directionless? They are at times, but In fact, Ether Science is more than a set of discarded
that’s because the Tradition has never theories, pulp shticks and wild speculation. It’s a gaunt-
bowed to a timetable, a commercial vision or a political let thrown down to the Technocracy, the scientific
power. Eccentric? Definitely. Life is an experiment, and establishment and reality itself. It rejects reducing na-
if it’s as liberated as Science should be, then it’s bound ture to a set of predictable mechanisms than can be
to produce some unusual personalities. Delusional? Mad endlessly recombined, because it knows that such un-
Scientists aside (and the Tradition can deal with that derpinnings are false and always on the verge of being
problem on its own, thank you very much), the Sons of overturned. The truth recognized in the Kitab al-Alacir
Ether will tell you that they look at all the variables in is a simple, exhilarating and terrifying one: Everything is
their work — including the individual. Technocrats set true. Anything is possible.

Theme: The Saving Power
of the Impossible
As Armageddon looms, old assumptions now work at cross-purposes instead of for the greater
have to be cast away before they render good of the Masses.
humanity helpless to act. As long as the Enter the Sons of Ether. Theirs is a Science that
Sleepers believe that they are powerless rejects limits and immutable laws. It could feed billions,
to change the universe, they will always colonize space and fight off the worst horrors of the
be its victims. Now, more than ever, the World of Darkness, but in saving humanity, it could
Sons of Ether need to introduce Science give it the power to destroy itself — to wreck the very
that defies what the Consensus thinks is foundations of the Tellurian. Etherites realize this,
impossible. Cosmic forces are aligning which is why they’re so idealistic. Limitless power needs
against the survival of a species that believes that it to be guided by an ethos, or else it becomes a terrible
can do nothing but wait, consume the last of its riches weapon. Nevertheless, the time for half-measures is
and appeal to its leaders to act. The Technocracy is over. Change is on the horizon, and the Tradition has
conflicted between its desire to save humanity from the tools to prepare humanity for it.
harm and its will to exert control — impulses that
Mood: Realizing Science’s Potential

Ether Science is powerful and diverse, but borders of the possible instead of recycling antique
without mass acceptance, it shares many of theories for their own sake. Second, they need to find a
the flaws of occult belief systems. Scien- way to share these revelations with the Sleepers, to
tists must be initiated into their craft and break them from a pessimism that reduces innovation to
advance based on intensely personal in- a commodity and denies that any other way of living is
sights. Dynamic Science is hard to even possible. New Science needs to contradict the
reproduce, it requires years of study, and it established norms, or else its possibilities will never be
requires discretion and subtlety to use ef- unlocked for general use. Quantum physics was the first
fectively. As the world races toward its “great contradiction,” but now it needs to be challenged
destiny, the flowering of Science must take two forms. and expanded in turn so that Sleepers will see that many
First, new Sons of Ether need to break away from theories exist, and they can use the ones that suit them
Tradition dogma, selfish motives and infighting. They in their own quests for knowledge and survival.
need to create genuinely new inventions and push the
Contents
This book provides revised and expanded Chapter Two: The Essence of Science introduces
information on playing the Sons of Ether: us to the Tradition and its Science. The Sons of Ether
the other Enlightened Scientists of Mage: are about more than just pulp style and anachronistic
The Ascension. The following chapters theories. Their factions, organization and approach to
detail how Ether Scientists organize, study Science (or magic) are all presented. And even though
and even use “magic.” pulp isn’t the end-all of Ether culture, it certainly has its
Chapter One: The Eight-Track place. Adventure never goes out of style.
Method takes us on a literal ride through Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty concen-
the Tradition’s history, ethos and relation- trates on tips for playing a Son of Ether, including
ship with other occult societies, Scientists and the notable Scientists, ideas for all-Etherite games and a
mysteries of the World of Darkness. Ernesto C. sample cabal that’s ready to be used in your own Mage
Amanguale takes a trip to the end of the world and games. Ready-to-play templates round out the chapter,
learns that his Science might be all that stands between allowing you to run a Son of Ether right from the book.
disaster and Ascension.
10 Sons of Ether
Lexicon
Aretus: “The Virtuous,” legendary sage and re- the Ether, human knowledge and the nature of
puted author of the Kitab al-Alacir. Thought to be an reality. The book contains the central theories of
allegorical or mythic character by some. Ether Science, but there are many divergent inter-
Chair: An Etherite Master, so called because of a pretations. This Primer Grimoire is loaned to
semi-official position that she would normally oc- virtually all budding Scientists and is known to
cupy. Some specific Chairs have their own titles, spark Awakenings.
responsibilities and requirements for eligibility. Parmenidean: Theories in the Kitab al-Alacir
Doctor: All Sons of Ether can claim the title of similar to those of Parmenides, a pre-Socratic Greek
“Doctor,” either from pre-existing credentials or thanks philosopher. Parmenidean physics holds that the cos-
to completing an Etherite apprenticeship (which is, mos is a continuous entity, without any void. This
of course, equivalent, if not superior, to any mundane cosmos holds every phenomena, both “real” and “un-
education). Etherites who earn the title only from the real.” Therefore, some common medium must exist to
Tradition are sometimes frowned upon by those who support reality without emptiness (the Ether), and
earned ordinary credentials first. laws that assert that something is impossible must be
Electrodyne Engineers: Name of the Sons of categorically false.
Ether during the 19th century when they re-estab- The Parmenideans (or Pupils of Parmenides)
lished their identity as a distinct organization. formed both a Greek cult and Renaissance society,
Emeritus: An Archmage. both of which might have ties to the modern Sons
Ether: The “Fifth Essence” of reality upon which of Ether.
the rest of the cosmos is founded. Ultimately, Ether is Professor: An Adept-ranked Scientist capable
fundamental and imperceptible, but offshoots (“lesser of supervising a lab and directing Researchers in
Ethers”) such as Quintessence can be measured. the field.
Etherite: Informal, popular term for a member of Reductionism: Scientific and philosophical te-
the Sons of Ether. Favored by Scientists who would net that holds that all possible phenomena can be
like to divest themselves of the sexist connotations of reduced to a set of consistent, explainable mecha-
the Tradition’s proper name. nisms. Rejected by the Sons of Ether on the basis that
Fortean: Unusual phenomena for which there is phenomena are infinite, dynamic and possessed of
evidence but no known cause, such as rains of frogs or simultaneous rational explanations.
psychic phenomena. Used by the Sons of Ether to Researcher: An Ether Scientist capable of inde-
uncover hidden natural laws and to prove the pendent field research but not the supervision of
Parmenidean doctrine. other Scientists. In Tradition terms, roughly equal to
Heraclitan: Theories in the Kitab al-Alacir simi- a Disciple.
lar to those proposed by the Greek philosopher Science: When capitalized, Science refers to
Heraclitus. Heraclitan doctrine holds that reality is in Etherite Awakened inventions, research and theo-
constant flux as opposing metaphysical forces destroy ries, as opposed to Sleeper or Technocratic science.
each other and recombine into new phenomena. Also called Awakened Science, Ether Science or
House Golo: Medieval branch of the Hermetic Dynamic Science.
House Ex Miscellanea devoted to studying the Kitab Scientist: A general term of an Etherite of any
al-Alacir. Precursors to the modern Sons of Ether. rank. Usually capitalized.
Kitab al-Alacir: “Book of the Ether.” Arabic Specialist: A Scientist who uses a narrow range of
name of a Greek text that espouses theories about linear Effects; what mystics call a sorcerer or psychic.

12 Sons of Ether
Chapter One:
The Eight-
Track Method
Band One: Stone Flower

“I have discovered the secrets of the pyramids, and worktable before him. Behind him, a second figure resem-
have found out how the Egyptians and the ancient bling an oversized tin soldier entered the greenhouse, its
builders in Peru, Yucatan, and Asia, with only posture ramrod-straight, its stride thumping a metronomically
primitive tools, raised and set in place blocks of exact rhythm until it stopped just behind the young man.
stone weighing many tons!” It said, “Telephone call for you, sir.”
—Edward Leedskalnin, builder of Coral Castle The young man covered his work with a dust-cloth and
France, 2003: turned, removing his goggles. “A what?”
Within an ornate recessed cupboard in a The tin soldier’s words emerged from a bellows in its chest,
disused wing of a large mansion, an antique passing through a series of tiny horns, whistles, tuned strings
telephone rang. It continued to ring for some time, while and rubber baffles that produced a fairly intelligible imitation
heavy, perfectly even footsteps approached down the long of human speech. They did, however, tend to mangle the
hallway, pausing at each room and juncture as though search- phonemes of the French language. “A telephone call.”
ing for the source of the sound. The young man blew out some of the nearest lights and
Meanwhile, light and sound poured from the mansion’s pulled a few levers, silencing some of the noisier machines.
expansive greenhouse. Candles and oil lamps hung on chains “How is that possible?”
from the ceiling or swung on jointed telescoping arms, their “A simple electrical apparatus, sir, transmitting sound in
light intensified and focused by lenses and reflectors to where the form of—”
a figure sat amid a cacophony of whirring wheels, grinding “Must have missed one,” the young man muttered, removing
gears, coughing combustion devices and shrieking steam- his gloves and apron. He followed the tin soldier into the old wing
pipes. The figure, a young man clad in insulated apron and of his family estate to where the old-fashioned receiver dangled from
gloves, perched upon a high stool and glared through thick the cupboard. A chair and end table had been dusted off and placed
goggles at the glowing core of a dismantled armature on the nearby, the only furniture in the empty room.
Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 13

“I’ll take this call,” he told the automaton, “but after- There. A tiny light was rising above the western wall at
wards we must disconnect this device and remove the line meteoric speed. Yves drew a bulky waveform converter,
from the mansion grounds.” matched its setting to the focus of his lens, aimed. When the
“Certainly, sir.” light was framed by the larger of two stone crescents that
The young man settled himself and lifted the phone, towered above the wall, he fired.
fastidiously avoiding any direct contact with the crumbling cord. The light ceased its ascent midway between the crescent’s
The caller’s voice was already asking, “Chevalier Yves Mercure?” points and instead grew larger.
“Yes…” The converter bucked and kicked, shooting out purple
“Hey, man, sorry for intruding like this. I didn’t even flashes. Yves tightened his grip and chinned a switch to
think this number would work, but the operator had it listed, increase the tension in his Ethersuit’s joints. The object swelled
so, what the hell, right?” The caller spoke English in an in discrete stages, like the frames of a film run at slow motion,
American accent with some regional variant. “I doubt you’d in time to the throb of the converter. Soon it filled the crescent,
remember me, but we both talked some hyperdimensional now no longer a star but the front end of the funniest looking
physics with Dr. Mueller at that big Y2K party.” four-wheeled vehicle Yves had ever seen. Part Camaro, part
“I recall somewhat. Did ‘Doctor Comet’ ever find his way Boeing, part Maytag. Clutching the steering wheel with white
home intact? He seemed rather, how-you-say, ‘lit up.’” knuckles was a kid, wide-eyed, full lips pulled back from
clenched teeth, black hair on end and pointing straight back.
“Uh, well, nobody’s actually seen him since then, man.”
The converter’s pulse slowed. Car and kid hung frozen in
Yves sat up. “That is distressing. I had no idea.”
the crescent for a full second, then vanished and reappeared
“You should keep in closer touch. I heard you don’t keep about halfway between the crescent and where Yves stood,
electricals in the house. No telephone, no radio. You should stayed motionless in that position for at least three seconds
at least consider some modern communications, man. The while the converter emitted a steady beam. Then one more
old soup-can-with-the-string severely limits your range and pulse, and the vehicle was poised just a few feet above the
the number of people you can talk to.” ground, not moving. Yves sighed with relief and thumbed the
“I have always considered that to be the device’s most converter’s handle; three spindly legs telescoped out of the
attractive feature.” bottom and held it pointed at the car like a violet spotlight.
“Funny! Hey, you remember that miniature transmission shaft It seemed to take the kid a while to realize that he wasn’t
I sketched for you that night? Did you ever try it? How’d it work?” dead. His dark eyes moved tentatively back and forth, taking
“Oh, that! Perfectly! I was a fool to doubt you. In fact, I in Yves and his surroundings. Though he was still clutching
incorporated it into the device that answered your call. I the wheel and standing on the brake, the grimace plastered
believe that I ‘owe you one.’” across his face by terror and acceleration relaxed slightly. He
“Uh, yeah, glad you feel that way, bro. Because I called worked his jaw and lips, and after a few tries, he managed to
to ask you a really big favor.” croak, “What’s happening?”
••• Yves suddenly realized how ill equipped he was for
Florida, 2003: handling a young human being undergoing an intensely
Fucking Americans, Yves thought. How do I allow myself to be weird crisis. Determined not to lose control of the situation,
drawn into these things? This is so typical! I’m the scion of a noble lineage, he said coolly, “A simple enough question. To which an
goddamnit, and here I am sneaking into a roadside tourist trap by dark infinitude of honest answers may apply.”
of night like some drunken teenage peasant! I do not need this shit. “What’s happening to me! Right now!”
By the time he had geared up and sealed his Ethersuit, No good can come from lying to the boy, Yves thought. Just
however, he had a moment to appreciate his surroundings, and start with the basics. “You, right now, are accelerating toward the
he instantly regretted his unkind thought about the place. The earth at a velocity too great for my instruments to register.”
looming obelisk, the squat imposing tower encrusted with tropi- “Right. And what happens when I hit?” His fingers
cal vines, the crescents and ringed globes, the giant rocking chair tightened on the steering wheel.
still swaying to and fro, all inspired wonder and fascination. “Ah. A question about the future. Questions regarding the
Eyeing the massive rugose stones, so whimsically shaped yet so future are subject to conjecture. Just as questions about the past
precisely placed and fitted, he understood why such sites were are open to interpretation. What do you believe will happen?”
regarded with religious awe by non-Scientific peoples. “Uh… well… as far as I can figure…” The kid was trying
Facing north, he stepped this way and that until he had to sound cool too, but he couldn’t keep the shrill of panic from
Polaris lined up in the gunsight-shaped aperture on a hilltop his voice. “I’m going to die in one mother of an explosion?”
several yards away. He raised his right hand, thumb up, and “Then let us conjecture upon that particular hypothesis.
pivoted to the left while keeping his arm pointing north. How exactly did you calculate that answer?”
With his left hand he adjusted a variable-focus Ether lens
mounted on his helmet while scanning the western horizon.
14 Sons of Ether
“What’s to calculate, man? I’m goin’ really fuckin’ fast, and “Listen. I have bartered an extended moment, which you may
I’m about two feet from some hard-ass rock! I can’t brake! I’m just use to recalculate, to restate your hypothesis. Use it well.
gonna fuckin’ die, and that’s it, bro!” Although he still hadn’t What happens depends upon what you believe will happen.
changed position, the kid’s body started to shake angrily. At least in part. The beliefs of others also carry weight. So to
Good, thought Yves, you need to loosen up. He clasped his speak. What others will be affected by your actions today?”
own hands behind his back and began sauntering slowly, “Oh, shit. Shit! I wanna go home! I wanna see my family
lecture hall style, around the levitating car. “So. Force equals again!” With a sob, the kid slumped into his seat, hands still
mass multiplied by acceleration. Force, matter, space and on the wheel, feet still on the brake.
time. Are those the only factors in this equation?” “A step in the right direction. Good. So, space, time,
“What else is there?” matter, force and… let us call it love, for lack of a more
Yves leaned into the driver’s window; the kid turned to precisely quantifiable term. That’s five. What other factors
meet his eyes. “Let me tell you something, ‘bro.’ I cannot give are at work here?”
you answers. To do so would doom me to a fate I do not wish “God damn it, will you just fuckin’ help me! I don’t need
to comprehend. I have a home to return to. Work left some jive-ass future-man dumping hard science on me when I
unfinished.” Yves continued his way around the car. “I am should be watching my life flash in front of me! Fuck this shit!”
confident that I can survive this encounter and dismiss it as I’m not doing too well at this, am I? Yves shot a hard look
a bad dream. You, on the other hand, have severely limited south at the square tower. “‘Fucking shit.’ Very well, let us start
your own options. I cannot affect the outcome of your with that,” he said, talking faster to hide his uncertainty. “Hard
predicament. Only you can do that.” science, from the Latin for ‘knowledge.’ Infinitive form, scire, to
“But that’s impossible! What can I do?” know. ‘To fuck shit.’ To penetrate a soft yielding substance,
Passing under the rear bumper, Yves grabbed an eyeful of disgusting, it is true, but presumably toward a pleasurable result.
the car’s underside. “Impossible? Is it possible to build a car Unfortunately, at the speed you’ve attained, nothing is soft and
that can fly faster than any other has been known to move? yielding. Hitting water this fast, it would be as hard as steel.
Leaping 2,000 miles in under five minutes is impossible. We Harder. Even air friction would burn you to ash. Here’s a hint:
are the ones who make the impossible real.” As he came Why do you suppose that has not happened already?”
around the passenger side, he met the kid’s eyes again.

“I swear, man, I’m gonna punch your snotty face right it seems.” Still sulking, the kid did not answer. “Good, good,
through that helmet!” The kid’s right hand left the wheel, keep track of your sources. It can be a tedious chore, but vital
balling into a bony fist. The other stayed in place. for the proper exercise of Science.” Yves gingerly lifted a
“Just, uh, chill, my man. We’ll take it in, how-you-say, crumbling yellow periodical. “Ah, Popular Science! Back when
‘baby steps.’ Pop your bonnet and let’s see exactly what you they were printing Tesla’s work. Very rare, those. And Fate!
have to work with.” How delightful! Have you read any of these Shaver articles?”
“My what?” Turning halfway back, the kid curled his lip. “Too
“Pardon me. Your hood.” No response. “I would like to twisted for me, bro. I’m just a mechanic.”
see your engine, please.” “And this… Paradigma. I applaud your uncle’s taste. This
The kid’s fist unclenched, dipped beneath the dashboard is a true collector’s item. These all belong in a safer place than
to pop the hood. His left hand remained steady on the wheel. your back seat. So, with love and knowledge, that brings us up
Yves gingerly slipped his gloved little finger into the catch, to six factors in the equation. What else?”
lifted the hood and examined the contents of the car. “Don’t talk riddles again, man… Hey! There’s someone
“Interesting, interesting. All systems linked together in else here!”
a harmonic scale of ascending frequencies. You’ve converted With a stricken look, Yves looked to the northeast. There
your entire vehicle into a scalar waveform, did you know that? was no movement by the tower, but a strange flickering of the
A convolving toroid that includes much of the surrounding ambient light, quite distinct from the violet beam of his con-
space, I would guess. Not bad for an amateur.” He lowered the verter, suffused the entire scene. Relieved, he followed the kid’s
hood gently, looking the kid in the face. “Damned impressive, gaze toward the stone table and chairs directly ahead of the car.
in fact. Did you conceive of all this entirely on your own?” Beyond the Moiré-pattern glare of the converter, a white human
“I… I put together some ideas out of a bunch of old male, small and thin, was moving among the stone slabs. He wore
magazines that used to belong to my uncle.” His right thumb a faded work-shirt, sleeves rolled up, and patched baggy trousers.
jerked to the rear. “I got some of ’em here in the back seat, if Incredibly, he seemed to be rearranging and adjusting the
you wanna look.” massive rock furniture, tilting, pivoting and even sliding pieces
“In a moment, perhaps.” Yves raised the hood again and into position with smooth sweeping strokes of his fingertips.
returned his attention to the vehicle’s innards. “Hm, I see you “Ah, our posthumous host. The man who built this
are using electricity as the modulator pulse. I have never trusted place. An immigrant from Latvia, named—”
electricity myself. It is a child of capriciousness, as you are now “There’s something funky about how he’s moving. Look at
in the process of discovering. Only a Master Scientist like Tesla him, man! His hair and clothes keep swinging the wrong way!”
could understand it well enough to make it behave itself. I “Edward Leedskalnin. He quarried and erected each
prefer to approach that particular spectrum from the magnetic block of coral that this site comprises, working entirely
end, if at all. Fortunately, your reliance on a conductive alone.” As Yves spoke, the man he had named left the table,
medium means I have wires to trace back to the modulation walking backward at a brisk workmanlike pace. From the
device.” With one gloved finger he followed a clump of wires ledge of a fountain surmounted by a ringed globe he took a
back toward the dash, then leaned in through the passenger simple wooden water pail, returning to the table with the
window to find the face of the instrument with his other hand. same backward stride. On one end of the roughly L-shaped
The kid turned toward Yves with his right arm cocked back table was a shallow depression filled with water. Leedskalnin
to strike. As he did so, his left arm shifted to give him leverage, tipped the pail above the water, which then reached up to the
turning the steering wheel in the process. “Man, you touch that, lip of the pail and slid inside until the depression was dry.
and I’ll smack the white right off your face,” he growled. “I get it! Time’s going backward, is that right? If La Fuente
Yves ignored the threat. “Mon dieu, I’ve not seen one of here is moving faster than light, then this is gotta be that, whatsit,
these things since I was a small child! Eight-track! How tachyon polarity inversion.” The kid pronounced it tatchy-on.
perfectly provincial! If I recall correctly, these run in a “So we’re traveling backward in time right now! Right?”
continuous loop, do they not? Perfectly cyclical modulation “Close, but not quite. We are not traveling along the axis
right across the power spectrum. Quite ingenious. One might of time, but are just slightly askew of it, rotating in the general
even say inspired, no?” direction of the past. These images are indeed tachyonic, but,
“Screw you, spaceman.” The kid folded his arms across as the tachyon particles are radiating into the Ether at right
his chest and looked away from Yves, who now turned his angles to the temporal axis, their polarity is not inverse to ours.”
attention to the back seat and its litter of magazines. Yves tried to emphasize his own correct pronunciation of the
“This is the literature of your uncle? It was my own uncle’s word. This will take forever if I have to teach him his own language
library that helped initiate me into the Tradition. It is usually as well. “Of course, the tachyon may also be considered a wave
an uncle — seldom a parent. Those who share our calling rarely rather than a particle, an undulation in the Ether distinguished
have the opportunity to form normal connubial relationships, by its transverse juxtaposition to the arrow of time.”
16 Sons of Ether
“Yeah, the wave-particle thing… I heard of that. And you shifting his gaze from a nearby object to a distant one. Here was
said that I’d converted La Fuente into a scalar wave, right? So, Ed, arranging the chairs; there, suspending a massive coral block
instead of impacting the ground here like a particle, I could, uh, on a crude wooden tripod; and there, shifting one of the great
interact with the waveform of the ground, somehow.” stones into its place along the wall with a gentle nudge. The kid
“Ha! See? You are not just a mechanic, you are a theore- looked from scene to scene, his head beginning to spin.
tician as well! Once the theoretician and the mechanic within “Consider, if you will, the dedication that went into this
you can work together, then perhaps you may live to become place. When he first came to Florida, Ed searched extensively
a Scientist. If you wish to experience the waveform of this for an affordable plot of land. The man who eventually sold
place, keep turning your steering wheel to the left.” Ed the original Coral Castle site said that Ed seemed to be
“My steering wheel? Wait. So I can steer through time?” searching for something specific. He would run his fingers
“In this instance, not so much through time as across it.” through the sand and soil, smell it, press his ear to the ground,
“Gotcha.” Slowly pulling the wheel to the left, the kid prod it with a pole he carried for that purpose. It might be
kept his eye on Leedskalnin, who was going through a tedious guessed that he was simply searching for a source of coral to
process of adjusting the position of each chair according to use as raw material, but clearly the precise location was a
the sky and to a carefully measured network of twine stretched matter of great importance. Ed measured extensively, not
between key points of the surrounding structure. only the local geography, but also the celestial alignments. In
1936, he dismantled the entire structure and moved it from
“Ed Leedskalnin came to North America shortly before
the Florida City site to its current location here, near Home-
World War One, from a small Latvian farming community near
stead. Most believed he did it to avoid the encroaching urban
Riga. In 1920, he purchased a cheap plot of land on the outskirts
sprawl, but Leedskalnin himself said that his original calcula-
of Florida City. There he set to work on the edifice that surrounds
tions were incorrect, that this new locale was more properly
us.” Yves settled into his academic speaking mode. “He lived and
aligned with the Etheric energy vectors of the planet. Do you
worked alone for the next two decades, using only primitive
know what is significant about this region?”
homemade tools to measure, cut, lift and transport every single
block of coral you see here. Oh, he had visitors, of course. Friends, “Are you talking about ley lines? Isn’t this supposed to be
sightseers, curiosity seekers. He welcomed all warmly, fed and a major juncture of ley lines? Southern Florida… We’re at one
entertained them to the extent that his meager resources al- corner of the Bermuda Triangle, aren’t we?” The kid noted
lowed, then sped them on their way. He made no secret of his how Ed always stopped work just before guests arrived, and
project, but he would only ever work by himself.” always waited until they were well out of sight before he
returned to work.
“Hang on, bro. I know about this place! Coral Castle,
right? I saw it on In Search Of… a few months ago.” Watching “Most people would call it that. ‘Ley lines’ are simply
Leedskalnin at work, the kid struggled to get the hang of seeing localized manifestations of the energetic infrastructure of the
events unfold in reverse motion. He had seen film and televi- earth, the flow of Ether across our most fragile, delicate world.
sion images run in reverse before; this was not so different. Quintessence — that is to say, Ether not bound up in a
creative act — flows freely along these lines and collects in
“Ah, yes. In Search Of…. The American television
those places where the lines intersect, places we call Nodes.
program, hosted by your country’s most popular alien. Never
Many ancient cultures recognized these Nodes and treated
had the opportunity to see it myself, but many of my older
them as sacred sites. A quick survey of such places will show
colleagues speak of it with nostalgia.” Yves sighed. “When-
that many of them are on or near the sites of ancient
ever he was asked why he had built this place, Ed would say
megalithic structures, engineering marvels that modern build-
he was creating a palace for his ‘Sweet Sixteen’ — a young
ers, even with their huge machines, would be hard pressed to
lady, Agnes Scuffs by name — to whom he had apparently
duplicate. In some cases, unchecked flow of Quintessence can
been betrothed back in Latvia. Legend tells us that, on the eve
warp the fabric of space-time, resulting in phenomena such as
of their wedding, Ed showed her something, perhaps a dem-
your infamous Bermuda Triangle. Try plotting these Nodes
onstration of his uncanny ability to move enormous weights,
on a globe sometime, then connect the dots and compare the
which frightened her to such a degree that she ended their
shapes that emerge with the geodesics of Buckminster Fuller.
courtship and never spoke with him again. Nor would she
It can be a fascinating exercise.”
ever speak of the matter to outsiders. Remember what I told
you about relationships among our kind?” “Tried reading that Fuller guy. Too dense. I think he makes
up his own words for stuff.” The kid was watching Ed balance an
Watching the skinny figure, the kid discovered what it
eight-foot block of coral on an automobile gear embedded in the
meant to gaze diagonally across the axis of a time wave. Staring
floor, where it could swivel freely and act as the entrance gate. Ed
down the corridor of the recent past, he saw Leedskalnin
stopped, turned and stared pointedly in one direction.
everywhere he looked. Not all at once, no masses of identical
immigrants crowding his peripheral vision, but in discrete seg- “Try again. Read carefully, and do not be afraid to ask for help.
ments of time that he could look through simply by turning his ‘Bucky’ can be most rewarding, especially for those of us with
steering wheel ever so slightly and refocusing his eyes, as though mechanical inclinations.” Yves and the kid turned to where Ed was

looking. Beyond an unfinished section of outer wall, the bushes “I think I get it. The less, uh, unbelievers who see you doing
rustled and the tense whispers of teenage boys could be heard. Ed freaky shit like this, the more likely you can get it done, right? You can
unswallowed clean water into a cracked cup, still glaring at the get something out of nothing as long as nobody sees you doing it!”
concealed boys, and he leaned against an unplaced stone, arms “Not quite. There is always a measure of Paradox work-
folded, waiting. Finally the bushes rustled again and the whispers ing against any Scientific operation. Having non-Scientists,
receded. Seconds later, Ed returned to work; with the smooth grace or ‘Sleepers,’ as witnesses only intensifies the effect. It is also
of a ballet dancer, he tilted the gate off of the gear, balanced it above possible to minimize it by crafting your operation in such a
his head and carried it to a clear patch of ground. The stone settled way that it appears to be a perfectly normal event, if an
into the deep depression its bulk had left in the ground. Ed knelt extremely unlikely one. This we call ‘Coincidental Science.’
beside it and put his palms against it. He seemed to be singing softly. To the witness, the event would seem highly improbable, but
“Man, that thing’s gotta weigh tons! Hey, he knew those not entirely impossible. Unfortunately for us, in our current
kids were coming, didn’t he? He stopped working before they predicament, a car falling out of the sky at a relativistic speed
got here, and didn’t start again until they left! He can tell is only slightly less improbable than balancing a 10-ton rock
when he’s being watched!” on your fingertip by singing to it.”
“He could indeed. Furthermore, he learned as a young The kid was silent for some time, staring past the east wall to
child to focus his gaze in a way that affected the material world. where Ed was unloading the building blocks of his castle from a
He could make someone turn around by staring at the back of heavy-duty flatbed truck after temporarily dismissing the driver.
their head, and he could control the movements of insects by At last the kid said, “You told me this guy built this place all for
concentrating upon them. Ed understood the flow of magnetic some chica that dumped his ass, back in the old country, right?”
current through the Ether, which he perceived as beads of light. “That is correct. Were you to explore — and I am not
And he understood how it could be altered to affect matter recommending that you do, at least not presently — you would
both animate and inanimate. Note how he sings to the stone. see that many of the accommodations are built for two. The
Sound vibrations can resonate harmonically with other Etheric dual thrones of Saturn back here, for example. Within the
frequencies, from the infinitesimal oscillations of the sub- tower at the far corner are twin beds.” But I cannot allow you in
atomic world to the great cycles of the cosmos. With the correct there now, Yves mentally added. “It’s rather sad, I suppose. He
vocal pitch, he could attune the molecular motion within the built this amazing monument to her, an offering of a stone
rock to the motion of the planet, even the galaxy, in such a way flower, one might say, and yet Mademoiselle Scuffs married
as to nullify the local conditions of mass, inertia and gravity.” before Leedskalnin even made his way to Florida, I am told.”
“I could do without some of that shit myself just now.” “‘Stone flower.’ Heh. That’s one of the songs on here.”
“Indeed.” The kid tapped the exposed butt of the eight-track cassette.
The kid glanced about, taking in the various scenes of “Love. That’s one of the factors in my equation, you were
Leedskalnin’s activity. “He only works at night, doesn’t he? Is saying.” He worked his lips, turning something over in his
that to see the stars, so he can line it all up right?” mind. “We’re pointed in the direction of the past, right?”
“In part, perhaps. But he also required strict privacy, “Approximately.”
remember. He would never work when he knew he was seen.” “Yeah, yeah, more or less… Look, man, I wanna try something.”
“Why is that? I know I work better when I have the “Experimentation, excellent! Theory tested in the cru-
garage to myself.” cible of factual experience. The theoretician and the mechanic
“Of course you do. It is much easier to accomplish some- are beginning to work together. Pray, proceed, my friend.” A
thing when there is no one about to tell you that what you are roguish smile curled the corner of Yves’s mouth, and an
attempting is impossible. Modern physicists know that an encouraging glint shone in his eye.
observer’s attitude and expectation can affect the outcome of “We ain’t friends yet. I just want to try something, and
an experiment. Recall what I told you about the weight of you’re coming with me.”
others’ beliefs. Even the Ether itself can meet resistance in the “Our respective waveforms are inextricably entangled. I
form of psychic inertia, in the unwillingness of most people to have little choice in the matter at this point.”
accept that which is beyond their experience. This we call “Okay, then. I want to go forward. In the direction we’re
Paradox energy. It is the envelope against which we push, the facing now.”
general tendency of the world to remain the way it is, to “I see what you intend. But remember: the toroid moves
function in the way that it always has. Paradox constrains all in a complete cycle. You will eventually return to your
experimental work based on unusual principles and acts to starting point. And though I am to join you, know that I
negate impossibilities. One might even say it is the metaphysi- cannot accompany you every step of the way.”
cal equivalent of the law of the conservation of energy. But
“All right by me, bro. So… uh, just how do I move forward?”
there are other laws as well; we who understand the Etheric
transfer of energy can cheat that law, no? So it is with Paradox.” “You might try not standing on your brake pedal like you
have been.”
18 Sons of Ether
Band Two:
Eternal Caravan of Reincarnation
“We are but fleeting glimpses of human conscious- “In here.” Yves tapped the kid’s forehead. “The flesh may
ness… Science if properly used will serve the be bound by space and time, but the spirit is not. And it is our
people. If not properly used it will destroy the spirit that determines the course we take into the future.”
people… Machinery that gives us abundance has “Kinda like making a hologram, right? You got the, uh,
left us in want… The power that dictators take reference beam and interference patterns… Sort of like
from the people will return to the people.” laying a positive image on top of a negative to get the full
—Charlie Chaplin, The Great Dictator picture, or something?”
(from various drafts of the script) “More than that. Not just adding plus one and minus
In a place that is nowhere, during a time that one, but more like multiplying zero by infinity.”
never occurred, two young men hurtled through billows of The kid tilted his head back. “Uh… I see…”
nothingness in a most unlikely vehicle. Energy arced around “Don’t strain yourself. It is quite a vast mystery to grasp
them, striking wisps of smoke from their exposed surfaces. The all at once. Minds far greater than ours have spent lifetimes
older of the two, sitting in the passenger seat, encased in a bulky in contem—”
enclosed suit that seemed to attract most of the energy arcs, spoke. “No, I was just gonna say I see the sun coming through
“These swirling mists you see are the perceptual result of the mists up there.”
changes in your dimensional coordinate system. Up until now Yves looked up to behold an emergent luminescence.
you have only ever used your eyes to orient yourself along three “Ah. Yes. Not exactly the sun you know, though, but perhaps
physical dimensions as you move through a fourth, time. Now its extension into these dimensions. That is what some called
that you have rotated your coordinate system outside of those the Smoky God, for it never emerges fully from the mists. We
dimensions, all forms will appear nebulous and undefined until are passing through the Hollow Earth, which in one sense can
you can re-orient yourself and pick out familiar shapes. This be said to represent many of the alternate histories I men-
extradimensional space is known as the ‘Umbra,’ for many tioned. Rather than leaving the surface of a solid sphere, the
consider it the shadow of the material world.” physical planet Earth, we are entering a spherical space where
Eyes and mouth wide, the driver saw his skin crackle with the past still lives. Think of it this way: Rather than going
random sparks as his hair stood on end. “So I really have left outside of the space-time continuum, we are going inside, into
space entirely? Far out, man!” the soul and the mind of the universe, to travel down corridors
“You have left the sort of space that you’ve always known, of universal memory. Witness primordial jungles where na-
and are now experiencing a different set of dimensions. This ked savages roam. See mammoths and dinosaurs, figments of
energy coursing around us is a side effect of passing through planetary remembrance.” As Yves spoke, the mists parted
what we call the ‘Gauntlet,’ the barrier that separates the below, revealing the very scenes he described.
dimensions. This effect has intensified severely between your “Yeah, I see ’em! Very cool!” The kid craned his neck over
time and mine, and thus I must wear this Ethersuit to protect the side of the car. Then he turned back to Yves. “But I read
myself on such journeys. I have spent a significant portion of my about the Hollow Earth, bro, and it’s real, a real place that you
life exploring these dimensions, yet I have only seen a fraction can get to through the polar openings. The Smoky God was the
of what they have to offer. Because we are now somewhat askew title of a book about how this old sailor took his son there on
from the dimension of time, I hope to give you something of a adventures. And there’s that newsreel, from when Byrd flew
tour through the secret history of the world, showing you not over the North Pole back in the ’20s. He got film of it. It’s an
only the past as it appeared, but as it could have been, and was actual place, not just the planet memory, like you’re saying.”
not. This is ultimately a realm of infinite possibilities, you see, More of the mists dispersed and a rich landscape spread
where all that is exists along with all that is not.” out beneath them, not curving away to a distant horizon, but
“Okay, I know enough about that quantum stuff to get upward and around them on all sides.
the bit about parallel universes and alternate futures, but “Alas, that may have been true once, but remember that
you’re saying there’s alternate pasts, too?” belief determines reality. Most have decided not to believe in
“Precisely. I believe that ‘parallel’ is a misnomer, for it the Hollow Earth.” Yves’s voice took on a melancholy tone.
would seem that all alternate realities intersect to form the “They have paved over the cavern entrances and filled in the
present moment. The possible is defined by the impossible; planet with molten rock. Have you ever found a copy of that
the real by the unreal.” book? Or others, such as Professor Lloyd’s Etidorpha, or any
“How can that be? How come we only see and hear and that treat the topic as anything but a pulp fantasy? Or seen the
feel one possibility? Where’s all the rest of it?” images from Admiral Byrd’s flight? Or records from the Nazi

polar expeditions? I have not. And, trust me, I have searched flying vehicles. Yves and the kid had landed and disembarked,
for them. But the Hollow Earth can still exist for those who and they were already sampling a bowl of fruit brought out to
pass beyond the material world, and who are willing to learn them by the Goro monks.
the lessons it has to teach. We need metaphor as well as math “This place is, in many ways, the spiritual birthplace of
to navigate these dimensions.” our Tradition,” Yves said in a whispered aside. “I recommend
The kid’s brow knotted. “Wait a minute. How did it get that you be on your best behavior here.” The kid scowled at
like this? Who did all that paving and filling? Who decides his authoritative tone, but said nothing.
what everyone believes?” “In the age before materialism and greed became the
“Let me begin at the beginning. Head toward that moun- norm for humanity, the Atlanteans mastered the Science of
tain range. On the tallest peak you will see a group of buildings. attuning themselves to the innate harmony of the world
That is the Goro Monastery. There we may begin your history about them.” The head monk led them into a great hallway
lesson and rest a moment before we proceed with our voyage.” with enormous murals decorating the walls. He stopped
••• before one scene that depicted a vast city of exotic stone
“Here, safe from the ravages of time, we study and preserve buildings arrayed around a gigantic pyramid. Broad circular
the lost Sciences of the ancients, the magic of Atlantis and the canals ringed the city, and a brilliant white light shone from
forgotten cultures. We ask that you respect our traditions and the pyramid’s apex. “Here, at the capital city, the high priests
refrain from disrupting our practices, but know that you are used this pyramid as a lens to focus the energies of heaven into
welcome. Refresh yourselves, and be at ease.” the earth. By a pure understanding of the creative forces of
The speaker was short, bald and wrinkled, clad in a plain nature — of what you would call gravity, electromagnetism
white robe and leaning upon a straight wooden staff. Beyond and morphogenetic fields, of all the flows and frequencies of
this, little could be said with certainty. Possibly male, and the Ether — the builders of Atlantis were able to raise up
probably quite old — although the wrinkles seemed not so magnificent edifices that the machinery of your age would be
much from age, but from wisdom and humor barely contained hard pressed to match. By living in harmony with both their
by the physical frame. All that was certain was that he looked inner natures and the outer world, they created a true utopia
deeply and uniquely human. in the material world.”
He stood in the entrance of Goro Monastery, facing a flat “The word ‘utopia’ literally means ‘nowhere,’” Yves
outcropping that was perfectly placed as a landing pad for interjected as the monk paused.
20 Sons of Ether
“The limited vision of a limited age,” said the monk. vive, and that they resettled in what are considered by the
“Those who live in an imperfect society, who have never seen Consensus to be the birthplaces of civilization.”
a perfect society, cannot believe that such can truly exist. And “By the what?” the kid asked.
so, the wonders of Atlantis are dismissed as fancy and fable.” “The Consensus,” Yves answered. “A term denoting the
The kid turned from the mural to a large antique globe collective beliefs of humanity. The Consensus informs and
mounted nearby. Engraved upon it was the Earth he knew, drives the forces of Paradox, which I explained previously.”
but with a large landmass in the Atlantic Ocean. “Even so,” said the monk. “While Paradox may appear to be
“This is it, isn’t it?” he said. His fingers traced its coast- an implacable and immutable fact of the universe on the material
line. “That’s where the Sargasso Sea is now. And the capital, plane, know that even it, like all else, is but shaped by belief. And
uh—” he squinted at the tiny incised characters “—‘Posy- this is important to understand. For, you see, even though any
doh-nis,’ here, that’s one corner of the Bermuda Triangle.” Scientific operation in materiality contains within it the threat
“Indeed. Though Atlantis is gone, geologically speaking, of Paradoxic reaction, when any Sleeper witnesses something he
its traces can still be found in the Etheric body of the planet, believes to be impossible, that will enlarge the boundaries of
in zones where gravity and electromagnetism are twisted out what he considers possible, and he may communicate this new
of alignment, in the migratory routes of birds, in the myth- understanding to his fellows. Thus, over time, even Paradox
memory of the human ra—” itself may be re-formed by the very actions it opposes.
“So what happened? How’d they blow it?” “But to return to the subject at hand. The culture-bearers
“Do not interrupt!” Yves hissed sharply. from Atlantis sought to rekindle the flames of Science in the
But the monk merely smiled. “Chide him not. He is colonies they founded, and they began to rebuild their heav-
young and eager to learn.” He winked at the kid. “And it is enly focal monuments. The Egyptian pyramids and
through questioning that we begin to learn, is it not?” Stonehenge are but the most famous examples. The ‘moon
He turned to another mural which showed the same view shaft’ in Czechoslovakia, the engraved topographical map in
of the Atlantean capital, Poseidonis. Unlike the previous Russia, or the subterranean cities of Cappadocia are less well
idyllic scene, though, this one showed the cataclysm: stone known, and, I understand, have only relatively recently been
buildings shattering, rains of fire, immense tidal waves tower- discovered. But the culture-bearers’ knowledge was incom-
ing over the scene and a massive bolt of lightning blasting the plete, and much was lost over subsequent millennia. By the
top of the pyramid. beginning of Consensual recorded history only the tech-
niques of construction were remembered, and those who
“Legend would have us believe that the Atlanteans fell
knew them used them for more secular purposes — palaces,
victim to hubris, that their mastery of the world allowed them
temples, fortifications, such as can still be seen at Mycenae
to become lazy, greedy, even malicious. Some seers, like Edgar
and Baalbek. By this time, only one man appears to have
Cayce, describe a gradual decline of the culture coinciding
retained the essence of Atlantean Science, a citizen of Homeric
with slow geological changes, the land sinking as the sea
Troy whom we know by the name Aretus.”
reclaimed it. And so it may have been in its later period,
among the outlying provinces of the continent. But it is clear The monk led them to another mural that showed a large
from many sources that, at some point, a truly horrific walled city overlooking a beach where an army was en-
catastrophe occurred that forever changed history, as shown camped, engaged in constructing a large wooden horse.
here.” The monk gestured at the mural. “Our own readings “Okay,” the kid muttered, “now this I heard of.”
hint that the destruction of Poseidonis was an act of self- “Of course. The Trojan War is remembered in Consensual
sacrifice meant to protect the world from a far greater threat.” history through the works of Homer. Unfortunately the poet
The kid looked at the mural again. Was the pyramid concerned himself entirely with the War, and either neglected or
being struck, or was it opening to unleash a bolt of energy into was unaware of the esoteric Atlantean thread woven into Trojan
the sky? He tilted his head back. The bolt disappeared into a culture by Aretus. Aretus wrote a text in which fundamental
dark stormy sky. Scientific principles were explained in terms that the people of
that time could understand. This text, preserved by a student of
“It might well be assumed that the high priests perished
Aretus named Parmenesthes, was later translated by Aristotle,
in this conflagration, but some maintain that they were
and from it he derived his notion of the ‘Fifth Essence.’”
translated into a dimension only marginally accessible to us,
and that they now abide in a realm that corresponds to the “Quintessence, yeah…”
dark side of our moon. They have revisited the physical Earth “Or ‘Ether,’ the term we now use. Aristotle’s version was
throughout history, this theory maintains, in order to reintro- in turn translated into Arabic centuries later by Muslim
duce humanity to the wonders of their arcane Science, but scholars, who preserved much of the Greek heritage. This
their appearance was interpreted by the ignorant as angelic version of the work was brought to Spain by the Moors, where
and demonic manifestations, or as visitors from exotic fairy- it eventually fell into the hands of Lorenzo Golo, an Italian
lands of legend and folklore. We know for certain, however, merchant prince and aspiring Hermetic mage, in the early
that some who understood the Scientific mysteries did sur- 12th century.”

The monk turned to face two statues occupying twin The kid swallowed. “So, if I ever get back home they’re
pedestals in the center of the hall. Two men, one in fancy gonna be waiting for me, huh? They wouldn’t try to get at my
medieval clothes and the other in armor, stood in symmetrical family, would they?”
position, each unrolling a scroll to show the other. The scroll “Let us hope not, but it pays to expect the worst from
held by the armored man was written in Greek letters, while the them.” Yves lapsed into heavy silence. In the swirling mists,
other was in some kind of flowing cursive script. “At around the faint colors, vague shapes and distant voices started to emerge.
same time, a Knight Templar by the name of Simon de Laurent Finally, Yves said, “I shan’t bore you with more history class, but
recovered Aristotle’s original while crusading in the Holy as we converge upon the axis of time, some of the things you see
Land. These two men eventually met, compared what each had will require explication. Suffice to say that, concurrent with
found and realized they had stumbled upon two pieces of an the growth and diversification of the Natural Philosophers
ancient puzzle, the text that we now study under its Arabic title, Guild, another faction grew to power, the Order of Reason,
the Kitab al-Alacir, or ‘Book of the Ether.’ Together they formed with methods and motives not unlike our own, but without the
the Natural Philosophers Guild, a short-lived organization spiritual compass of the Kitab al-Alacir to guide them. They
which nonetheless contributed to the scientific and spiritual considered logic to be the perfect mode of thought, and order
development that eventually grew into the Renaissance.” to be the ultimate force that shapes the physical world. And the
Yves added, “We consider this Guild’s formation as our physical world to be the only world that matters. Against them
beginning. But understand that our line of descent is not strove many who felt the opposite, that the immaterial was
straight by any means. The centuries between then and now greater than the material; we saw them as enemies… then.”
were fraught with schisms and mergers, as many factions Through the mists, the kid saw wild, fantastic scenes:
possessed different puzzle pieces but often disagreed how to figures flying through the air shooting streams of fire from
put them together. We had powerful allies who later became their fingertips, talking animals, priests brandishing flaming
enemies, and old enemies that now accept us as their peers. swords, spirits materializing in chalk circles, men with the
And therein lies the secret history that has shaped the world heads of beasts and beasts with the heads of men, walking
we know.” As he spoke, Yves compared the faces of dials castles, sometimes fighting each other, sometimes arrayed
mounted on the forearm of his Ethersuit. He addressed the against armies equipped with man-powered ornithopters,
monk. “Good brother, the current phase of our cycle is over wooden tanks, crystal lenses that shot beams of searing light,
halfway complete, and there is more that I wish to show the and marching ranks of clockwork soldiers. All set amidst a
boy. You understand that we are still bound by time, and I ask backdrop of more familiar medieval images: knights in armor,
that you please forgive our premature departure.” elegant damsels, crenellated fortresses and soaring cathe-
“Do as you must.” The head monk smiled again and drals, witches burning at the stake and heretics broken and
spoke to the kid. “Be aware that we of the Goro Monastery are scarred by racks and brands in murky dungeons.
always here, in your thoughts and in your dreams. If you are “Paradox was nothing to us then, and against the forces
ever able to return, you will be made welcome, for we have yet of magic we forged weapons centuries ahead of their time. We
more wonders to reveal, and we look forward to any wonders thought we were making the world safe for Science, you see.
that you may reveal to us.” And, over time, we thought we had won. The hordes of
“Sure.” The kid held up two fingers in a V shape. “Peace, bro!” Unreason were driven back into the wildernesses, cowering
••• in their caves and groves, or else cloaked in the sanctity of
The curve of the Hollow Earth and the veiled radiance religion as they watched their power diminish. By the Victo-
of the Smoky God receded in the rearview mirrors as the mists rian era, we had beaten the world into a flat stage where only
of nowhere once more surrounded the vehicle. plays of order and reason could be performed. It was not until
“I regret having to cut that lesson short,” said Yves. then that we became aware of the true motives of our allies.”
“There is so much more to learn there.” Yves pointed through the mist toward a gigantic thunderhead
cloud emitting a halo of lightning arcs. “Steer toward that. It
The kid waved his hand. “Ain’t no big thing, man. That was
is a nexus of alternate timelines, a major turning point in our
starting to feel too much like high school history class anyway.”
history. You know of Nikola Tesla, I presume?”
“There is more history to come, I’m afraid, as we shall be
“Oh, hell yeah! The real inventor of radio, and all kinds
curving back across the temporal axis now. But it is necessary,
of tripped-out stuff — death rays, antigravity, shit like that.
and you must pay attention if you are to understand the role
He was, like, this big time electrical prodigy, from Czechoslo-
we must play in the Ascension War.”
vakia or somewhere.”
“Oh, now there’s a war going on, too? Great! What the
“Croatia, actually, which was in Yugoslavia at the time.
fuck did you get me into?”
Not a well-known place in your day, but everyone has heard of
“You got yourself into it, my friend, the moment you it in mine, for most unfortunate reasons. Anyway, in the 1860s,
successfully generated your toroidal field. Our enemy keeps those of us who truly understood the nature and properties of
constant watch for such events. Reports of impossible hap- the Ether consolidated ourselves under the name of the
penings. Surges of Paradox energy. Cars that fly…”
22 Sons of Ether
Electrodyne Engineers, an organization nominally founded in I would be most satisfied to kill you straightaway!” His
London, but with members from throughout the Western Ethersuit-encased hand balled into a massive metal fist and
world. By then the Order of Reason was evolving into what we drew back to strike. The kid shrank away from him and froze,
now call the Technocracy and was ostensibly planning to turn eyes wide, mouth open. Yves glared, nostrils flaring, for a full
the Earth into a scientific paradise, where technology would minute; his faceplate fogged as he fought to slow his breath-
both serve and govern the people by eliminating the ills of the ing. Finally he broke off eye contact and looked around.
world. Tesla proved his genius to the Electrodyne Engineers They were heading toward a low building. Beyond it
early in his career, and he moved to the United States where loomed a tall metal skeleton, a steel-girder tower shaped like
he could work with his hero, Thomas Edison.” a giant mushroom on a conical stalk. Rows of copper spheres
“I used to think Edison was cool when I was a little kid, lined its cap. Yves relaxed only slightly upon seeing it. “Long
but not no more since I started reading about the shit he Island,” he hissed, still fuming.
pulled on Tesla.” “The, uh, the Wardenclyffe tower…” the kid piped, his
Plunging into the heart of the thunderhead, the car was voice cracking. “Tesla’s big secret project.”
enveloped by darkness. “The Magnifying Transmitter, yes.” Yves settled back in
“Many lies surround their story. Whatever Edison’s true his seat, folded his arms. He resumed his lecture through
nature, he seems to represent much of what went wrong with clenched teeth. “Tesla realized that he had found a way to turn
the Technocracy. He, or his company, tried to claim credit for the entire world into a gigantic capacitor, that energy could be
Tesla’s early work with alternating current, even after conduct- transmitted to every point on the planet from this single Node.
ing a propaganda campaign against it in favor of direct current.” He dreamed of a world of free energy, where anyone could
“Didn’t they do these traveling shows where they elec- power an entire home simply by plugging a conductive rod into
trocuted dogs and cats, to show how dangerous AC was the ground. Just imagine what that could have meant for
supposed to be? Sick fuckers.” humanity! His financial backer at this time was another tool of
“Empathy and conscience have never been the the Technocracy, who had no use for free energy.”
Technocracy’s strong points. They stole from Tesla every- “Can’t hook up a meter to make people pay for it.”
thing that suited them, then they ruined him when his work “Precisely. Tesla’s laboratory was burnt to the ground, and
became too great for their purposes. By this time, the AC/DC he was eventually ruined financially. His greatest dreams were
poles had reversed, so to speak. Edison switched to alternating never implemented, and the Technocrats stole much of his
current, as its efficiency was more suited to his Technocratic work to use for destructive purposes. See if you can maneuver
backers, while Tesla had begun to discover profound new through the tower girders. Through the center of the Transmit-
Etheric properties of direct current.” ter is a place that I think you would very much like to see.”
Bursting out of the dark, the two found themselves in a “Hey, man, I know you want to kill me now, but I kinda
huge workshop occupied by heavy antique generators, coils don’t want to smash into big hard things anymore.”
and machinery of every conceivable shape. From a copper Yves looked him in the eye. His anger had subsided. “I
sphere atop a wide fluted structure, giant sparks arced across apologize for threatening you. I cannot — I will not harm you.
the room to a plain dark column mounted on a four-legged To do so would doom me as well. Just be wary of rash
pedestal. On a chair nearby, a man with a mustache scribbled experimentation like that. Never try something without a
in a small notebook. solid theory in mind to account for all potential conse-
“That’s him!” shouted the kid, excited. “I know this place! quences. Remember what I said about belief. Now try what I
Colorado Springs! 1899! Can we get out and talk to him?” ask. I have made this journey before.”
“I fear not, for these are only images of the past. We La Fuente slipped through the ribs of the steel skeleton and
cannot enter this timeline, for to do so would irrevocably ascended through its middle, borne on a series of rising scales from
prevent us from returning to our own—” Santana’s guitar that added a nice dramatic touch to the action. As
As Yves spoke, the kid reached over to his dashboard she approached the center of the mushroom-cap dome, the entire
radio and fiddled with a knob. “I bet I can interact with that structure bent away and turned itself inside out (Like a toroidal field,
electric field, though,” he muttered. the kid noted), replaced by yet another new landscape.
The electrical arcs in the workshop sputtered. Tesla They were above the Magnifying Transmitter. The rows of
leaped from his chair, looked around the room. As his face copper spheres, now embedded in a surface of gleaming polished
turned toward the car, Yves batted the kid’s hand off of the steel, crackled with energy that made the kid’s hair stand on end.
knob, grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it sharply to the He banked out and around in a widening spiral. The completed
right. Colorado Springs seemed to tilt away and fold itself out tower formed the centerpiece of a magnificent cityscape com-
of sight, replaced by an outdoor scene. posed of the art deco movement’s wildest flights of fancy. The
Yves shouted, “You imbecile! I swear, if you’ve trapped me architecture — strong and graceful curves that fit together with
in an alternate timeline or some godforsaken Paradox Realm, Chinese puzzle-box precision — reminded the kid of some of his

favorite auto body designs, all gleaming chrome and elegantly Tradition leaving the Technocracy caused history to take the
shaped armatures. There were cars moving between the build- darker path we all know. Like the Hollow Earth, the Gernsback
ings, on the streets and above them, thrumming peacefully Continuum is now only an ideal, a non-physical reality that
through the air. For once, La Fuente did not seem at all out of can be reached only by a difficult hyperdimensional crossing.”
place. Pedestrians in sleek jumpsuits launched themselves from A gray wisp swept across the windshield, obscuring the
the sidewalk — or from skyscrapers’ ledges — propelled by beautiful futuristic city. At the same time, a flash of ultravio-
compact engines strapped to their backs. In the sky, cigar-shaped let light filled the interior of the car. The kid looked at Yves,
airships and flying saucers sailed majestically amidst the clouds who held his gloved hands in front of his face, turned them
or docked at the tallest buildings. over, and began to hurriedly adjust his Ethersuit gauges.
“It’s like the pictures in old sci-fi mags!” the kid gasped. “Aw shit!” the kid bawled as more mist billowed up.
“That it is. You may know the name Hugo Gernsback from “We’re leaving, aren’t we?”
such publications as Amazing Stories and the Electrodyne “Yes, we are. Listen—”
journal that would eventually become Popular Science. He was “Is this because of what I did at Colorado Springs?”
both an inventor and a writer of speculative fiction, and this “Be quiet and listen to me. I told you that I would have to
realm embodies his vision of a technotopian future. Our part with you at some point during—” There was another
Tradition worked to build it into what it is, and we call it the ultraviolet flash that replaced the Frenchman’s bulky shape with
Gernsback Continuum in his honor. But I believe that the a hypnotic Op Art pattern. Then it was gone and Yves reap-
Continuum is concurrent with an alternate timeline, a version peared, still talking. “—don’t know what awaits you in the next
of what the 20th century could have been had Tesla been able phase, but be on your guard. Your trajectory has been plotted
to fulfill his dreams. The Magnifying Transmitter was not across—” Another flash. “—known of a Technocratic installa-
merely a free energy device, you see. Tesla felt that its field also tion on that Node for some time now—” And another. “—perhaps
had an excitatory effect upon the human brain, that it awak- arranged for some other Etherite to intercept—” When Yves
ened unused reserves of intelligence, perception and willpower. reappeared, he was speaking very fast. “—keep traveling in a
This place resulted from that unlocked potential — what the straight line, or else—” Between the strobing flashes and strange
world could have become had his plans been implemented. But optical patterns, the kid’s eyes were starting to ache. “I repeat, do
unfettered human potential did not fit the Technocratic not turn or swerve.” Then another flash, and Yves was gone.
agenda, so this visionary work was relegated to an intellectual
The kid was alone, hurtling through emptiness with only
ghetto, swept under the rug of Consensual history along with
his car and some fine percussion as company.
myth, fantasy and fairy tales. We traveled here through a
transtemporal nexus, where the events that ended with our “Well, damn,” he mumbled, nervously drumming on his
steering wheel. “Glad I brought good music.”
Band Three: Future Primitive

Now, my suspicion is that the universe is not only Ahead and to the left, a squat, muscular, grizzled and
queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can leathery man in dusty khakis, burst out from a gap in the rock
suppose. face. He blinked, broke into a horse-toothed grin and rushed
—J. B. S. Haldane, Possible Worlds forward with arms wide. “Ace?” he bellowed. “Is that really
Australia, 2003: you? I don’t believe it!”
At the moment Yves Mercure fired his Despite the man’s crazed appearance, Ace did not feel
Etheric wave converter into the sky above Coral threatened. “How do you know my name? Who are you?”
Castle, ephemeral mists parted and a solid, “It’s Stan!” Stan held out a hand, but he didn’t seem to
consistent landscape took shape on the opposite care when Ace failed to shake it. “We met at the big Y2K
side of the planet Earth. At first, a regular pulse of white flashes party. Oh, but you wouldn’t remember that yet! So this’s your
appeared just above the hood, then resolved into a series of ride, huh?” He ran an approving eye over La Fuente’s length,
elongated rectangles stretching ahead in a straight line. A gave Ace a cooler once-over. “Damn, man, you really were a
paved highway in poor repair, running through a flat desert little punk, weren’t you?” When Ace scowled at that, Stan
with bluffs and cliffs encroaching upon either side, tilted up just said with a smile, “Aw, don’t worry about it! You’ll be all
in time to see the sun. The mists faded into a morning haze, right! How much time you got, do you know? Wanna come
evaporating along with night’s vanishing chill. back to the camp for some coffee?”
The engine coughed, coughed again, sputtered into “I’m not sure. I don’t think I should leave my wheels.”
silence as Caravanserai faded out and in, then finally out. The “Aw, it’ll be fine. The black hats don’t patrol this road no
toroidal field dissipated and La Fuente coasted for nearly a more. You got the music on, right? Just leave the volume up,
hundred yards before stopping. and you should hear it cut on in plenty of time to get back.”
24 Sons of Ether
Without waiting for an answer, Stan yanked the door open, amazing stuff. That’s the Virtual Adepts — they defected
picked the kid up in a surprisingly gentle bear hug and from the Technocracy a while after we did.”
practically dragged him back to the rock gap. “So you actually “So we defected after they fucked with Tesla, huh?”
found someone with a converter to intercept your ass, huh? “Defected or got kicked out, depends on who you ask. See,
That’s great! Who’d ya get?” the advances in Etheric Science shook ’em up too much, so they
Ace had to think for a moment before the question made wrote the Ether out of the Consensus. There was Michelson and
sense to him. “Uh, it was a French guy, in a sort of spacesuit, Morley, who tried to prove its existence but set up their experi-
y’know? Talks like he thinks he’s better than everyone?” ment wrong ’cause they were thinking of the Ether in terms of
“Oh, jeez, that guy! What’s he call himself, ‘Sir Mercury’ any other substance. Tryin’ to measure the ‘aether wind’ of the
or somethin’? I hear he don’t ever touch nothin’ electric if he Earth passin’ through space, but it don’t work that way, y’see.”
can help it. Musta stuck his finger in a light socket when he was Stan tapped more buttons, and some half-familiar textbook
little, is my guess. Makes sense, though, that he’d be the one. diagrams flashed across the screen. “That was before Consensual
He’s one of the last Ethernauts left on this side of the Gauntlet.” space travel, so all the experiments that counted were limited to
Through the rock gap was a small box canyon, still dark, conditions down here in Earth’s gravity well, where, instead of an
with a tent near the entrance. Surrounding the center of the Ether wind from outer space, we got field harmonics and geode-
canyon were three evenly spaced structures, tall narrow sics. Lorentz and Fitzgerald worked out the difference, and
devices of stacked glass lenses and tubes filled with glowing could’ve jibed it with General Relativity once that came along,
gas mounted in makeshift aluminum frames, like giant laser but the Technocracy snagged Einstein as soon as they could.
cannons pointed into the ground. They rested on portable They convinced him not to use the word ‘Ether’ in any of his
scaffolding at oblique angles, so that all three beams would speculations, even though that was exactly what he was describin’.
intersect some distance below the ground. Ever since then, physicists’ve been tripping all over their schlongs
Stan dumped Ace onto a rickety canvas chair and thrust tryin’ to invent fancy mathematics that can account for simple
a cup of thick steaming coffee at him. Ace winced upon Etheric geometry.” As Stan’s callous fingers tapped away, dia-
tasting it, but he thanked his host anyway. “French guy said grams, photos and pages of old text flipped by. “Heisenberg’s
there’s Technocrats nearby?” he asked, worried. uncertainty principle, Bell’s theorem, Everett and Wheeler’s
“Yeah, sittin’ on a big-ass Node out by Alice Springs, ‘many-worlds’ model. It’s all good. I use a lot of that stuff in my
suckin’ up all the juice they can eat. Space program, or at least work. But they all left out the bit that makes it all work together.
that’s the cover, takin’ advantage of the local anti-gravity It’s sad, really. All swingin’ farther and wider from a Unified Field
diamagnetics, just like at the Cape in Florida. Good thing this Theory that could’ve been theirs from the start, if it weren’t for
Node’s so strong. I can catch some of their overflow out here. Technocratic politics. That’s when it really got brutal, ’cause
They don’t know about me yet, and I plan to be gone before Ether meant free energy, and free energy meant free people,
they find out.” Stan gulped his coffee, winced, and said, “So, meaning no industrial dictatorship, which is what the Techno-
Ace, whattaya know? Did ol’ Frenchy get you up to speed?” crats were shootin’ for.”
“Uh, well, I got this heavy history lesson at, uh, the Goro Ace had tuned out Stan’s semi-coherent rant and was
Monastery, then we started going ahead in time but the guy figuring out how to work the scrolling arrows and tracking ball.
had to disappear after we got as far as Tesla and the Magnify- He found some files on the Paris Exhibition of 1900 and got his
ing Transmitter.” first good look at Professor Vargo’s Conversion Engine. He read
the Professor’s speech that lambasted the world’s governments
“Right, just when it gets real interestin’. That was when we
for putting more effort and resources into war than into peace.
really split with the Technocracy. I got some stuff I can show
Following up on this brought him to a grainy black-and-white
you here.” He tossed a heavy flat case onto Ace’s lap, thumbed
newsreel, dated 1914, with little bits of text and schematics
it open. The bottom half looked like typewriter keys, the top
popping up. The Professor, now subtitled “Czar Vargo,” stood
like a flattened TV screen that came to life as Stan punched
at the helm of a great zeppelin-shaped anti-gravity airship
some buttons and slid a mirrored disk into a slit on the side.
powered by his Conversion Engine. With a fleet of similar
“What’s this thing?” vehicles surrounding the airship dock at the Eiffel Tower,
“Personal computer. Boy, you got some catchin’ up to do! Vargo’s amplified voice explained that he held all the world’s
Computers really took over since your time.” major capitals in check (additional footage showed airships
“Oh shit! Like in that Forbin Project movie?” over dozens of signature skylines) and demanded the surrender
Stan rummaged through his memory for a second, then of the secret conference of world leaders in Paris below.
barked with laughter. “Naw, not like that. Although the “I’ve heard of this,” Ace said.
Technocrats would if they could manage it. No, thinkin’, “No kiddin’?” Stan said. “I only just got those files from
talkin’ computers aren’t part of the Consensus yet. These are this Cap’n Video guy I know at MIT. He dug ’em out of some
just damn handy tools, so everybody’s got ’em, is all I mean. archives and circulated ’em within the Tradition. We thought
Some of our allies specialize in ’em, and can do some really

the Technocrats had buried all the evidence that it ever ’til about the Second World War, when they started helpin’ the
happened and wrote it out of the Consensus.” Allies break the Axis codes. What with the development of
“My grandfather used to talk about this when he was personal computers in the last couple decades, the Adepts’ve had
really drunk.” Ace’s voice went soft. “Said he remembered it a real heyday, and bless ’em, the smug li’l punks. They can model
from when he was a little boy. He’d get pissed off that nobody space, what we call the Contiguous Ether, in ways we can only
else claimed to remember it. Then he’d talk about when he dream of. Got a whole dimension that’s practically their own, the
was fighting in Europe during World War Two, how this kid Digital Web, and it’s closer to interpenetratin’ the physical
with a dart gun and a rocket strapped to his back saved his life Consensus than anything else in the Umbra, what with the
from a bunch of Nazi robots. My grandmother used to cuss Internet and all. Oh, sorry, more future history you wouldn’t
him out bad when he talked about that shit, and the whole know about. Forget it. Just figure it like this: These little
family thought he was just old and loco — ’cept for my uncle.” computers are everywhere and so’re the Virtual Adepts, so it pays
“Yeah, that kid was Jet Boy — got some files on him too, to make friends with one if you can.” Two fingers.
somewheres.” Stan growled low in his throat, like an animal. “The Akashic Brotherhood. From ‘Akasha,’ the Sanskrit
“Fuckin’ Technocrats. Makes you wonder how many more word for the Ether. While we were still tryin’ to figure out how
folks get treated like shit just for rememberin’ how things the Ether transmits physical forces, they had already worked
really went.” He jabbed the computer screen, where the out how it transmits information, feeling and consciousness,
airships were engulfed in the smoke and flames of pitched then stores all of it in what they call the Akashic Records.
battle. “Notice they didn’t mind sending their own people out Kind of overlaps my own work, which I’ll show you if we got
into battle, or knocking down whole civilian sectors just to time. Now, I think the Akashic Brotherhood is the model
get at Vargo. And that’s why he lost the battle. He was doin’ that the Goro monks were based on. The Goro are from
it all to improve human life, which to him was so sacred he Atlantis, but before that there was Lemuria, in the Pacific, at
wouldn’t even fire on the mutant troops tryin’ to kill him. least a good ice age or two earlier. My studies show the
Guess that’s the difference between the good guys and the bad Lemurians were to Asian culture what Atlantis was to Medi-
guys, but I dunno if I’d do the same in that position. Some- terranean culture, with pre-Columbian America as a kind of
times it’s kill or be killed, the law of the wild. But then that’s overlap. They perfected their Noetic Science at Mount Meru,
prob’ly why the Tradition Chair-holders like it that I stay as a Lemurian site I ain’t quite located yet. Anyway, that stays
far from civilization as I can get. Like the Outback, here.” between us, okay? Gawd ferbid we should upset the party line
“This says ‘Sons of Ether’ right here. That’s us, huh? Not on Etheric history, right?” Wink. And three fingers.
‘Electrodyne Engineers’?” “Aw, jeez, who else? Oh, right. The Celestial Chorus.
“Yeah, we joined the Council of Nine in 1905, and chose You’re a Catholic boy, right, with the saints and the miracles
that name since the ‘Luminiferous Ether’ was our main point and all that? Well, that’s them. Naw, strike that — your real
of disagreement with the Technocratic paradigm.” saints were probably decent folks, and these guys tend to get a
“‘Sons of Ether’ it says. So, no ladies allowed?” A definite little full of themselves, like your holy-roller neighbor always
note of disappointment was in Ace’s adolescent voice. lookin’ down his nose at you. But they can still work miracles,
so watch it. Got their own Sacred Science, the Metaphysical
“Hah! Don’t you believe it, kid! That’s just leftover termi-
Ether, the flow mechanics of raw Quintessence. And their
nology from the Victorian Age, when old white guys held all the
hearts are in the right place, I guess. It’s just that they’re so hung
big Chairs. Everyone’s been so busy fightin’ the good fight, no
up on the ‘One God’ paradigm that they have trouble seeing
one took the time to call the printer and change the letterhead.
how the rest of us might get something right once in a while.
Maybe it is sexist to leave it that way, but we ain’t the only ones.
Sorta like us Sons of Ether, ’cept that they stick together and
The Akashic Brotherhood’s had plenty of Akashic Sisters for
toe the party line, while we argue with each other more than
thousands of years, so what’s their excuse? Maybe all us humans
we argue with everybody else. Easiest way to get along with ’em,
are just too lazy to change how we talk, ’specially if there’s extra
I figure, is just, when they say ‘God’ you translate it in your mind
syllables involved. Necessity’s a mother, I guess.”
as ‘Unified Field’ and keep your mouth shut.” Four fingers.
Ace snickered at the phallic shape of Vargo’s airships.
“Then there’s the Order of Hermes, that we share some
“So, we’re in this ‘Council of Nine.’ Were they our enemies
roots with, since Lorenzo Golo was a Hermetic. I think the
back in the old days, like the French guy said? And now
Order’s preserved a lot of the formulas and ceremony of
they’re our allies. You mentioned, what, Virtuous Ad Execs,
Atlantean Science, but they never had the complete picture,
and a Koshic Brotherhood?”
the total cosmology or moral teachings that it was all based
Stan slapped his knee and barked with laughter. “Hah! I on. So what they do tends to be more worldly, mostly
gotta remember that! Okay, let’s see here…” He cracked his concerned with Energetic Physics, flashy lightning bolts and
knuckles and spread his fingers, ready to tick off names. “There’s fireballs, but without the benefit of proper technology. They
us.” One finger. “There’s the Virtual Adepts, the computer and act worldly, too, real ambitious and aggressive, y’know, so-
information specialists. They were part of the Technocracy too, cially. But that’s not all bad, ’cause it’s helped ’em keep the
26 Sons of Ether
Council of Nine together for the last 500 years. They got some cine men who call themselves Dreamspeakers. Most of us call
of the best libraries and they keep the best records, too. Kinda ’em primitive, but they’re closer to the living soul of the planet
anal in that way — but don’t tell ’em I said so.” Five fingers. than anyone, and if you ask me, they’ve forgotten more Science
“Now, on the other hand — Hah! Get it? Other hand! than the rest of the friggin’ Council will ever know. Again, you
Anyway, you got your Verbena, who are like, well, if the Chorus didn’t hear none of this from me, and most Etherites’d think
were the priests workin’ their religious miracles and the Hermetics you’re crazy if you said what I just said. What the hell do I know
were like Merlin or Gandalf in the tower with all the books and — I’m just a lowly field researcher, right? But the deeper we dig
sigils, then the Verbena are the witches out in the woods, readin’ into the ‘Wisdom of the Ancients,’ the wiser and the ancienter
the intestines of goats and stuff. Sounds gross, I know, but they got it all gets. You wouldn’t think it, but they actually got the best
as much Science to it as any of us. See, they understand Etheric Etheric and Memetic Dimensional Science out of any of us, I
Biology, what Tesla called the Life Ether, or what Wilhelm Reich guess since they’ve been steppin’ out of the physical plane since
called ‘orgone.’ They understand the living organism like nobody time immemorial.” Nine fingers down.
else, so they tend to take liberties with it that would make the rest “Then there’s those who Awaken, but who don’t get
of us sick. Their methods may be primitive, but, hey, I for one got hooked up with a Tradition and have to work out their
nothin’ against primitive, and their results are still more advanced Science by themselves. Them we call Orphans. Some Or-
than today’s genetics.” Six fingers. phans over the years seem to have got together and sort of
“And if the Verbena don’t wig you out, then there’s the worked out a Tradition of their own, callin’ themselves the
Euthanatos, who are on a serious death trip. They got no Hollow Ones. Which is the right name, I figure, since there
problem with killin’, and they reckon they know when a doesn’t seem to be a whole lot to ’em. With no deeper Science
person’s time has come or not. Which might be fucked up, but to fulfill ’emselves with, they’re just sort of making it up as
they’re supposed to be on our side, and I can’t help but think they go. But my Dreamspeaker friends say that the world
that if these guys had helped Czar Vargo work out some of his speaks to everyone, and everyone has their part to play in the
issues beforehand, we might have turned the world into a world. So I guess you gotta give ’em some credit.” Stan
Gernsback paradise by now. But anyway, the Euthanatos gestured with his sole extended thumb.
have a good grasp of the great cycles of creation and destruc- “But not everyone gets the message. Like the Technocracy.
tion, all the randomness and flux and entropic processes and With them, you got—” five fingers back up “—The New World
chaos mathematics — stuff you prob’ly ain’t heard of yet — Order. The mindfuckers. They’re the political branch, central
the wheels of Fate and Fortune, like, that we shlump together control, and they do all the rewritin’ of history by gettin’ in your
under the name Ether Dynamics. Very dangerous, but still head and playin’ cut-and-paste with your memories. Dress like
important for really complete Science.” Seven fingers. the Blues Brothers, but ain’t got no soul, y’see. Then there’s the
“On a lighter note, you got the Cult of Ecstasy, who are just Syndicate, the bankers and resource people who throw all the
flat out wild. You’d think they were hippies straight out of the weight that money can buy into enforcin’ the NWO’s com-
Summer of Love, and most of ’em don’t mind coming off that way. mands. They helped ruin Tesla, and they’ll do the same to anyone
They’re trance artists, mostly, and their methods — sex, drugs and else whose work might end poverty and ignorance. Our old rivals
rock ’n’ roll — tend to be kinda suspect, at least to some uptight are Iteration X, the machinists. Since us and the Virtual Adepts
types. Usually too stoned to know a tachyon from any other split, it’s been up to them to supply the Technocracy’s hardware
chronotic particle, but when an Ecstatic really gets out of her and computin’ needs. They crank out weapons and robots that
head, she can hop the temporal axis like ol’ Doc Eon himself, and can stomp us into the ground, but they’re limited by the industrial
play time like a violin. Transtemporal perception is sort of my mass-production mentality. Etheric science can always run rings
specialty, and I’ve learnt a good bit from this Tradition, but you around what they do, so they have to rely on outnumberin’ and
gotta listen to ’em real close since half of what they say comes out overpowerin’ us. And there’s the Progenitors, who approach
as gibberish, either ’cause they’re just stoned or else their percep- organic life with that same fucked-up mechanical perspective.
tions of causality are skewed beyond coherence.” Eight fingers. They’re really the scariest at this point, I think, ’cause so much of
“I’m getting to know how that feels,” Ace murmured. what they do has become part of the Consensus in the last decade
“Of course, I saved my favorite Tradition for last, ’cause or two. What with cloning and genetic manipulation, they’re
I’ve got some good friends in this one. Now, we can talk about mucking up the basic building blocks of life, y’know?”
Traditions and culture and how Science gets refined and “Yeah, they’re starting to talk about that back in my
handed down through the generations, but it all had to start time,” Ace said.
somewhere, right? Was that the point that man separated from “They could permanently alter the ability of the bio-
the animals? Or was there even such a point? Maybe the sphere to repair itself. Which brings us to the Void Engineers,
animals got their own Science too. And if they did, how would the Technocrats’ Dimensional scientists. They’re the ones
we know about it? See, my field research takes me to some of the who gotta keep all the outside weirdness at bay, to keep the
wildest regions of the planet, so I tend to come into contact world lookin’ like normal. They make sure Etherspace just
with the oldest Tradition of all, the tribal shamans and medi- looks like an empty vacuum from here, rather than the realm

of boundless possibilities we know it to be. And that’s not all ’bout Lemuria, right? Well, Lemuria might’ve been the first
bad, y’see, ’cause there’s plenty of creepy shit Outside wantin’ human, or even proto-human, civilization, but that culture was
to get in at us on our beautiful li’l ball of life here.” built on the remains of one even older. Older by a long shot. See
“Like what?” if you can work that track-ball to move around that image there.”
“Lemme switch that disk there, and I’ll show you some real Although they stood upright, the figures were hardly
heavy shit.” Stan swapped disks and hit more buttons. “The human. Their scaly bodies leaned forward on their hips,
Technocracy’s bad, but there’s others even worse. Like the counterbalanced by short whip-like tails. Their heads were
Nephandi. Pure evil, so messed up that even their Science is round, with large eyes on either side of a beak-like snout.
tainted. Slit your throat, rape your gal and kick your dog, then They wore clothing and carried tools and other implements.
frame you for it, just for a laugh. I hear they worship things that In the hazy, superimposed time-lapse retroscopic images, they
exist in the Deep Umbra, beyond the Horizon and all the built the canyon floor and sides into an elegant architectural
dimensions that actually intersect our world and our solar complex, cutting, erecting and levitating massive stones the
system, even. They’re tryin’ to bring that shit into our world by way Ed Leedskalnin had done in Florida.
creating deep entropic vortexes out of fear, pain and death. “Shit, man! Are those aliens?” Ace glanced up at the
And they may have succeeded. Click that little picture, there.” canyon walls. Now he could see the worn traces of the old
Ace did so. “Says ‘Error’ and a bunch of numbers…” structures, but without this new knowledge it had just looked
“Piece of crap! Hand it here. Like I said, real useful tools — like natural rock formation.
most of the time!” Stan jabbed at the personal computer in his Stan chortled. “Naw, that’s indigenous terrestrial life
lap, jaw thrust forward, cursing distractedly. “I met chunks of flint you’re lookin’ at, kiddo. Dinonychus Sapiens. From the last part
that were more cooperative… Anyway, there’s also Marauders, of the Cretaceous, what I call the Muvian Period. You might’ve
who might not be as downright evil as the Nephandi, but just as read about Mu from writers that identify it with Lemuria. And
crazy. And the thing about them is, Paradox don’t seem to touch I guess the names are all just academic, since I got no way of
’em. Like they’re so far gone in their delusions that their Science knowin’ what these critters called themselves. No soundtrack,
doesn’t even generate any reaction. The world just plays along on account of the differential harmonic in the Etheric echo
with ’em, then forgets about it once they’re past.” effect. Images from the visible spectrum are no trouble at this
“‘The weight of belief,’ that French guy said…” scale, but I’d need to mount those lasers somewhere in high
“Yeah. There’s a lesson there for us. Our Tradition in orbit to pick up Etheric sound waves from 65 million years back.
particular. Ah, screw it!” Stan ejected the disk, tossed it over his Anyway, these Muvians, as I call ’em, were intelligent dino-
shoulder and chose another from a nearby stack. “Here, I’ll saurs, the pinnacle of saurian evolution, if you wanna look at it
show you some of my field research instead, so maybe you can that way. Their civilization was centered on a huge continent
see what’s goin’ on. See, about twenty-some years ago, I was that took up a good piece of what we now call the Pacific
doin’ work on crystal holography at MIT, and I sorta stumbled Ocean. Alice Springs here was one of their colonies, built on
on the Etheric echo effect through geode harmonics. Of course, one of the planetary grid Nodes.”
I didn’t know that’s what it was called then, ’cause I hadn’t seen “This is just a colony? Do you have any pictures of their
none of the Traditional literature on the subject. That was my mainland?” Mesmerized by the strange non-human figures,
Awakenin’, just like this trip you’re takin’ now is yours.” Ace failed to notice the somewhat demented edge that crept
When he handed the computer back to Ace it was into Stan’s voice.
running raw unedited footage on the screen. The setting “No. Doesn’t exist anymore. I mean the land itself isn’t on
looked like the very canyon they were sitting in, although its the planet, period. Lemurian traces are only found at the
contours seemed slightly different, with strangely balanced outlying Nodes — Easter Island, Nan Madol at Pohnpei, the
stone structures where wind-eroded knobs now stood. The Dragon’s Triangle up by Japan. But those’re just what’s left of
canyon floor was lower, and tiny figures moved across it. a huge scar in the earth’s crust, where the continent of Mu used
“Eventually I was able to focus the visual echoes through a to be. Atlantis — Hah! Any scuba diver can find Atlantis! And
triple-laser array. That’s what’s set up here, the three emitters, Lemurian culture is obvious to anyone who knows where to
formin’ what I call a ‘hologeodetic retroscope.’ When they’re look!” Stan was on his feet now, bellowing at the canyon walls.
focused at a specific level of the geological strata, the interference “But try bringin’ a real discovery to those pinhead Chair-
feedback can be filtered to yield a holographic image from the holders! What the hell do they know? Call ’emselves Scientists!
time when that stratum was formin’. It’s sort of like lookin’ They’re as bad as the Sleepers back ho—”
backward in time, without actually leavin’ this dimension. I Ace tried to calm him. “Hey, be cool, bro’! I hear you,
never been across the Gauntlet myself, and I don’t ever intend man. So, uh, what happened to them, eh? Who took out all
to go. The physical world is plenty interestin’ enough for me, the smart dinosaurs?”
always has been. Anyway, I been doin’ readings all over the world Stan took a breath. “Hold down that top arrow, that’ll tilt
since then, and I got tons of images that’d send everyone to the view up. Could’ve projected that in 3-D for you, but the neon
rewritin’ the history books, including the Sons of Ether. I told you imaging chamber is too heavy to carry ’round on fieldwork.”
28 Sons of Ether
“Holy shit!” Ace gasped. The sky on the computer screen your boss you need a vacation, and soon! I think the sun’s
was occupied by what looked like a frozen explosion, smeared getting to you, bro’!”
to one side, with the devil’s own bloodshot eye glaring out of By the time Ace reached the road, La Fuente’s speakers
the center. “What the fuck is that thing?” were cutting on and off in longer intervals. He settled into his
“It’s Doomsday, is what it is.” Stan fell back into his seat and waited for the field to regenerate. In between the
creaking chair and wiped his face. “Doctor Comet — Mueller bursts of Santana, he heard a voice. And static. Realizing that
— he called it ‘Mirzaba.’ Said it followed this spiral trajectory his car radio was still on, he turned the volume up.
in and out of the space-time continuum, that he’d calculated “Big Bad Mama to Captain Caveman. Come in, Cap-
from all its near-Earth passes. The closest pass was when it tain!” The voice seemed to be relayed through a great distance,
ripped Mu out of the ocean and killed all the dinosaurs — I broken up and flattened by distortion. Ace could not tell if it
mean all of ’em, not just the smart ones. Mueller talked like belonged to a man or a woman, young or old. The music cut
it was just some astronomical phenomenon, a comet from a on again; when it cut off, Stan’s voice was replying.
dark-matter system off in some skewed dimension. But I “Yeah, he was just here. I told him as much as I know.
dunno. It seems like it heads straight for this planet every time Which ain’t much, of course!”
we evolve up to a certain stage. Get too big for our britches, “I hope you didn’t tell him anything personal about his future.”
and here it comes, like hubris incarnate! Maybe this next time
“Whataya mean?”
will be our punishment for losing the Ascension War.”
“I mean, you Neanderthal, that too much knowledge about
“Say what? We lost?”
his future could cause a temporal loop. If he listened too closely,
“Yeah. Like a couple years ago. I think that’s why the he could get trapped in a Paradox Realm because of you!”
Gauntlet is supposed to be hell to get through now.”
“Aw, I didn’t say nothin’, I swear!”
“And this thing’s coming back?”
“You’re a bad liar, Stanley.”
“That’s what Doctor Comet was saying, last time anyone
“Ha! Shows how much you know, Dietrich! My name’s
saw him.”
Stanislaus—”
“So, uh, what can we do?”
Then Santana was playing again. The car’s engine burst
Suddenly a burst of Santana’s guitar sounded through the to life, its regenerated toroidal field dispelling the radio signal.
canyon entrance. Ace was on his feet and running like a shot. To the chorus of “Everybody needs a helping hand,” La
Over his shoulder, he yelled, “Hey man, that’s my ride! Tell Fuente started to roll forward along the desert highway.
Band Four: Look Up

(To See What’s Coming Down)
Here comes everybody! Ace switched off the radio. The sun was overhead. The
—James Joyce, Finnegan’s Wake mountains below gave way to a long basin ahead where three
China, 2012: great rivers ran parallel to each other for hundreds of miles, as
At the end of the world, just over the horizon though the land had been pinched and stretched from below.
from the place where the end would begin, gray Plumes of smoke drifted from some sort of tower complex at
mist and radio static were indistinguishable. Voices the far horizon, tiny at this height and distance.
and mountains emerged from below, synaesthetic “Bitchin’ Camaro, bruddah!”
waveforms expressed through different media. The voice was from nearby, in a conversational tone,
Implacable snow-capped peaks and gravel- jolting Ace in surprise. A glance at the passenger seat told him
throated announcers, carrying identical messages of weight, of Yves had not returned, so he turned slowly to the left. Less
gravity, of things too large to wrap one’s head around. than five feet away, an Oriental woman of about 30 returned
“…world’s nuclear arsenals depleted… was thought to be his gape with a curt smile. Dressed in a sporty black and silver
only an effigy of the Secretary, until closer inspection revealed… leotard, with a long black ponytail whipping in the wind
surviving Monotheistic Coalition leaders are currently leading a behind her, she sat cross-legged on what looked like a spin-
marathon prayer session in Jerusalem… after looting the late ning stone disk that easily paced La Fuente through the upper
dictator’s secret horde of food and medicine, Peace Corps troops stratosphere. When Ace failed to return her smile or her
headed into the desert, canvassing refugee camps… FEMA offi- compliment, she shrugged, rolled her eyes, and pointed
cials granted the SETI program unprecedented authority under toward the far towers, saying, “We’ve secured the main
the latest round of martial law edicts, while NASA called for the observation platform at Lop Nor. You can meet us there.”
president’s immediate resignation… impact site calculated to be Then she shot forward and sped out of sight within a few
at 32 degrees North latitude, 103 degrees East longitude…” seconds. Ace blinked. Eventually it occurred to him to close his

mouth as well. By that time, the passenger seat had begun to strobe Inside the Ethersuit, Yves was recoiling, not from revul-
violet light, with the figure of Yves Mercure flashing in at increas- sion but confusion. “Do I… know you, mademoiselle?” he
ing intervals. He was still speaking, which did not surprise Ace. stammered.
“—my profound apologies, my friend… not wish to leave The girl froze, dropped to the ground and fumed at him. “I see.
you without a guide… present my understanding of spatial So that’s how it’s gonna be, huh? Mister ‘We’ll-Always-Have-
phenomena is such… yet unable to be in two places at the Paris!’” She spun on her heel and stalked away, growling, “Asshole….”
same time, otherwise I should never have abandoned you. In her wake stood an oversized toy soldier who stepped
Please understand.” Yves had stopped flashing. He looked at forward and addressed Yves in French. “Sir. I have been asked
Ace, at the car, at the mountains below and the rivers ahead. to escort you and the young master up to the observation deck.”
“It is done?” he asked. “You have been to Australia already?” This time Yves was only slightly less confused. “What are
Ace threw his right arm over the back of his seat. “Sure, you doing here?”
no sweat, bro! I’m all caught up now!” Holding the wheel “You instructed me to come here when you left for
steady with his left hand, he tried to look nonchalant and in London, sir.”
control. “I think I’m figuring out this funky flight path, too. “Did I?” Yves pondered this for a moment. He shrugged.
We’ve been through the past, back up through the present — “Very well, then. Lead on.”
your present, which is my future, right?” Yves nodded. “That’s
•••
why I don’t get affected by this Gauntlet thing, like you are.
It’s all still extradimensional, part of the Umbra, in relation The observation deck was crowded with a hundred different
to my point of origin. And now we’re all the way into the accents, engaged in polysyllabic discourses ranging from warm
future. So anything from here on out will be as new to you as greetings to embittered arguments. Rumpled white lab smocks
it will be to me.” Yves thought for moment, then nodded, and older male European voices seemed to predominate, but
smiling rakishly. “Okay, then. I know who’s on the Council younger and more exotic Scientists, posing in spiffy costumes or
of Nine, and who the Technocrats and some of the others are. staggering under the weight of awkward duct-taped equipage,
And how bad the Ascension War’s been going. I got a heavy could also be found. Groups clustered around video screens,
question for you, though. What do you know about Mirzaba?” computer terminals, chalkboards and even hastily scrawled dia-
grams taped up along any undamaged section of wall or window.
Yves turned in his seat to face the kid. His hand came up
to stroke his chin, but hit the Ethersuit’s faceplate. “Ah. A Yves broke the seals on his Ethersuit, removed the
most obscure reference, to be sure. From the Arabic, meaning helmet and scanned the deck, picking out familiar faces. He
‘an iron hammer,’ it is a term found in the Kitab al-Alacir, and Ace waded through a sea of conversational fragments:
where it is used to indicate the ultimate test, whether of a “…of course, the knee-jerk Technocratic reaction was to
theory, an instrument or a device. I believe the English idiom start firing missiles at it. Watch what happens as each successive
is ‘make or break.’ To test a thing to its very limits of — sacre impact is absorbed into the dark matter shell. See?” “It is as if it
merde! What the fuck is that thing?!” turns in our direction, searching for more!” “Fortunately, by
Rising above the horizon ahead was a vast pillar of dark plotting this change in trajectory, we have been able to calculate
flame with a glowing core — a seething, boiling mass that the spin of the core, as seen in the twisting of the tail…”
spun across the sky, chewing through the sunlight, leaving a “…local time at ze point of impact vill be exactly mid-
corkscrew trail to mar the heavens. A gigantic worm with a night.” “Midnight? On de nordern hemisp’ere’s winter solstice?
single glaring eye. As opposed to de vernal equinox 65 meellion years ago, when our
Mirzaba. solar system was ’bout a quarter of de way ’round de galaxy. But
if dis whadyacall ‘supercomet’ is followeeng de gen’ral galactic
•••
orbit, den it would be moveeng ’longside of de earth wit’ de same
Despite trembling hands, Ace managed to guide La surface velocity!” “Precisely, mein herr! Ze kinetic force is reduced
Fuente through the smoke of the battlefield that surrounded to nil! Not even a true impact in any sense of ze vord!” “But de
the People’s Spaceflight Facility at Lop Nor, China, and into mutual gravitational attraction will tear bot’ bodies to pieces…”
an exposed upper level of the scarred observation tower.
“…the escalation of technological innovation matched
Armored robots and war machines lay twisted and scattered
by the depletion of non-replenishing resources, both trends
for miles around while mages from all Traditions mopped the
reaching infinity and zero, respectively, on this very date. Not
remnants of local Technocratic forces.
to mention the McKenna Timewave! So many lost puzzle
Soon after Ace and Yves landed and disembarked, the girl pieces coming together, as if the entire Ascension War had
from the stone disk rushed out of the crowd, launched herself been building toward this moment…”
at the Frenchman, locked her legs around the chest of his
“…graviton particles distribute themselves according to
Ethersuit and planted a score of kisses on his grimy faceplate.
the scalar function, as any fool can see!” “No, no, no!
“Yves, you made it!” she squealed, drawing incredulous Everyone knows that the gravitic field is mediated through a
stares from all around. “When they lost touch with you in the scalar carrier wave, you imbecile!”
London riots, I was afraid…”
30 Sons of Ether
“…the breakdown of the current sociopolitical structures poked Ace in the ribs. To the others, he said, “This young
would be most fascinating to examine — under less urgent man — well, not so young, when I first see him — comes to
circumstances, I mean.” “How true. Note how the fears and me at the party with a most perplexing conundrum. He shows
hatreds of the ruling classes utterly spent their energies in less than me photographs from amateur astronomers and data hacked
a week after it became visible to the naked eye, while the so-called out of air-traffic-control logs, covering a period from the late
‘common bulk of humanity’ appears to have shed its old prejudices 1970s through 1999, all showing a low-orbit object following
and make the final days count. In a positive way, no less.” “Aye! a hyperbolic trajectory corresponding to the ley line from
As though they were merely waiting for this impetus to Awaken…” grid-points 17 to 18, Baja to Florida. He says that object was
“…those close-minded dolts called me mad! Mad! Ha! himself, as a boy. And that he is haunted by dreams of dying
See how I am now vindicated!” in crash when his first invention backfired on him.”
Ace found himself staring at a large transparent bubble A tall, muscular, square-jawed hombre in a flat-top and
of luminous gas, within which three-dimensional images of ripped dress shirt said, “That would explain the rumor I heard
the earth and Mirzaba moved back and forth, playing out in an alternate timeline, that Coral Castle had been de-
different scenarios of doom. In most of the simulations, he was stroyed in some kind of implosive wave-function collapse,
struck by how both orbs seemed to roll across each other’s about 10 years ago. Which leaves us with a paradox, because
surface even as gravity was shredding them asunder. Like gears you weren’t dead on New Year’s Eve, 2000, and you’re not
meshing together, he thought, or even… dead now, are you, Ernesto?”
“That looks like a toroidal cross-section!” he blurted, The question was addressed to Ace, who bristled at hearing
excited to find something he recognized amid the chaos. his Christian name. “Only my mother calls me that!” he snarled.
The older white men gathered around the bubble turned “And how is your mother, young man?”
to him. Working the controls was Stan, looking twice as Ace shrugged off the German, balled his fists and gritted
leathery and grizzled as when Ace had left him an hour ago. his teeth. By his own sense of time, it had only been a few
“Ace!” he beamed. “Long time no see, kid!” hours since he had stormed out of his home. His mother had
“Ach, my friend the mechanic! So good of you to join us!” pleaded tearfully for him not to go out racing. What had he
A short pudgy man with liquor on his breath and confetti in said to her then? Suddenly he felt like crying. But damned if
his wiry hair threw a sweaty arm around Ace’s shoulders. “I he was going to let this big Anglo see him break down!
would not recognize you, looking so young and skinny!” He

As if to break the tension, another member of the party teered. “We still got those Chinese rockets prepped an’
spoke quickly. “Doctor Eon, Doctor Comet, please, time is fueled, don’t we? Doc Orgone’s got this wicked biolumines-
running out! Let us please to focus upon the problem at hand.” cent jelly that can feed the lasers and beam back all the data
He spoke with a Russian accent. He wore a battered aviator in light-beam pulses.”
cap and a long duster coat. His bushy beard was shot with “Good thinking, Stanislaus,” said Vargo. “But landing
streaks of silver. His haggard, deeply lined face seemed a on Mirzaba’s surface presents its own problems. The exotic
testament to the almost hundred years that had passed since energies of its dark matter interfere with all electrical fields,
the secret newsreel of him had been filmed. from the human nervous system to the simplest battery-
“But of course, Czar Vargo,” agreed the drunken Ger- powered robot. I lost one of my best men attempting a landing
man. “And I think our young mechanic has cheated death to from the Umbra. Nothing can work in such conditions!” The
come here and help us, no? What is it you said about the torus, Russian solemnly pressed his fist to his forehead.
young man?” Yves stepped forward, leading his tin soldier. “My friends,
Realizing that he was in the company of legends, Ace have I ever introduced you to my first invention?”
found his mouth dry. “I… uh… well, here — Earth and the •••
comet, rolling together like that. If you cut a torus in half, it Late evening. The Sons of Ether had regrouped in the
looks like two circles, turning together like gears, touching at mountains north of what had been the upper Yangtze River. The
the center point….” tops of the Lop Nor gantry towers were swallowed by the
“Mein Gott, that is it!” The German pounded one hand deceptively calm surface of a vast inland sea only a few hours old.
into the other. “Spheres are but circles on the next highest Reflected there was the image of Mirzaba, now filling the sky and
dimension. A 3-D section of a 4-D hyper-toroid! With the looking close enough to touch, its unearthly glowing core nestled
power of the planetary grid, we could bifurcate the entire within a dark whirlpool that blotted out the stars and moon, the
gravitic field of both bodies! It could work! But we need a supercomet’s foreshortened tail. Beneath this grim visage, Scien-
stabilized Zero Point. Vargo! What is the diameter of your tists worked off tension by seeing how much further they could
Ether Converter’s chamber?” throw or jump in Mirzaba’s counteractive gravity.
“I see what you intend, Doctor Comet. The Council of When the first pulses of data-bearing light flashed from
Nine now holds most of the planetary grid’s major Nodes, and that whirlpool, whoops of joy erupted throughout the encamp-
because my airships were instrumental in their strategy, ment. Stan picked up Yves, Ethersuit and all, in a jubilant bear
transporting medicine and supplies while we were evacuating hug, and received a kiss on each cheek from the Frenchman.
the Pacific coasts, I am certain we can count on their help. I When the two regained their respective composures, they
regret having to lend my aid to such a terrible war, but the grid joined Ace and the Asian woman, the Discoid Diva, who
is ours — at least as much as is left after the Technocrats have began studying the data and planning their flight path.
sucked it dry. But my converter’s flow aperture is too wide to The Diva approached Yves sheepishly. She reached up
stabilize a geometrically perfect Zero Point. I designed it only to stroke his cheek. “That scar you got on our African
for use as an energy source.” adventure, it’s gone. Before, I didn’t know that you had
Yves put his hand on Ace’s shoulder, saying, “I believe arrived here from the past.” She took his still-gloved hand,
the boy’s vehicle stabilizes a perfect torus.” held it up in a courtly gesture with a mock curtsy. But her eyes
Doctor Comet mused, “We still need some kind of were moist. “Yves Mercure, my name is Niki Yemana, and I
perpendicular centrifugal generator, to open and align the am pleased to make your acquaintance. And I am so sorry for
toroid’s inner funnel.” He snapped his fingers. “Who is the what I said to you earlier today.”
young lady, who flies upon the stone wheel? What do they call The whole camp was suddenly silent. Someone whis-
her, the Discoid Diva?” pered, “Never heard her apologize for anything before.”
“Yemana, the Hawaiian. She’s brave enough to try it, I’ll •••
warrant,” answered Doc Eon. “But without sufficient data on Within an hour the flight plan had been calculated. Ace
Mirzaba’s internal composition, we have no way of knowing and Niki piloted their vehicles into the dark eastern sky
where to activate the Zero Point fulcrum. The slightest where the shadow of Mirzaba’s tail was just starting to clear
miscalculation would only compound the intense gravity we the horizon. Tidal swelling of the Pacific Ocean had disclosed
are already starting to feel.” He pointed out toward the hundreds of miles of new beachfront along the Asian coast.
nearest of the three rivers, which had begun to flood the Tiny shipwrecks dotted the broad sandbar that connected
battlefield. “By nightfall, the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween Korea with Japan and stretched out into the Dragon’s Tri-
will combine to form an inland sea that will drown this place. angle. A vast cyclopean city perched at the exposed edge of
Tidal waves are already forming across the Pacific.” the Pacific tectonic plate.
“My retroscopic lasers can read that ball of rock, if Where the swell peaked in a wave crest of incomprehen-
someone can get ’em up there an’ set ’em up,” Stan volun- sible scale, and billows from uncountable volcanoes poured
32 Sons of Ether
over the horizon, they wheeled about and hovered together, Asia, plowing through China’s terraced plains, pouring across
ascertaining their position at the intended Zero Point with an the Gobi desert, breaking against the Himalayas. There was
antique sextant borrowed from Czar Vargo and Doctor Eon’s no way humanity could survive this, and, even if it did, the
own cesium-isotope wristwatch. Then the Discoid Diva took face of the Earth would never look the same.
off westward, riding her stone disk like a surfer, tilting forward But when he looked up at his windshield mirror, the view
until all Ace could see was the disk’s round underside. Ace over his right shoulder was quite different. Rather than physical
threw La Fuente into high gear and followed her along the destruction, it was the Gauntlet, the barrier between the mate-
30th parallel across the heaving globe of the Earth. rial and the ideal, that was being destroyed, spirit and matter
As he approached the required speed, the Doppler effect reunited. Time seemed to slow down, and in the vacuous silence
kicked in, tinting his view ahead in blue, the mounting cata- that descended, the people of Earth looked up in wonder and awe
clysm in his rearview mirrors red. Etheric wind coursed around at the strange new world filling their sky. Where the two worlds
him and through him, a song that he had always heard but never were close enough to reach at arms length, Mirzaba’s own life
noted until now, as it rose to a deafening pitch. The twin curves emerged from caves and grottoes to greet the inhabitants of
of Earth and Mirzaba began to invert, going from convex to earth. Alien though they were, their shapes were strangely
concave and enclosing him in a hollow world of his own that familiar — ancient gods, angels and demons, elves and dwarves,
tightened as the supercomet rolled into the planet’s atmosphere. flying serpents and talking toadstools, creatures of lightning, mist
From this surreal inverted viewpoint, Mirzaba’s surface and quicksilver. One group looked to Ace like the cover of a
looked like a photographic negative, light shining from its Parliament album he once saw, groovy space brothers welcom-
shadowed crevices, its peaks marked by black highlights. The ing humanity back home to a golden age and a universe of
atmospheres of the two bodies mingled in hallucinatory swirls possibilities long believed to be lost.
that played havoc with his retinas, then were squeezed away Suddenly Niki’s disk grew large ahead, as though she had
as the two lands, held intact by La Fuente’s bifurcation of their stopped abruptly and he was plummeting toward her. Ace
respective gravities, meshed. Like some kind of jigsaw puzzle, planted his feet on the brake pedal and arched his body
Ace thought, watching opposed landscapes rolling together, against the back of his seat. In an instant the disk grew to
mountains fitting into valleys, forests brushing treetops, seas impossible size, filling his vision. As he opened his mouth to
reflecting each other like an endless hall of mirrors. scream, he could not help but notice that the texture of the
Glancing at his own side mirror, Ace’s throat con- stone surface looked exactly like the floor of Coral Castle.
stricted. Past his left shoulder he saw the entire Pacific engulf Then there was a blinding white light.
Coda: All the Love of the Universe

After a brief eternity or an instant that seemed dust; in its center he caught a glimpse of cars and kids just
to last forever, Ace was able to look away from before he landed in their midst.
the blinding light. He was still in the driver’s Ace jolted upright in his seat, as though startled out of a
seat, and had been staring at the sun in his daydream. La Fuente del Ritmo sat humming on the starting
rearview mirror. He tapped the mirror askew line, her coughing and sputtering now subsided. The dust in
and kept his eyes on the dashboard until they the air flowed smoothly and easily from front to back in a
readjusted. regular even curve. Through the windshield he saw the
He was sailing through the air far above a Mustang roaring away, and tightened his grip on the gearshift.
blue ocean that stretched to clear sky in all Still staring ahead, straight down the toroidal axis, Ace
directions. La Fuente purred happily along with the flute on saw the finish line, and past it, the future: victory, vindica-
Caravanserai’s closing number. Ace seemed to be unharmed, tion, King of the Hotrods, booze, blow and a blonde bitch on
but jittery, all hyped up from his experience over the last… each arm. He thumbed the rheostat. Backward.
hour? Day? How long did all that take? The toroidal field shrank to nothing; the scalar wave
A thin dark line appeared between the water and the sky, flattened. La Fuente reverted to being a normal (but funny-
ahead and to the left. As it unrolled from the horizon, he looking) internal combustion vehicle. Fuck this, Ace thought,
could make out a coastline dotted with large cities. A long I don’t gotta prove nothing to these assholes. I got a better way to
thin gulf emerged on his right, and he recognized the Baja spend my time now. The torus field works, and that’s all I needed
peninsula. to know. Come on, Senorita del Ritmo, we got work to do. But first
I’m going home! I gotta tell my mother something…
Skirting the layer of smog above Los Angeles, he could Ace ignored the hoots and catcalls as he turned the car
see the desert spread itself out like a dry spill across the earth. away from the starting line and drove back home, into the
Dead ahead, a tan smudge swiftly grew into a great plume of sunset.

34 Sons of Ether
Chapter Two:
The Essence of
Science
The idea that science can, and should, be run according to
fixed and universal rules, is both unrealistic and pernicious. It is
unrealistic, for it takes too simple a view of the talents of man and
of the circumstances which encourage, or cause, their develop-
ment. And it is pernicious, for the attempt to enforce the rules is
bound to increase our professional qualifications at the expense of
our humanity.
—Paul Feyerabend, Against Method
PARADIGMA
It was a wondrous doomed world, filled with secrets
The Last Edition
For Paradigma, this ending marks a new beginning. In
that we tried our best to uncover. Now the Great Maker’s the 12 years since the destruction of our Paris offices, we’ve
rolled His final cosmic die. When Mirzaba stops tum- seen dozens of mailing lists, websites, ’zines and madly
bling, it spells the end of Earth’s great game — but not our scrawled tracts competing to inherit our journal. Many of
work. our colleagues bear the scars from poorly reviewed experi-

ments and Technocratic sabotage. Paradigma’s destruction colonists on Europa and around Proxima Centauri; you
was the confusion of our common tongue and our dedica- Technocrats of conscience; and you undiscovered, sapi-
tion to progressive Science, but we soldiered on with our ent species that are even now at the crossroads of your
own work and hopes for this planet. To some of us, the own destiny, weighing safety and wonder on your own,
coming brightness in the sky mocks those dreams. alien scales. This file will be laser-etched onto sheets of
But we reiterate: Our work is not yet finished. Primium. One will remain here at our (regrettably secret)
Our team separated the Scientific wheat from the offices, for the benefit of survivors and successor species.
chaff of these successor publications and combined them Another will be carried aboard a rocket that we’ve
with a new translation and analysis of the Kitab al-Alacir. liberated from a certain, understandably preoccupied
Added to complete reproductions of every edition of Western government, to send this record into space.
Paradigma ever printed out of the Paris presses, we believe Finally, we are transmitting this as it is compiled, across
that the following file represents the most complete repre- the Web and into the void.
sentation of the Sons of Ether ever assembled. Still, our This was our experiment. May yours exceed it.
work is not yet finished. Ave Ether!
You, dear reader, are the future of the Sons of Ether. The Editors of Paradigma,
You hermits drifting in the astral firmament; you secret December 21st, 2012
The Wonder-Makers
The dangerous (if occasionally amusing) experi- without some sort of degree, an aspiring Etherite could expect
ments, maverick attitudes and adventurous to have his research stolen while being kept at arm’s length,
lifestyles of the Sons of Ether rest on a solid given just enough encouragement to promote Scientific
foundation of hard work, dedicated study and, at progress but no formal recognition of membership.
times, convoluted politics. It isn’t enough to be a Then the Great Depression struck, and so many brilliant
great scientist or engineer, because membership in minds couldn’t afford schooling that the final barriers to
the Tradition entails real professional and physical recruitment were dropped. Nevertheless, there is still a clear
risk. Once a newly Awakened Scientist enters the divide between Etherites with a university background and
fold, her allegiance means that the Technocracy those who rely on informal training and sheer ingenuity to
will undermine her public standing if it can. Furthermore, she’ll be pursue their research. It’s a mild but persistent stigma that
expected to protect her new associates. This might mean that she often blocks access to Tradition resources.
accompanies an Adventurer on a bizarre expedition or that she
covers for a senior Scientist’s foibles. The Polymath Ideal
She must also accept that professional rivalries within Aside from Awakening and dedication, a potential recruit
the Tradition can run deep. Etherite society is hardly a nest shouldn’t be overspecialized. Many Sons of Ether deplore the
of Machiavellian intrigue, but researchers in the same field modern trend toward overspecialization because it inhibits
are often naturally competitive, and disagreements between holistic research. While Etherites are expected to be compe-
Scientists who’ve dedicated their lives to an idea can quickly tent chemists and physicists (to prepare for training in the
intensify. Academic politics are bad enough without a rival Sphere of Matter), they should also have some sort of ground-
who can scratch-build particle beam cannons. ing in the humanities, a basic knowledge of life sciences and an
intuitive grasp of philosophy. Most prospective mentors are
Recruiting willing to help round out the student’s knowledge.
In the past, Etherites recruited new members from the No Son of Ether is expected to be a total polymath, but
wealthiest regions of the scientific community. This habit was each one should be able to help a colleague who is pursuing
born out of the former Convention’s origins as a sort of a different area of research. There are never enough Awak-
gentleman’s club for the Awakened. After the Technocracy ened Scientists to go around, so specialization should never
washed its hands of the Electrodyne Engineers, it quickly inhibit the Tradition’s pursuit of Scientific truth.
became apparent that the Union planned to dominate the
Introducing the Ether
cream of the scientific crop. The new Sons of Ether were forced
to “go slumming” for promising students, welcoming contro- When a prospect has been discovered, the would-be
versial elements such as women and Americans into the fold. mentor introduces the Tradition’s philosophy. In an aca-
demic setting, doing so can be as simple as giving a lecture
By the 1920s, attitudes had relaxed to the point where
based on the Kitab al-Alacir, but more creative methods are
promising Awakened PhDs and postgraduate students from
called for these days. The mentor might strike up a friendship
any background could find their way into the Tradition. Yet,
with his prodigy, steering conversations toward subjective
36 Sons of Ether
Science and the Ether. Students who prefer to work with their
hands are introduced to the mentor’s inventions. In most Failed Students
cases, this introduction takes place in or around the prospect’s
home, school or work. Most Scientists find their students From Paradigma Volume 92, issue 4 (1999)
where they can, as all-Etherite faculties that can immerse the The motion put forward to the Council for the
prospect in Awakened Science are few and far between. Enforcement of Scientific Ethics asks, in effect, that we
As time passes, the prospective mentor reveals more and be required to brainwash students who are unwilling
more esoteric Science, until she is confident enough of her or unable to join our Society. I must put forth my most
prospect’s chances to introduce her to the full text of the Kitab vigorous objection to this, for a number of reasons.
al-Alacir. Awakening upon reading the book (a common First of all, I feel that compromising our ethics for
occurrence, as the book itself is steeped with the wisdom of the sake of our safety is a dangerous course. While this
the ages) is supposed to forebode great things for the student, may indeed be implicitly required by the Rule of Shade,
but in most cases, enlightenment develops in a more prosaic, we should not allow the policies of the moribund
gradual fashion. If the student wasn’t Awakened already, Council of Nine to override our own moral concerns.
exposure to True Science loosens the student’s preconcep- That’s a slippery slope, especially considering that the
tions to the point where she can begin to follow in her Traditions are capable of their own amoral maneuver-
mentor’s footsteps. ing. When we decided to chart a path away from
Technocratic hegemony, it was not to compromise our
Training and Progress beliefs for the sake of yet another group of bureaucrats.
Once a student enters the fold, she is brought up to speed Secondly, there is no consistent and foolproof
on the current state of conventional and Awakened science method for selectively erasing memories. Aside
as quickly as possible. These exhausting cram sessions are from the possible expense of bringing the subject to
sometimes augmented with Mind and Life Science, allowing a specialist, Paradoxical side effects are more than
the new Son of Ether to study for days on end with amazing capable of creating unanticipated results, compro-
recall. In essence, the goal is to give the student the equiva- mising our Tradition’s moral integrity.
lent of a PhD in his best field and a broad knowledge of Finally, the current practice of providing a sub-
anything else the mentor feels is necessary. This doesn’t stantial parting gift for unsuitable prospects before
always mean that the new Researcher acquires formal scien- relocating helps to strengthen the influence of our
tific training (although he is definitely pressured to learn it), own Science. A satisfied former student can do as
but that he can both back his Awakened Genius with prac- much to promote our efforts as a new Researcher. I
tical skills and get around a lab without ruining experiments. certainly agree that we should monitor them for a
This process takes two to six years, depending on the student’s time. If a former student informs the Technocracy,
previous level of education and rate of progress. we obviously need to be prepared.
After this crushing course of study is completed, the student Whatever the Ethics Council decides, let it be
should create a thesis or invention that will stand up to inspec- known that I will follow my conscience above security
tion by three fully accredited Sons of Ether. Recently, the concerns. If the Council of Nine (or, as it currently
Tradition has allowed less formal initiations, but an Etherite who seems, the Council of None) wants us to interfere with
is certified as a Doctor of Progressive Sciences, Doctor of Etheric students’ minds, then its members can come and ask
Sciences or a Doctor of Paradigmatic Philosophy is held in us themselves. I will not let the Sons of Ether do it for
higher regard than a Scientist’s untested personal prodigy. them. Leave that kind of paranoia to the Mad Scientists.
—Zhang Zhouyen, Director, Neo-Qigong Labs
Researchers
A newly initiated Etherite (in Tradition terms, an Ini- the breach rather than the observance, as roving Researchers
tiate or Disciple) is commonly known as a Researcher. The take it upon themselves to give prospects a head start.
antiquated title of Natural Philosopher is rarely used, but it
Finally, Researchers are expected to provide at least
tends to denote the student of an older Scientist. Researchers
temporary assistance to a Professor or Chair who needs lab
are encouraged to travel and vigorously pursue their interests,
assistants, funding or anything else within their power. It’s
but they regularly check in with their tutor or another senior
acceptable to decline a request for extended or extremely
Etherite. Importantly, Researchers bear most of the burden of
onerous help, but brushing off a senior Etherite too readily is
passing radical Science on to the Sleepers. While they are
cause for offense. Word of the shirker spreads through the
expected to alert the Tradition to promising students, they
Tradition and the lazy Researcher discovers that other
are encouraged to allow a Professor or Chair to guide a
Etherites are, in turn, too busy to help her.
prospective recruit instead. Still, this rule is often honored in

Professors Chairs
After proving himself in the field and impressing his Above the Professors, the Chairs (Chairmen or Chairwomen)
peers (and, in Tradition parlance, becoming an Adept of a direct the Tradition’s efforts in a specific field. First created in 1878,
Sphere), a Son of Ether is asked to serve as a Tradition the Chairs are limited in number; each concerns a different aspect
Professor by at least one Chair or two Professors in good of Ether Science or Tradition affairs. Only an Emeritus or a quorum
standing. Professors are expected to teach new Sons of Ether of existing Chairs can create a new Chair. Chairs do overlap, and
and tutor other Etherites who request it. As a result, most depending on the circumstances, this can make the occupants
Professors lead more settled lives so that they can maintain staunch allies or constant rivals. The vague boundaries of each
contact with the Tradition at large. Chair can cause problems, so most Chairs encourage the Professors
Because they can ask for assistance from Researchers, under them to declare which field a given project falls under. They
Professors are capable of amassing a great deal of personal are no longer expected to teach neophytes, but they should strive
power. On the other hand, they must “publish or perish.” to train as many students in their field as possible.
That is, unless they regularly demonstrate new Scientific An important function ceded to the Chairs is the right
theories and inventions for other Etherites, they fade from of approval over all Scientific innovation under their pur-
notice. Researchers stop coming around with news and view. This allows them to ban dangerous experiments and
help, and the Chairs of their field no longer call upon inventions or demand special protocols. Only the Council for
them. With Paradigma’s fragmentation over the past few the Enforcement of Scientific Ethics may overrule them.
years, reputable, peer-reviewed venues with which to an- A Chair is either appointed by an Emeritus or by a board
nounce discoveries are harder to find. As a result, more of Professors. Mastery of a Sphere is one requirement, and a
Professors turn to regular symposia to demonstrate their history of brilliant work, political tractability and a real love
latest work. for a field are all desired traits. Mad Scientists and Progressiv-
ists are discouraged from holding Chairs in the Tradition, and
Adventurers rarely deign to do so.
Chairs of Note
From Paradigma Volume 95, Issue 3 (1999)
The Ad Hoc Restructuring Committee would like The Newton Chair of Rational Alchemy
to remind readers that the following department Chairs The successful applicant is familiar with both
remain unfilled or are of uncertain status. If you are ancient and Scientific secular alchemy, including the
aware of a qualified Professor or know of an active current literature on Newton’s Praxis and Primium
Chairperson who has escaped the committee’s atten- alloys. In addition, the applicant should be able to
tion, please contact the Editors. Submissions will be demonstrate Etherically strengthened (“adamantine”)
vetted to prevent any sabotage of the process. covalent bonds in conventional matter.
The following Chairs still require confirmed staff- The Eon Memorial Chair of Tradition
ing. If they are not filled by January 1st, 2003, the Defense
Committee will suspend or combine these Chairs and The successful applicant is an Ascension War
their attendant departments. veteran with an impressive military record, impec-
The Hastings Chair of the Council of Nine cable ethics and a working knowledge of modern
This is the Chair accorded to the Sons of Ether Primus mechanized military forces, as well as postmodern
of the Council of Nine. If you have evidence that Profes- space, psionic and counter-extraterrestrial operations.
sor Emeritus Alexis Hastings is able to resume her position, The Zimmerman Chair of Multiversal
please contact us immediately. We do not, however, Quantum Phenomena
have the ability to accept new applicants for this Chair, The successful applicant can demonstrate the
due to the standing laws of the Council of Nine. many-worlds manifestation of quantum waveform
The Mesmer-Rhine Chair of Applied collapse, teleportation and extropic phenomena.
Parapsychology Note: Suitable applicants for these Chairs will be
The successful applicant demonstrates a clear and given further instructions upon the committee’s receipt
exceptional knowledge of parapsychology and psionic of a curriculum vitae and prospectus, but we regret that
theory in both theory and practice, including the archaeol- for security reasons, we cannot reply to all inquiries.
ogy and history of psychic powers and the ability to reverse
engineer techniques from pre-Scientific documents.
38 Sons of Ether
Emeriti The Ethics Council
Above the rest of the hierarchy, the Emeriti (formally, The Council for the Enforcement of Scientific Ethics
Professors Emeritus) recognize their own from the ranks of the (often just called the Ethics Council) is a branch of the
Tradition. As Archmasters of the Spheres, they are allowed to Utopians that has been entrusted with resolving academic
do whatever they wish, including promoting Scientists to their disputes and criminal matters.
ranks who have rejected Professorial or Chair duties but have Professors in good standing may direct the Council or join
the necessary might and understanding to experiment upon its Tribunal. Three or six of these Scientists meet whenever
the Tellurian itself. While they are capable of overruling any they are called upon to judge their fellows. The Tribunal
Chair or Professor, they rarely do so, preferring their own cannot judge Scientists in absentia because of concerns that
advanced research to the everyday concerns of the Tradition. the body might obstruct legitimate work. This allows renegade
Reputedly these Sons of Ether move to the reaches of Etherites to cheat justice, but it doesn’t prevent the body from
Etherspace to pursue their research without endangering oth- issuing advisories to other Scientists and Council mages. Since
ers. Creating antimatter stars, living spacecraft and deliberate it’s difficult to imprison the Awakened, Investigators tend to
time paradoxes are all projects that Emeriti supposedly pursue. specialize in Mind and Correspondence techniques that ensure
compliance and prevent escape.
Scientific Ethics Defendants are innocent until proven guilty except in
They say that academic politics are vicious because the cases of treason and infernalism, where a reverse onus applies.
stakes are so low, but even the power of Ether Science seems The Tribunal prosecutes the case. Except in reverse onus
to be unable to dam the stream of disputes, plagiarism and cases, one third of the Tribunal acts as the defendant’s
outright crime with which the Tradition is forced to deal. advocate. The defendant may also call an independent Sci-
Progressive Science is a matter of passion and belief. By entist to assist in her defense. The Tribunal and the defendant
rebelling against the Technocracy, Etherites prove that they’re may both summon witnesses and submit evidence; each side
willing to risk their lives to experiment with reality. It’s no is allowed to independently (but under supervision) examine
wonder, then, that the Sons of Ether are particularly resistant whatever the other brings to trial.
to any attempt to meddle in their work. Nevertheless, there Tribunal decisions require a two-thirds majority to pass. If
are times when the Scientist goes too far and the Tradition’s the vote is 50% plus one, the Tribunal may retry the case and vote
justice system must intervene.

again. If this second trial fails to produce a two-thirds majority, receiving tutelage) or both. Branding is reserved for the most
the defendant may go free. If a defendant is pronounced guilty, egregious examples of lying. Such offenders’ auras are given
she may ask for a review of the decision in a year’s time. the Council of Nine’s Oathbreaker mark to indicate that the
perpetrators have, in effect, broken the Council’s Protocols as
The Scientific Ethos well (see Guide to the Traditions, pp. 166-168).
The Sons of Ether’s code is called the Scientific Ethos. The Etherite criminal code levies strict punishments for
This multi-volume text is consulted by the Tribunal, which all of the offenses (such as murder and theft) that Sleeper laws
is strongly expected (though not absolutely required) to rule consistently prohibit, as well as infernalism and treason
in accord with its regulations. The Scientific Ethos covers both against the Tradition. As imprisonment is often impractical,
academic and criminal offenses; Scientists rarely make sharp a death sentence or psychic rehabilitation with Mind Science
distinctions between the two. is often levied. Gilgul is not a well-understood punishment,
Academic regulations prohibit plagiarism, falsifying ex- relying as it does on a theory of the Awakened psyche that
perimental data and misattributing credit for research. many only grudgingly accept. Even if a qualified Soulrender
Depending on the severity of the offense, cheaters are fined is on hand, the Sons of Ether feel that it’s better to just kill the
in Tass, Censured (which destroys the offender’s chance of poor prisoner and ignore debates about future incarnations.
Disputed Claims
From Paradigma Volume 23, issue 4 (1920)
PUBLIC NOTICE: The Council for the Enforcement Fragmentary evidence suggests that Czar Vargo exhib-
of Scientific Ethics Tribunal hereby rules that Professor ited the Conversion Engine on May 24th, 1910.
Emeritus Andreas Vargo (da Vinci Chair of Odyllic Although the decline in evidence for and witness of
Flight, Tunguska Chair of Explosive Chemistry, Czar of the Conversion Engine in use have declined since this
Terra) is the inventor of the Chemical Conversion Tribunal began its investigation in 1915, the nature of these
Engine. The Tribunal has agreed that it is in the Tradition’s losses (including memory failure and the unexpected
interest that aspects of the ruling be published. decomposition of physical evidence) leads us to believe
The Council understands that several Scientists that Paradoxical Phenomena are responsible for both the
have documented claims, but upon interview, none of mistaken claims of other Scientists and the declining body
them could provide a consistent personal description of evidence in support of Czar Vargo. Thus, we have ruled
of inventing the Engine, nor could they describe the in favor of the most historically significant invention of the
principles by which it operates. Despite authentic device, which cannot be matched by any other claimant.
documentation, the Tribunal cannot accept claims by While the evidence becomes sparser with each passing
Scientists who cannot describe the workings of their year, its breadth remains awesome. It is in the overriding
purported inventions. Furthermore, all witnessed test- interest of the Sons of Ether that this memory be preserved
ing of the Engine occurred after May 24th, 1910. for as long as possible.
Learned Societies
Factions in the Sons of Ether are research The ties that do survive the bustle of the Etherite lifestyle
groups, social cliques and fan clubs rolled into tend to run deep, cemented as they are by both tradition and
one. Depending on the faction and the need. The Sons of Ether burst onto the edge of Science as a
Etherite’s interests, one aspect can dominate gentlemen’s club, but although the modern Tradition is
the others, but associations tend to be loosely extremely inclusive, the old-boy network hasn’t so much died
defined in any event. True Scientists are alas transformed into one where favor-trading and nepotism
ways on the move and pursuing independent can now be enjoyed by men and woman of all persuasions.
experiments and adventures often enough that Unfortunately, this creates a real gulf between estab-
many refuse to be tied to a particular circle. lished Scientists and younger Researchers, who are cut out of
Sons of Ether rarely commit to a faction until they strike out the loop that the inner circle of each faction uses to secure
on their own. The exceptions usually study under mentors resources and protect themselves from rivals.
who are closely associated with a particular group.
40 Sons of Ether
Pulp Culture
To the other Traditions, the most baffling aspect of attitude is fused with contemporary culture. Modern Etherites
the Sons of Ether are their fashions. The average Awak- incorporate rave and progressive punk styles into their
ened mage can at least intellectually grasp the idea of Ether “uniforms” and try to cultivate a more socially relevant, yet
and alternative sciences, but silver jumpsuits? Extraneous heroic image. And, of course, nicknames like “Doctor Cy-
Jacob’s Ladders? It’s been speculated that the Etherites are clotron” and “Kid Fermat” are par for the course.
either antiquated or playing a rather tired joke, but the Victorian fashions have much of the same appeal, since
truth of the matter is that it’s all about fashion. they represent an (admittedly misguided) attempt to civilize the
Many Sons of Ether are rebellious by nature, but not world and are associated with the philanthropic and scientific
in the comfortably defined Sleeper fashions of an Orphan aspirations of the age. Many Sons of Ether value Wonders and
punk or Hollow Goth. The pulp aesthetic appeals to many foci from that period, both for the care that went into making
Etherites instead. Pulp heroes have a strong ethical sense, them and as a constant reminder of the Tradition’s history.
they are rugged individuals, and they come from a time Not every Son of Ether adopts such a persona, but a
when fighting to better humanity’s lot was in the forefront significant minority does. Hotshot Researchers embrace
of the common imagination. It decries cynicism and exalts the pulp style for a few years then abandon it as they grow
individuality, something many Etherites view as the an- into more serious duties. When the time comes to lecture,
tithesis of the homogenized, sarcastic planet that has the Nega-Ray stays in the closet.
withered in the Technocracy’s care. That’s where pulp Exceptions do crop up, though. When an older aficio-
comes from. It isn’t the result of social isolation or the nado of the pulp or Victorian styles presents herself, it’s
whims of old, batty Scientists, but a conscious choice. entirely likely that she is in fact a powerful Scientist who’s
At the same time, pulp affectations have changed from somewhat out touch with modern society. Young Etherites
what they were while E. E. “Doc” Smith was writing or Jet are advised to demonstrate effusive respect.
Boy took to the air against the Nazis. Nowadays, the pulp
The Royal Ethernautical Society, Institute for Cybernetic ers usually curry favor with a well-connected Professor, who then
Research and Utopian League are all recognized factions. That introduces the protégé at all the right symposia, adds her name
is, they have official standing and a formal leadership. The (deserved or not) to important papers and, in the end, suggests
Adventurers, Dissidents (or “Mad Scientists”) and Progressivists to a member of the faction that an interview might be in order.
are loose political groups that are never mentioned as formal Naturally, studying under a Professor who is already a member of
bodies, but are known to any well-connected Researcher. Younger the faction speeds up the process.
Etherites gravitate to the informal factions, hoping to make a If the interview goes well, the faction accepts the Re-
name for themselves without running into a political roadblock. searcher, who gives an oath of service and receives a minor
Many Scientists prefer to just follow their personal research and title, such as “Ether Rocketry Associate.” From there, the
don’t join a faction at all. Even though they have less access to Etherite divides time between her own projects and those
Quintessence and resources than faction-affiliated counterparts related to the faction’s goals, until she acquires Professorial
do, they tend to steer closer to the Tradition’s polymath ideal. In rank and can comfortably manage a lab of her own.
this capacity, they are valued for their ability to compare and For unofficial factions, the process is much simpler:
combine disparate lines of research. Make the right friends or gain a reputation as a troublemaker,
Initiation and the Tradition quickly labels the Etherite as a member of

the appropriate faction. For example, unethical or unhinged
Sons of Ether are usually recruited by the official factions. In Sons of Ether are eventually dismissed as “Mad Scientists,”
a few cases they apply for membership, but doing so is thought to and those who’ve already earned the moniker will soon
be a bit gauche unless the Scientist is truly talented. This is where consider her to be one of their own.
the old-scientist network has a huge influence. Young Research-

The Royal Ethernautical Society
(or Ethernauts)
Nicknames: Ethernauts (common), Explorers, Trans- When the Electrodyne Engineers were forcibly di-
porters, Sky Cavalry vested of
History: In the secret history of the world, the Royal Etherspace as a fu-
Ethernautical Society stands tall, claiming credit for the ture for the
first voyage to the physical moon and the creation of the Consensus and or-
first human habitat in orbit. (All of which is impressive, dered to help
even if Society historians have steadily de-emphasized the explore the Void
contributions of the Seekers of the Void.) It is undeniable instead, the Soci-
that the two groups worked closely together before the ety naturally led the
paradigmatic disaster brought on by the Michelson-Morley walkout. Etherspace rep-
Experiment. It is even speculated that if it were not for the resented a more
unhappy tides of history, the two groups would have civilized future
worked hand in hand to colonize outer space more than the rugged
extensively than the Void Engineers have done alone. wasteland of physi-
In 1851, the Society was given a royal charter to
“exploit the phenomena of the Luminiferous
Ether and Celestial Phlogiston for aerial ex-
ploration and to investigate the uncharted
altitudes of the heavens.” To support the
Seekers of the Void, advocates of Reason
acquired the charter and then some of the
finest Enlightened minds in Ether Science.
Together, they made rapid progress, stunning
the Order of Reason and the Queen’s Privy Coun-
cil alike with a moon landing in 1892. Their success
is still a state secret in the United Kingdom. In 1970, the
government’s covert duplicates of the Ethership failed, and
officials have been inclined to regard the whole thing as an
old royal hoax since then.
When the Electrodyne Engineers gathered in 1865, the
Royal Ethernautical Society’s delegates took center stage,
arguing that their successful collective research was but a
taste of what the assembled Scientists could hope to achieve.
Indeed, subsequent exchanges between Scientists provided
the breakthrough that allowed the moon mission to suc-
ceed. Electrodyne comrades perfected protective clothing,
control systems and technology to counteract the perni-
cious microgravity of space. Subsequent missions utilized
the parallel dimension of Etherspace to its fullest potential,
and soon Ethernauts were exploring the new universe at the
expense of physical space. Support for the Seekers of the
Void’s jaunts through the more inhospitable deeps of physi-
cal space declined, angering the fellow Convention. Finally
Victoria Station was secured in lunar orbit in 1900 — in
Etherspace. Angered at the Society’s refusal to support a
similar outpost in conventional space, the Seekers turned to
Artificer tools to further their goals.
42 Sons of Ether
cal space — and the success of Victoria Station was not Prime Sphere is used to channel Quintessence into en-
to be mocked! hancing the strong electromagnetic force, either through
Once freed from the Order of Reason, the Ethernauts classical Ether theory or by altering the quantum wave-
explored Etherspace aggressively, laying the foundations form of individual particles to maintain coherency. With
for Realms such as the Gernsback Continuum. When the an enhanced fundamental strength, such materials are
Sons of Ether joined the Traditions, they also discovered designed to weather mundane and exotic stresses, up to
that Etherspace represented a distinct strategic advantage, and including the force of the Avatar Storm.
as vessels could use it as a “shortcut” to attack Void Human Sciences prepare Ethernauts for the rigors of
Engineer projects in real space. This blossomed into stag- travel. Scientists alter their subjects’ biochemistry to re-
geringly complex engagements between Void Engines and quire less food and oxygen, enhance reflexes to improve
Etherships around the Jovian moons. Neither side could their grace and coordination in low gravity and provide
allow access to the Tass-rich moons, but the battles served psionic senses able to detect dimensional instability and
to bleed both sides to no advantage. The Society’s Earth- Ether-borne hazards. Most of this work involves the Life
bound work (focusing on propulsion systems and spin-off and Mind Spheres, manipulated through drugs, surgery
technologies for Sleeper use) was constantly delayed or and exotic radiation.
refitted to serve an increasingly futile struggle. Organization: The Society still clings to its old Lon-
Then the Reckoning struck, and the gates of Etherspace don offices, and an unassuming building in Soho houses its
were smashed shut. headquarters, preserved from the Technocracy by the very
Despite the loss of so many Scientists on the front audacity that would later expel the Etherites from its grasp.
and the new irrelevance of its work, the Royal The Ethernauts let the Order of Reason know in no
Ethernautical Society soldiers on. Ethernaut training has uncertain terms that its former relationship with the
proven to be excellent preparation for exploring the lost British government, including its 19th-century space pro-
reaches of the world. Etheric and conventional propul- gram, would be revealed unless they were left alone.
sion Science is now employed on Earth, and Ethernaut Nowadays that threat holds little force, but the Technoc-
designs have become serious contenders for mainstream racy no longer considers the guardians of a broken
use as Ether-exciting technologies are applied to hydro- Etherspace worth sabotaging. Flaked lettering announces
gen and uranium. Ironically, conventional space has the Society’s name to anyone who looks, but most clubgoers
returned to the agenda, and the faction is finally catching assume that it’s an office now, and they rarely consider the
up to its old Void Engineer rivals. Nevertheless, armored eccentrics who regularly climb the stairs. These are usually
Etherships still make occasional treks into other dimen- Researchers, arrived to report the results of a Professor’s
sions, looking for stranded Sons of Ether and exploring work to the society’s permanent Chairs — or these days,
with a new sense of caution. the barely qualified Professors that fill in.
Science: The Royal Ethernautical Society divides its To prevent any interference with its new projects, the
efforts into three fields. Propulsion Science uses the Spheres Society sets up secret labs around the world. Ethernauts
of Forces, Correspondence and Spirit to move brave have quietly taken over abandoned Russian space program
Ethernauts across the globe or into the unknown. Re- facilities in Kazakhstan. Makeshift labs in Canada
cently, personal vehicles and propelled environment suits (Ethernaut training) and Ecuador (conventional launches)
have become especially popular. Time and Dimensional round out their possessions.
travel is still an important aspect of Society research, The three permanent Chairs of the Society are the
especially when the exciting implications of quantum Sussex Chair of Propulsion, the Savage Chair of Human
physics have increased the possibilities that Etherspace Sciences and the Queen’s Chair of Aeroframe Technolo-
travel might become a viable Consensual activity. Unfor- gies. Other Chairs exist to accommodate qualified experts.
tunately, the field is so dangerous that Scientists can only Together, the Chairs form the Society’s Executive Direc-
afford to support a handful of missions. torate. Underneath them, a mixed board of Scientists and
Material Sciences work to create light, strong alloys Sleepers handle practical matters and include a treasurer,
and polymers that can withstand the stress of experimental patent lawyers and other functionaries. These Chairs
propulsion systems without overburdening vessels. Spin- coordinate the three primary labs along with independent
offs from this work provide a great deal of revenue, making Scientists around the world. The Society maintains per-
this a popular area of study. Furthermore, proficiency with manent research and engineering groups, but it also supports
the Matter Sphere is common, allowing the Ethernauts to Scientists in their own labs and the depths of the unknown
commission help from the rest of the Tradition. The most when possible.
exotic work revolves around “powered” atomic bonds. The

Cybernetic Research Institute
(or Cybernauts)
Names: Cybernauts (common, misleading), CRI, In 1961, the Virtual Adepts joined the Traditions.
The Mechanics, EtherGeeks. Reestablishing contact with the Sons of Ether, they were
History: Despite practically being the archetypal surprised to find that members of the Institute had
Sons of Ether, the Cybernetic Research Institute was maintained — and even improved — designs dating from
constantly misrepresented by the other Traditions. the Difference Engineers. Exchanging ideas, the
Contrary to popular belief, the Institute has never been Cybernauts decided to expand their computing forays
exclusively focused on computer technology, even beyond robot brains and smart machines and develop an
though a close working relationship with the Virtual alternative information architecture. The Difference
Adepts in the 1970s and ’80s led many to believe that it Engine Group declared that “information is Ether” and
was all about EtherOptic cables and bizarre program- began its work in earnest. As the Virtual Adepts devel-
ming. Other Cybernauts were mistaken for “generic oped the Digital Web, Cybernauts compared the Odyllic
Sons of Ether,” their love of mechanisms submerged currents of virtual and physical space. The Virtual Ad-
into general impressions of the Traditions. epts incorporated the parallel innovations of Institute
Impressed with the success of assembly line manu- computers into their own Trinary systems, establishing a
facturing, a group of former Electrodyne Engineers met fruitful relationship that lasted until the Great Whiteout
in 1910 to discuss ways to wrest its power from the of 1997. The Web’s crash ruined years of work, encourag-
Technocracy. Each Scientist specialized in complex ing Cybernauts to keep to their own intranets.
machinery, from automatons to steam-driven calcula- The Institute weathered the Avatar Storm well.
tors. They decided that by sharing their research and With the exception of proving grounds for their war
developing a set of general principles, they could pro- machines, their operations were Earthbound. While
duce prototypes that the Masses could easily reproduce. the computer experts are refocusing their efforts on
Thus would they charm the Henry Fords of the world alternative computing and control systems, the rest of
right from under the Union’s nose. the faction has actually become more popular; indepen-
Together, they formed the Cybernetic Research dent Etherites visit their labs to improve their
Institute, using the now-dated (but still correct) usage engineering skills.
of “cybernetic” to mean any mechanical control system. Science: The Cybernauts divide their work into
Computation was an important element of the Institute’s three categories: what they jokingly call “Brains,”
work, but not the only one. “Brawn” and “Blam.”
Unfortunately, the dream of the assembly line was “Brains” are a machine’s control systems. This in-
no match for the disparate goals of the Institute’s mem- cludes telepresence, psychic control systems, memory
bers. In 1921, plans to construct a prototype robot to materials and even rousing “the Platonic consciousness
market to major industrialists quickly broke down. The of the machine’s form” as foci for Mind, Correspondence
team argued over the number of arms, power source and and Spirit Effects. In addition, the Difference Engineer-
even the color of the automaton. ing Group concentrates on the quantum and Etheric
Despite this failure, the early Cybernauts agreed that properties of information to create computers that are
working together had been immensely valuable. The capable of affecting reality through calculation alone.
Institute remained, dedicating itself to developing auto- “Brawn” is the machine’s body. Robots, cars, heli-
mated systems based on Etheric principles and sharing copters, exoskeletons and other devices are constructed
them with the public. Cybernauts believed that the according to exacting standard. Refined alchemy, de-
public should have access to an Ether Science alternative signs reverse engineered from ancient civilizations,
to every Technocracy-influenced innovation. unique alloys and other Etherite methods. Matter Sci-
From 1925 to 1960, the Institute rode high on public ence is most helpful, but all the Spheres have, at one
speculation about (and, during the war years, fears of) time or another, been used to create machines. More
technology’s potential. Naturally, the Technocracy also and more Scientists are using the Life Sphere in particu-
benefited from this. For every Cybernautic mind-control lar to create organic components and even entire
robot (falsely attributed to Albert Einstein) that the FBI machines, to the point where the distinction between
kept a file on, the Technocracy had an H-Bomb. living and mechanical entities becomes blurred.
44 Sons of Ether
“Blam” is an abstract measurement of a machine’s Organization: The Cybernetic Research Institute is
tolerances, power reserves and secondary systems, in- a private think tank and research group that is partially
cluding weapons. “It works, but not enough Blam” is a funded by subscriptions to its journal, Helmsman. The
common Professorial criticism. It’s not enough that the magazine discusses whatever aspects of the Institute’s
device works, it has to be able to far exceed the stresses research that it chooses to share. While this venture
of normal use, pump twice as much power as it generates enough income to plausibly maintain what it
needs and, if armed, pack a telling punch. reports in Helmsman, the fact of the matter is that to
pursue more intensive Ether Science, the
Cybernauts are forced to scrape and scrounge.
(The unofficial motto is, “Bring the money in and
don’t tell us how.”) Most members donate a
portion of their regular salaries and work
for the Institute pro bono. A few use
their Science to illegally acquire the
money. The Institute cuts them loose as
soon as they discover this, but it’s only a
matter of time before other Etherites tire of bank
robber robots and shady arms deals. Members hope
that with the fall of Paradigma, Helmsman will
become a popular replacement.
The financial situation is just one symptom of
the Cybernaut’s chaotic organization. The only
set meetings are quarterly symposia, where
each research group discusses its
progress, new groups form, and
overall policy is decided by direct
democracy. Chair holders have a
veto, except in the case of a unani-
mous vote. Aside from the
Pythagorean Chair for Systems
Technology, the Institute
holds none of its own. Mas-
ter-ranked Scientists must
achieve recognition elsewhere.
The Institute does recognize
Chairs granted elsewhere.
The Institute is still the pre-
serve of a number of
independent-minded scientific
cliques. Scientists work alone or in
small groups, meeting only to com-
pare machines or assemble a
collective design. Otherwise, re-
search groups meet at least
monthly. Each group must also
contribute an article to Helmsman.

The Utopian League (or Utopians)
Names: Utopians, Ethercrats (sarcastic), Doc Law, Bolsheviks. Attracted by the possibility of a “Scientific
The Ideal College State,” they attacked the League’s “bourgeois” values.
History: The Ethernauts might have been the most Up until the late 1980s, a trickle of Etherites emigrated
outraged at the Order of Reason, but the idealists who to Warsaw Pact states, where their experiments with
formed the Utopian League felt an even deeper be- ESP, ideologically driven Science and UFO technology
trayal. Consisting of proto-psychologists, historians and left an indelible mark on Soviet scientific thinking.
ethically minded independent Scientists, the nascent The Council for the Enforcement of Scientific
League banded together after realizing that the poten- Ethics survived these trials, going on to help prosecute
tial of Electrodyne Science — free energy, limitless Awakened criminals in the Second World War and
travel and universal health — was being deliberately rooting out Nephandi and Infernal machinations in the
curtailed by the Cabal of Pure Thought. Ironically, Tradition’s ranks. The rest of the League worked just as
members of the Cabal joined them to protest their hard, helping to insinuate quantum theory and dark
comrades’ complicity. To these dissidents, the ban on matter into the Consensus. The Shadow Ministry also
Ether Science and the worship of scientific reduction- lobbied within governments to support humanistic val-
ism seemed designed to limit what Sleepers could achieve ues and freely share new technologies with the
without the Order of Reason’s guiding hand. Aside from developing world. In many cases, the Technocracy had
hoarding Enlightenment in direct contravention of the the upper hand, so struggling nations ended up with aid,
Order’s original ethos, the move would deny the public but also took on severe debts to pay for foreign labor and
life-saving technologies. innovations. Neither the Union nor the Utopians can
In 1905, an Etherite symposium across Europe ham- take all the credit (or blame) for the result, but the
mered out the Scientific Ethos and, by extension, the compromise that Sleeper politicians created bore their
future of the Tradition. The League’s Scientists were to collective stamp.
observe Etherite endeavors then use their political and When the Avatar Storm hit, the Utopian League
psychological prowess to help integrate them into the lost contact with thinkers and diplomats who had been
Consensus. Over the next nine years, Utopian business assigned to various Horizon Realms. A leaner, grass-
evolved to include courier services and the manage- roots League was prepared for the task, albeit with
ment of Paradigma, all to support a common cause unexpected assistance. The “Bolshevik Scientists” be-
among the Sons. gan to return to the fold in the early ’90s, often raving
By 1914, commitment to that cause faltered; the about Russian “witches” and a psychic barrier that
Great War dragged some of the Etherites’ finest minds hindered their work. This “Shadow Curtain” seems to
into battle. Along with the Technocracy, individual have collapsed in 2000, but the prodigal Etherites of
Sons of Ether invented weapons that impressed them- Russia continue to return, bringing weird inventions
selves into the Consensus with their sheer cruelty. The back with them.
war made it difficult to judge the morality of Science; Science: Utopian Science is not so much con-
military engineering responded to horrors with horrors. cerned with a particular area as it is with the idea that
Through government contacts on all sides, the young Scientific research should benefit the Sleepers as much
Shadow Ministry uncovered the worst offenders against as possible, as soon as possible. It is true that many
the Ethos, but the Etherites didn’t have any agreed- Utopians study the Mind Arts and make up the main
upon way to deal with criminals. In addition, the contingent of Etherite psychologists and sociologists.
Council of Nine demanded that the Tradition develop Others study political theory and history to learn how to
an internal code of justice — unless they wished to rely influence Sleeper society for the better.
on the Euthanatos’ occasional “corrections.” The League frowns on members who develop lethal
Two years later, the Utopian League organized the weapons, but it realizes that this work is sometimes
Council for the Enforcement of Scientific Ethics to necessary for self-defense. Under no circumstances does
serve as the Tradition’s judges. In a referendum, the it permit its members to allow such technology to fall
Sons of Ether approved of the body. Dissenters gradually into Sleeper hands. Two World Wars and the examples
distanced themselves from the body of the Tradition, of the Technocracy have convinced them that the rest
creating a new generation of Mad Scientists. Then, in of humanity can learn to kill on its own. On the other
1918, several Utopians left the fold to join the Russian hand, the League encourages nonlethal defensive tech-
46 Sons of Ether
nologies. Utopian Scientists have what may be the of the Tradition, Sleepers and even Techno-
world’s most diverse arsenal of nonlethal weap- crats will follow. Obviously, breaking the
ons at hand, and they aggressively attempt to Ethos is grounds for expulsion as well as
make them available to Sleepers. The up- discipline by the Council for the
swing in interest by Western governments Enforcement of Scientific Eth-
will, they hope, lead to future wars fought ics. The League is
with bloodless arms. These conscientious particularly adamant
weaponsmiths study Life, Forces and about making an ex-
Matter to develop stun rays, envel- ample of its failures.
oping foams and knockout drugs. After joining, Utopians
Organization: It’s easy to are free to follow their own
join the Utopian League: research specialties, but they
Members take an oath must also take on
to uphold the Scientific projects to develop
Ethos, the rules that are technologies that
supposed to govern all benefit humanity and
Etherite research and share the fruits of Sci-
conduct. Granted, adher- ence with Sleepers. In the
ence is spotty past, quarterly reports on
and some Sci- these activities were submitted
entists are to Paradigma, but with the col-
notoriously lapse of that institution, most see
guarded about fit to either report their work in one
their research, but of the journal’s successors or contact
a true Utopian sets other Professors and Chairs.
an example that
he hopes members

Adventurers
Names: Cliffhangers, Field Scientists (polite), Doc Smith (referring to individuals)
History: There have always been Scientists who wouldn’t stay in the lab. The Adventurers are not
a formal faction, but every connected Etherite knows what the term means. The “Cliffhangers” are
as renowned for their marginal contributions to Ether Science (since they’re usually too busy to
publish) as they are for their disconcerting habit of saving the Tradition from certain doom (or
at least inconvenience). Therefore, the history of the faction really consists of the individual
stories that made adventuring such a famous — and notorious — part of Tradition culture.
The moniker was first applied to Scientist Mathieu Hullebusch in 1909, when the
Utopian tried to overthrow the colonial government of the Belgian Congo with flying
automatons. The Sons of Ether were torn over his actions. Despite the cruelty of the
Belgian regime, many Scientists shared the prejudice that the “primitives” of the
continent needed Western leadership. To soften debates, polite Etheric society chose
to refer to him as an “Adventurer.”
Hullebusch’s ornithopter was shot down near Leopoldville
(now Kinshasa), but his companions transmitted his final
battle on an experimental portable wireless transmitter.
He was acclaimed as a hero, inspiring other Scientists to
follow his example.
Since then, the Adventurers have always com-
bined a sense of daring with a readiness to impose their
consciences with force. Others joined Czar Vargo’s air-
ship corps to stop the Great War. Doc Eon and Doctor
Mondial fought the Nazis with flair.
Aside from their inconstant commitment to research, Adven-
turers have been derided for a certain laxity in their own Science. Doc Eon
incorporated lore from the hidden city of Agartha into his inventions, and the
flashy nature of the tools used by Etherites such as Jet Boy and the Insidious Doctor
Fang leads serious Scientists to believe that these “Doc Smiths” just aren’t taking
it very seriously. The truth of the matter is that an Adventurer’s travels often
expose her to methods that are well off the beaten path, but they can be
incorporated into Ether Science with a bit of open-mindedness and know-how.
Thus, they contribute more to the Tradition than just their fighting skills.
Science: An Adventurer’s Science is deeply idiosyncratic, portable and
capable of being used in an instant. More than members of any other faction,
the Field Scientists train their minds and bodies to reach peak performance.
The wandering life introduces Adventurers to all sorts of strange technologies
— so strange, in fact, that at first glance, they might be mistaken for base “magic.”
In fact, these techniques are perfectly Scientific, even if their practitioners don’t
know it! Walking up walls with Tibetan Akashic techniques? It’s just special muscular
training. Shamanism? An effective way to contact extradimensional aliens. Adventur-
ers prefer to cut out as much of the superstitious dross as possible, but they know full well
that some superstitions come from a perfectly rational source. Nonetheless, the key is to
interpret and refine according to Ether Science.
In this fashion, the Adventurers have discovered that amazing inventions and theories
existed throughout history and that Science is as much discovery as innovation. Alchemy has
its hidden gems, as do wonders that were first described in myths. Jet Boy’s own rocket pack
used mercury propulsion techniques that were originally described in the Mahabharata. Pyramid
Power is real.
Organization: In rare cases, Adventurers jump directly into the lifestyle (or have
been trained from a young age to lead it), but most of the time, necessity and fate brings
out the heroic side of a Scientist to the point that other Etherites recognize her for what
she is. Adventurers rarely work together. They’ll run alone or with a cabal of Tradition
mages as they gradually adapt their methods to pursuits such as crime fighting
or exploration. Realizing that injustice (and adventure!) are widespread, they
prefer this diffuse organization, but when truly earth-shattering danger calls,
they aren’t averse to teaming up. If these rare partnerships work well, they tend to last
for a long time, as the Adventurer ethos exalts camaraderie.
48 Sons of Ether
Dissidents (or Mad Scientists)
Names: Mad Scientists (popular), Frankensteins, Amoralists
History: While there have always been Etherites who are a bit unhinged or impatient with social niceties, the first Dissidents became
an identifiable political faction during World War I. Responding to the rise of sophisticated, cruel weapons, the Utopian League created
its Ethics Council. Etherites who contributed to the arms race were censured and occasionally even imprisoned.
Yet a vocal minority of Scientists wouldn’t stand for it. They’d left the Order of Reason to pursue Science with a free hand, and they weren’t
about to kowtow to some replacement authority, no matter how
necessary the bone-shaking primitives of the Council of
Nine thought it was! In 1919, a rambling letter to Paradigma
by Professor Herbert von Gegabelterblitz alternated be-
tween cogent of objections (based on the idea that ethical
concerns would stymie Scientific advancement) and
various threats to destroy the Ethics Council with his
Pseudolunar Electro-Etheric Ray, an orbiting particle
beam cannon of his own devising. His position was
not exactly greeted with accolades; rubberized
umbrellas were common Utopian accessories that
year.
A few calmer objections followed, but the
Dissidents’ position was forever tarnished by
von Gegabelterblitz’s insanity. The fact that
actual mad Etherites gravitated to the movement
didn’t help either. All of them decided to avoid the Utopi-
ans by isolating themselves, surfacing only to publish their
experiments. To avoid a repeat of the controversy, Paradigma
refused to censor the work, even though it ranged from the trivial
(Doctor Friedrich Vogelsang’s experiments with “Platonic Foods” in
the Umbra) to the disturbing (Doctor Alice Newman’s study of the psychological effects of
involuntary total cyborgization).
Since the Reckoning, the Mad Scientists have grown bolder, even forgoing their self-
imposed exile to band into small groups with similar ideologies or interests. The Utopians fear that
they will make a play for real political power soon.
Science: The Dissidents research whatever they like. Many have a singular obsession
to which they devote their entire lives, such as creating a robot that can perfectly imitate
any human. Scientists who revel in creating weapons sell their inventions to dictators and
amoral corporations.
No matter how innocuous their work is, all believe that they should be able to create
any invention and perform any experiment, regardless of the consequences or suffering
involved.
Human test subjects are often needed. Mad Scientists either employ henchmen to
kidnap them or, of it’s appropriate, perform an experiment in a populated area. Berserk
robots, radiation and mutant diseases plague communities that a Dissident claims for his
lab. Even without endangering humans, amoral experiments featuring vivisection and
ecological destruction leave an unsettling Resonance about their lairs.
Organization: Mad Scientists used to almost exclusively work alone to avoid Utopian
agents or other meddlers. After the Avatar Storm struck, a few decided to gather in small
groups, even appearing at Etherite functions. When the Scientists are unbalanced, these
meetings tend to meld and intensify their particular neuroses.
Dissidents keep hidden labs and may have a few safe houses as well. Without the
support of the Tradition, they are forced to find novel ways to gather resources. Despite
keeping a low profile among the Sons of Ether, many of them are well connected to
Sleeper businesses, governments and crime syndicates.

Progressivists
Names: Radicals, Children (insulting; from a proposal to rename the Tradition), Lab Harpies (Hastings Fellowship investigators; insulting)
History: The Sons of Ether began with noble goals, but for an organization bent on helping the planet, it was somewhat lacking in diversity.
Every single founding member of the Electrodyne Engineers was white, male and European; from their perspective, there was nothing wrong with
this. This makeup certainly influenced the renaming of the Tradi-
tion. Before breaking with the Order of Reason, scattered uses of the
name were attached to Oxford secret societies and upper-class
Scientific pranks. Within the old Electrodyne Engineers, the Sons were
Ether-obsessed rebels whom nobody admitted to know-
ing, but they earned the occasional amused nod when
they put one over on the Black Coats and the damnable
Void Seekers. When that Enlightened old-boy net-
work took command, they saw no reason to change a
thing.
Until the 1930s, the back rooms of men’s clubs and segregated faculty lounges were
where the Tradition’s business took place. Ignoring “aberrant intellects” such as Marie
Curie became more difficult; debates on suffrage, more serious. In 1935, the segregated
culture of the Tradition took a serious blow when Paradigma published the infamous
“Anonymous Edition.” Subtitled “A Matter of Minor Corrections,” the entire issue was
devoted to revealing that some of the most important inventions of Ether Science were
created by partners and colonial servants of the white, male Scientists who originally took credit
for them. Originally dismissed as a hoax (and the chief cause of divorce among the Ether set in the late
’30s), the journal’s claims were confirmed when the formerly anonymous Scientists refused to work. After
two Chairs and a number of prominent Professors could no longer perform the feats
attributed to them, the Utopian’s Ethics Council removed all ethnic- and
gender-based criteria for positions within the Tradition.
Naturally, the old guard continued to cling to power (often rightly so,
since aside from the hoaxers, they were brilliant minds). To agitate for further
change, disenfranchised Researchers began co-authoring papers in Paradigma
and challenging Tradition practices. These self-labeled “Progressive Scientists”
still do so in greater numbers than ever. The greatest triumph for the faction
came when one of its members served as the Etherite Primus for the Council
of Nine. Although she’s presumed to have fallen during the Reckoning, her
Progressivist followers still campaign for such popular causes as changing the Tradition’s
name and taking an active hand in Sleeper politics. More radical members of the faction teeter
on the edge of Mad Science and advocate violently intervening in Sleeper affairs.
Science: Most Progressivist Science is not too different from that practiced by other Etherites.
For the most part, the faction cares more about politics than methods. Social Scientists are slightly
more common, as “enlightening” Sleeper minds is a common Progressive concern. Others review
their peers’ research to root out anything that bias might have hidden. Startling inventions using
previously unconsidered principles emerge from the faction’s labs on an irregular basis.
Organization: It’s perfectly possible to be a Progressivist and a member of another
faction. When a Scientist acquires a reputation for volatile politics, however, that
reputation tends to overshadow other affiliations. Etherite society has advanced consider-
ably, to the point where most of the friction a Radical Scientist encounters is personal, not
systemic. Politics may put Etherites at loggerheads with one another, but that only carries
as much official force as the participants can muster.
Joining is easy; declare yourself a Progressivist and work on one of the faction’s leftist
causes, and you’re in. Of course, every member follows his conscience differently and
passionately, leading to as much argument between them as with outsiders. Most meet in
small interest groups between bouts of independent research, but a few work together full-
time on anything from philanthropic projects to guerilla warfare.
50 Sons of Ether
Ether Labs
In addition to ties with independent Scien- Based in Tokyo (but with members worldwide), the
tists, each faction has its own permanent cabals. Robotics Group is perennially popular. Ever since the faction’s
Most focus on a particular specialty or project. foundation, the group has had to turn away Scientists to
Independents often consult them when they prevent it from growing too large. At the same time, it rarely
need help with an obscure theoretical point, a begrudges fellow Etherites the chance to visit its labs, where
special device or a common cause. all sorts of automata can be seen. The most sophisticated
examples of their craft are their “biots,” electronically con-
Ethernauts trolled synthetic life. Biots are not necessarily copies of
Applied Propulsion Technologies re- natural life, as muscle tissue, bone and nerves are all treated
searches new and better engines, along with like parts to be modified as convenient.
teleporters, dimensional travel devices and, regrettably, weap- Clockwork and steam-powered robots preoccupy the
ons. When the Ascension War gained momentum, this group’s group as well, along with more conventional electronic
work was modified to create heavy weapons; propellant excit- designs and those perpetually powered by Ether. With the
ers became deadly heat rays and Etheric engines were adjusted help of the Difference Engine Group’s computers or skilled
to disintegrate enemies. The main lab at Baikonur, Kazakhstan operators, they are capable of a prodigious range of reactions
still produces a few of these, but for the most part, novel ways and responses. Sadly, they almost always fall short of true
to move humans and machines dominate the agenda. Scien- intelligence. The expertise required is just too rare.
tists can often be seen flitting about the facility in eccentric The group constantly studies a handful of intelligent au-
craft of their own design, and they quickly learn to modify their tomata. Creations of former Chairs, these automata have little
designs for other Etherites around the globe. time for an existence beyond experiments designed to wrest the
The Jack Parsons Memorial Shipyard is named after the secret of Scientific Mastery. If intelligent machines have a
alchemist and rocket Scientist whose contributions to Sleeper reputation for going insane, one need look no further for the
science through NASA were more than matched by the passion cause than the squads of Scientists constantly prodding them.
that claimed his life. In his search for an “alchemically perfect” The Difference Engine Group works with computers,
fuel, Parsons blew himself up. Renamed in his memory, the but these machines are totally unlike any others. When the
shipyard produces the few Etherships that are still in service, Sons of Ether split from the Technocracy, they developed
which are then launched directly from the site in Ecuador. The their Difference Engines in a radically different direction
facility experiments with new materials as well, work which has from the digital (and later, Trinary) computers used by the
overshadowed the construction of Etherships. A constant stream Virtual Adepts. In their search for the means to model
of visiting Scientists lends a hand in improving the strength of Odyllic flows, the Cybernauts independently discovered quan-
metals, ceramics and plastics, with an unspoken goal of creating tum computing. Instead of silicon processors, these Etherites
a ship strong enough to conquer any barrier. developed high-density optical switches to record multiple
In Quebec, the Ethernaut Academy trains some of the bits of information from single superpositioned photons.
toughest Scientists alive. Originally formed to prepare Unfortunately, this parallel development limited the ability
Ethernauts for the hardship of travel, the Academy now of the Optical Engines to network with conventional com-
focuses on increasing human performance in any hostile puters. Journeys into the Digital Web required the onerous
environment. Graduates explore the poles, fly to the edge of task of translating digital and Trinary information into the
the atmosphere and even go on brief jaunts in the sea depths optical medium, nullifying the Engines’ advantages.
and the vacuum of space. Mundane piloting and survival Now that the Cybernauts have de-emphasized the Web,
training gives a cadet a foundation on which to develop they can return to the unique properties of their machines. As
techniques that enhance his performance. If a graduate can’t control systems for robots, the new Difference Engines have
surgically apply gills while piloting a one-man nuclear sub- a knack for simulating intuitive and abstract thought. Fur-
mersible, he isn’t ready to leave. In addition to exploration, thermore, by applying quantum principles, the computers
the Academy’s graduates help protect the Tradition. When can directly interact with the universal Etheric medium;
danger calls, members of the faculty serve as commanders of certain programs can directly affect space-time.
the Sky Cavalry and rush into the thick of danger.
Utopians
Cybernauts
A few Utopians work for the League full time as investiga-
Cybernaut research groups thrive and fail based on tors for the Ethics Council or Shadow Ministry agents. To join
Scientist interest, but for all intents and purposes, the follow- these bodies, a Scientist must demonstrate his sincerity and
ing two are permanent. prowess in the tests that each group provides for that purpose.

The Council for the Enforcement of Scientific Ethics is is also employed to combat despair and press the cause of
as close to a governing body as the Tradition possesses. Council human cooperation and charity. To that end, many Noeticists
Professors scrutinize the personal and Scientific achievements work as social workers, therapists and political activists.
of recruits, then test their investigative skills and honesty with Noetic Scientists also chart social trends and search for
a battery of psychological and cognitive tests. Researchers who psychological vulnerabilities in the Sleeper population. Forewarned
pass these exams become Council Investigators, empowered to is forearmed. If humanity is going to be led down a bad path, the
review Etherite experiments, question Scientists and, if they Noetic Engineers want to know ahead of time to better fight it.
find evidence of wrongdoing, call them to an Ethics Council
Tribunal. Custom demands that Investigators give a suspect The Unofficial Factions
one chance to go willingly (with an escort, of course), but The Adventurers, Progressivists and Dissidents follow
Council agents are empowered to bring them to trial by force. their own paths, often choosing multi-Tradition cabals or
The Council has Ethics, Procedural and Investigation hermitage over the Etherite establishment. The following
Chairs responsible for interpreting the Scientific Ethos, ensur- groups are notable exceptions, but they are hardly the only
ing fair Tribunals and organizing proper Investigations. An examples of common bonds toward cooperation.
Ambassadorial Chair exists to manage participation in cross- When the Nephandi discovered the existence of ancient
Tradition Tribunals, but in these confusing times, many Egyptian weather-control technology, Scientist Stephen Shrike
Scientists have argued for abandoning it. needed help to scour thousands of African sites in search of the
On the front lines of paradigmatic struggle, the Shadow machine’s components: the fabled Ennead Effigies. After a spate
Ministry infiltrates governments with lobbyists, scientists of desperate emails to experts around the world, he recruited
and outright spies, spreading interest in Ether Sciences among Khopesh Khan, an “extreme archeologist”; Herschel Jones, the
influential Sleepers. Shadow Ministry agents have something world’s most dangerous mathematician; and Menma’atra, an
of a roguish, colorful reputation and a history of conflict with alchemist with an amazing talent for cheating the grave. Naming
the New World Order. Where Technocracy operatives are themselves after the parchment that described the Ennead
dour and lethal, Shadow Ministry counterparts specialize in Effigies, the Scroll of Destiny fought the Nephandi in the tombs,
flamboyant, merciful daring. The Ministry’s LSD dart guns museums and mansions where the Effigies lay. Finally, the group
and hypno-sprays are signature armaments. defeated the Fallen mastermind known as the Yellow Vizier…
With their support, Ministry moles spread news of Scien- and was shocked when Menma’atra used her knockout gas to
tific achievements to politicians and undermine the disable the team and steal the Effigies! Despite the neatly typed
acceptance of Technocratic alternatives. Outside the corri- apology she left behind, the group still searches for Menma’atra
dors of power, Ministry Etherites take advantage of espionage and the Effigies, terrified that the chemical-Etheric turbines
and government contacts to produce technologies that coun- inside the figurines are too great a temptation for any Scientist.
teract destructive inventions as well as the non-lethal Furthermore, the Scientists’ quest through Africa uncovered so
weaponry for which the entire faction is famous. many ancient secrets and Fortean phenomena that they vowed
Originally formed to influence the British Government, to stay together and investigate.
the Ministry now concerns itself with all of the G8 nations. An example of new trends in the Dissident movement,
Noetic Engineers perfect psychological, social and psionic the Manhattans are young Sons of Ether who combine a
techniques to ease society’s acceptance of positive technolo- 1950s fashion sense with deeply nihilistic beliefs. Clad in lab
gies and revulsion for destructive influences. Utopian psychology coats, wingtips, horn-rimmed glasses and pressed slacks, they
nevertheless structure themselves like a street gang. Twenty-
two-year old Milton Berliner rose to leadership after
The Paradigma Committee threatening his rivals with a five-kiloton nuclear bomb.
A small group of Utopians used to publish Paradigma, (Accordingly, the rest of the hierarchy is based on members’
the Sons of Ether’s Scientific journal. They would orga- ability to create weapons of mass destruction.)
nize subscriptions, peer review and actual printing. The According to Manhattan philosophy, weapons are liber-
journal is no more, though, and members have scattered ating, as they remove obstacles to self-realization and wreck
to avoid the Technocracy and, hopefully, to publish power structures. The constant threat of destruction forces
anew. These Professors (the Managing Chair for humans to cooperate or resolve their differences in a decisive
Paradigma was unfilled at the time of the disaster) pub- fashion. Therefore, it’s the gang’s mission to provide as much
lish individually in the hope that multiple journals will destructive power as possible to as many people as possible.
be hard to silence, but this practice opens the doors to Whether it’s dangerous terrorist cells or a stressed-out subur-
counterfeit articles and poor quality, as less discriminat- banite, the Manhattans will give their brand of power to
ing Etherites (and those eager to throw a monkeywrench anyone who asks. To this end, they give away prototype
in Ether Science) produce a barrage of newsletters, weapons and publish full blueprints online. Chemical, biologi-
websites and other media. cal, nuclear or conventional, the Manhattans will hook you up.
52 Sons of Ether
The Hastings Fellowship is the best known and most bers also combat bias in mundane affairs if it affects Etherites
formal Progressive group. Founded by the Primus herself, the and Sleeper associates. The Chair of the Fellowship supervises
Fellowship provides financial and Quintessence grants for a board of Professors, who in turn send Researchers to investi-
Scientists it feels are at a disadvantage compared to their peers. gate. The “Lab Harpies” recommend groups and individuals
The Fellowship also lobbies for meetings, academic papers and worthy of support and correct misattributed Scientific work.
changes to Etherite policy that confront discrimination. Mem-
The Book of the Ether

Science has so much variety that even the Sons have never been seen before. Therefore, it is customary to pass
of Ether have only a rough concept of its prin- on a copy to a promising student, either as part of a formal class
ciples. Unifying the Tradition is respect for the or as a friendly suggestion. Bound copies of the Kitab al-Alacir
Kitab al-Alacir. The “Book of the Ether” lays are scarcer than they once were — Paradigma’s presses also
forth a theory of knowledge and cosmology that produced the book — but the text has been so widely dissemi-
Scientists treat as part metaphor and part literal nated that electronic versions haunt web pages and file sharing
truth. The degree to which a particular passage networks in abundance. Finally, Sleeper institutions often
is one or the other is cause for debate, but the fact have copies in their libraries, usually as part of a pre-Socratic or
remains that the Kitab inspires Awakenings and Philosophy of Science syllabus.
Epiphanies: new insights into old Science and discoveries that
A Practical Guide to the Kitab al-Alacir

From Paradigma Volume 95, Issue 1 (2000)
The Gregorian translation might be the most widely used, but “Thus,” says Aretus, “the state is defined by answering
we feel that it is filled with too many embellishments. While it is falsehood with a barrier of truth, but when built, it is
widely accepted that Aretus is an allegorical character, we can inevitable that these walls are assailed. So it is for men
neither confirm nor deny the influence of figures such as Parmenides seeking excellence. So it is for the cosmos.”
and Heraclitus upon the text. Indeed, the Synthesis obviously Parmenidean Metaphysics in the
refers to prior philosophical schools. Given that Parmenides is Kitab al-Alacir
often sought out for supplementary research, we must conclude
Troy, however, is doomed to fall due to the conundrum
that the Gregorian Kitab exaggerates the antiquity and lineage of
popularly dubbed “Aretus’ first paradox.” Aretus describes the
the text. It flatters our egos to believe that Aretus saved the original
world outside of Troy as symbolizing the cosmos and all the
manuscript from Troy. It inspires us that it was said to have been
thoughts a human being can hold. In doing so, he draws upon
read by Aristotle (and indeed, Gregory of Constantinople includes
arguments similar to those of the pre-Socratic philosopher
marginalia attributed to him). We must, however, ignore the
Parmenides, who argued that it is impossible for anything to
temptation to believe this mythology, no matter how compelling
truly not exist. All conceivable things are true, because nothing
it is, in order to uncover the real genius behind Aretus.
can be objectively proven not to exist if it is precisely described.
Nonetheless, myth provides us with tantalizing informa- “We do not know,” says Aretus, “all that may exist. Noble
tion. Who is this “House of Ixion” against whom Aretus Priam, you may describe jackal-headed men in Ethiopia,
supposedly defended Troy? The preface describes them as omitting fewer details than you might of the Myrmidon ships
“excellent deceivers of men [who]… pour black wine into the moored upon our shores. You have seen neither. I have
earth, a libation to madden the gods.” These verses imply that described one; your scouts, the other. If the cosmos is un-
the writer struggled with other primitive Scientists and indeed, bounded, all things must reside therein. So it is with the mind.”
the Synthesis uses the metaphor of battle to describe the
Aretus points out that if we were to treat everything that
separation of sensed and potential cosmic properties. We can
exists as relevant to our experience, then we should surely go
only speculate who the House of Ixion might have been, and
mad. Therefore, we create a barrier between that which we
which Tradition or Convention our oldest enemies — or
accept as relevant, real phenomena and that which is incon-
brothers in Science — cast their lots with in the end.
sistent with our chosen reality. So, the Wall of Troy around our
minds allows us to understand a small part of the cosmos, but
The Synthesis of Aretus in order to do so, we must deny the vast majority of what exists.
The Kitab al-Alacir begins with an account of the
Scientists with a physics orientation will no doubt recognize
defense of Troy. In a dialogue with Priam, he describes the
similarities between Aretus’ argument and some concepts in
city’s defenses as an allegory for the state of the cosmos.
quantum mechanics. When we observe an object, all of its
Reality is defined by struggle; the rational mind first erects
possible states of being — its “waveform” — collapse into a single
a barrier between what is possible and what is abhorrent or
state. Yet we cannot disprove the nonexistence of other states; we
false. Like a besieged city’s walls, the barrier’s existence
can openly make a weak appeal to reduction — and as Ether
immediately brings the threat of falsehood and chaos.

Scientists know, reductionism is false. Aretus would argue that it The Trojan Horse effect will always occur, because all
is simply an unreasonably strong application of the Wall of Troy. phenomena are, in fact, “of the same essence.” Aretus has
Heraclitus and Reality in Flux proven that everything must exist, but that we filter away
The Kitab al-Alacir avoids the problem of solipsism by contradictions with a barrier of thought. Yet we accept new,
revealing that phenomena which the mind denies do, in fact, non-contradictory truths as long as we can expand our
breach the barrier of our denial. It is the nature of reality, however, enlightenment sufficiently to understand them — even if it
to test itself against the Wall of Troy. All change occurs when the hides a contradictory conclusion.
metaphysical opposite of an accepted concept breaches the Therefore, nothing can wholly contradict itself, for it all
barrier. The Wall of Troy is rebuilt around it and the synthesis shares a common origin in the Ether. The Trojan Horse will
between the two is integrated into reality. Aretus uses arguments succeed because it shares the Etheric nature of Troy (as it
similar to Heraclitus’s to say that all things are transformed by their does the mind or the cosmos). New laws of reality cannot
opposites and that (in agreement with Parmenides) nothing can be denied, as they are always pressing at the gates. Trojan
ever be destroyed. For example, when water meets fire, steam Horses that resemble our current reality will “bleed through”
rises, synthesizing the properties of both but destroying neither. first, slipping past our defenses. Modern Scientists see this
Obviously, this idea creates some problems when applied to the effect in Fortean phenomena. Rains of frogs and the like are
Second Law of Thermodynamics, but it is important to remember strange, but they manifest themselves through natural fea-
that all phenomena eventually dissolve into Ether, to arise again. tures that humanity already accepts. Rain and frogs are not
Before introducing the Ether, he says that when change strange apart, but together, they reveal a hidden cosmologi-
arises, we must either discard a previous law or rebuild the Wall cal principle beyond our normal barriers of perception.
of Troy to encompass more. Expanding the boundaries of the Aretus’ Scientific Wisdom
mind, the state or the cosmos requires action and virtue (arete). The Kitab al-Alacir concludes with Aretus’ advice to
The Trojan Horse and the Ether Priam, which illustrates the nature of Awakened Science. He
In the second part of the Kitab (what Scientists now call has already said that when new phenomena intrude we must
The Nature of the Ether), Aretus says: expand the Wall of Troy to encompass it. Not only should
we hone our perception, but we should undertake experi-
“Because nothing can be destroyed but does pass out of
ments, “to uncover more of the nature of a thing, instead of
perception, it must therefore take some imperceptible me-
only accepting what our senses reveal.” We, and not any
dium. Because this medium can only be coherently described
accident of nature, determine how a new theory or idea
as imperceptible, it exists as the primal substance from which
meshes with the rest of reality. When enigmas enter reality,
all the elements arise and to which they all return. Wise
we must confront them and integrate them into the whole,
Priam! This Fifth Essence is what composes that which not
neither rejecting nor embracing them. Thus, our Tradition
only lies beyond your walls, but beyond that which your
has always been eager to confront the unknown and master
scouts can see, hear, smell, touch or feel. Yet before the it according to the true principles of Science.
Myrmidons laid siege to the golden city, they could not be
Finally, Aretus admonishes us to “send scouts. Ride
perceived. Before your noble birth, you, also, could not be
beyond the walls, acquire what is needful and return.” We
perceived. Thus, all things move from the perceptible to the
shouldn’t just pounce upon the strangeness that crosses our
imperceptible. All things are composed of the Fifth Essence.”
path, we should seek it out, study it and return to humanity
Then: with new Science. Although our Ethernauts do this in the
“Outside the walls of golden Ilion, there are those who most literal way possible, all Scientists can explore the
are sympathetic to its laws. These you let inside the gates hidden corners of the world or the psyche for new discover-
and reward as spies. There are those that fight its laws. These ies. Humanity cannot be besieged by its fear of the unknown.
you kill with steady-handed archers. But there are those that Otherwise it — like Troy — will fall to the wrath of enigmas,
appear sympathetic to hide their enmity. They are of the instead of harnessing them to produce Ascension.
same essence, but they hold secrets that contradict the law.
Thus, Ixion’s children offer poisonous tribute. As it is for the
state, it is for the mind and the cosmos.” Later Commentary
We do not necessarily know everything about what we From the Paradigma successor www.renegade-
accept to be true. Therefore, when we accept it, we draw in science.org, December 22nd, 2005
unanticipated consequences. Etherites call this phenom- Everything is real, but not everything is true.
enon the “Trojan Horse.” Accepting one thing as true, we When we take what’s real and make it true, it’s
accept related things that might contradict our worldview. Science. When we create truth to deny that some-
This is another reason why reduction is false: By believing thing is real, we create disaster.
that reality is only what we can measure, we deny the No matter how hard you try, there will always
existence of change (for change occurs after the state that we
be a Trojan Horse. We will not take the route of the
measure) and ignores the limits of our perception. Because
Technocracy and take reality at its word. We’re
we cannot know the whole of a given phenomenon, all
phenomena have potentially limitless implications.
gonna cut that gift horse open and see what falls out.
54 Sons of Ether
Chaos Science
The Kitab al-Alacir lays out the general phi- Aside from the fundamental Ether (what Scientists often
losophy of Ether Science. Everything exists; call the “Ideal Ether”), other “Ethers” encompass partial states
everything originates in the Ether. Humanity of material and metaphysical reality. Quintessence is held to be
filters out most of the cosmos so that it makes the “purest” of these. It is wholly metaphysical, only existing
sense, but limitless potential is always batter- when perceived and acting when acted upon. Contiguous
ing at the gates of the Consensus. Science Ether is more base, since it encompasses the physical properties
draws from the well of the infinite to fashion a of distance and the relationship between objects. Etherspace is
more complete model. Eventually, Sleepers a series of dimensions that lie outside of the Consensus’s “Wall
will be able to understand the entire majesty of of Troy.” It has physical features, but they lie outside normal
Creation; the Wall of Troy will encompass it all. human experience. Quantum Ether theory holds that they are
alternate universes that have developed due to humanity’s
Smashing the Method rejection of certain cosmological principles.
Naturally, this approach contradicts Sleeper and Tech-
nocratic scientific methods. The Sons of Ether deviate in two The Scientific Continuum:
ways. First of all, they do not believe in reductionism. The Style and Foci
simplest model is not always the most valid. Even a single
Beyond these basics, the Sons of Ether work on so many
piece of data is the work of unseen forces, from Etheric flux to
different experiments and inventions that it is nigh impos-
the simplest chemical reaction. Secondly, Ether Science
sible to say that they hold some further consensus about the
holds that two contradictory models can both be true. This
nature of things. Some Sons of Ether are borderline mystics.
means that neither model is complete, but this is a given.
Technomancers in the truest sense, they exploit magical
Everything exists, but only the Ascended could possibly un-
principles according to the principles of Ether Science. Even
derstand enough to complete any theory. The necessary
alchemy might find a hold in the Scientist’s mind.
limitations of Science allow these contradictions to occur.
Others are almost totally devoted to conventional Sci-
For example, acupuncture does appear to have a medical
ence. The Sons of Ether have some renegade Technocrats in
effect, even when used by Sleepers on Sleepers. A conven-
the fold who pay lip service to Tradition metaphysics, but
tional scientist would ignore the principles of traditional
more often, younger Scientists want to unite conventional
Chinese medicine and look for the explanation that best suits
science and the Sons’ chaotic cosmos. Advocates of the many
her understanding of human anatomy, the nervous system and
worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, cryptozoologists
the placebo effect. She would verify the theory with further
and others draw parallels between the abstract Ether and the
experiments and expand her knowledge — in one direction.
gritty reality of the Consensus.
An Etherite would not only perform the latter experi-
In the middle, parapsychologists, unorthodox archaeolo-
ment, but explore the efficacy of acupuncture according to its
gists and investigators of Fortean phenomena examine strange
own model. He would apply conventional medicine to it as
regions of knowledge. Guided by Etherite principles, they sift
well as the other way around. Not only does his normal
through mysteries in search of new cosmological principles.
medical knowledge increase, but he expands traditional Chi-
nese medicine, developing new meridians and chi theory for
structures such as the endocrine system. The Luminiferous Ether
Otherwise, scientific errors multiply. The road not trav- Paradigma successor Z-Ray Quarterly,
eled never reveals its secrets. Conventional science builds Issue 1, 2010
one incomplete premise atop another, like a house of cards And finally, a shout-out to all the Black Hats and
that gets shakier as it gets higher. Mirrorshades who’ve pried this ’zine out of some
The Eternal Ether dead EtherBoy’s hands: Thanks for getting rid of the
Luminiferous Ether, assholes! Maybe the original
The only common root is the Ether, the basic medium of model didn’t work, but it could have if you’d given
the universe. Ether takes an infinite number of forms and us the time. We could have used it to generate
occupies all space and time, but it is defined by what it is not. unlimited power. We could have taken humanity
It isn’t a mental construction, a substance or a force. It is the halfway across the universe.
place from which everything — even Quintessence — rises Now that there’s a comet ready to smoke all of
into existence, and where everything goes when it departs. us, I have to ask: Feel any regrets?
All matter and energy is conserved.

Occult Mechanics liquefies and ships disappear into the Bermuda Triangle,
Etherite technomancers put will and belief at the head of investigators are there. After dismissing the hoaxes, Fortean
Science, but they aren’t willing to follow occult teachings with- Scientists develop a working theory for each event, then
out skepticism and common sense. The Order of Hermes might weave it into their inventions. The principle that allows old
have done important early work on manipulating Platonic forms, blood to liquefy might melt ice with psionic Resonance.
but the 21st century shouldn’t use thousand-year-old techniques. Observe enough UFOs, and you can build one. Whether it’s
If implanted electrodes can expand the mind, why meditate? a Zeta-Gray spacecraft or a Technocracy fighter, reverse
Aliens might like shamanism, but that doesn’t mean that wor- engineering from field data creates tools that a Scientist
shipping some extradimensional tree-analog is a good idea. might never develop on her own.
Aside from a technological approach to the occult, Even for the Sons, Fortean technology is strange stuff.
Etherites also mine these ancient secrets for more recogniz- Scratch-built flying saucers, spontaneous combustion emitters
able Scientific achievements. Scientists revisit alchemy, and alien artifacts give a Scientist unique tools. Psychic foci are
acupuncture and crystals to separate their underlying proper- important, as crystals, meditation and drugs can tap the mind’s
ties from the superstitious dross. “wild talents.” To some Fortean investigators, places become foci.
Technomantic foci vary widely. Most occult Etherites Extradimensional shortcuts in the Bermuda Triangle, crop circles
keep a conventional laboratory supplemented with mystical and pyramids have their own powers. Most Scientists carry
paraphernalia. Because they understand the importance of the custom-built sensors with them so that they have more than
mind, they employ consciousness-altering foci such as drugs, their eyes to rely on when they step into strange places.
electrodes and sensory-deprivation tanks. Computer screens Cryptotechnology
and self-adhesive labels display Scientifically modified penta-
Etherite archaeologists know that the Technocracy has
grams and mandalas. Stereo systems play recorded chants and
erased much progress from the scientific record. The
sensors are on hand to track everything that happens. Alche-
Mahabharata describes Vinaya, the airplanes used by gods and
mists keep a traditional forge and mortar and pestle beside
heroes. Ancient Egyptians used electricity; the Greeks, clock-
butane torches and electrolytically purified metals.
work robotics. The Mayans explored space, but debate rages as
Fortean Phenomena to whether they did it alone or with the help of alien astronauts.
Aside from the secrets of the past, Sons of Ether investi- Recently discarded theories and designs still have the power
gate contemporary oddities. When 2000-year old blood to change reality. Da Vinci’s helicopter, phrenology, the Lumin-
56 Sons of Ether
iferous Ether and the solar model of the atom all inspire the efforts worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. According to this
for which the Tradition is best known. Such inventions are more idea, every possible state of matter and energy exists simulta-
than rediscovery. They expand physical laws to include them, as neously, and less likely phenomena are shunted into alternate
the inventor’s will pushes back the membrane of skepticism. universes when they are observed. Mathematical formulae,
To rediscover ancient (or “outdated”) Science, an Etherite magnetic fields, strong gravity wells (requiring space travel to
needs a good set of tools. Many labs are actually machine reach) and particle accelerators all assist physics research.
shops where a Scientist can make the right parts. Drills, saws, Derived from alchemy, chemistry has always been one of
lathes and small nuclear reactors can all reconstruct old the Tradition’s specialties. Turning lead into gold is simple
technologies. Devices from the past can work, as long as they enough — a dozen exotic agents and finely tuned particle
get an Awakened “kick” from time to time. Carved gem- beams will do it. What is really challenging is producing alloys
stones, statues, corroded clockwork and ruins are a few of the and elements that have gone undiscovered by Sleeper chem-
fragments of old power that cryptotech Etherites use. ists. The business of chemistry is chemical change, so the
most common foci include a selection of chemical agents,
Biology and Medicine centrifuges, Bunsen burners and electricity, but improvisers
The Sons of Ether have had a long fascination with living can make do with cleaning supplies and a lighter. Chemistry
bodies. Early experiments with reanimation earned the Tradi- can also produce or enhance explosives. Bullets and dynamite
tion some infamy, but today the whole Buenos of stitched pack a bigger punch when an Ether Chemist uses them.
together bodies with bolted in abnormal brains is left to a few Using precise blueprints or improvisation, virtually all
Mad Scientists. Etherite work examines biological energy Sons of Ether build their own contraptions. Robots and
fields as well as the flesh’s secrets. Morphogenetic fields, vehicles are common, and biological engineering is growing
Chinese medicine and orgone theories supplement inspired more popular. Alive or not, Etherite machines usually con-
surgery. Grafted flesh and bone improve human performance. tain an array of potent powers for Scientists who know how
Surgical tools, radiation, mutagenic drugs, acupuncture to activate them. Ray guns, jet packs, rockets, submarines,
needles and massage all have a time and place in Ether buildings, exoskeletons, remote vehicles and thousands of
Medicine. Electricity is used in copious amounts to “super- others serve as both foci and Effects in their own right.
charge” bodies, improving strength and health. Life Science
isn’t limited to fauna, either. The Sons of Ether’s unique The Enlightened Humanities
hybrids and mutants have exceptional mobility and medici- Virtually all Etherites study philosophy, but a few use
nal value, and, in some cases, they even serve as weapons. their Awakened talents to hone their psychological, political
and extrasensory powers. Wilhelm Reich’s theories have
Psychic Powers been popular for decades, because orgone (Reichian life
Many Etherites dabble in psychic research, following in energy) is so similar to the Ether. Jungian archetypes provide
the footsteps of pioneers such as J. B. Rhine and Anton the basis for telepathy and behavior modification.
Mesmer. Ether Science allows for the mind to force new Politically, the Sons of Ether are all over the map, but
phenomena through the barriers of the Consensus. Other Utopian values and Scientific tastes tend to make them favor
Scientists practice Victorian spiritualism, theosophy and strange formulaic, idealistic theories over pragmatism. Marxism, an-
yogic disciplines to expand their awareness. Pure philosophy
transports a student to new planes of awareness. Through
meditation and study, the Sons of Ether build “Platonic ma- A Word About Foci
chines” in the Astral Umbra. Constructed of pure Quintessence, Etherite foci are so diverse and specialized that the
they work with inhuman perfection. While a Platonic car isn’t normal restrictions don’t always fit. When a Son of Ether
very useful, computers can still transmit data across the Ether, makes a rocket car in a machine shop, which tool is the
and idealized automatons explore other dimensions. focus? To get around these questions, Storytellers might
Meditation, trepanation, drugs, electrical stimulation of wish to allow players to choose a general category of
the brain, flash cards, mnemonic drills and magnetic fields preferred foci for each Sphere. Use “surgical tools” instead
have all been known to boost psychic strength. of just “scalpels,” and “cars” instead of “red Toyotas.”
Don’t generalize too much, though. A penknife is not a
Physics, Chemistry and Engineering “surgical tool” even if people use them for tracheotomies.
Taken together, these Sciences represent both the oldest For Laws of Ascension, Narrators and players will have
legacy and the cutting edge of the Tradition. Quantum physics to pair foci with Abilities on a case-by-case basis. Usually,
might be the Sons’ greatest triumph. Scientists now admit that some form of Science or Technology covers most Etherite foci.
they have a small effect on what they observe. Etherites hope to Meditation and Enigmas may apply to more philosophically or
take that farther, until humanity understands that they are the mystically inclined Scientists. Once you’ve paired a physical
real architects of reality. Most Sons of Ether favor the many- focus with an Ability, list it on the focus’s item card.

archism, libertarianism and liberalism all have their support- been used as psychological foci. Speech, body language,
ers. Adherents use their favorite theories to stymie social colors, written messages and coordinated demonstrations are
strife, boost productivity and promote personal causes. political and psychological tools. Even art finds a place in the
Psychoactive drugs, psychodrama (where the subject Tradition. Plays, paintings and posters follow rigorous Scien-
acts out a scenario), hypnotism and electric shock have all tific schemes to influence minds and beliefs.
Strange Genius
The Sons of Ether are known for their eccen- Having touched the infinite, inhuman reaches of Truth,
tric insights and radical approach to science, madness takes its toll, but it also brings inspiration.
so it’s no surprise that those who feel the call Characters with this Merit receive a one-point break on
of Science have their own distinctive quirks magical difficulties as well as uses of the Awareness, Cosmol-
and gifts. ogy, Enigmas, Occult, Science and Technology Abilities
while in the throes of Quiet or an active derangement.
Scientific Mystic
MET: When your derangement is triggered, you gain a
(3-point Mental Merit) one-Trait bonus when resolving tests using magic or the
Some Etherites have a special aptitude for aforementioned Abilities. Always remember to let your de-
interpreting other magical styles through the lens of their rangement color your actions and motivations.
own theories. As a result, they can use mystical methods, even
if their own paradigms are devoted to scientific truth. Polymath Discredited (1-point Social Flaw)
Adventurers are known for their “secret studies in the East” When you turn to unorthodox methods, you stand an
or esoteric technologies pulled from ancient legends. excellent chance of burning your bridges. This occurs quite
This Merit allows a character to use one other Tradition frequently in the Sons of Ether. A Discredited character has
or Craft’s foci for one Sphere that the character knows as long had his name dragged through the mud in academic circles
as the player can justify how this knowledge fits into the and is considered a crackpot or a dangerous fraud.
character’s paradigm. For example, a rune-carving Son of Accordingly, characters with this Flaw suffer a straight
Ether isn’t using “Norse magic,” but the geometric, psycho- +2 penalty on all Social and Background rolls involving the
logical and psionic insights of a culture whose discoveries scientific community as well as informed laypersons, imper-
were, no doubt, downplayed by the enemies of Science! The tinent undergraduates and inveterate skeptics. The person on
character may select a specialty focus, but this choice replaces the street still doesn’t know who you are, and you might have
the normal specialty focus for the Sphere. fringe sympathizers, but reputable academics consider you to
MET: As above. be near anathema.
MET: You incur a two-Trait penalty in all Social Chal-
Mad Science lenges involving University Influence and Narrator characters
(2-point Mental/Supernatural Merit) with two or more Traits in the Science ability, as well as
By experimenting with other dimensions, mind-wrack- untrained readers of scientific journals and publications such
ing mathematics and Paradoxical technologies, the Sons of as the Skeptic. The Narrator may inform other characters with
Ether risk their mental stability at the price of unique insights. such academic ties of your notoriety.
Sufficiently Advanced Technology: Magic

The fruits of Awakened Science are many. several Spheres into a single Scientific theory. One Etherite
Metaphysical mathematics, impossible engi- might conflate Time and Correspondence into Space-time.
neering and strange materials can all be Other Sons of Ether treat the Spheres of Science as general
manipulated by a sufficiently skilled Scientist. categories that represent their personal aptitudes and leave
Accidents happen, but the Sons of Ether match speculation about their ultimate relationship to metaphysi-
their innovation with sheer daring, expanding cians. Therefore, the following categories appeal to all
the edge of what’s possible with every feat. Scientists as a good working terminology, but some labs might
never use them to describe Etherite experiments.
The Elements of Science
Correspondence: Contiguous Ether
The Sons of Ether recognize the nomenclature of the
Nine Spheres for practical reasons, but when it comes to Etheric Correspondence theory was first espoused by
speculating on their relationship with the laws of the uni- Parmenides, who held that space was a subtle material that
verse, Scientists rarely agree. Many conflate the properties of connected all objects and phenomena in a unified cosmos.
58 Sons of Ether
Modern Scientists often use string theory to explain this, claim- interest is morphogenetic field theory, which states that all life
ing that space is composed of gravitons (gravity particles), bosons has a common energy state that describes its biological, mental
(force transmitting particles) and fermions (particles with the and evolutionary state and potential. Morphogenetic fields can
properties of matter). More esoteric Scientists describe space as be transmitted between life forms and modified to accelerate
a low-intensity orgone field or a psychic property that comes into evolution and pass on traits from one organism to another.
existence when minds differentiate between objects. Aside from energetic Life Science, many Etherites are
Quantum Ether Scientists use oscillating electromagnetic skilled doctors who concentrate on the material aspects of
fields to manipulate boson/fermion pairs, altering the structure living beings. Scientists have transplanted virtually every
of space to add or remove distance. Other Scientists use special part of the human body, kept decapitated heads alive and
metals to manipulate the Orgone or employ psychic powers. performed other feats that straddle the border between revo-
Artificial wormholes and psionic teleportation are just two of lutionary and frightening. Drugs are popular foci as well, but
the results. Remote perception can use a completely different not genetic engineering. Few of the Sons have managed to
set of technologies, such as radios or trance states. take this work as far as the Progenitors have.
Entropy: Ether Dynamics Matter:

Heraclitus’s doctrine of flux and opposition represented Etheric Chemistry and Engineering
some of the first Scientific insights into the nature of order, The Tradition’s most popular Sphere, Matter is manipu-
chaos and probability. In essence, all objects go through a lated with techniques such as alchemy, atomic scale
continuous cycle of creation and destruction, preserving the engineering and volatile agents. In the lab or workshop,
amount of matter or energy that the object possessed, but not Matter is also used to create wonderful devices or improve
its form. These changes come about as an object is trans- normal ones to incredible levels of performance. In many
formed by encountering its opposite. cases, Etherites believe that a proper mental state allows them
The Sons of Ether use this theory to explain change, to use the Platonic form of a machine or element as its
abstracting it into particle interactions, subtle alchemy and blueprint, making the final product as close to perfect as
social trends. By discovering the correct opposing object, the possible. Otherwise, the traditional tools of chemistry and
Etherite can intensify its force to destroy or weaken it to preserve engineering perform beautifully in a Scientist’s hands.
antagonistic elements. Chemistry creates tailored corrosive Although strange chemicals and advanced forges are
agents, resonating fields alter objects and energies, and choice used, many Sons of Ether prefer to use this Sphere through
words attack the conceptual underpinnings of things. relatively innocuous tools. Normal lathes, saws and screw-
drivers perform with superior precision in an Etherite’s hands.
Forces: Energetic Physics Garages and kitchens have everything an industrious Scien-
Crushing gravity, flame, lightning —- all of these are tist needs to work wonders. The finished product leaves dirty
possible when a Scientist masters Energetic Physics. Aside pots, hot Bunsen burners, beakers and grease in its wake.
from the known value of energy blasts and force fields, this
Science can also be used to improve the efficiency of elec- Mind: Noetic Science
tronic devices, heat sinks and conductors. Those Etherites Psychology, sociology and psychic research all contrib-
who share the late Tesla’s disdain of alternating current keep ute to the Etherite understanding of the mind, but so does art,
massive generators in their labs. Crackling with lightning, metaphysics and political theory. For the most part, the Sons
these generators fuel particle beams, supercharge ordinary of Ether look for a common thread between these disparate
equipment and, when necessary, explode to take intruders fields, but, of course, every Scientist has a pet theory to
and lab secrets to a common grave. defend. This is why the Sons of Ether often have trouble
Ray guns might be stereotypical, but they are usually working together on Mind Effects, as the Reichians, existen-
handy. Many Etherites combine a beam weapon, weak propul- tialists and psionics supporters argue about where to begin.
sion system and cutting tool into one device, with ad hoc plans Most Sons of Ether agree that the human mind has the
to squeeze even more applications into it, should the situation potential to directly affect the outside world and that its
demand it. Scientists also rebuild cars and other everyday capabilities are potentially limitless. Quantum psychic theory
objects to take advantage of superconductors, superior gas holds that the psion particle carries consciousness, and psionic
venting systems and other modifications that boost power. devices alter this energy to great effect. Otherwise, drugs,
mind-expanding mathematics, hypnotism and radiation all
Life: Etheric Biology modify consciousness to a variety of ends.
Anatomy and biochemistry are only a part of this Sphere;
Sons of Ether understand that subtle energies influence the Prime: Metaphysical Ether
health and development of all life. Scientifically optimized As Parmenides predicted, all phenomena that do not exist
acupuncture and other methods affect the subject’s energetic in fact exist in potential. Great debate rocks the Tradition as to
balance as well as her physical state. One particular area of

the true nature of Quintessence. Many Scientists believe that “chronotic particles” that power it or ways to manipulate
it is matter or energy in an indeterminate state, a waveform that relativity without the mess of near light speed travel.
Ether Science collapses into different phenomena. Platonic The most famous Time Scientist, Doc Eon, believed that
Etherites believe that Prime holds the Forms, and they create particles that Sleepers now call tachyons move backward
“Platonic machines” in the Astral Umbra to test idealized through time. By converting matter to tachyon patterns, the
versions of their inventions. Or, it might be the final state of Adventurer was able to perform feats of time travel that have
objects that go though Heraclitan transformations as they never been duplicated. Scientists also experiment with travel
convert into pure, basic reality. More down-to-earth Scientists to alternate worlds, as well as altered perceptual states to
are apt to see it as a potent power source and little else. break the normal flow of causality. Despite the reduced risk of
Psychic techniques, magnetic fields, alchemically per- alternate worlds and Time perception (neither of which
fect material (such as Primium) and mathematical formulae allow anyone to kill their grandfather before they were born),
all assist the study of Prime, but most Sons of Ether concen- Time research is still infamous for its danger.
trate on the one or two methods that suit them.
True Ether
Spirit: Etheric and Memetic Dimensions If there is a “10th Sphere” for the Sons of Ether, it is their
Etherspace, alternate worlds, manifested ideas and alien namesake. Ether is the fundament of the cosmos, and to
species all interest the Sons of Ether. After discovering Etherspace discover its true nature underneath the phenomena it creates
in the 19th century, the Tradition explored it with vigor, would surely raise a Scientist to the pinnacle of her calling.
charting stars and planets that would never be visible to a True Ether is more basic than even the Tellurian’s Quintes-
mundane telescope. Other dimensions beckoned, but it took sential roots because it must include Paradox (which is not
some time for the Tradition to properly classify Realms according Quintessential, but reacts to Ether Science) and the methods
to its own theories. Etherships are well known, but the Tradition of other Traditions. Ether holds the key to these alien secrets,
prefers more portable methods for shorter jumps these days, as and the Sons are eager to find it.
well as technologies that attract and defend against aliens. It is said that the real goal of all experiments is to touch
Etheric Dimensions exist beside our own. Most of the this True Ether. The Sons’ holy grail is a theory that explains
solar system has Etherspace counterparts, but as vessels stray all of the Ether’s manifestations according to a single set of
farther from Earth, the dissimilarities increase. An unpre- laws. This would describe the Ether fully — and with it, the
pared traveler will get lost if she relies on mundane astronomy. true nature of the universe.
Ethernauts theorize that the large number of conscious ob-
servers on Earth increases the intensity of the quantum Dynamic Science: Rotes
waveform. Alternate universes become less likely as reality is Death Ray (•••• Entropy or
supported by observers, so dimensions close to “Earth Prime” ••• Forces, •• Prime. Optional ••• Time)
are more similar than those near the Jovian moons or the
A mainstay of Mad Scientists everywhere, the death ray
Kuiper belt. Etheric aliens take many forms, so those closest
comes in two generally recognized forms. The first is a
to Earth appear to come from parallel evolutionary trees.
standard laser or particle beam, easily jury-rigged from avail-
Most are intelligent and can sense Earth Prime, reacting
able materials. Most of these weapons emit invisible beams,
strongly to changes in their Prime counterparts. When a tree
but most Sons of Ether refit them to spray brilliant red, blue
dies, the alien that corresponds to it vanishes. The altered
or green, as tradition demands.
waveform shifts its existence to a less probable dimension.
The second, called the “chaos beam” or “black ray,” projects
Memetic Dimensions spring from humanity’s massed psy-
random-frequency microwaves, anti-Etheric particles or contra-
chic capabilities. The Sons of Ether recognize the existence of
Reichian orgone fields (depending on who you ask), disrupting
Sidereal (Astral) Space and the Entropic Dimensions of the
bodily functions. These death rays take the form of black, jagged
Underworld. The former is a common destination for psychic
bolts, a rippling in the air or a noticeable chill, and they are
Etherites; the latter is not. Ghosts are thought to be the psychic
favored by Etherite psychics as well as weapons engineers.
remnants of the dead and are treated with extreme caution.
Sidereal aliens are psychic manifestations of living consciousnesses, Recent designs also include repetitive mental tech-
and as such, they are studied to gain insight into minds of Sleepers. niques or fast crystal-cycling mechanisms to allow an automatic
weapon’s rate of fire.
Time: Causality If sufficiently bulky (requiring at least 50 kilograms of
To put it simply, causality studies attempt to uncover why equipment) and made of precision parts, a laser or particle
one thing leads to another. Some Sons of Ether are convinced beam is coincidental. The other versions are vulgar.
that it’s a matter of mental habit and that arrows of time could System: Both versions inflict aggravated wounds after a
point backward as easily as forward. Others believe that time is success is spent to acquire the target, and each requires a successful
intimately related to space, and they claim to have discovered Dexterity + Firearms (or Wits + Enigmas, for mental versions) to
60 Sons of Ether
strike. The Time ••• version gives the death ray the character-
istics of a fully automatic weapon (see Mage: The Ascension, A Note on Matter Effects
page 241) for four additional successes, plus additional successes Generally, using the Matter Sphere to change the
spent on the duration. Most death rays inflict aggravated damage shape or state (such as converting a solid into a liquid) of
through extreme heat or Entropy disruptions. a Pattern does not require the player to spend successes on
MET: Adept Entropy or Disciple Forces, Initiate duration. Transmutations and wholly vulgar properties do
Prime. Optional Disciple Time. After a turn of preparing require additional successes, however, or else they will
your weapon (or mind) you can shoot a ray that inflicts one revert to their previous composition. It is somewhat
level of aggravated damage at a target in your line of sight. simpler to make these alterations permanent, however.
Using Time, you can also use the Fully Automatic and Spray The player must expend additional successes equal to half
weapon characteristics listed in Laws of Ascension, pp. 195- of those used in the original Effect (rounded up). In many
196. Grades of Success: Each grade of success allows you to cases, this means that it is easier to make a simple Matter
inflict one more level of aggravated damage. Effect permanent than it is to spend successes on duration.
Nonetheless, the caster must choose whether to commit
Etheric Shielding to a permanent change or spend the extra effort ensuring
(•• Matter, •• Spirit. Optional •• Prime) that an object will revert to its original state.
Ordinary materials can be converted to resist energies from
alien dimensions, to provide both physical and mental protec-
tion against the horrors of the unknown. Imbuing standard or enclosure that is resistant to alien meddling. Sophisticated
clothing with extradimensional material (such as materialized versions of this rote actually align extradimensional energies to
ephemera) or using matter with proven anti-Etheric properties protect against physical alien attack.
(such as lead or polyester) in precise amounts creates a garment System: After successes are spent on duration as well as
the clothing or enclosure (based on how many people it could
reasonably contain), each success increases the Gauntlet
But That’s Impossible! around the wearer or dweller by one. This barrier must first be
One will note that many of the rotes in this chapter breached by any spirit wishing to possess the character. Using
require conjunctional magic, which is not normally permit- Prime, the Scientist can also provide two additional soak dice
ted in Mind’s Eye Theatre unless the eponymous optional against attacks in or from the Umbra.
rule relating to such magic is in effect. Faced with such a MET: Initiate Matter and Spirit. Optional Initiate
restriction, what’s a faithful Scientist to do? Fortunately, Prime. After spending a full turn treating a garment, it protects
there are several easy solutions to this dilemma. First of all, you from Umbral intruders for 10 minutes, increasing the
Laws of Ascension already employs something of a “short Gauntlet by two. It must be bypassed if any spirit attempts to
cut” with regards to rotes and the Pattern Spheres — Prime possess you, and you receive a free retest on all tests to resist
is not generally required to create new Patterns out of spiritual possession. With Prime, you also gain an additional
nothing, thus eliminating a basic problem with many health level against attacks from the Umbra, even if you’re in
conjunctional rotes. Second, the Storyteller may rule that the Umbra at the time. Grades of Success: Grades of success can
several successive smaller rotes may be used to create the improve duration, cover an enclosure large enough to protect
same effect as one conjunctional rote normally would. For one additional person (such as a tent) or add one to the
instance, to create Etheric Shielding, rotes for Initiate Matter Gauntlet. Grades of success spent on the Prime variant add an
and Initiate Spirit would be cast in succession, first to create additional health level against Umbral attacks.
or modify the existing materials to be protected and then to
infuse them with additional protection against spiritual Exotic Matter
harm. While doing so takes longer than performing one (••••• Matter, other Spheres as noted)
conjunctional rote, it still allows for such complex effects A few Sons of Ether have reached the pinnacle of their
while the added requirements and casting times keep it Craft, and no longer feel constrained by such paltry limita-
from being unduly powerful at the same time. Lastly, the tions as the periodic table. Mastery of Matter has limitless
Storyteller may always rule that a particular rote can simply possibilities, exemplified by such materials as antimatter and
fall under the province of one Sphere even if other require- Primium. The guidelines for creating them and their in-game
ments normally exist, effectively creating a similar “short effects are detailed as follows:
cut” as is normally employed with the Pattern magics. Antimatter (requires ••••• Matter): Using garage-built
While this last should not be employed too often for fear of particle accelerators, stolen research time at CERN and postmodern
allowing conjunctional rotes through the back door, so to alchemy are all known ways to create antimatter. Previously, this
speak, it can go a long way toward permitting more outland- material required an esoteric command of Forces as well, but the
ish rotes than Laws of Ascension normally allows. general acceptance of antimatter among Sleeper scientists has

simplified the process considerably. Of course, rather than labor- affects magic within a rough two-yard radius of the mass. If the
ing with an unwieldy conventional particle accelerator for the Primium has been made into a weapon, this effect is rolled to
sake of a few measly positrons, Etherites use their own shortcuts. weaken the strength of any supernatural defense, allowing
Unlike standard matter, antimatter is composed of par- Primium blades and bullets to punch through defensive Forces
ticles with an opposing spin: positrons, antineutrons and Effects and weaken enhanced soak capabilities.
antiprotons. When it meets normal matter, each particle MET: Master Matter, Disciple Prime. After committing
annihilates its opposites and releases their combined energy. five Traits of Resources for a full week in the casting of this rote
Unless kept in a vacuum, antimatter and normal matter as well as spending 16 Traits of Quintessence, you create
meet… explosively. In game terms, successes measure both enough Primium to coat a single, human-sized subject or object
how much is created and how much it can annihilate, inflicting or enough for a sword-sized weapon that inflicts aggravated
three aggravated wounds (unsoakable by any material entity or damage. The Primium object also provides countermagic against
object) per success in a radius of approximately 100 yards per incoming Effects automatically, acting as if it possesses an
success. (Successes are not divided in this case). Etherites may Arete of 1. Grades of Success: Each grade of success can coat one
measure out small amounts of antimatter for experiments (in more object or increase the effective Arete for countermagic by
the three-to-six-wounds/100-to-200-yard range) or simply use one, but you must spend another point of Quintessence.
it to blow something up. Magnetic containment fields and the
ability to evacuate the area are recommended. Orgone Accumulator
Antimatter requires at least 20 successes to prepare (••• or ••••• Prime)
before spending successes on the amount/damage/area of Inspired by the work of Doctor Wilhelm Reich, many
effect. Creating antimatter in these amounts is vulgar, even Sons of Ether use his theories to store and use a unique
though the amount is microscopic. variation of the Odyllic Force. Orgone theory states that the
MET: Master Matter. After a week of effort (and at the universal essence is emotional as well as physical. By harness-
automatic cost of a grade of success), you create antimatter. ing it, Etherites may imbue Scientific workings with either
When it contacts other matter (including air) it disintegrates their own Resonance or that of another subject, item or place.
itself and an equal mass of matter in an explosion with a 10- Particularly advanced accumulators can attract and store
pace radius that automatically inflicts three aggravated health ambient Quintessence as well as Resonance.
levels of damage. Grades of Success: Each additional grade of Orgone Accumulators take many forms (and, in fact, many
success inflicts one more aggravated wound and adds three of them are turned into full fledged Wonders). The classic
paces to the blast radius. Remember that antimatter will Reichian design is a chamber built of alternating layers of
automatically detonate upon creation unless an Initiate Forces conductive metals and organic materials, but the Sons of Ether
Effect is used first to provide a vacuum-sealed container (which have experimented with many alternate designs, including accu-
requires the Technology and Science Abilities to construct). mulator jumpsuits, handheld units and even wood and metal
Primium (requires ••••• Matter, ••• Prime): Along buildings designed to focus orgone energy upon a laboratory.
with Iteration X, the Sons of Ether are among the few who Orgone Accumulators are also used as foci for Life and
still know how to create this alchemically perfect gold/silver Forces Effects, relying on the ability to store Resonance in order
alloy. Some Scientists consider the metal to be the perfect, to make precise changes. Healing and weather control are the
earthly reflection of universal Ether. Expensive alchemy and/ most common additional functions of Orgone Accumulators.
or nuclear furnaces (as well as a king’s ransom of base System: For the Prime 3 version, each success allows the
materials) go into its creation. Characters need access to a Etherite’s focus to hold two Resonance Traits for as longs as
Resources 5 rating to afford it. the Etherite chooses to commit successes to duration. These
Furthermore, Quintessence is needed. In game terms, each Traits may be applied to any other Effect the character casts,
success used to create Primium needs to be backed by one point but doing so expends those Traits. By default, an accumulator
of Quintessence. After 15 successes are spent on the threshold to absorbs the strongest ambient Resonance in an area, but the
create it, successes are spent on its relative mass and potency. Effect can be used to take a Resonance sample from a specific
Finished Primium has a near perfect sheen and excellent person, place, or thing by spending additional successes on
material strength, but its real benefits come from its perfect targeting. The target does not lose any Resonance.
antipathy to supernatural energies (representative, it is said, of The Prime 5 version also acts as the Prime Effect Fount of
its perfected structure refusing to yield to such influences). A Paradise, as listed in Mage: The Ascension. Additional suc-
Primium weapon’s striking surface inflicts aggravated wounds. cesses must be spent to activate this use of the accumulator.
It also provides permanent countermagic commensurate with MET: Disciple or Master Prime. You may duplicate two
its mass: two dice per success spent past the threshold, though Resonance Traits from any person, place or thing in your line
no amount of Primium can provide more than 10 dice to resist of sight and apply them to your own Effects once during the
any single magical Effect. Etherites may divide successes spent next 10 minutes. Once you use the Trait, it is lost, even if 10
to create multiple masses of Primium. The countermagic minutes have not yet passed. Grades of Success: You can spend
62 Sons of Ether
grades of success to increase the duration past the normal 10
minutes or to acquire an additional two Resonance Traits. If Linear Science
you have Master level Prime, you can also spend each grade of Specialists (what the superstitious would call “sor-
success to acquire one Trait of Quintessence. cerers”) are common sights in Etherite labs. These
Scientists don’t have the same breadth or sheer power,
Quantum Temporal Travel but they are often very skilled in one or two particular
(••• or •••• Correspondence, fields. Most are attached to specific factions where their
•••• Entropy, ••• or ••••• Time) talents are needed, though a few compose an informal
The introduction of quantum mechanics has solved many pool that Etherites contact when they need special help.
of the lethal problems of time travel. By tunneling through to Specialist research is not, however, held in very high
alternate universes, Sons of Ether can travel into the past regard. The Tradition values flexibility, the ability to
without suffering an instant visit from an annoying Paradox improvise and, when it comes right down to it, truly
pest. It’s still vulgar and less potentially useful than traveling to impressive Inventions. Specialists rarely provide these.
the “true” past, present and future. Going to an alternate past When using Sorcery Paths, Etherite Specialists roll
cannot change the true present, and fantastic technology Science or Technology instead of Occult. Their Paths
retrieved from alternate futures tends to fail to Unbelief. Still, include (but are not limited to) Alchemy, Conveyance,
visiting an alternate universe has its uses. Utopians visit the Enchantment and Hellfire, as well as all psychic phenomena.
grand futures and idyllic pasts that might have been, or sneak
into dystopias to learn harsh lessons about the price of failure. System: Correspondence 3 transports one person, while
Ethernauts explore these universes out of sheer curiosity, Correspondence 4 creates a tunnel into an alternate universe
dividing their time between strange alternate universes and that can accommodate one traveler per success spent. Further
those barely different from the “baseline” World of Darkness. successes can move the characters through space as well as
Controlled wormholes in the space-time continuum are time, as a normal Correspondence Effect. Time 4 allows a short
created with high-energy particle beams, special electromag- hop (one turn/success) forward or backward compared to the
netic fields, locating twists in the Odyllic flow and, in some baseline time, before being pulled back to the point of depar-
cases, psychedelic drugs. ture. Time 5 allows for extended journeys into the alternate
past or future (using the standard chart for Time Effects). Time

and Entropy are used together to isolate the travelers from the larities with the Mirror Zone of the Umbra and posit that this
time stream and move them to a new “branch” of the con- rote actually takes them there.
tinuum. The Time 5 version of the rote must be used to return MET: Disciple or Adept Correspondence, Adept En-
as well, or it’s a one-way trip. Return trips use the Consensus of tropy, Disciple or Master Time. You can travel to an alternate
the alternate universe to determine vulgarity. universe similar to your own and move forward or backward in
Other successes are spent on the dissimilarity between time there, though changing the past there will not change the
the alternate reality and the traveler’s. One success indicates real future, and all objects acquired in the other timeline vanish
a near clone of the “real” timeline, while five successes allow after a day. The Disciple Time version allows you to spend one
passage to the most bizarre alternate worlds, such as worlds minute in a past similar enough to yours to acquire (temporary)
where the Order of Hermes controls the paradigm or sentient equipment and information. At the end of the visit, you return
dinosaurs coexist with humanity. to the real world time and place where you left off.
Traveling into an alternate past cannot affect the “real” The Master-ranked version should be worked out with a
present, except through any knowledge or artifacts that the Narrator ahead of time, as it can lead to an extended story. If
traveler brings with her. Objects that have a specific duplicate in it weren’t obvious before, let it be restated here for all to see:
the baseline present eventually erode or fade, while objects from Used without proper preparation, this rote can easily wreck bloody
the future do so if they can perform any feat of magic or science havoc on a Mind’s Eye Theatre game. As such, the Storyteller
unknown to the present day. Still, the low-level version of this is within her rights to alter, limit or outright prohibit this rote and
rote allows characters to hop into an alternate past and grab a its capabilities to suit the needs of her chronicle.
temporal duplicate of an object that you desperately need (or Grades of Success: Each grade of success in the Disciple
need more of) for a brief period to use in the baseline present. Time version allows you to spend one more minute in the
A word of warning: Alternate universes are just that — alternate universe. Using Adept Correspondence, you can
alternate. Even the most familiar-looking one might have take one other person with you for each grade of success.
subtle, dangerous differences. Some Sons of Ether note simi-
Inventions
The Sons of Ether are probably the Traditions’ needles are charged with the negative orgone Resonance of
greatest Wonder-makers, but they use technology sleep-inducing meridians and chakras. When fired, they fly to
so strange that neither the mystical Traditions nor these pressure points like a magnet to a chunk of iron.
the Technocracy is able to easily use or comprehend The third setting, used in extreme circumstances, guides
them. Scientific principles combined with the subtle needles to points that disrupt the target’s Etheric physiology,
Ether make them hard to reverse engineer. Person- killing him and preventing easy Scientific healing.
alized control systems are often counterintuitive for System: Roll the user’s Dexterity + Firearms, adding
anyone but the creator. The Sons’ allies appreciate three dice to his pool as the attack is considered to be a burst.
simpler Inventions, however, so Scientists learn to The soak value of armor is doubled. The first setting inflicts
bury their eccentric approach for the sake of the group. The damage as if it were a normal Forces Effect. The second inflicts
following Wonders are examples of relatively straightforward In- unsoakable bashing damage using Life 3. The third setting is
ventions; one common, the other exceedingly rare. a Life 3 direct Pattern attack that inflicts aggravated wounds.
Qi Needler (Arete 4) The Bioroid Eva
10-point Invention Unique Wonder
The signature weapon of the Shadow Ministry’s agents, the The masterwork of the Cybernaut Emile Rotwang, the
Qi Needler disables enemies by disrupting the body’s Etheric bioroid named Eva is the culmination of the roboticists’ art.
flow. The Needler is a silver teardrop with a grip, trigger and black Rotwang created a handful of them before accumulated
projecting spike. The spike is the weapon’s barrel, capable of Paradox killed him; Eva is the only one still possessed by the
shooting bursts of thin, steel needles at almost the speed of sound. Cybernetic Research Institute. She has a warm personality, is
The weapon uses electromagnetic fields to fire its needles; its a brilliant chess player and can tear a human being in half
battery recharges itself by converting kinetic energy into electric- with her bare hands. Fortunately, she has never demonstrated
ity. A dial on the side has three settings. The first one simply fires her last talent except when defending herself from an Itera-
the needles in a short burst, perforating anything it’s aimed at. tion X team bent on capturing her for study.
Even though the lack of a muzzle flash, cordite residue or Eva is a synthesis of organic and inorganic components.
a sonic boom makes this an ideal assassin’s weapon, in most Her body was created from the surgically sculpted tissues of over
cases it is used to disable enemies by shooting at specific 300 corpses, but she has neither stitches nor bolts holding her
pressure point groups. At the weapon’s second setting the together. Over that, a steel exoskeleton with an art deco brass
64 Sons of Ether
filigree supports her limbs and spine, fanning out into an of Ether (and similar technomancers) gain an advantage because
elegant yellow collar. This exoskeleton is removable and exists they may apply the bonus for using a preferred or unique focus if these
to allow her to exercise her incredible strength without dislo- foci are being adapted into Wonders. Furthermore, they can stack
cating or breaking her joints. Her hair is straight and black, and this bonus with the bonus for using a rote, applying the total modifier
her eyes are odd colors: one gray, the other blue. to the rolls the player makes to create the Wonder.
Currently, the bioroid is a near captive of the team of
Scientists who have made it their life’s work to study and maintain Wonder Spheres (Optional System)
her. Over the last three years, something has happened to her At the Storyteller’s discretion, Sons of Ether who prefer
brain. The Etherites aren’t sure what, though, because, according careful work in the lab to slapdash Science in the field might merit
to x-rays, her skull is hollow except for a lining of golden circuitry. a special advantage. Using this optional system, Sons of Ether may
None of the research staff knows how she is able to think or why purchase Spheres at half normal cost (or for five freebie points each
she began to babble in strange languages and suffer seizures. at character creation), rounded up. These may be used for the sole
System: Eve was created with an Entropy 5, Life 5, Mind purpose of creating Charms, Talismans and Artifacts. The charac-
3, Prime 5, Spirit 4 Effect. She is physically and (until recently) ter cannot use these Sphere ranks to cast Effects for any other
intellectually perfect and inhumanly strong (Strength 7, all purpose and can only teach them to others in this incomplete form.
other Attributes at 5, thanks to a Scientific variant of Midwife’s These Wonder Spheres may stack on top of normally pur-
Blessing), but unbeknownst to her or her caretakers, her brain chased Sphere ranks (at half of the full, multiplied cost of that
is a Platonic copy of her maker’s, constructed of pure Quintes- rank), or they can be gained in a Sphere in which the character
sence. The circuitry in her skull draws signals from the Astral does not have any conventional proficiency. The character can be
Umbra, where the Platonic brain resides in a micro-dimension neither a Sphere Natural nor Sphere Inept in the Wonder Sphere.
of its own. Thus did Professor Rotwang give his creation The player can purchase multiple ranks in a Wonder Sphere. The
intelligence despite his poor understanding of Mind Science. normal Arete-based ceiling on maximum Sphere ranks applies.
Unfortunately, something has happened to her brain. As the character gains experience, the player may invest
Storytellers are encouraged to come up with a scenario that experience points into the Wonder Sphere to bring it up to its
suits their own chronicles. Thought transmissions could be normal, dynamic capabilities. Doing so costs slightly more than half
disrupted by the residual effects of the Avatar Storm, or the of the normal cost: six points to fill out one rank in a Sphere, and five
brain could have been captured by an astral spirit. If the latter points multiplied by the current/new rank to upgrade other Wonder
is the case, the spirit might attempt to displace Eva’s mind, Sphere ranks to full Sphere capacity. A Wonder Sphere’s ranks must
gaining an empty vessel with which to enter reality. be upgraded in order, from the lowest rank to the highest.
This system should only be used for strong technomantic
Effects Versus Wonders or Technocratic magical styles. In many cases, this style of
Ether Science recognizes the importance of the Scientist’s Science might interfere with a mage’s progress, since it’s
will, but it never trivializes the need for the proper tools. The somewhat formulaic and static. Dynamic or Questing Avatar
difference between a rote using a scientific focus and a Essences might mandate that the character “round out” her
Wonder becomes understandably hazy. In many cases, an knowledge before accomplishing her Seeking.
Effect might be incorporated into an Artifact that is very
similar to the focus used in its one-shot incarnation.
The Kitab Al-Alacir as a Wonder
The difference usually is that a simple Effect uses a jury-rigged
In addition to its place at the heart of the Etherite
or hastily constructed device that isn’t quite precisely calibrated for
canon, the Kitab al-Alacir is also a Grimoire: a magical text
the task at hand. A pair of Ether Goggles or a ray gun may be a focus
that can spark Awakening and teach the Spheres. Differ-
used for an array of Effects, but it might not have been specifically
ent translations have different benefits. The common
constructed to do one thing well. Thanks to an enlightened
Gregorian translation (named for Gregory of the House of
understanding of Science, the Son of Ether can detect subtle
Lamps, a medieval House Golo magus) is just a Primer. It
changes in the Parmenidean chain of Creation, take advantage of
will spark Awakening in any reader who is prepared to
fleeting atmospheric conditions or find a Fortean loophole that the
question the Consensus and makes a serious attempt to
proper adjustments to her equipment allow her to manipulate.
understand it. Other translations (including added com-
A Wonder needs to be built more sturdily. It must assume mentaries, marginalia and in one case, attached sticky
the functions normally handled by the Scientist’s judgment notes) can provide Sphere tutelage in addition to Awak-
and will. The final Artifact can use exactly the same basic ening. An exact copy retains the qualities of the original,
design as the original focus, retooled to a dedicated function. but it cannot be improved upon without making an effort
It can even continue to function as a focus for other Effects. equal to the task of creating an entirely new Grimoire.
In game terms, this means that most of the rotes listed in this For more information on creating and using
chapter can be incorporated into Wonders using the rules in the Grimoires, see Forged by Dragon’s Fire.
Mage Storyteller’s Companion and Forged by Dragon’s Fire. Sons

66 Sons of Ether
Chapter Three:
The Dynamic
Faculty
I have gone into the outer darkness of scientific and philosophi-
cal transactions and proceedings, ultra-respectable but covered
with the dust of disregard. I have descended into journalism. I have
come back with the quasi-souls of lost data.
—Charles Fort, The Book of the Damned
Personages
Chevalier Yves Mercure His avid devouring of adventure books instilled a
Background: Born in southern France longing to see distant lands and places. When he found
to a family of noble pedigree and good a copy of the fabled Kitab al-Alacir in his uncle’s library,
means, young Yves was a recluse, prefer- his fate — and his Awakening — was sealed. He was
ring the fascinating wonders hidden within soon initiated into the Sons of Ether and began journey-
his uncle’s library on the family estate to ing to the fabled places of wonder of which he had once
the numbing cultural events to which his dreamed, such as the Hollow Earth, traveling there in
family constantly tried to drag him. For his machines of his own make.
birthday each year, his uncle would gift Yves represents an adventuresome “old school”
him with antique automata, usually a mechanical clock Etherite, one who cares almost nothing for the present
or a wind-up toy. These gifts cemented Yves’s lifelong affairs of the world, with its depraved politics and social
fascination with mechanisms designed to evoke joy and climbing. He has an utter contempt for modern elec-
wonder. He cared little for the practical uses of engi- tronics and computers — these boring, lifeless things
neering, and his later study of that field served only to cannot evoke the semblance of life as can a mechanism.
provide him the necessary background to build me- His life is devoted to building better and more intricate
chanical beings. mechanical wonders, including an artificially intelli-

rience. You’re not a complete nebbish pointdexter,
however. You did, after all, have social graces ham-
mered into you by your wealthy parents. You prefer the
company of small groups to large, loud parties. Given
the choice, you actually prefer to be left alone in your
laboratory.
Faction: Adventurers (former Ethernaut)
Essence: Questing
Nature: Traditionalist
Demeanor: Loner
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4 (Handy), Stamina 2,
Charisma 2, Manipulation 3, Appearance 3, Perception 4
(Discerning), Intelligence 5 (Book-Smart), Wits 3
Abilities: Academics 3, Alertness 3, Awareness 2, Brawl 2,
Cosmology 2, Crafts 5 (Clockworks), Dodge 4 (Foot-
work), Etiquette 5 (High Society), Expression 4
(Lecturing), Firearms 3, Linguistics 2 (French, English,
German), Melee 4 (Fencing), Occult 1, Science 4
(Physics), Technology 4 (Tinkering)
gent tin soldier built without any silicon or wires — only Backgrounds: Library 4, Resources 4
highly complicated and microscopically inscribed gears
Arete: 5
and levers. It is, in many ways, the culmination of a
mechanist’s dream. Once wound up and put in motion, Spheres: Correspondence 2, Entropy 2, Forces 1, Mat-
the automaton soldier will not run down and needs no ter 4, Mind 2, Prime 3, Time 2
battery power. It can think on the level of a young Willpower: 7
teenager, but without the chaotic hormones. Quintessence: 8
Rather than use electricity (“that child of capri- Paradox: 3
ciousness”), he often adopts otherworldly energy sources, Resonance: (Entropic) Antisocial 1, (Static) Intricate 2
such as the strange, energetically charged chemicals
found in certain Umbral Realms that can power mecha- Ernesto C. Amanguale (“Ace,” a.k.a.
nisms without needing circuitry or wires. He has “The Zero-Point Kid”)
improved his void suit using such alchemical substances, Background: Ernesto first made a name for himself
which can recycle and generate the suit’s oxygen with- among the hot-rodders of southern California during
out need of external replenishment (as long as the suit the late 1970s, amazing them with his strange but highly
is not breached). effective engine modifications and designs while still
He has converted an old, expansive greenhouse on only in his mid-teens. His parents feared that he was too
his family estate into a laboratory. involved in the violence, sex and drugs associated with
Image: Yves is thin and pale, in his late 20s, with the hot-rod scene, but at the age of 16 he appeared to
wispy, thin brown hair that he keeps at shoulder length. experience a radical personality shift, shunning the
He couldn’t really grow much of a beard if he wanted to, streets for the classroom and applying himself whole-
so he keeps himself fastidiously clean-shaven. His ward- heartedly to his studies. (His science fair project, a
robe is fairly fashionable, thanks to his family survey of perpetual motion machines accompanied by
housekeeper, who buys his clothes for him. working models with detailed statistics regarding the
input/output efficiency of each, was not well received by
When adventuring in distant, Umbral lands, he
his high school faculty, however.)
dons his thick, metal void suit that, despite appear-
ances, is actually incredibly lightweight while still By age 21 he had a degree in engineering and had
remaining stronger than steel. begun working as a designer for a major automobile
manufacturer. As Amanguale explains things, his new
Roleplaying Hints: You never interacted with
engine designs were too radical for the conservative
others well as a child, although you’ve gotten a bit better
company, for whom fuel efficiency, environmental pro-
at it since joining the Sons of Ether. There’s nothing
tection and even passenger safety were not bottom-line
like adventuring with others to create a bonding expe-
68 Sons of Ether
vehicles) to alternative energy systems, mostly in low-
income Latin-American neighborhoods known from
his childhood, making them independent of the inter-
national fossil-fuel power complex. As the number of
independent households grows, however, a kind of free
energy movement has begun to speak out publicly, and
Ernesto fears that the Technocracy might soon learn of
his activities and the location of his workshop.
Image: Ernesto is in his early 40s and stands five-
foot seven, with dark brown eyes, a closely trimmed
mustache, black hair with a touch of gray on the sides,
and olive skin (usually smudged with grease). His waist-
line is beginning to spread, but he is strong, with
especially well-muscled hands. He usually wears grimy
garage mechanic’s overalls, but when his wife cleans
him up and dresses him for special occasions, he looks
almost distinguished.
Roleplaying Hints: Like Yves, you prefer to work
alone and tend to be quite single-minded where your
concerns. Amanguale’s designs were destroyed, and work is concerned. Having seen for yourself what a
news of his breakthrough work was suppressed. Seeking smart-ass punk you used to be, you have tried to culti-
new markets for his designs, Ernesto contacted the Sons vate the habit of keeping your opinions to yourself when
of Ether (apparently having been somehow aware of around others. You can be downright passionate, though,
their existence for some time) and began to trade his when it comes to the welfare of your family, the Latin
expertise at wringing energy from the cosmos for tute- American community or underprivileged people around
lage in the finer subtleties of Etheric technologies. His the world.
talent and dedication, not to mention the enormous Faction: Progressivist (Hastings Fellowship)
quantities of clean safe power he was able to supply, Essence: Static
earned him a reputation as the Tradition’s “whiz kid,” a Nature: Survivor
rep that follows him to this day. Demeanor: Architect
While his work takes him all over the world, he Attributes: Strength 4 (Iron Grip), Dexterity 3, Stamina 3,
prefers to spend most of his time at his secret workshop Charisma 2, Manipulation 1, Appearance 3, Perception 3,
somewhere in the desert of the American southwest. Intelligence 4 (Creative), Wits 5 (Ever-Ready)
There he and his apprentices explore various avenues of Abilities: Athletics 2, Brawl 4 (Dirty Fighting), Com-
alternative power sources: wind, solar, sonic resonator puter 1, Crafts 5 (Vehicle Customization), Dodge 3,
sinks, fission-fusion reconverters, superconducted plasma Drive 4 (Off-Road), Enigmas 2, Firearms 2, Intimida-
whirls, scalar wave drivers, teleforce transmissions, tion 2, Law 1, Linguistics 1 (Spanish, English), Melee 2,
electrogravitic vortices and the like. His workshop Science 4 (Engineering), Streetwise 3, Survival 1, Tech-
library contains the most extensive collection of technology 5 (Engines)
nical material by or about Nikola Tesla, Ed Leedskalnin,
Backgrounds: Destiny 4, Wonder 3 (La Fuente del
T. Townsend Brown, John Searle, T. Henry Moray and
Ritmo, extradimensional cruiser)
the enigmatic Rho Sigma to be found in one location.
Arete: 4
Amanguale’s personal obsession is refining and
controlling the phenomenon of “Zero-Point Energy Spheres: Correspondence 2, Forces 4, Matter 3, Prime 3,
Conversion,” wherein the Ether itself is transformed Time 2
directly into energy, seemingly appearing from empty Willpower: 8
space. Ernesto is passionately devoted to the downfall of Quintessence: 9
what he calls the “petroleum tyranny,” and he envisions Paradox: 5
a golden age of free energy for all. Over the years, he has Resonance: (Dynamic) Violent 1, (Static) Controlled 2
secretly converted a number of households (and their

Niki Yemana (“Discoid Diva”) had fully Awakened and could pilot the disk through
Background: Born to a long line of Hawaiian pearl aeronautically impossible maneuvers while she stood or
divers and trained in underwater recovery and salvage, sat atop it.
Niki has little patience for theory or data-sifting. She An ardent conservationist, she began using her
prefers a hands-on approach when delving into the power to attack ocean polluters, unregulated whalers
unknown. The Yemana clan has received international and other environmental criminals. Her actions drew
acclaim for exemplary participation in several marine the attention of the Sons of Ether, who recruited her
rescue operations, but it is also intimately connected and attempted to apply their Science to understanding
with the Pacific underworld and has narrowly evaded her wondrous disk. The Tradition definitely considers
charges of black market trading in salvaged antiquities. her a loose cannon, however, as her exploits draw
Niki knows better than anyone alive what sort of unwelcome attention. On her 18th birthday, Niki and
ancient treasures and wonders lie in shipwrecks on the several other radical mages removed a massive oil spill
ocean floor, and she has swam through streets and from the Indian Ocean by teleporting it to the opposite
buildings that have not seen daylight for tens of thou- side of the planet (where it was precipitated upon the
sands of years. owner of the responsible petrochemical company as he
In 1995, when Niki was 12, her family hauled up a sat in the courtyard of his family mansion in west
strange convex disk of some unidentifiable stony metal Texas). In the two years since then, however, Yemana
or metallic stone, almost two meters in diameter, with has learned to keep a somewhat lower profile, mainly to
slight concave depressions in the center of either side protect her family, while she heals from the massive
and covered with incomprehensible markings. Finding Paradox Backlash that nearly claimed the lives of her
neither buyer nor use for the thing, they installed it in entire cabal.
their garden as a birdbath, near young Niki’s private Image: Now 20 years old, Niki is barely over five
hiding-place among the hedges. Her proximity to the feet tall, with a supple, compact swimmer’s body and
object seemed to inspire strange dreams while she napped Asian features that might be considered plain were it
in the garden, dreams that later grew into waking not for the enthusiastic gleam in her eyes and her
visions of a highly advanced civilization occupying a mischievous smile. Spiraling Paradox burn scars cover
large continent in the Pacific Ocean. most of her body, reaching up her neck to touch her
Once, awakening from such a dream, she saw the cheeks. Her long black hair is generally kept in a tight
disk hovering a foot above the pedestal that supported braid or ponytail. She usually wears a wetsuit, leotard or
it. Instinctively applying a child’s natural curiosity to other sporty form-fitting outfit.
the phenomenon, Niki learned that she could direct the Roleplaying Hints: Restless to the point of hyper-
disk to move by attuning her thoughts to it, and in time activity, you have trouble sitting still for long. You need
discovered other properties as well. By the age of 15, she to be where the action is, preferably in the center of it.
Though tempered by recent experience, you have diffi-
culty containing your anger — or your enthusiasm.
While you are never cruel, you tend to rage out when
confronted with sins against ecology.
Faction: Dissident
Essence: Dynamic
Nature: Fanatic
Demeanor: Thrill-Seeker
Attributes: Strength 4 (Powerful Shoulders), Dexterity 5
(Lithe), Stamina 5 (Resilient), Charisma 3, Manipulation 2,
Appearance 2, Perception 2, Intelligence 2, Wits 3
Abilities: Athletics 4 (Swimming), Awareness 3, Brawl 3,
Computer 1, Dodge 5 (Leap), Drive 2, Enigmas 3,
Firearms 1, Linguistics 1 (English, Japanese), Occult 1,
Stealth 2, Streetwise 2, Survival 3
Backgrounds: Dream 2, Wonder 4 (Disk)
Arete: 3
70 Sons of Ether
Spheres: Correspondence 3, Life 1, Matter 1, Prime 1, Image: Harris is a somewhat handsome black man
Spirit 1 who looks slightly younger than his chronological age of
Willpower: 4 43 years. While not particularly strong or athletic, he
Quintessence: 3 keeps in excellent shape through an alternative health
Paradox: 8 care regimen that includes advanced yogic techniques,
martial arts and meditating in an orgone box. While not
Resonance: (Dynamic) Volatile 3
exactly vain, he is constantly experimenting with his
Ronald N. Harris, MD physical appearance, adopting hair and clothing styles
(“Doctor Orgone”) that range from the flamboyantly garish to the classi-
Background: Doctor Harris claims to have been cally understated.
born in 1920, and as a young naval corpsman stationed Roleplaying Hints: You consciously try to main-
in Philadelphia, he was assigned to the USS Eldridge tain a cheerful and easy-going demeanor, as your studies
(DE 173) on August 12, 1943. The expanses of copper have consistently demonstrated that a positive attitude
coils covering the ship’s hull didn’t bother him much; is integral to good health. You become dead serious,
he had been in the navy long enough to know about however, in the presence of major threats to life and
degaussing and anti-radar measures. But when the fa- health. You also have a fascination with the period of
miliar thrum of the ship increased to a sickening buzz, American history that you missed by accidentally tra-
green mists arose from the sea’s surface and shimmering versing time. You consider the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s to be
crackling lights filled the air, Harris decided it was time the most important phases of social evolution, and you
to de-enlist without notice. Leaping overboard, he have cultivated many of the looks and mannerisms of
experienced a bone-jarring jolt as if he had passed those eras.
through a wall of electricity, momentarily stunning Faction: Progressivist/Utopian League (Noetic Engi-
him. Looking back, he had a glimpse of the Eldridge neers)
surrounded by a flattened globe of crackling green mist, Essence: Pattern
just as it flickered and vanished into thin air. Nature: Celebrant
Once Harris made his way to shore and got his Demeanor: Bon Vivant
bearings, he found he had two problems. One, he was no Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4 (Swift), Stamina 4
longer in Philadelphia Harbor in 1943, but just off shore (Pain Resistant), Charisma 4 (Social Flexibility), Ma-
from what he later learned to be Norfolk, Virginia, circa nipulation 2, Appearance 3, Perception 3, Intelligence 2,
1983. Two, he periodically found his limbs and some- Wits 2
times his whole body fading from transparency to Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 4 (Auras), Brawl 3,
invisibility. Sometimes he would even become com- Crafts 2 (Clothing), Dodge 3, Drive 3, Etiquette 2,
pletely immaterial and massless, floating off through
walls or into the ground. Harris found it easier to adapt
to the world of the future than to his paraphysical
affliction, and he delved into the lore of the body
seeking a cure.
In the course of working toward a medical degree,
he toured the world studying yogis, acupuncturists, faith
healers and psychic surgeons, becoming extremely well
versed in occult physiology and the researches of
Wilhelm Reich. His studies brought him to the atten-
tion of the Sons of Ether in 1990, and by 1995 he had
become sufficiently Awakened to exert some control
over his chronic immateriality. He has since used his
abilities to advocate alternative medicine and to fight
fraud and corruption within the pharmaceutical-indus-
trial complex. He also holds a special grudge against the
military and maintains active contact with veterans and
retirees who believe they were subjected to experimen-
tal assignments without their knowledge or consent.

Firearms 3, Medicine 5 (Reichian Therapy), Medita- and lost himself in drink. His besotted ramblings about
tion 5 (Biofeedback), Melee 2, Occult 4 (New Age), the “witch girl” were overheard by certain members of
Science 4 (Biology), Stealth 2, Streetwise 2, Survival 2 the shadow military, and Arlene, by then in her mid-
Backgrounds: Avatar 3, Library 3 20s, found herself forcibly recruited into a top-secret
Arete: 4 remote-viewing program.
Spheres: Correspondence 3, Life 4, Matter 1, Mind 2, Prime 1, While she cooperated to protect herself, her extra-
Spirit 3 sensory scans ranged much wider (and closer to home)
Willpower: 7 than she ever reported. The unnamed agency that kept
Quintessence: 7 her noted her unusual skills and eventually came to trust
Paradox: 2 her enough to train her as a field agent (specializing in
Resonance: (Dynamic) Lively 2, (Static) Balanced 2 missions involving the paranormal, of course). Over the
next few decades, Dietrich became well versed in psy-
Arlene P. Dietrich (many pseudonyms) chological operations, including a number of
Background: Arlene was born during the post- mind-control technologies employed by the New World
WWII baby boom and abandoned at the site of a Order. Arlene suspects that some of these psychotronic
traveling carnival show. Some whisper that her family techniques were used on her, because when she decided
was gypsy, and that they abandoned her because her to defect to the Council of Nine in the early 1990s her
birth was attended by ill omens. Raised by carnies, she behavior became so uncontrollably erratic that only the
quickly developed an amazing capacity for the mental lunatic fringe of any Tradition would have anything to
chores of carnival work — counting money and heads, do with her. (Which means that she is less shunned by
spotting troublemakers or easy marks, memorizing long the Sons of Ether than others.)
verbose speeches used to greet guests, introduce feature When she defected, Dietrich took with her a load of
shows and hawk cotton candy. information concerning Technocratic control agents
“The Incomparable Detruccini” recognized her and the techniques they use to shape public belief and
aptitude and trained her to assist in his mentalist act thus influence the Consensus. Arlene is dedicated to
(along with tutoring her in a host of related skills such using these same techniques to insinuate true magic
as close observation, memorizing details, disguise, con- (lacking a proper Etherite indoctrination, she does not
cealment, picking locks and picking pockets.). Arlene call it capital-S Science) into the Consensual world-
helped the aging prestidigitator for many years, and he view, loosening the constraints of Paradox for all mages
became such a father figure to her that she even took his and hopefully even resulting in mass Awakenings of the
real last name as her own. When she started to exhibit general populace. She especially works to promote
real psychic powers — telepathy and clairvoyance — widely known fringe beliefs — UFOs, psychic powers,
“Detruccini” became frightened of her, left the carnival Atlantis, the Bermuda Triangle, Nessie and Bigfoot —
considering such Sleeper-garbled accounts to be the
gateway through which humanity may be reintroduced
to its spiritual nature.
Her modus operandi involves a plethora of quick-
change disguises, stolen identities, scams and frauds all
contrived to expose or discredit those who manipulate
public opinion for petty ends — teachers, science popu-
larizers, news anchors, experts and analysts, advertising
executives, lawyers, politicians, corporate public rela-
tions officers, et cetera, ad infinitum, ad nauseam.
In her most successful ongoing scheme, she adopts
the guise of aging stage magician The Amazing Lee
Randie and, with the aid of some neo-situationist prank-
sters, heads up the “Scientific Committee Investigating
Claims Of Normality.” Sponsored by a non-existent
governmental agency and backed by an invisible heap
of money from an ever-changing list of theoretical
corporations, SCICON investigates influential indi-
viduals who use the idea of normalcy as an unquestioned
72 Sons of Ether
assumption when presenting their views to the public have much of a “softer side.” You want to save the world,
— politicians, religious leaders, health experts and and you love humanity in an abstract way, but most
privately sponsored scientists. Purveyors of the ordinary individuals just piss you off somehow.
are attacked with arguments both cogent and spurious Faction: Utopian League (Shadow Ministry)
that dissect the notion of normality to show that it has Essence: Primordial
no application to reality. If the target responds belliger- Nature: Director
ently, ad hominem arguments and embarrassing personal
Demeanor: (any)
revelations are also deployed. Arlene’s private project
involves using COINTELPRO tactics to start an assas- Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2, Cha-
sins’ war between her old commanders from psych-ops, risma 3, Manipulation 5 (Deceiver), Appearance 1,
who she believes to be responsible for the murder of her Perception 4 (Experienced), Intelligence 5 (Good
foster father, “Detruccini.” Memory), Wits 5 (Sharp)
Image: Devoid of makeup or disguise, Arlene is a Abilities: Alertness 4 (Espionage), Athletics 2, Brawl 3,
nondescript white woman in her mid to late 50s, with Crafts 3 (Locksmith), Dodge 2, Drive 4 (Losing Tails),
dirty blond hair, pale gray eyes and an unusually wiry Etiquette 3, Expression 4 (Bullshitting), Firearms 3,
build for a woman her age, standing around 5’ 7”. She Investigation 3, Law 3, Leadership 3, Linguistics 4 (En-
never appears without makeup or disguise, however, glish, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish,
and when dealing with other mages she affects a primly Turkish), Melee 2, Performance 4 (Acting), Stealth 5 (Shad-
businesslike appearance (unless circumstances dictate owing), Streetwise 3, Subterfuge 5 (Politics)
otherwise.) Backgrounds: Allies 3, Arcane 5, Contacts 5, Re-
Roleplaying Hints: Brutally pragmatic, you have sources 3
little patience with the eccentricity and foibles of Arete: 4
Etherites and other mages. You are perfectly aware that Spheres: Correspondence 2, Entropy 2, Life 1, Mind 4,
this does not win over friends or allies, though, and you Time 1
are quite capable of acting charming, flamboyant or Willpower: 9
sympathetic, as the occasion demands. You know what Quintessence: 4
genuine human closeness is, but life experiences have Paradox: 1
hardened you against it. Those few who penetrate your Resonance: (Entropic) Withering 3, (Static) Cold 4
character armor are shocked to find that you don’t really
Nothing But Science

Etherite characters have the will, diversity the Tradition. Promising work can also lead to Re-
and background to support a chronicle by sources grants and even access to a Node.
themselves. Other Traditions can serve as Unfortunately there are never enough benefits to
tenuous allies or antagonists, or they need go around and, in the post-Paradigma age, it’s easier for
never appear at all. The Tradition’s inter- an ambitious Scientist to pass off others’ work as his
nal politics provide their own hooks, so own. Tradition law severely punishes such transgres-
the Sons of Ether have plenty do in their sions, but high-status Scientists rarely have to fear that
labs and halls before encountering foreign an Ethics Council Tribunal will believe the piss-ant
mysticism or science. The following are a little Researcher who really invented his latest master-
few possibilities for Ether-centric games. work. If the “piss-ant Researcher” is a player’s character,
then she’ll obviously want some redress. An entire story
Internal Struggles can spring from her attempts to build a case against a
Ether Science is intensely personal, passionate and rival Scientist.
competitive. Scientists who uncover new phenomena Not all struggles revolve around academic fraud.
or invent truly unique devices are richly rewarded. The players’ Scientists might be working on exactly the
Plagiarists, copycats and uninspired Etherites quickly same project as their rivals. The first to publish will reap
crawl to the academic scrap heap. In game terms, new the glory. Rival cabals can race for the same invention,
discoveries and inventions are the primary means to archaeological dig or discovery. The winner discovers
acquire Allies, Mentor and Chantry Backgrounds from

the truth about spontaneous human combustion or enigmas. The Technocracy would take that right from
builds a better rocket pack; the losers either hold a humanity. Not only does it crush the inquisitiveness
grudge that can influence the next story, or they learn that leads to Awakening, it ill-prepares Sleepers for
to admire the victors. Of course, it’s possible to be dangerous phenomena that, like a Trojan Horse, slip
gracious and work with your rivals, but how often do you through the gates of reason and sanity.
suppose that happens? Many Sons of Ether practice Science that is little
Finally, the problem of the Dissidents — so-called different on the surface from its Technocratic counter-
“Mad Scientists” — can be a constant thorn in the parts. They don’t accept the absolute primacy of
characters’ side. Dissidents are utterly amoral, socially reductionist Reason, but they understand much of the
isolated and calculating. Because they hide themselves same nuclear physics, biology and psychology as the
from the rest of the Tradition, they are less afraid of the Union does. Some Etherites might even offer cautious
consequences of stealing research. Sometimes it so assistance to a Technocrat working on a beneficial
happens that a Mad Scientist’s current work is the same project, but they know that anything they contribute to
as a player’s character’s work, but with a disturbing help or heal will be spread throughout the Conventions
twist. Aside from giving an opportunity for self-reflec- and exploited for every possible application. Few Scien-
tion, the players’ characters’ cabal might be the group tists want to see their innovations turned into weapons
best suited to stop the madman’s insane schemes. or another tool to dominate humanity, so these ex-
changes are rare.
Mystical Antagonists In many ways, the Sons of Ether are the funhouse
The other Traditions can be potent allies, but an reflections of “straight man” Technocrats. Shadow
irreverent Scientist makes enemies when he ignores or Ministry secret agents stalk the halls of power with
profanes their beliefs. Other times, the conflict can be bizarre weapons in hand, concocting mad plans that
purely materialistic. Ether Science needs Nodes! It advance Ether Science and send up the intelligence
needs captured aliens! (Spirits? How quaint.) Why culture so beloved by the NWO. Cybernaut roboticists
should the greatest Scientists in the world help a bunch pit their idiosyncratic automata against Iteration X’s
of throwbacks maintain their brutish superstitions in legion of mass-produced drones. Against Technocrats,
the backwaters of the world! Ave Ether! Of course, it it’s advisable to play up the contrasting attitudes toward
needn’t be that obvious, but culture clashes can happen. authority, their sense of style and their general level of
Despite decades of progress, many Etherites still uphold eccentricity.
the colonial biases of their European forebears. Com- One interesting variant would be to run a Mage
bine that bias with a belief in a rational, “better” game in which no mystics play a part. They’ve all fallen
explanation for every supernatural phenomenon, and to the Union or been incorporated into the Sons of
mystic compatriots are bound to take offense. Ether as particularly strange branches of Science. The
Etherites are proud of their ethics. Dissidents and Technocracy and the Sons of Ether fight to determine
radical Progressivists might challenge moral norms, but the place of technology in society. The Technocracy
most Scientists obey an idealistic conscience. Other uses it to strengthen institutions and enforce privilege;
Traditions (notably the Euthanatos, the Order of Hermes the Sons of Ether use it to bring chaos, doubt and
and the Akashic Brotherhood) are mercilessly prag- renewal into the world. In another variant, the Sons of
matic at times. Hardly strangers to murder in dark Ether could actually be members of a Technocracy that
corners, members of these Traditions have the most runs in much the same way as the United Nations, as a
chilling philosophical justifications for their acts. Un- freethinking alliance of rogue Scientists who trade
der Utopian guidance, Etherites are eager to uphold diplomatic threats and secrets blows with the Five
their code, even to the point of taking up arms against Conventions. The Mage Storytellers Handbook offers
an offender. several excellent examples of alternative games that are
Technocratic Antagonists especially suited to the Sons of Ether.
Technocrats might support a kind of Science, but The Joy of Discovery
their skepticism and self-interest do not endear them to One of the biggest obstacles to overcome in a Mage
the Sons of Ether. Science is supposed to better human- game is the problem of solipsism. Many players will
ity, not control it. According to the Kitab al-Alacir, argue that if they can explain something in their
everyone is experimenting with their lives. Everyone character’s paradigm, then that’s all that it is. Knowl-
separates truth from falsehood and fights to understand edge and in-game clues aren’t necessary. This is untrue,
74 Sons of Ether
of course; paradigm is a filter for knowledge, not a the Sons of Ether had little to no presence here, he could
substitute for it. Fortunately, the Etherite paradigm have his pick of Sleeper assistants and research.
upholds the idea that most of the Tellurian is unknown. So instead of returning to the rainforest, he decided
Everything is real in some sense, but humanity blocks to become a Scientific explorer. When he approached
out most of it. Understanding consists of going into the the Nazca plains, his Ether-meters spiked off the scale,
unknown and, slowly but surely, expanding one’s mind but the regular throng of alien astronaut aficionados,
to accept what you discover and incorporate it into a site interpreters and visiting occultists made a lone,
consistent whole. discreet study of the site impossible. He needed money
Ether Scientists study natural anomalies, history, and a fronting organization, and — most importantly —
mythology, archaeology, psychology and other disci- he needed other Scientists to help him look around and
plines to uncover what most of humanity cannot. pose as perfectly normal archaeologists.
Sometimes Sleepers forget what they accomplished in Kararoshi wasn’t a well-connected Scientist, but he
the past, so the Tradition searches for places like Atlantis knew how to work an angle. His unusual personal
and Mu and rebuilds the machines described in ancient history helped him hook up with the Progressivists, who
books and stories. Enigmatic events intrude from alter- were eager to see what a former hunter-gatherer had to
nate realities: worlds that were or might have been. The say about the state of Ether Science and culture. For the
Sons of Ether look for common phenomena from differ- price of a few papers in Paradigma on “encountering
ent sources because such things imply that cosmological civilization for the first time,” he curried enough admi-
constants exist that mages have yet to identify. This ration to set up an academic think tank called the New
search is especially important, as it might eventually Archaeology Group (or NAG), staff it with Sleepers
uncover the laws that Ether itself obeys. and pay the Peruvian government for private access to
Storytellers can use this potential as a license to pull the Nazca Lines. Ether Scientists trickled in for a piece
out all the stories that they have shelved for not being of the action, but Kararoshi selected only the few with
consistent with Mage metaphysics (whatever that whom he could get along.
means). Fortean events, ancient astronauts, alien pyra- Unfortunately, the NAG attracted the attention of
mid builders, Lemuria, telluric current conspiracies the Technocracy, which began to discreetly spy on the
involving the crowned heads of Europe — each are Scientists’ fieldwork. Kararoshi and his fellow Scientist
fringe theories that can be mined for an Ether Science Doctor Fang concentrated their observations on the
story. Libraries, bookstores and the Internet are gold great “Orion Spider” lines, looking for the source of its
mines of conspiracies and questionable reasoning that odd Etheric activity. Noting their progress, the Union
you can use to enhance a Scientific chronicle. sent an amalgam to investigate. Arriving with Peruvian
government credentials and digging equipment, it was
The Nazca Saints: greeted by an irate Kararoshi, touching off a week-long
An Etherite Cabal hide-and-seek battle across the plains.
Any fringe theorist can tell you about the “ancient Cornered by agents, NAG Etherites co-operated on
spaceport” of Peru’s Nazca Lines, but only a handful of a complex teleportation procedure. At the last moment,
people know about the secret hangars that lie beneath. Kararoshi intervened, entering coordinates derived from
These “Nazca Saints” can tell you that the hovering the geometric proportions of the lines themselves. The
craft that lie within are human-built — and that this is Effect went off and the Scientists went underground to
only one of several caches around the world that attest a remote hidden cavern.
to a more wondrous history than most people are brought Liquid-filled yellow rods illuminated the cavern’s
up to believe. carved walls, and three spacecraft hung in the air at its
center. A perfectly smooth tube led to the surface,
History several miles from the lines themselves. The Scientists
The Nazca Saints’ founder, Kararoshi, returned to put their skills to work warding the place from intrusion
his birthplace in 1998. After completing an arduous then hiked back to the surface, finding the sun behind
post as a Research Assistant in England, the Amazonian a concealed door in the rock. The NAG left Peru, but
Etherite returned to Peru to make sense of who he was. not before publicly demonstrating Etheric flight tech-
Although he intended to return to the Amazon, brief nology to distract the Technocracy.
jaunts through its cities awakened a real interest in the The three spacecraft still sit in their hangar, but the
nation that he’d spent much of his life ignoring. Since “Insidious” Doctor Fang recognized some of their mark-

ings from a Zhou Dynasty earthquake-detection device. The Nazca Saints do trust certain Etherites with their
Now called the “Nazca Saints,” the cabal investigates secrets, but it will take time and effort to build such a
ancient sites and myths around the world, looking for rapport.
technological inspirations — including common ele- The Saints can also bring Technocratic heat down
ments that point to an advanced prehistoric culture. on the characters, fleeing to them for common assis-
tance against an amalgam. Conversely, the Saints might
Mission have met an amalgam that’s chasing the characters
The Nazca Saints are famous for three things: their before and could provide advice.
debauchery, their secrecy regarding their research and Finally, the Nazca Saints can be found anywhere in
their clashes with the Technocracy. the world, making them excellent local contacts or
The Saints travel around the globe looking for desperate allies when characters travel. Despite their
ancient technologies. In addition to studying archaeol- secrecy, they are loyal Sons of Ether, willing to help a
ogy, history and mythology to find likely sites, the group mage in need.
also tries to reproduce the devices it does find as well as
those discovered by others. Thanks to their efforts, Members
Etherite understanding of oddities such as the Lemurian While Kararoshi is the group’s nominal head, the
Power Runes has advanced considerably. Nazca Saints know each other well enough that they
They work under the aegis of normal universities don’t need much of a hierarchy. Doctor Fang handles
and endowments as much as possible, but after being the group’s security.
identified by the Technocracy, they’ve been careful to Kristina Amis is a Utopian who researches the
use assumed identities whenever possible. All are ada- social benefits of the Saints’ discoveries. The Noeticist
mant about keeping their discoveries out of the hands of specializes in psychoactive drugs and mental health. In
the Technocracy. The Union would like nothing more emergencies, she carries a dart gun that delivers special-
than to analyze and then expunge their artifacts so that ized tranquilizers and hallucinogens. Amis joined the
it can preserve conventional history. Doctor Fang Saints to study indigenous Andean drugs. Kararoshi
handles most of the security; with his help, the cabal has hoped that Amis could decode the Nazca Lines under a
even set up a headquarters in Macao and defended it drugged, extraordinary state of consciousness. Even
against two assaults. though that line of inquiry wasn’t very fruitful, she
Aside from their work, the Saints are extraordinary managed to pull her weight against the Technocracy,
partygoers, given to extreme sports followed by epic employing drugs and psionics to cover the cabal’s tracks.
benders. While this makes them remarkably gregarious Aside from her drug research, Amis now adapts all sorts
for a group with so many secrets, the fact is that constant of ancient chemical discoveries for modern use.
fear of the Technocracy combined with constant secret Amis is a thin, haggard woman, given to smoking a
research is incredibly stressful. Explosive parties usually pipe between scrawling chemical formulae and medi-
follow a major dig or a discovery in the lab, but the group tating in a sensory-deprivation chamber. Her clothes
explains them away as celebrating birthdays or obscure are loose and vibrant, dyed using ancient techniques
holidays. Sons of Ether call them “Saints’ Days,” and that she’s revived over the course of the Saints’ work.
look forward to them. Antoine Caesar was a discreet employee of the
Using the Nazca Saints British Museum. Specializing in “extraordinary acquisi-
tions,” he comes from a long line of art thieves that the
Storytellers can introduce the cabal through one of museum used to pry pieces from the hands of private
their renowned parties, but there are other ways that the collectors. In 1988, he Awakened in the midst of
Saints can cross paths with characters. For one thing, stealing a bit of obscure Renaissance jewelry. He never
the Nazca Saints make up a small enough group that expected the so-called “Viasilicos” to flare with white
they do need other experts to assist them. If one of the light — or display the image of a very surprised looking
characters is versed in a Sphere or Ability that the man on its facets. He left the artifact and fled, employ-
Saints aren’t very skilled at, they might approach her. ing more and more Scientific trickery to conceal himself
They offer as little evidence or explanation as possible, from possible pursuit. His paranoia protected him; his
but the artifacts and data that they are forced to share contact at the museum was murdered and the house he
can be very tantalizing. Characters who are asked to had burgled burned to the ground. Obsessed with the
examine ancient stone models of rockets or cuneiform
descriptions of gunpowder are liable to ask questions.
76 Sons of Ether
secret of the Viasilicos, his research eventually led him ened talent, taught him to master English and gave
to the Kitab al-Alacir and, in the end, the Sons of Ether. him a copy of the Kitab al-Alacir.
After a hasty apprenticeship, his Professors agreed Kararoshi was elated by the book — and troubled.
to send him as far away as possible. He joined the Saints If the laws of the universe were mutable and subjective,
in the Peruvian wilderness, where his talent for stealth then his own accomplishments could never really rep-
and duplicity helped them avoid problems with the resent progress. They were just a choice. He returned to
local government. Even though they had to flee, he still Peru so that he could put his Science beside his family’s
fulfils the same role, using his investigative Science and old lifestyle and decide for himself which path he
talents for forgery and bureaucracy to help the cabal wanted to follow.
enter protected ruins and study secret documents. In the end, he chose Science; its lure was too great
to refuse, especially since he was the only Ether Scien-
Professor Kararoshi tist in Peru. When he visited the Nazca Lines and sensed
Professor Kararoshi grew up in the Amazon rainforest their power, he found a solution to his dilemma. If
with the rest of his family. As dedicated hunter-gather- Science was a recurring feature of all cultures, then he
ers, they took pains to distance themselves from could assert that it lay with his own people, just waiting
missionaries, government officials and other blunder- to express itself. As a result, he formed the NAG and,
ing outsiders. Other Amazonians never seemed to benefit after being chased out of Peru, the Nazca Saints. Finding
from dealing with settled people, so aside from occa- ancient Science still obsesses him, but he eventually
sional trade, Kararoshi’s people politely refused aid, wants to find his family and take stock of his long,
salvation through the Church and interested anthro- strange journey. Meanwhile, he and the Saints roam the
pologists. Communication was complicated by the fact world, celebrating the discoveries as they come.
that none of Kararoshi’s family used personal names; Image: Kararoshi is a small, broad-shouldered, 32-
they identified each other by physical features, kinship year-old man. His native Amazonian ancestry gives him
or shared stories. long black hair and dark skin, accentuated by the
Unfortunately, the rainforest shrank to the point spotless whites and khakis he wears in the field. His
that the clan could barely avoid outside interference. stern face is offset by a boyish voice.
They reluctantly agreed to trade medicines and crafts Roleplaying Hints: Don’t call anybody by name
with a related tribe that had settled by the forest’s edge. unless you have to; it’s a social convention you never
Here, the teenager who would become Kararoshi dem- really mastered. You’re direct to the point of rudeness,
onstrated a remarkable aptitude with engines and but that sincerity cuts both ways because you don’t hold
electronics. Thanks to his talents, his family soon ac- back your praise, either. You know that your unusual
quired more than it knew what to do with. Weighed background endears you to naïve Progessivists and pro-
down by possessions, Kararoshi’s family merged with vokes curiosity. You try to resist temptation, but
the other clan. In deference to local customs he was
baptized under the name “Jorge,” but the ugly, unpro-
nounceable sound of it was eventually softened. Happy
to exercise his talents, Kararoshi took to the settled life
with enthusiasm. His parents were less elated. They
hated farming and hated their son for trapping them in
daily drudgery. Soon, Kararoshi was living in his own
house on the opposite side of town, hanging his head
whenever his family passed by.
When Kararoshi was 21, Peruvian officials vis-
ited the settlement. To their amazement, the little
village now had its own power grid, water purifica-
tion system and farming machinery, all thanks to
Kararoshi. Solar-powered and self-sufficient, his de-
signs earned him a scholarship at the state university
of his choice. So, to spite his parents as much as to
develop his talents, Kararoshi went to Oxford. An
Etherite engineering professor noticed his Awak-

nevertheless, you do enjoy toying with people who Unfortunately, the old inventions, robes and ward-
expect you to be more noble or savage than they are. robe he maintained caused problems, as Communist
You do want to reconcile your past with the Scientific Party members occasionally railed against him for
life, but that’s really none of anyone’s business, is it? In being “counterrevolutionary.” He lost several collec-
the absence of any satisfying answers, you’re better off tions in the purges, but as China become more
enjoying yourself. Each completed mission is, at least, a accepting, he was able to rebuild much of it.
victory for Science. As such, it should be celebrated. Eventually, Fang’s skill as an archaeologist allowed
Science: Your Science is eclectic and practical, him to leave China for conferences and lectures. For his
focusing on amazing machines, jury-rigging and exotic first visit to America, he planned to unveil his newest
power sources. Ancient technologies discovered over recreation: a bronze and clay automaton that he built
years of research add to your already diverse methods. based on fragments from Ch’in Shi-Huangdi’s tomb. He
You enjoy enhancing mundane vehicles and tools, but Awakened as he finished the ancient robot, but he
investigative Science is at the core of your work. You wouldn’t be able to share his newfound wisdom with his
reproduce mythological machines so that you can un- hosts at UCLA.
lock the true seeds of human progress. The night before his lecture, Men in Black broke
Faction: None into the lecture hall to steal the automaton and destroy
Essence: Questing Fang’s notes. What they didn’t bargain on was that Fang
Nature: Perfectionist was still there, preparing his inventions for the day’s
Demeanor: Thrill-Seeker events. With his Awakened skill, he turned the robot
and all of his other inventions against the invaders.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4 (Steady), Stamina 4
When they broke through the last ranks of mechanical
(Tireless), Charisma 2, Manipulation 4 (Builds Enthusi-
lions, noxious potions and jade curtains, the Techno-
asm), Appearance 2, Perception 4 (Excellent Hearing),
crats might have captured him, but two Etherites who’d
Intelligence 4 (Mechanical Aptitude), Wits 4 (Impro-
gone to UCLA for the presentation intervened.
vising)
Fang fled with them and joined the Sons of Ether.
Abilities: Academics 3, Alertness 3, Athletics 4 (Hunt-
Where other Scientists cultivated an adventurous im-
ing), Awareness 3, Brawl 2, Computer 3, Dodge 3, Drive 3,
age, Fang chose to take on a persona that he felt would
Enigmas 4 (Ancient Diagrams), Firearms 2, Leadership
dissuade interlopers while providing a bit of amuse-
3, Medicine 3, Occult 3, Science (Chemistry) 5 (Met-
ment. Thus, Fang Qinbao became the Insidious Doctor
allurgy), Survival 5 (Rainforest), Technology 5 (Using
Fang, the shadowy villain whose green robes hide a
Old Parts)
thousand deadly inventions.
Backgrounds: Avatar 4, Arcane 3, Library 3, Resources 4
Fang’s expertise made him an ideal member of
Arete: 5 Kararoshi’s team, and his affectations helped the New
Spheres: Correspondence 3, Forces 3, Life 3, Matter 4,
Prime 4
Willpower: 9
Quintessence: 12
Resonance: (Pattern) Mechanical, (Primordial) Dark,
(Dynamic) Curved
The Insidious Doctor Fang
Fang Qinbao was obsessed with myths about the
Yellow Emperor. It was said that the legendary mon-
arch brought all the arts of civilization to China: the
loom, silk and writing were all counted among the
inventions of his court. Young Fang was an inventor
himself, but his fascination for the past drove him into
archaeology. In his spare time, he re-created Zhou
Dynasty machines based on fragmentary remnants and
descriptions. He became renowned for his ability to
interpret historical sites after teaching himself the
dialects and mannerisms of several different periods.
78 Sons of Ether
Archaeology Group fend off pursuing Technocrats. When actual Scientific work needs to be done, you
Fang discovered that, as long as he played the Asiatic sequester yourself in the lab or on the field until you
villain to the hilt, Technocrats would fall in step, from have something worth sharing. Suppositions and half
wasting their time with his hired men to falling for measures never cut it with you, which is why your
improbable traps. It was as if the stereotype was too exchanges with fellow roboticists are so well received
ingrained to resist. despite the unusual pedigrees of your inventions.
Now Doctor Fang divides his time between serious Science: Your Science revolves around robots,
Science, maintaining the Nazca Saints’ Macao safe clockworks, Ether-collection and -manipulation de-
house and supervising the cabal’s finances and consors. vices, all based on a combination of reconstructed
Of course, this gives him a chance to build a secret ancient techniques and cutting-edge materials science.
headquarters defended by strange machines and a le- You use Feng Shui combined with specific light fre-
gion of followers, but he insists that this is just a beneficial quencies for Mind Effects.
side effect of his duties. Faction: Cybernauts
Image: Doctor Fang wears long, painstakingly em- Essence: Pattern
broidered robes, long, lustrous black hair and a jeweled Nature: Architect
ring on each finger. Only his tennis shoes and pager Demeanor: Deviant
(which tends to go off in the middle of a speech) are
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 3, Cha-
markedly out of place. When he’s in the lab, he usually
risma 4 (Intimidating), Manipulation 3, Appearance 2,
has the sleeves hiked back with a lab coat over top and
Perception 2, Intelligence 4 (Strategic Genius), Wits 4
a pair of Ether goggles in place. When he’s fighting the
(Quick Plans)
Saints’ enemies, he usually smiles slightly as if he’s
quietly appreciating a joke. Fang is a young-looking 29 Abilities: Academics (Archaeology) 5 (China), Aware-
year old. ness 3, Computer 3, Dodge 2, Firearms 1, Investigation 3,
Linguistics 1 (Chinese, English), Meditation 2, Occult 4
Roleplaying Hints: Around friends you’re mild
(Chinese), Science (Physics) 4, Technology 5 (Robotics)
mannered and curt, sticking to the facts with a mini-
mum of elaboration. Otherwise, let your vintage bombast Backgrounds: Avatar 3, Library 4, Resources 4, Retain-
loose! ers 4
Stand in the highest spot in the room, yell, “Seize Arete: 4
them!” to your consors and subject your enemies to Spheres: Correspondence 2, Forces 3, Matter 4, Prime 3,
gruesome, overly elaborate, slow-acting fates. In fact, Spirit 2, Time 2
these “death traps” are your way of neutralizing enemies Willpower: 8
without killing them. While they struggle against their Quintessence: 9
bonds and robots, the Nazca Saints can escape — and Resonance: (Primordial) Insidious, (Primordial) Sinis-
you get another amusing anecdote for the next party. ter, (Pattern) Crystalline, (Dynamic) Warm
Courses of Etheric Study

All paths of knowledge meet at the center of other categories to reflect the connections that are
True Wisdom. currently emerging.
Ergonomy and Geonomy

—Kitab al-Alacir
The seminal text of the Sons of Ether
teaches that nothing can be properly stud- The study of different forms of energy, their nature
ied without placing it in context. No part and behavior, and of the properties of various sorts of
of the world can be fully understood unless energetic systems, has always been a cornerstone of
its full relationship with the rest of the Etheric research. Unlike the Order of Hermes, which
world is known. In the past few years, those seeks to attain a transcendental control of energy through
Scientists who try to keep abreast of their fellows’ work pure will, the Sons of Ether prefer to ground their
have begun to notice an interdisciplinary convergence, observations and hypotheses in the material world,
wherein each individual’s special area of expertise in- hence their focus upon the Sphere of Matter. Vacuum
fringes upon the areas explored by others. Many of the tanks, chambers shielded against ambient radiation and
Scientific categories described here are paired with anti-gravity fields may be used to isolate particular

phenomena, but ultimately any theory so derived is
useless unless it can be applied in a workable manner to A Note on Terminology
the physical world at large. The August 2000 issue of Paradigma was the
The various sorts of energy that pervade the uni- last to receive full circulation. While Etherite stud-
verse are seen by the Tradition as merely different ies can still be found scattered about the Digital
vibratory levels of motion within the Ether. Mundane Web, the bulk of the official journal of the Tradi-
scientists and their Technocratic shepherds labori- tion now takes the form of ineptly printed papers,
ously seek mathematical equations that would unite typescript and even handwritten accounts that are
the four basic forces they know (gravity, electromag- privately copied and bulk-mailed among personal
netism, strong and weak nuclear forces). Etherites contacts. Modern Sons of Ether often complain
already understand these forces and others as differing about the corruption of data that they receive from
frequencies of Etheric vibration, operating at different their fellow Scientists, as typographical errors or
scales but related in the same way that musical notes diagrams, schematics and blueprints rendered inde-
resonate according to the harmonic relationship be- cipherable by obsolete copying processes abound.
tween octaves. True magic, or Applied Science, derives This diminishment of central editorial guidance
from attuning one’s own vibrations to the vibratory might reflect a gradual fragmentation of the Tradi-
frequencies of one’s environment. Awakening may be tion in the wake of the Reckoning. While
likened to a sudden recognition of the melody created communications have not broken down entirely,
when one’s voice harmonizes with the voice of the individual Scientists and laboratorial groups tend
world. By contrast, debased Technocratic science has to labor in relative isolation.
left its own actions out of its equations, so it can only One article in the final issue of Paradigma
describe a mechanistic universe running down in ther- called for a coherent and unified terminology to be
modynamic decay and gravitational collapse. In used in describing Etheric studies, especially with
ignoring the consequences of their own — and others’ regard to the paradigms of other Traditions. The
— observations and experiments, they neglect the authors proposed replacing the suffix “-ology” with
part that consciousness plays in keeping the energetic “-onomy,” arguing that the act of identifying and
system of the universe up and running. naming specific phenomena (Greek nomos) was
As man’s perception and prehension of the world more in keeping with the dynamic willworking
expands and intensifies, it has become apparent (to the practiced by all the Traditions, as opposed to the
true Scientist, at least) that the energetic system we call more static process of merely collecting written
planet Earth contains undiscovered levels of organiza- material (logos) that characterizes the Techno-
tion and activity. Sleeper science has yet to determine cratic approach to science. While this new
the underlying patterns of ice ages, polar shifts and other terminology (or “terminonomy”) has not become
global catastrophes, but the Sons of Ether have long standard practice, its usage has been spreading over
known at least a portion of the deep structure that the last couple of years.
informs such planetary changes. This deep structure has Ironically, the young and brash authors of the
been recognized and used by luminaries as diverse as article intended it as a satirical jab at the older
Merlin and Bucky Fuller to accomplish magnificent Victorian Scientists, with their convoluted, un-
physical wonders. Nikola Tesla envisioned using it to wieldy language and monolithic, all-inclusive
transmit free energy to any point from a central broad- theories, but it is the Tradition’s old guard that has
cast tower, initiating the “free energy” that continues to taken the new terms to heart. Already accustomed
fuel animosity between the Tradition and the Technoc- to the tongue-twisting phonetics of their beloved
racy to this day. bygone era, older Etherites love to rattle off such
The ley lines of the ancients can be shown to words as “phenomenonomy” as a challenge to
correspond to Fuller’s geodesic geometry and describe younger initiates. (It must be noted, however, that
the harmonic scale of the planet. Major intersections of a recent paper making the rounds which proposes
these harmonic lines create naturally occurring Nodes to group studies of Unified Field Theory under the
where outpourings of raw Quintessence cause changes heading of “Mononomy” is now believed to be the
in what the Technocracy arrogantly defines as “the work of a Batini infiltrator.)
Laws of Nature,” including electromagnetic and gravi-
80 Sons of Ether
tational anomalies, or a weakening of the Gauntlet that other graph that quantifies the emergence of new ideas
separates the Umbra (“hyperdimensional space”) from into the world (and can therefore be related to the
the material world. In creating their own artificial “jumping Jesus” graph), derived from mathematical
Nodes, mages are actually tapping lesser geodesic inter- permutations of the I Ching. Again, even the McKennas
sections that, with sufficient geometric expertise, can were not entirely certain how to interpret it. They did,
be found at any given point on the surface of the planet. however, name it the “End of History.”
Major intersections include the poles (the former main The Sons of Ether have yet another source that
entrances to the Hollow Earth), the southeastern coast indicates the apocalyptic nature of this date, one
of Florida (one vertex of the infamous Bermuda Tri- from within their own ranks. Dr. Bernhardt Mueller,
angle), the Wyoming gravity vortex, the Nile Delta, the visionary astronomer, asserted the existence of a
Alice Springs in Australia, Lop Nor in China, innumer- gigantic comet-like body that he named “Mirzaba”
able ancient megalithic sites, zones of intense seismic or after a term found in the Kitab al-Alacir. (Al-mirzaba
volcanic activity and various oceanic locales associated in Arabic means “iron hammer” and seems to refer to
with sacred cities of Atlantis, Mu and Lemuria (like the an ultimate test that makes or breaks any working
cyclopean underwater structures recently discovered model or theory, determining its applicability to the
and photographed by Japanese divers). Many Sons of real world.) According to Mueller, Mirzaba follows a
Ether devote their lives to preserving such sites from complex hyperdimensional trajectory that sometimes
Technocratic exploitation. intersects the four dimensions of known space-time,
and has passed close to Earth several times through-
Eschatonomy and out our planet’s existence. Dr. Mueller calculated
Utoponomy that Mirzaba’s next pass would result in a direct hit on
December 22, 2012. While not everyone is con-
Oddly, the end of the world and the perfection of
vinced of this “supercomet’s” existence, those who
the world have come to be seen as parallel studies by
follow Mueller’s theories have been amassing evi-
those Sons of Ether who examine both. A crisis point
dence that Mirzaba already entered the solar system,
now looms on the horizon, well within our lifetimes,
citing the recent eclipse of Pluto by an unidentified
and the Ascension War that some feel has already been
dark body and various slight disturbances in the
lost could be the deciding factor between global destruc-
orbits of the outer planets.
tion and a new golden age for humanity. This crisis
point has even been mathematically determined. It will Confirmation of Mirzaba’s presence would seem to
occur on or about the winter solstice of AD 2012. spell unavoidable doom for all life on Earth, but some
Etherites, considering it in conjunction with the other
This date was contrived independently by a number
theories cited thus far, have proclaimed its arrival as the
of different sources. First, it was the final day of the
turning point for the human species. Such an over-
Mayan calendar. Second, it is the asymptotic limit of
whelming global threat would dissolve sociopolitical
the so-called “jumping Jesus” curve, a graph that plots
antagonisms and unite the race, they argue, spurring
the technological development of mankind. (This theory
humanity on to fulfill its true potential by turning all its
describes how the level of human technology around
resources, knowledge and will toward averting disaster.
the time of Christ — as determined by a ratio of how
A few feel that the crisis could push the general popu-
much work was required to achieve a specific material
lace into a mass Awakening. Among them are some
goal — had doubled by the time of the Renaissance,
who believe that this Awakening might not be re-
doubled again during the Age of Enlightenment, and
stricted to the human race, but that every organism on
doubled again by the dawn of the 20th century. Cur-
Earth — perhaps even the living planet itself — might
rently, the level of technology is increasing at an almost
experience an analogous transformation of conscious-
yearly pace, and within a decade it will approach infin-
ness. Most dismiss such thoughts as grandiose escapism
ity, i.e., the graph line points straight up. Nobody is
but concede that, given the relatively small amount of
quite sure what this means, though. It seems to suggest,
time left, a global Awakening of six-billion-plus mages
especially to Utopians, that every possible invention or
might be the only thing that could save the world. This
scientific breakthrough will be realized at that time.)
theory has thus become the integral philosophy of some
Third — and even more arcane — it is the endpoint of
hardcore Utopians who foresee true heaven on Earth —
the Timewave of Terrence and Dennis McKenna, an-
if the world avoids destruction.

Archeonomy and polar ice cap is thought to be a copy of a Caycid original.
Paleonomy
The Sons of Ether are always seeking similar artifacts.
Other even more ancient cultures have been
Every Tradition retains some myth concerning a hologeodetically resurrected, mostly in and around
primeval paradise or golden age of antiquity and credits the Pacific Ocean where fabled Mu and Lemuria were
itself with preserving the wisdom of the ancients. Al- reputed to exist. These cultures have yet to be distin-
though the Sons of Ether often dismiss such beliefs as guished and identified, but retroscopic imaging
baseless mysticism, they nonetheless agree that the confirms that some of these cultures were not human
history of civilization extends farther back than is gen- but created by intelligent terrestrial species that had
erally supposed. The work of Stanislaus Wojciehowicz evolved earlier. Human and proto-human civiliza-
and his hologeodetic retroscope, if it can be accepted at tions comparable to the Caycid Atlanteans were
face value, not only confirms this view but expands preceded by an extremely violent non-technological
upon it to a startling degree. The vivid images of the culture of large flightless birds, the land-faring mam-
living past that he draws up from the earth have inten- malian ancestors of whales and dolphins, and a highly
sified the ongoing revolution in how human ancestry, advanced civilization of intelligent dinosaurs tenta-
prehistoric mammals, dinosaurs and even the origins of tively named “dinonychus” by other scientists who
life itself are perceived. While Sleeper archeologists have hypothesized their existence.
painstakingly and laboriously brush the dust from the In October of 1999, Wojciehowicz made a rare
meager remnants of cultures that occupied the dawn of appearance at the Great Hall in Paris. There he met
recorded history, Wojciehowicz sweeps through the with Dr. Bernhardt Mueller and the two began to
geological record to serve up seemingly incessant waves compare notes on their respective primeval histories.
of astounding revelations. Both were startled to discover that the falls of many of
He has positively identified two distinct cultures to these archaic cultures corresponded closely in time with
which the hallowed name of Atlantis may be applied. previous passes by the supercomet Mirzaba, almost as
The most recent he calls the Platonian Atlantis, a though the formation of an advanced civilization some-
Minoan colony on the Aegean island of Thera, or how attracted the massive body from the depths of
Santorini, that flourished in the first half of the second hyperdimensional space. This discovery also supplied a
millennium BC. This culture was destroyed when the missing factor in Mueller’s equations — namely, why
volcano that formed the island erupted sometime around the Earth was still here and still able to support life.
1520 BC, and the ensuing ecological havoc that swept Mueller had already determined that Mirzaba was re-
the eastern Mediterranean might have caused the Bib- sponsible for the cataclysm that resulted in the extinction
lical plagues of Egypt. Over two decades of excavation of the dinosaurs, but, according to his calculations in
by respectable Sleeper archeologists have brought Plato’s their raw form, our planet should have been shattered or
Atlantis to the brink of public acceptance, but Plato ripped apart by the supercomet’s passage on several
specified that Atlantis lay “beyond the Pillars of Her- occasions. The two Scientists speculated on the possi-
cules” (i.e., the Straits of Gibraltar) in the Atlantic bility that the highly advanced technologies of these
Ocean. In so saying, he may have confused Thera with bygone cultures (especially the methods of gravity ma-
an older, larger and more advanced culture occupying a nipulation they used to erect their megalithic structures)
continent or large island that sank around 10,000 or had been used to save the world each time, often to the
more years before the present. This culture established detriment of the civilizations themselves. In the case of
colonies in South America and Egypt, where such the dinonychi, such a scenario would confirm another
arcane arts as pyramid building and mummification of Mueller’s theories, to the effect that the moon was
were preserved long after their origin had been forgot- much younger than Sleeper science had estimated, and
ten. Remains of architecture from this older culture had separated from the Earth fairly recently (astronomi-
were discovered off the coast of the Biminis in the cally speaking). Wojciehowicz suggested that, while the
Bahamas in 1969, the year that renowned psychic Edgar Muvian dinosauroids had been able to preserve the
Cayce predicted would signal the rising of Atlantis. planet from total destruction, they were unable to
Because Cayce supplied the most complete and detailed prevent Mirzaba’s gravity from ripping their vast conti-
description of this culture, Wojciehowicz refers to it as nent out of the Pacific and into orbit, where it eventually
Caycid Atlantis. The enigmatic Piri Reis map that assumed its present lunar form.
shows the actual coastline of Antarctica beneath the
82 Sons of Ether
Mueller and Wojciehowicz resolved to investigate receive impressions from every possible dimension as
the matter in greater detail, to seek out the best course well as extending its will into every possible dimension.
of action regarding Mirzaba’s impending return. Mueller’s Like any other faculty, though, this must be cultivated
subsequent disappearance and Wojciehowicz’s through self-knowledge and developed through prac-
uncommunicativeness regarding the rest of the Tradi- tice. The various energies must be identified, their
tion, however, have left the Sons of Ether to work things behavior recognized and the dimensions in which they
out on their own. manifest explored. Just like the physical body, the mind
and spirit must be exercised in order to operate at full
Bionomy and Psychonomy efficiency, and the total organism must be tested against
Living matter is the most intricate form of material its environment. This process can be as gross as lifting a
organization, a nexus of widely divergent energies whose weight or as subtle as applying a complex mathematical
confluence is able to cohere with a discrete identity, to formula to observable phenomena in the world at large.
maintain itself and dynamically adapt to its environ- The Sons of Ether acknowledge the partial valid-
ment, to manipulate its environment, to process ity of other Traditional paradigms — even the
sensation and information to the degree that is gener- Technocratic — when defining the total organism,
ally defined as awareness — even to a degree of but they accept nothing on faith. The Scientific method
self-awareness in sufficiently complex organisms. Of all of investigation and probation always applies, espe-
the varieties of living matter, only the human race is cially when studying living organisms. Special care is
known to consistently exhibit a high potential of self- taken to separate genuine Technocratic findings from
awareness. Other physical organisms might possess this lies used to influence Consensual reality. The mind-
capability, but the exact degree of which they are body duality is one example, used to keep the general
capable has yet to be determined conclusively. (Higher populace from becoming fully integrated individuals
forms of consciousness — gods, spirits, etc. — have been independent of political control. Like other Tradi-
identified, but none are yet known to exist as physical tions, the Sons know that body and mind are one, and
organisms that truly inhabit the material world.) they seek to reconcile the physical and non-physical in
The Sons of Ether understand that not all of the popular consciousness through investigation of the
energies converging in an organism are purely physi- bioelectric field, the Kirlian aura, the orgone energy of
cal; the Ether moves not only in the temporal and Wilhelm Reich and psychosomatic illness or healing.
spatial dimensions, but in an unknown number of Only by uniting the substantial and insubstantial can
other directions as well. These non-physical dimen- an organism achieve its full potential. Ultimately
sions, dismissed as irrelevant by the Consensus and there is only one substance — the Ether.
Cryptozoonomy
relegated to mere informational constructs by the
Technocracy, manifest externally as what other Tra-
ditions call the Umbra and are experienced internally Understanding the complexity of oneself leads to
as thoughts, emotions, etc. Perhaps the unique feature a realization of the complexity of one’s surroundings.
of organic life lies in its potential for converting Mundane science refuses to accept what it cannot
physical energies into non-physical energies, and vice observe, and the Technocracy limits the scope of the
versa. Focused through the lens of will, thought and world to what it can control, but mages know that
feeling can act to alter the world, just as, at the simplest there are more creatures living on, in and around the
level, arrangements of matter (like shapes and lines, earth than those found in the textbooks. As a result,
i.e., images and writing, or modulated atmospheric the Sons of Ether have compiled a fairly extensive
compression waves, speech) can alter the internal zoonomic roster. In an age when general belief holds
energies, or affect the thoughts and feelings, of those that most of the great secrets of the planet have been
who make the effort to understand. discovered, the Sons traveled farther and deeper than
This process, refined over eons of evolution, is so most others, finding new mysteries concealed in the
ubiquitous, and so integral to consciousness, that the folds of the earth. Their Science has documented the
bulk of humanity seldom sees past the simple linguistic existence of, and begun to classify, numerous un-
level. Carried to its extreme, however, it is what the known creatures, or cryptids.
Sons of Ether call Science, and what other Traditions Some cryptids have been known to the world for
call magic. All dimensions intersect within the indi- some time, though their existence has never been
vidual organism, and so it is possible for the organism to documented to the satisfaction of mundane science.

The most famous of these would be the Sasquatch (or energies of the human soul lower in frequency, to the
Bigfoot), the Yeti (or Abominable Snowman) and the point that they are no longer felt on the material plane
Loch Ness Monster. Other hairy hominids and lake and exist in a dimension all their own. (Whether this
monsters have been reported throughout the world, happens to all humans alike has never been determined,
representing the latest in a long tradition of traveler’s and, as to what the ectoplasmic dimension of the
tales that include sea serpents, mermaids, giant birds afterlife is like, the theories are as numerous as the
and any number of fanciful creatures from myth and varied cultures of humanity.) It is clear, however, that
legend. Prevailing theory suggests that these well-known certain passionate individuals or those whose life is cut
cryptids might be relicts of prehistoric species that violently short may retain enough higher-frequency
survived extinction. Etherite explorers concur that such energy to affect the physical world, although only in
could be the case with many hominids. Dr. Crichton has minor ways. Also, the Ether at certain places can vibrate
positively identified the subhuman race described by at a sufficiently low rate to permit a stronger influx of
Ibn Fadlan in his account of his 10th-century European ectoplasmic energy, causing hauntings or poltergeist
journey as Neanderthals. The almas and kaptars of phenomena.
Central Asia, noted in 19th century Russian military Another type of transformed human — and per-
records, are surviving populations of homo habilis. haps of a parallel race as well — is the parasitic
Sasquatch and the Yeti are theorized to be indigenous hemophage, or vampire. Hemophages also appear to
North American or Himalayan gigantopithecines, re- exist at a lower vibratory level, though not so far down
spectively. the Etheric spectrum as the ectoplasmids. It is presently
The unlikelihood of breeding populations of these believed by many in the Tradition that hemophagy is
species surviving into the 20th century, however, the result of a blood-borne virus that keeps its host in a
prompts some to apply theories of Etheric and even state of suspended necrosis, or partial death, wherein
memetic dimensional physics to this field of study. the personality and intelligence of the host are retained
When every square meter of land has been mapped and indefinitely, but are incapable of achieving the higher
photographed, where could such populations hide? Sub- frequencies of human spirituality. The interference
terranean habitats could account for some overlooked pattern between the low-frequency hemophage and the
species, but not all. And what of those creatures whose higher energies of fire and sunlight render the hemoph-
evolution and existence defies even Etherite theory? It age extremely combustible, hence they are exclusively
is known that the mad Marauders keep mythic Bygones nocturnal. The only way for a hemophage to replenish
as pets, mounts and companions, bringing them on their its life-energy is by ingesting human blood. As a result,
forays into the material world, but whether these crea- these parasites tend to dwell amid large population
tures are capable of regularly crossing the Gauntlet centers, concealing their existence and defending their
unaided has yet to be determined. This is believed to be territory with a limited but potent range of paranormal
the case with Nessie. Detailed studies of Loch Ness have abilities.
failed to yield either a living plesiosaur or a subterranean One type of parallel interbreeder is the lycan-
passage large enough to admit one, although Etherite thrope, or werewolf, the result of a genetic trait that
searchers continue to explore all possibilities. seems to be some sort of evolutionary bridge between
Beyond the famous cryptids, other species indig- humanity and wolves. Lycanthropes are capable of
enous to, or originating from, the physical world have changing their physical form from one species to the
long been known to the Sons of Ether. Many of these are other, and of sustaining intermediate forms that com-
what Professor Piter de Parq calls parallel races, repre- bine traits of both species. Their Etheric frequencies are
senting races that evolved alongside humanity, whether closely harmonized with the organic frequencies of the
as parasites, symbionts or interbreeders. Others seem to earth, enabling them to exercise a wide variety of low-
be transformed human beings. All have been named in level paranormal effects (in addition to shapeshifting)
lore and legend, albeit as distorted reflections. All have and necessitating their proximity to global harmonic
proven themselves dangerously resourceful, thus ex- Nodes, which they regard as sacred sites and defend with
tremely difficult to study Scientifically. What follows is savage ferocity. It is claimed by some researchers that
a tentative summary of Prof. de Parq’s speculations. parallel interbreeders exist between human and other
One example of a transformed human is what animal species, such as felines, bears and even reptiles.
Etherites call an ectoplasmid, more commonly called a Even less is known of parallel symbionts, some of
ghost. Just as the energetic content of the human body which dwell almost exclusively in the non-physical
drastically decreases during death, so too do the Etheric dimensions of the Umbra. This type, collectively known
84 Sons of Ether
as the Umbrood, appears to be dependent upon the relaying some positive, even Utopian, message to be-
thoughts and beliefs of humanity for its continued nighted Earthlings.
existence, and thus directs much of its energies to Over the next few decades, however, Technocratic
raising the Etheric vibrations of the human psyche to interference of government investigations into the deli-
frequencies that resonate with its non-physical plane. cately termed “Unidentified Flying Objects” cast a
Another still more elusive type seems to exist within the darker tone upon the subject. Contactees were no
same physical dimensions as the human race while longer the recipients of profound wisdom, but hapless
maintaining a simultaneous existence in those dimen- victims who had been violated from without and subse-
sions that intersect with the human mind during REM quently alienated by their own kind. Some Etherites
or dream sleep. While bound to the physical world in blame this on the ongoing Technocratic oppression of
the same way that humans are, they are able to trans- the human spirit, noting that, while much of the evi-
form the energies of their other shared dimensions into dence in favor of extraterrestrial visitation can be
a dazzling array of paranormal and extradimensional attributed to terrestrial paranormals (such as Tradi-
effects. They are known historically as the longaevi, fae tional mages themselves, their allies and enemies),
or fairy changelings. what remains tends to reflect current Consensual atti-
tudes. In an age marked by covert conquest and
Ufonomy exploitation perpetrated by Earthlings upon each other,
Strange lights in the sky have fascinated mankind people project these intentions upon the universe at
since the dawn of civilization, and accounts of visita- large. Noting the memetic nature of those parts of the
tions from outlandish beings go back even further. Umbra known to Science, the Sons of Ether turn their
Some Etherites cite early interest in such phenomena as eye toward the immaterial dimensions for answers.
the first impetus toward true Science. Even among Given the material limitations that physical travel
modern Sleepers this interest has not waned but taken between star systems poses, they conclude that any
on new forms that have evolved along with the Consen- possible visit by extrasolar entities would, of necessity,
sual worldview, leaving some hope that the sense of have to come through Umbral avenues. They therefore
wonder is not yet completely excised from the collective substitute the term ETI with “extradimensional intelli-
human psyche. The nature spirits of primitive man and gence,” or EDI, and concentrate upon the problem of
the religious apparitions of the Medieval Era have been distinguishing between spiritual projections of human
dismissed as hallucinations by the Technocracy since hopes and fears, and actual aliens who have entered
the Age of Reason, but the ever-expanding view of the Earth’s Umbra from outside. This outlook is relatively
universe in the 20th century leaves room for even the new, and investigation is severely hampered by the
most unimaginative to compose wild speculations. barrier of the Avatar Storm. The apparently
Visits by extraterrestrial life forms from distant star humanocentric focus of much EDI activity, not to
systems are well-known images in the modern era, and mention the humanoid appearance of most “aliens,”
even some moderate skeptics admit the possibility of leaves little room for non-human origins. Some have
such events while doubting many of the facts presented even begun to speculate that EDIs are actually highly
in this theory’s favor. The Sons of Ether have investi- evolved humans from an alternate future who have
gated this phenomenon ever since Tesla first noted the traveled back in time to try to prevent the extinction of
seemingly intelligent patterns found in electrical fluc- the race, which would thus negate their own existence.
tuations during experiments conducted in his Colorado At first they attempted to lead humanity into a greater
Springs laboratory. Frightened at first, he compared Awakening through positive messages, but, with the
these “signals” to the “ghost messages” noted by Samuel increased probability of ecological collapse and the
Morse and early telegrapher operators, as recorded by approach of Mirzaba, more urgent methods are required,
the Electrodyne Engineers, and later pondered the like the harvesting of human genetic material for use in
possibility that they comprised the “greeting of one repopulating the damaged biosphere. Etherites who
planet to another.” Speculations about extraterrestrial subscribe to this theory actively seek contact with the
intelligence, or ETI, entered popular consciousness race known as the “Grays,” whom they believe to be
shortly after WWII, as pilots reported seeing “flying future humans fighting a reptilian race that claims to be
saucers” and moving lights they called “foo fighters.” By from Zeta Reticuli — themselves believed to be agents
the 1950s, the first “saucer cults” had formed among the from a non-human evolutionary line (possibly even
Sleeper populace, usually centered around people who survivals of the Muvian dinonychi seeking to re-estab-
had supposedly been contacted by higher intelligences lish their own extinct species).

Heralds of Science
Etherites are multitalented, willful and ating force that doesn’t discover limitations, but shat-
ready to use their Science to shake up the ters them. The Ether is the limitless possibility that
status quo. This mindset makes them seem underlies every atom. It exists to be used for the good of
eccentric, irresponsible or even crazy, but humanity, no matter the risks. As the following tem-
once they’ve seen how the Tellurian really plates show, Ether Scientists tend to be risk takers and
works, it wouldn’t be right to hold back. idealists. Authentic Science shows them that intelli-
The truth about Science is that it’s a liber- gence, skill and dedication can change the world.
86 Sons of Ether
Sky Cavalry
Quote: I love the Resonance of phlogiston in the morning.
Prelude: Your family was too poor to leave town, and
you were too decent to abandon them, even when your
scientific talents could have taken you to college. Instead,
you brought home a paycheck and released your frustra-
tion designing rockets and custom cars: machines that
could blast you out of your tiny, worn-out hometown.
Finally, you screwed up the courage and joined the
army. It didn’t work out, though. You were fit and disci-
plined enough, but you realized that all you’d be doing is
playing the hick mechanic again. Even tanks bored you.
You wanted to invent, not repair. So you got a discharge and
cringed at the thought of returning home.
You were walking toward the base’s gate when you got
the call. The man on the line said that he was a friend of
your CO’s and you’d been singled out as a perfect candidate
for a “special job.” He wanted military experience, me-
chanical skills and a clean bill of health. All you had to do
was go to Canada and try out.
You took the first flight out. They picked you up at the
airport and took you straight to heaven.
At least, that’s how it seemed when you entered the
Ethernaut compound. Rocket ships and jet-packs lay in
neat heaps; men and women divided their time between too much time denying
grueling physical training and a university’s worth of your talents and don’t
scientific education. Best of all, your strange ideas about want to see it happen to
fuel chemistry were taken in stride. By your third year anyone else.
there, they were using your designs. Your mind grew to Science: Your
encompass the psychic dimensions of space and you learned natural mechanical
to fly and fight in worlds that used to be nothing more than savvy and a toolkit
backyard dreams. full of chemical
The Ascension War was hard on the Ethernauts, and agents lets you use
many of your instructors died in terrible battles. You carry the Sphere of Mat-
their legacy as much out of personal loyalty as the feeling ter to keep machines
that humanity needs new worlds. If it stays trapped, it can in running order. You
only wither. use modified or
Concept: You’re one of the elite Sky Cavalry: a band scratch-built rockets,
of Ethernauts who train for exploration and defense against planes and drones to travel
the unknown. A decade ago you might have been a marine via Forces and Correspon-
on an Ethership, but nowadays you lead bands of explorers dence. Crystals focus your
and protect the Sons of Ether. Your Scientific skills con- psychic talents so that
centrate on travel, but as a warrior-polymath you’ve picked you can detect
up the psychic talents and survival skills you need to extradimensional
protect your Tradition anywhere in the universe. energies.
Roleplaying Tips: Always ready for action, you prefer to Equipment:
invent on the fly. Look after the bookish members of your jumpsuit, helmet, Ether
cabal — you’re there to guide and protect them. Among goggles with inset crystals,
Sleepers, talk about the potential of space travel or the secrets a homemade gyrojet pistol
that might lie at the corners of the earth. Inspire people to and a toolkit
break out of their shells and follow their dreams. You wasted

88 Sons of Ether
Two-Fisted Socialist
Quote: Time to kick some ass for the working class.
Prelude: Before you found the Vanguard, you were a deadbeat
engineer. You didn’t travel out of curiosity, but because developing
nations paid you well enough to polish off your student loan with
ease. After five years that took you from Mongolia to Mogadishu,
you were left with nothing but a drinking habit and a smattering of
foreign swear words. You decided to do one last job in the Ukraine
before heading home.
You were going to help build a bridge, but it looked like you
were mostly being paid to keep your eyes pointed at a desk while you
signed off on plans and materials. The local mafiya’s concrete was
mostly sand and the rebar was half-rusted before it even went in, but
you knew that if you said anything you’d be going home in a cargo
compartment. The bridge was going to collapse, but you figured that
enough vodka would dilute the guilt to a dull murmur.
The vodka saved you. You cut out of the office early to hit a local
expat bar and were digging in to your third double when you heard the
explosion. Someone had decided to save everyone the wait and knock
down the bridge themselves. You made sure your passport was in place
and planned an escape as AK-74 fire screamed through the
night. You stumbled out of the bar and right into a motor-
cycle — a motorcycle ridden by one of Them.
The red star on his cap burned like Mars on a
summer night. He looked at you through goggles that
glowed with a weird purple mist, then hoisted you over
his shoulder as if you were a feather pillow. The motor-
cycle rumbled as you passed out.
When you woke up, you were surrounded obscure sect and have just returned to civilization
by them. The Vanguard: nomadic Scien- to use your training for the benefit of humankind.
tists who roamed Eurasia to fight The only difference is that your methods aren’t
injustice. They knew who you were and disciplines from a long-lost civilization, but
that you’d signed off on the bridge, but from a recent ideology that’s just as arcane
then they told you that despite their and, some would argue, just as wracked by lost
efforts — the bridge remained. Some- grandeur. Soviet Ufology, psychic research
one had surreptitiously modified the and bizarre weapons are, in their own way, as
structure; the steel and concrete mysterious as Tibetan hypnotism and lost
were impossibly strong. continents. Still, your secret Science exists
Then they showed you the to fight for justice — even if that sense of
photographs. That “someone” was justice might seem decidedly skewed to
you. outsiders.
Apparently you were too Roleplaying Tips: You’re a champion
drunk to remember when your of the poor and a tireless foe of corruption.
conscience took over. You saw Above all, fight with modesty. In the end,
pictures of yourself restoring the you’re only a manifestation of the people’s
bridge with unnamed chemicals will.
and curiously modified tools. The Science: You’ve refined your unconscious
Vanguard said that you had the spark of command of Matter. Now, compounds designed in
Scientific genius. If you upheld their code, Russian labs complement your engineering skills so
they would teach you the esoteric So- that you can build — or destroy — almost anything.
viet Science that only they preserved. You originally learned how to use drugs and special
Now you’ve left the Vanguard’s training regimens to fight off lingering alcoholism,
enclave to fight for socialism and the but those same methods now grant you superhuman
proletarian way. You’re the people’s prowess. Combined with the Vanguard’s medical
one-man revolution. training, your techniques make you an expert healer.
Concept: You’re not much dif- Equipment: Soviet surplus military fatigues, a
ferent from other Adventurers. You’ve chemistry set in a bandoleer, a first-aid kit filled with
inherited the secret techniques of an strange pills and a sledgehammer

Street Parapsychologist
Quote: Telepathy talks. Bullshit walks.
Prelude: You never could concentrate on your studies, preferring tricks
and scams where you could use your intelligence without having to answer
to anyone. You supplemented your innate talent for pranking with stage
magic skills. In your own way, you were dedicated and hard working, but your
teachers just saw an endless parade of half-finished work and practical jokes.
So you dropped out of high school and divided your time between
magic shows and three-card monte. The former brought in a steady income;
the latter was pure party money. You didn’t have much sympathy for your
marks. They should know better. Your card tricks were just a tax on stupidity.
Still, you went through some rough times on the street. After a mark beat you
within an inch of your life (and saddled you with a cane for the rest of it), you
decided to drop the street-level scams and look for something safer.
Then you saw a self-proclaimed psychic strut his stuff on television.
Looking at his body and face, you immediately realized that for all his talk,
he was using the same old sleight of hand and memory gags — but he was
worse at it than you were. Then he boasted about his famous clients, and
you knew that this gravy train was worth hitching yourself to.
You set up a modest shop and did some pro bono “clairvoyance” for a
few high society types. They bought it, and the cash started rolling in.
Eventually you made your own TV appearances. Occasionally you’d feel a
flicker of guilt when cops and distraught clients asked you to locate the dead.
Sometimes you’d refuse; sometimes you do some indecisive “channel-
ing” and let them draw their own conclusions. You spouted spooky
nonsense like “follow the red gloves” and took their money.
You were just leaving the local network affiliate when
one of your cop clients passed you, followed by a crowd of
reporters. You rushed home and turned on the six o’clock
news to see the cop announcing that they’d cracked the
case on a string of murders. How? weather. You never
They followed the red gloves. overdo the technical talk
and can strike up a conver-
Something snapped, and you looked at all your fakery
sation with anyone. It doesn’t
in a new light. Your illusions somehow tapped into some
take long for you to get
universal medium. Fate. Karma. Ether. Days later, you were
someone’s guard down, adminis-
still reeling from the implications of all this when the cop
ter the flash cards and other tests
came to visit you. The Red Glove Killer had escaped,
and decide whether or not the
walking right through the prison walls. You told him
situation’s legitimate. If it is, then
that the job was just too big for you, until he
you contact the Sons of Ether. If
introduced you to his other psychic contacts. They
not, you turn the scam around. Psy-
knew all about the universal medium and could
chic hustlers tend to freak out when
teach you how to contact it without playing
you make their talk a reality and will
tricks on anyone — including yourself.
pay almost anything to make the mis-
Since then, your control over mysteri- fortune and ectoplasm go away. And
ous energies has improved. You look for well they should — it’s a tax on stupid-
Awakened talent now, so that you can ity, after all.
teach novice psychics to stop fooling them-
Science: You use meditation, visu-
selves. As for the fakes… you can spot them
alization and crystals for most of your work.
a mile away.
When you need to bust out with heavy duty
Concept: You’re a psychic whose Ether Science is a Science, coils of copper wire, wood and steel
set of techniques designed to unleash mental energies. orgone helmets and (mild!) electrical stimulation
Aside from that, you investigate strange phenomena, of the central nervous system boosts your talents to
including poltergeists, alleged remote viewers, exor- the point where they can sense and act at incred-
cists and wild talents. Experience as a con artist lets ible ranges. So far, you can “twist” the Ether
you see through mundane deception, and your street slightly to bend fate, but you’ve only started to
sense lets you easily investigate communities that seriously harness your potential.
the haughty academics in your Tradition can’t.
Equipment: deck of playing cards and
Roleplaying Tips: You have a quick wit, Rhine test cards, and SUV packed with your
steady hands and a brain designed to do two more bizarre foci, a cell phone, loud gold
things: manifest the Ether and detect bullshit. watch and a crystal set in copper circuitry
You’ve got a common touch. You talk about on a pendant
Rhine tests and Ether meters with the same
comfortable drawl as football games or the
90 Sons of Ether
Mad Bomber
Quote: BOOM.
Prelude: A PhD in Chemical Physics bored you. As a 20-year-old
prodigy, you were still restless. The old folks at the lab were smart
enough, but they just weren’t interested in the outside world. That’s
why you joined the army. They’d take you around the globe and pay
you for your expertise.
You were amazed that people managed to find a way to blow each
other up even when they couldn’t feed themselves. You studied jury-
rigged explosives, mines and booby traps across the globe and eventually
made a name for yourself as something of an expert. Allied govern-
ments relied on your forensics advice; you helped them bag a few
terrorists and went on to the next assignment.
The only thing that bothered you were the anomalies: impossible
bombs. Crazy devices that never should have gone off. Strange debris
patterns. In Mogadishu, you found an unidentifiable metal among the
wreckage of a blasted government office. Then you saw the same thing
in Sarajevo and again at the remains of an Afghan warlord’s com-
pound.
It had to be one bomber. The mystery consumed you and
interfered with your other work. Finally, your commanding officers
pointed to the pile of unfinished work on your desk and gave you a
choice: Leave the army now or face a dishonorable discharge for
slacking. You left, but that was all right; it just gave you more time to
look for the bomber. After some creative filing, you took your work and
samples with you.
You burned through your savings, traveling to blast sites and
buying land in the desert where you could blow things up on your own
time. Delving deep into theoretical physics, you realized that with
charged C4 on yet another bank vault. Blast effects on
access to a fission pile you could rearrange atoms. That was the
populated areas are interesting, but not your main
source of your mystery metal. Riding the epiphany, you success-
focus. At times, you endanger yourself because
fully replicated one of the bombs. As the brilliant blast lit the
you want to get close to the center of
desert sky, you realized where the bomber was. It was hard
destruction. So far you’ve managed to
to sneak into North Korea and harder still to get into
pull back, but the beauty, finality and
their breeder reactors. You saw fresh coils of the newly
decisiveness of a bomb going off is
forged alloy leave the facility as you crept into the
a source of unparalleled fascina-
research director’s office.
tion. Get as close as you can.
The first thing you saw was the bomber. The
Science: You use explo-
second thing you saw was a dossier about you that
sives of all kinds, along with
he’d acquired from North Korean intelligence.
acids, electricity and even
He knew you’d been following his work — and
lasers to excite volatile
he wanted you to continue it.
matter. You use whatever
You accepted. Now, your life revolves you need to produce or
around the glory of the blast. People are irrel- enhance the effects of
evant unless they’re fueling the fire. You’ll help almost any incendiary or
other Etherites destroy, but their causes are sec- explosive. In addition,
ondary to the joy of detonation. you use custom elec-
Concept: You’re a demolitions expert tronic triggers and
who unraveled in the face of Ether Science. timers. Among other
You dropped your normal life to solve the things, you make sure
mystery and Awakened yourself, but you that all of the wires on
fell under the sway of an Etherite Dissi- your devices are the same color.
dent. He took advantage of your already After all, why make your bombs
unhinged state to teach you his own twisted any easier to disarm?
methods. Now your destructive talents nomi- Equipment: Jeep, pro-
nally serve the Sons of Ether, but your real tective clothing, and a
passion is for the bombs themselves. desert compound stocked
Roleplaying Tips: Blow it up if you can with explosives
manage it, but don’t repeat yourself. You pursue
knowledge as passionately as any Scientist, so
there’s no point in using the same old super-
92 Sons of Ether
Shadow Ministry Agent
Quote: I’m saving the world from boredom.
Prelude: Your narcissism sparked your expertise in foreign
affairs. You wanted to be well informed enough to win political
arguments. Being right wasn’t good enough; you wanted to look
like an expert. That’s why the Agency recruited you straight out
of college, giving you top-secret clearance for your new job as an
intelligence analyst.
But being a spy wasn’t as exciting as you thought it would be.
The Agency wasn’t going to risk your brilliant brain out in the field,
so you were reduced to editing and commenting on other people’s
data. You did a good enough job, but you figured that being smart
was easy. Being impressive, daring — that’s what you wanted out
of the secret agent business. You hit upon a plan. If you managed
to find a bit of hitherto unknown intelligence in the archives, you’d
be able to grab your choice of assignments. Your superiors would be
embarrassed that they’d missed something that should
have been under their noses and would be happy to
have you away from the office.
So you sifted through old files looking for clues
that your predecessor missed or ignored. You exam-
ined ancient diskettes and dusty vertical files,
learning to rely on intuition as well as analysis. You
found warehouses of data
that didn’t officially exist
even at your security clear-
ance. In one of them, you found
more than you bargained for. ment; they were spies for Utopia. Latin for “nowhere.” The word for
There were photos of men who paradise on Earth. If you wanted to join up, they would tell you
hadn’t aged in 50 years, reports of black- everything you needed to know about the Black Suit conspiracy.
suited, nameless agents interfering in You accepted. Now, not only are you a spy, but you get to
Agency business. The only possible con- save the world. Who can beat an ego trip like that?
clusion was that the Agency — the whole Concept: You’re a spy for the Shadow Ministry, infiltrating
damn government, in fact — had been infil- governments to foil the agents of Control and drag the world
trated by a highly organized conspiracy. You toward Utopia. Your goals: world peace and justice, the fall of
realized that you couldn’t use this to get away tyrants and the growth of just enough chaos to keep the Sleepers
from the desk unless you wanted to be trans- guessing about reality. If they ask the hard questions, victory is sure
ferred to a coffin, and you tried to erase all to follow. Aside from that, you want to make a name for yourself in
signs that you’d been snooping around. the Sons of Ether as a top-notch agent — and ultimately as the lever
You weren’t surprised when the Black that knocks over Technocratic control of the Consensus.
Suits came for you. You couldn’t see them, Roleplaying Tips: You’re brash, arrogant and self-involved. It
but your intuitive command of information probably infuriates your compatriots that you’re willing to take
and intelligence trends meant you could incredible risks just for the bragging rights. Still, your unfettered
somehow feel that they were waiting for you vanity and selfishness jar others out of their complacency because
in the Director’s office. The same senses they have to work that much harder to do their part in your ego-
revealed that you could escape only if you driven, grandiose schemes. Your self-involved nature manifests in
went straight to the secret warehouse where your speech and style. You dress like a bit of a fop, and your words
you found your evidence. A locus of uncer- drip with arrogance and sarcasm. That doesn’t stop you from being
tainty was gathering, but if you went amusing, even inspiring. You’re good at being a bastard.
there you could harness it. You didn’t Science: You use gadgets designed by other Utopians to
know if it was going to save you, but manipulate Matter, but your real talent lies in gathering informa-
it was preferable to certain death. tion and tweaking the odds. By looking at statistical trends, news
They slipped the bag over your items and dossiers you employ a kind of psychological, political
head the second you walked in. You and media-driven Feng Shui.
woke up three days later to find out Equipment: retro sunglasses, a paisley frock coat, cravat, com-
that the kidnappers weren’t Black bat boots, secret pockets, tranquilizer dart pistol and a case of cigars
Suits. They didn’t work for a govern-

94 Sons of Ether
Ethnobotanist
Quote: To find the future, look back.
Prelude: You loved anthropology but thought you were missing
something. Why did you have to limit yourself to watching? How much
could you really find out about other cultures without participating in
their rites of passage and living as they did? You didn’t just want to
know about kinship and custom, you wanted to be initiated.
Fortunately, you weren’t alone. Other anthropologists tried to
duplicate the crafts and customs of people they studied. You tried that
route, which proved to be exhausting. You spent 60 hours a week doing
the work it took a Brazilian tribesman 10 hours to complete. Your frame
of reference was to blame. There was something about the mindset of
the people that you just didn’t understand.
So you went back to the jungle to live with the people you studied.
They treated you with a mixture of pity and contempt at first because you
didn’t have the skills to survive and participate. Eventually, they saw
that you were doing your best to help, and they warmed to you.
They put you through a rushed, ad hoc initiation. You learned
about the secret qualities of plants and animals. Part of you accepted
it as truth even as you assimilated it into your understanding of biology
and ecology. Finally, they passed the adults’ pipe to you. You under-
stood that it was a part of their religion, but you had never tried it
before. You gave it a tentative puff. A wave of dizziness hit as you
looked at the stars — and they streaked down to you.
You can barely describe the vision that followed, but every
moment remains as clear as the night that it happened. You left your
body and saw your life unravel before you. Everything you learned
pulsed bright; you walked along these lights into the darkness until you
met the Others.
Their bodies flowed like metal plants that had the vital compounds described in
and they spoke in rapid clicks, your visions. When you left, you felt a twinge of guilt
sounds that blossomed for abandoning the tribe, but this was overshadowed
into precise chemical by the sheer joy of Awakening.
formulae: cures for Tracking similar work led you to the Sons of Ether.
hundreds of dis- Now you describe your inventions in terms of Ether Science,
eases, perfect but create them for one purpose: to cure human ailments so that
painkillers technology’s huge, bloated infrastructure can be pared down.
Then, humans will be able to live the way that they’re meant to.
Concept: You combine cutting-edge chemistry and tradi-
tional wisdom to create incredible medicines and drugs. Other
compounds are almost within your grasp. Your vision showed you far,
far more than you’re currently capable of creating. Ultimately, you’d
like your formulae to enhance modern medicine to the point where the
whole medical infrastructure and industry itself are obsolete. Human-
ity can return to nature without fearing death or discomfort, and Ether
Science will have completed its task.
Roleplaying Tips: Part of you wants to return to the jungle, but
you want to fulfill your vision. You’re passionate about your purpose,
and you honestly believe that once your medicines can alleviate
suffering, humanity will just tear town the sick, materialistic struc-
tures they’ve built. You realize that your opinions are considered
controversial, even a bit crazy, so you hold back the full extent of
your beliefs until you trust someone.
and mind-expanding
Science: You use rare jungle plants and synthetic derivatives,
chemicals. Then there was a
combining them with modern medicine to turn them into pills,
pause like some sort of cosmic inhalation. You knew
injections, patches, gums and other remedies and drugs. The
they would tell you the final secret.
right compounds naturally attune human minds to the Ether
Of course, that’s when you fell back to earth. and bring forth cures and other Effects.
Still, you remembered the formulae. You could
Equipment: first-aid kit filled with custom drugs, rugged
make cures and wonders. All you needed was
clothes and a backpack filled with scientific papers and tribal
your lab. You packed your bags full of jungle
mementos

Rogue Economist
Quote: Money should serve, not rule.
Prelude: Ever since you were a teenager, you knew that
you were destined for success. You did what you were told and
got the grades and scholarships you needed for an MBA, PhDs
in economics and mathematics and a lifetime of lucrative work.
The headhunters swarmed until you picked the job that
generated just the right mix of challenge and profit: a private
think tank from which governments virtually copied their
policies. As an employee of the World Advisory Council, you’d
make contacts that would give you the leverage to do anything
you wanted. Hell — maybe you’d get into politics yourself.
After signing a battery of non-disclosure agreements, you
started writing policy papers and creating computer models of
the global economy. You realized that something was subtly
leaching funds from hundreds of public and private
sources. You ruled out conventional fraud, since there
was no way these disparate sources could coordinate
their efforts. If you found the answer, you’d be able
to see the whole human economic sphere. You
Awakened when you realized that it all came back
to a set of obscure institutions — including the World
Advisory Council.
The next day, your superiors congratulated
you and introduced you to the Technocracy.
You’d be working for the Syndicate, who Concept: You used to
developed and harvested humanity’s mate- be a Technocrat, until you dis-
rial potential. You were finally on the inside covered that you wanted the
— but why did it feel so awful? Science without the power. You want
For God’s sake, they were funding to harness money ethically and let hu-
space colonies! Buying immortality! And manity decide its own economic destiny.
none of it was getting to the common You’re not sure you approve of all the nonsense
man. They talked big about letting it that’s associated with Ether Science, but you know
trickle down, but from what you could that symbolic power is strong enough to topple govern-
tell, most of their work was focused on ments and drive armies. “Ether” is as good a name for
lifting more from the Masses’ coffers. it as any.
As a Technocrat you had access Roleplaying Tips: Frown at wacky Ether antics.
to files about the enemy: ontological Always keep your receipts. Try to give anyone you
terrorists who were regarded as little talk to for a reasonable length of time a firm ground-
more than termites in the global vil- ing in economic theory, because the amount of
lage. You picked a known cabal of ignorance people have about it is deplorable. Money
renegade scientists and defected. is power, so give it away; charities and other causes
You told them they’d been found consume a lot of your energy. Still, you prefer to
out and asked for asylum. They picked exercise your influence on a key economic lever
your brains for intelligence and left you with instead of scattershot philanthropy.
an Etherite Doctor, who gave you the Kitab al- Science: Money is the symbolic expression of
Alacir on a whim. It made sense to you — to a human potential. It’s your primary focus for Matter
point. You knew that money was a form of and Prime Effects. Aside from that, mathematics
metaphysical energy, but you could do without can calculate the odds of a particular transaction
all the subjectivity, alternate universes and fringe succeeding and show you what you need to do to
nonsense. Now, it’s time for you to apply a little take advantage of it.
“influence” to the markets to get back what your Equipment: mansion, BMW, custom tai-
former bosses stole. lored suits, PCS phone, laptop and a full wallet
96 Sons of Ether
Urban Planner
Quote: Ascension starts on the street.
Prelude: Even when you ran with the gang, you could
sense the invisible forces that made up the city’s heart and soul.
The hive of machines and administration that allowed it to
function were an open book to you. You originally applied this
knowledge to avoid the cops, go urban spelunking and mess
with the local power grid. Under your direction, there was
nothing your crew couldn’t steal. Your feel for the city and
mechanical skills were the cornerstone of their success.
After one job stealing power for a meth lab, things didn’t
feel right. The gang stayed behind to talk business and sample
the lab’s wares. After the cops came and the guns came out, the
botched shootout that blew up the lab didn’t get you, because
you’d left five minutes too early to get caught.
Your criminal career was over, but you still had enemies:
cops who wanted your number and other gangs who resented
your former success. It was a stroke of luck when your mom
showed you the scholarship. You hardly ever showed up for
school, but you somehow got full support at an Ivy League
college. You could make your family proud and get out of town
in one move.
Sociology and anthropology were easy: You knew all about
kinship, subcultures and the rest. You knew how the tribe and
the city worked, and you just wrote what you learned in the
’hood in the language your professors needed to hear. They
seemed to like it, and one of them even kept you around after have their say. Keep your fellow
class, where you’d talk about all kinds of weird things. You Scientists and magi from forget-
always seemed to end up in his classes. By graduation, you and ting what normal life — real
the professor were good friends. He gave you a present: the Kitab life — is actually like so that
al-Alacir. “You’ll like it,” he said. “It uses the city as a metaphor they can adjust their goals.
for knowledge.” Science: You’ve
You liked it. kept up your informal
Now you’ve got your PhD, and you work for your home- mechanical and electri-
town as an urban planner. You also watch the city for the Sons cal engineering skills
of Ether, but their idea of “social order” is a far cry from what you and supplemented them
want. Fuck that Things to Come homogeneity and hierarchy. with the social Sciences.
You want communities to have power on the street and then You can use your
take it on up. knowledge of urban
systems and social
Concept: Some people have street smarts; you have street
conventions to
genius. Combined with mechanical skills and a feel for the
great effect to sway
structure of systems and groups, you have all the talents you
others and to pre-
need to renew a decaying city. You may not have the political
dict what’s going
influence to do it, but you prefer neighborhood approval to city
to happen and
hall. You recognize ethnic and class divides that most Etherites
where.
don’t bother with and are at loggerheads with them over what
constitutes Utopia. When it comes right down to it, your Equipment:
upbringing lets you get into the seedy side of things and survive office at city hall,
the odd dust up. off-the-rack suits,
a multi-tool
Roleplaying Tips: You’re an activist and a social Scientist.
and a cell
Take your ideas to the people to get support before bringing it
phone
up with the authorities. This applies to mage society as well.
The Sons of Ether and other Traditions might have some grand
plans for humanity, but you think the so-called Sleepers should
98 Sons of Ether
Epilogue:
Every Step
of the Way
Florida, 2003: Yves took a deep breath, clawed at the catches on his
Yves Mercure switched off the converter, breastplate and freed himself from the bulky suit. “Yes… No!
staggering back as red sparks arced off his I am not certain. It is… difficult to describe what I experi-
Ethersuit. enced. Not simply a future timeline… I have never been to a
A man burst out of the doorway that dimension of such magnitude. It passed beyond my compre-
opened into the square tower of Coral Castle, hension. It was…”
running to where Yves had collapsed against “An Epiphamy?”
one of the coral chairs. He was 40ish, mus- Yves nodded. “Oui. That is what our fellow Traditions
tached, prematurely graying at the temples, would call it.” Composure regained, he stood and returned to
with a spare tire that caused his greasy overalls to bulge the converter. “If our world survives at all, it will be as
slightly at the waist. He checked the suit’s gauges, popped the something very different from that which we now know.” He
seals on the helmet and gloves, and gently removed them. retracted the converter’s tripod.
The Frenchman was trembling uncontrollably, his eyes The man pulled a battered notebook from his back
wild as he tore his gaze from the depths of the night sky. A pocket, checked some pages and scribbled a few equations. “I
fluid pump mounted on his suit’s thigh seemed to be compen- think I see what happened. I was following a toroidal flight
sating for some lower bodily function. His fingers found the path. A cross-section of a torus looks like two circles touching
man’s overalls and pulled him to his knees. Yves shrieked in at a single point, like a figure eight, or the symbol for infinity.
the man’s face, “You did not tell me that I would have to See?” He held a sloppy diagram up to show Yves, who spared
witness the end of the world!” it only the briefest glance. “Two loops, one into the past, the
The man sputtered. “How — how could I have known? other into the future, intersecting at the present. I didn’t
Back then, it all happened in the blink of an eye! It took me know what that meant — I never studied time travel in depth.
25 years just to figure out as much as I did.” He held Yves as But when I met Stan at the party, he told me he was gonna be
the trembling subsided. “I’m sorry, man! I didn’t realize what doing some retroscopy in Australia around this time. That
I was getting you into. So Doctor Comet was right after all? Node there’s almost directly opposite Florida along a geodesic
We’re all doomed.” arc. It seemed to make sense. I had to take the chance,

y’know? The dreams were really starting to scare the shit out “No. But if I get back to the workshop and find that all
ta me, man. I just knew I was gonna die tonight. Right here.” my work is 10 years ahead of schedule, I’ll let you know, man.
He looked at the coral surface between his scuffed work boots. Maybe the results won’t show up in our own timeline, but in
“And everything I managed to do with my life woulda just, I an alternate one.”
dunno, vanished in a puff of Paradox… Or something.” “Ah, well. If we cannot save our own world, we can at
Packing his equipment, Yves made no reply. least give the world in the next universe over a better
“But I didn’t die, did I? And Coral Castle’s still here, chance.” Yves paused to consider the thought. The hint of
right? All thanks to you, bro! And to Captain Caveman, too. smile creased his cheek. “There is a certain nobility in it that
You ever talk to him, get to know him? He’s not that bad a guy, appeals to me.”
just a little loco from spending all his time alone, away from “I just can’t believe I wasted 10 years of my life playing
civilization. We should get him a good nickname, you know? fucking King of the Strip just to impress a bunch of racist shit-
‘Captain Caveman’ was a cartoon from when I was a kid. I kickers. Pardon my French.”
think everyone just started calling him that as an insult. We Yves glared at him.
should do something for him, welcome him into the fold “Sorry.” The man looked down. “And I apologize for
before he goes completely Dissident on us.” railroading you into this like I did. It’s just that I was desperate,
Yves paused, and spoke without facing the man. “Per- and you were the only Ethernaut I could get hold of.”
haps. I recall that his research and his devices were intrinsic Yves shrugged. “It was a bit of adventure, at least. And
to our efforts in the future.” He resumed his task in silence. that is in short supply these days.”
After a while the man said, “So, do you think we made “Still, it’s a lot to do for someone you hardly know. If
a difference?” there’s anything that I can do to repay you, anything at all,
“Perhaps that is for you to tell me.” Yves turned. “Do you bro, let me know and it’s yours.”
feel any different?” Yves thought for a moment. “Do you know a young lady
by the name of Niki Yemana?” he said.
References
Books Also…
Against Method: Outline of an Anarchistic Anti-Gravity and the World Grid, edited by David Hatcher
Theory of Knowledge. Philosopher Paul Childress
Feyerabend outlines objections to the scien- Forbidden Archeology, by Michael A. Cremo and Richard
tific method and proposes a replacement. The L. Thompson (abridged as The Hidden History of the Human
book serves as an excellent source to justify Race)
Etherite problems with conventional science. Etidorpha by John Uri Lloyd
Also: For and Against Method, a record of the
“‘Bob’ and the Oxygen Wars” by Waves Forest, from
arguments between Feyerabend and Scientific
Three-Fisted Tales of Bob, edited by Rev. Ivan Stang
Method proponent Imre Lakatos.
Supernature, by Lyall Watson
The Cyberiad. Stanislaw Lem blithely ignores the laws of
Colony: Earth, by Richard Mooney
physics to tell the story of two inventive robots who loose
their creations on the universe. Aside from the fact that the The Eighth Tower, by John Keel
inventions suit a bizarre, Umbra-centered game, the book The Anomalist.com, edited by Patrick Huyghe
pokes fun at how we perceive technology and, in the end,
what it ultimately means to us. Also, The Futurological Con- Games
gress is an excellent model for Utopian Science gone wrong. Adventure! White Wolf’s Origins Award winning pulp
Wasn’t the Future Wonderful? A marvelous look at popular RPG. Aside from deftly simulating pulp conventions and
science magazines in the 1930s, this book is evenly split between providing a ready made all-Etherite game setting (where “Z-
genuine speculation, crankery that never should have got past Rays” can stand in for Ether with virtually no tweaking), it
the editors and tremendous, impractical proposals such as creat- captures the Utopian spirit. Since it uses a version of the
ing mile-high vertical airports. The book includes interviews Storyteller rules, many of its systems can be directly plugged
with Robert Goddard and Nikola Tesla alongside gems like: in to your Mage games — besides being a great game itself.
“Will Monster Insects Rule the World?” Virtually every flight of Also, its sister game Trinity is filled with plenty of inspira-
fancy (such as the one-wheeled tank) is illustrated. And the best tions for futuristic weird technology and psionics.
part? One of the source magazines is The Technocrat!
100 Sons of Ether

™
Name: Nature: Faction:

Player: Essence: Concept:
Chronicle: Demeanor: Cabal:
Attributes
Physical Social Mental
OOOOO Charisma______________
Strength______________ OOOOO Perception_____________
OOOOO
OOOOO Manipulation___________
Dexterity_____________ OOOOO Intelligence____________
OOOOO
OOOOO Appearance____________
Stamina______________ OOOOO Wits__________________
OOOOO
Abilities
Talents Skills Knowledges
Alertness______________
OOOOO Crafts_________________
OOOOO Academics______________
OOOOO
Athletics______________
OOOOO Drive_________________
OOOOO Computer______________
OOOOO
Awareness_____________
OOOOO Etiquette______________
OOOOO Cosmology_____________
OOOOO
Brawl_________________
OOOOO Firearms_______________
OOOOO Enigmas______________
OOOOO
Dodge________________
OOOOO Meditation_____________
OOOOO Investigation___________
OOOOO
Expression_____________
OOOOO Melee_________________
OOOOO Law__________________
OOOOO
Intimidation___________
OOOOO Performance____________
OOOOO Linguistics_____________
OOOOO
Leadership______________
OOOOO Stealth________________
OOOOO Medicine______________
OOOOO
Streetwise_____________
OOOOO Survival________________
OOOOO Occult________________
OOOOO
Subterfuge_____________
OOOOO Technology_____________
OOOOO Science________________
OOOOO
Spheres
Correspondence________
OOOOO Life__________________
OOOOO Prime_________________
OOOOO
Entropy_______________
OOOOO Matter________________
OOOOO Spirit_________________
OOOOO
Forces________________
OOOOO Mind_________________
OOOOO Time_________________
OOOOO
Advantages
Backgrounds Arete Health
_______________________
OOOOO O O O O O O O O O O Bruised -0
_______________________
OOOOO Hurt -1
_______________________
OOOOO Willpower Injured -1
_______________________
OOOOO O O O O O O O O O O Wounded -2
_______________________
OOOOO Mauled -2
_______________________
OOOOO Crippled -5
_______________________
OOOOO Quintessence Incapacitated
Resonance
Other Traits Dynamic______________
OOOOO
________________________
OOOOO •
Entropic_______________
OOOOO
_______________________
OOOOO Static________________
OOOOO
_______________________
OOOOO
Experience
_______________________
OOOOO
_______________________
OOOOO Paradox
™
Merits & Flaws

Merit Type Cost Flaw Type Bonus
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Magic
Preferred Effects Rotes
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Combat
Maneuver/Do Technique Roll Difficulty Damage/Effect
Weapon Difficulty Damage Range Rate Clip Conceal

Armor:___________
Do Style:___________
™
Expanded Background
Allies Library
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Contacts Mentor
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Destiny Node
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Influence Resources
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Possessions
Gear (Carried) Equipment (Owned) Foci
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Wonders Familiar
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Past Incarnations
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
™
History
Awakening
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Goals/Destiny
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Seekings:__________________________________Quiets:__________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Description
Age:____________________________________________________________________________________
Apparent Age:________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth:__________________________________________________________________________
Age of Awakening:_____________________________________________________________________
Hair:____________________________________________________________________________________
Eyes:____________________________________________________________________________________
Race:________________________Appearance/Nature of Avatar:_______________________________
Nationality:__________________________________________________________________________
Height:_________________________________________________________________________________
Weight:__________________________________________________________________________________
Sex:____________________________________________________________________________________
Visuals
Cabal Chart Character Sketch
Note s
Note s

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T R A D I T I O N B O O K :

By Samuel Inabinet and Malcolm Sheppard

Overture: Waves Within 5

Overture: Waves Within 7

The nature of things is in the habit of concealing itself.

Introduction: Strangeness and Utopia 9

Mood: Realizing Science’s Potential

Introduction: Strangeness and Utopia 11

Band One: Stone Flower

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 13

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 15

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 17

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 19

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 21

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 23

Band Three: Future Primitive

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 25

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 27

Band Four: Look Up

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 29

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 31

Coda: All the Love of the Universe

Chapter One: The Eight-Track method 33

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 35

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 37

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 39

Initiation and the Tradition quickly labels the Etherite as a member of

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 41

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 43

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 45

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 47

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 49

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 51

The Book of the Ether

A Practical Guide to the Kitab al-Alacir

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 53

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 55

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 57

Sufficiently Advanced Technology: Magic

Entropy: Ether Dynamics Matter:

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 59

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 61

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 63

Chapter Two: The Essence of Science 65

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 67

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 69

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 71

Nothing But Science

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 73

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 75

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 77

Courses of Etheric Study

Ergonomy and Geonomy

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 79

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 81

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 83

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 85

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 87

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 89

Chapter Three: The Dynamic Faculty 93