Preamble: In the myriad planes and dimensions, the fundamental principles governing motion, time, and the very essence of existence are subtly influenced by the pervasive force of magic, often referred to as the Aether. This theory posits that the laws of physics, as understood in the Prime Material Plane, are but a specific manifestation of more fundamental principles that incorporate the dynamic and reactive nature of the Aether.
Postulate I: The Constancy of the Transcendent Weave.
- The speed at which pure magical energy (Aether) propagates through the Weave is constant for all observers, regardless of their state of motion or magical attunement. Let this fundamental constant be denoted by Caether.
- This propagation is not a simple linear movement but rather a resonant vibration within the Weave itself. Think of it less like a thrown stone and more like a ripple in a pond that expands outwards.
Postulate II: The Principle of Arcane Equivalence.
- The effects of magical forces (such as those generated by spells or inherent magical abilities) are locally indistinguishable from the effects of inertial motion within a non-magical frame of reference.
- Conversely, inertial motion in a region saturated with a stable magical aura can exhibit phenomena akin to magical effects. For instance, a sufficiently fast-moving object in a highly magical area might experience subtle alterations to its mass or temporal flow.
Consequences of the Grand Theorem:
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Arcane Time Dilation: Time is not absolute and is relative to both an observer’s physical motion and their magical resonance with the Weave.
- An individual moving at a significant fraction of Caether relative to the local Aetheric flow will experience time at a slower rate compared to a stationary observer in a magically stable region.
- Furthermore, individuals under the influence of powerful temporal magic or residing in regions with fluctuating Aetheric currents may experience subjective time differently. A moment for one could be an age for another, not just due to planar differences, but due to localized temporal distortions within the same plane.
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Arcane Length Contraction: The perceived length of an object moving at a significant fraction of Caether along its direction of motion will appear shorter to a stationary observer attuned to a different Aetheric resonance. This contraction is influenced not only by physical velocity but also by the difference in magical aura between the object and the observer.
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The Intertwined Nature of Mass and Mana: Mass and magical energy (mana) are not entirely separate entities but are interconvertible according to the principle of Arcane Energy Equivalence: E=mCaether2+M, where E is the total energy, m is the mass, and M represents the inherent magical energy of the object or being. This implies that:
- Objects imbued with significant magical energy may exhibit altered inertial properties. A magically light feather could possess surprising momentum if its mana is suddenly converted to kinetic energy.
- Conversely, expending large amounts of magical energy could theoretically lead to a minuscule decrease in an entity’s physical mass, though this effect is likely negligible in most practical scenarios.
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The Curvature of the Aetheric Fabric: Powerful sources of magic and dense concentrations of magical energy warp the fabric of the Aether and the flow of time around them.
- Regions saturated with ancient magic or the presence of powerful planar entities might exhibit unusual gravitational-like effects or unpredictable temporal anomalies.
- The creation of permanent teleportation circles or planar portals fundamentally involves the controlled manipulation and folding of the Aetheric fabric.
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The Observer’s Influence: The act of observing or interacting with magical phenomena inherently influences the observed reality. A wizard casting detect magic subtly alters the local Aetheric resonance, which can, in turn, have minute effects on the very magic they are trying to perceive. This is not merely about sensory limitations but a fundamental interaction between consciousness and the Weave.
Implications for the Realm:
- Travel: High-speed travel using magical means (like dimension door or flying carpets at extreme velocities) could lead to noticeable time discrepancies for the travelers compared to those who remained stationary.
- Combat: The interaction of powerful spells and fast-moving combatants might involve subtle shifts in perceived time and distance. A wizard casting a spell on a rapidly approaching rogue might need to account for arcane length contraction to ensure accurate targeting.
- Cosmology: The different planes of existence might be understood as regions of the Aether with vastly different fundamental constants and temporal flows. Planar travel involves navigating these shifts in the underlying fabric of reality.
- Magic Item Creation: Imbuing objects with magic could be seen as altering their inherent magical energy (M), affecting their interaction with the Aether and granting them special properties.