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Exploring the Aether Skies: A World of Magic, Espionage, and Horror

Starting in the near future Nerdarchist Dave will be returning to the world we started making years ago for a campaign on the channel. We have three videos talking about it already on the channel with more to come. We also did a full fledged campaign years ago under the system of Open Legend. Now we return to it for a 5th edition game with some returning cast and some of our regulars experiencing it for the first time. In the world of Aether Skies, the remnants of a once-great civilization float high above a cursed and monster-infested surface. Suspended in the heavens by Aether—a volatile and potent magical energy—these skyborne cities are locked in a delicate balance of power, espionage, and survival. But something is stirring in the abyss below. A city long thought lost, Haven, has returned, shrouded in an ominous storm known as The Curtain. And with it, the eldritch horrors once sealed away are clawing back into the world.

Aether Skies: The Genre Blend

Imagine the industrial intrigue of steampunk, the arcane grandeur of high fantasy, and the creeping dread of eldritch horror—this is Aether Skies. The setting is a fusion of Cold War-style political maneuvering, skyfaring exploration, and supernatural conspiracies lurking beneath the surface of everyday life. Players navigate a world where magic fuels technology, and the unknown is both a source of power and a lurking menace.

The Floating Cities

The great cities of Aether Skies are sustained by spinning Aether Struts that draw energy from the surrounding air. These metropolises, each with their own cultures and agendas, hover above the surface world, competing for dwindling resources and technological superiority. Travel between them is rare and often requires government clearance, making airships the lifeblood of trade, warfare, and clandestine operations.

Each city has its own unique identity:

• Theopholis: A religious stronghold, where indulgences are bought and sold, and Aether is considered an unholy necessity.
• Purgamentum: The city of the dead and the discarded, where funeral rites and junk trading go hand in hand.
• Falcress: An elven city of scholars and manipulators of Aether, where intellect is as dangerous as any blade.
• Kerfluffle: The slum city of kobolds, where survival is a ruthless game, and an enormous secret army lurks beneath the surface.
• Orashul: A cultural hub of artisans and traders, where hidden power plays dictate the future of the skies.

And then there’s Haven—the returned city. Once destroyed in a war, its resurgence has ignited whispers of doom. It stands at the center of The Curtain, a roiling storm of green and purple lightning, from which no traveler returns unchanged.

Espionage and Airship Exploration

Cold War-style intrigue permeates Aether Skies. Every city harbors spies, and organizations like the Aethernati, the elite intelligence force, work tirelessly to maintain the fragile balance. Aetherball, the sport of the floating world, is more than just entertainment—it’s a backdrop for business deals, espionage, and political manipulation.

Meanwhile, airship crews play a vital role in this world, whether as pirates, privateers, or explorers venturing to the cursed surface below. The surface is a nightmare—a land of twisted beasts and forgotten secrets. Expeditions are perilous, and many who descend never return. But for those who do, the rewards can be priceless.

The Horror of the Aether and the Madness It Brings

Aether is the lifeblood of the cities, but it is also a fickle and dangerous force. It can be drawn upon for power, allowing spellcasters to push beyond their limits, but at great personal risk. The more one taps into raw Aether, the more their mind frays. Those who overreach risk permanent insanity or worse—they may attract the attention of things beyond comprehension.

Creatures like the Aether Parasites, which feed on Aether and can drain the life from a person, lurk in the skies. And on the surface, monstrous abominations roam freely. Even the most advanced Aether-powered defenses may not be enough when the horrors come knocking.

Conclusion

Aether Skies is a world teetering on the edge. The floating cities cling to power while eldritch nightmares stir below. The Cold War between the cities could erupt into open conflict at any moment, while the return of Haven signals a terrible reckoning. Whether you choose to play as an airship privateer, a spy entangled in a web of conspiracies, or an explorer delving into the darkness below, the Aether Skies promise adventure, danger, and the unknown.

So, the question remains: How will you carve your legend among the heavens?

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!!