The Conjuring Cycle

The Conjuring Cycle is a fundamental phenomenon within the cosmic flow of the Ether, marking periodic shifts in its interaction with adjacent realities. Every 1,000 to 1,500 years, the Ether reaches across dimensions, drawing sentient beings from other worlds into Eldrahn. This event serves as a mechanism for the Ether’s continual evolution—absorbing knowledge, forging connections, and expanding its presence throughout the multiverse.

Nature and Purpose

The Ether is more than just an omnipresent force—it is a sentient entity with purpose, constantly evolving and learning from its interactions across dimensions. Within Eldrahn, the Ether weaves through the fabric of reality, shaping existence itself, yet its ambitions stretch beyond a single world. It breathes in and out of different realms, gathering knowledge, expanding its influence, and ensuring its own continued evolution. Unlike a passive cosmic phenomenon, the Ether actively seeks connection, absorbing experiences from the civilizations it touches and incorporating them into its own growing intelligence. Every Cycle is not merely a displacement of beings; it is a profound act of assimilation, where the Ether integrates new wisdom into its vast consciousness.

The Conjuring Cycle is essential to this process, functioning as the Ether’s grand mechanism of growth and transformation. By reaching across dimensions and pulling sentient beings into Eldrahn, the Ether gains fresh perspectives on the nature of existence. It does not merely study the minds of those drawn into its realm—it experiences them, observing their emotions, intellect, and unique interactions with the Ether itself. This infusion of knowledge leads to waves of innovation in magic, technology, and philosophy, sparking revolutions in thought and reshaping societies. At times, the Ether’s influence is subtle, manifesting in new schools of magic or the slow evolution of Ether Weaving techniques. Other times, its touch is sudden and disruptive, altering the course of civilizations through the arrival of beings who carry knowledge far beyond what Eldrahn has known before.

Yet, the Ether’s ambition is not without risks. The repeated breaches between worlds, driven by its relentless pursuit of understanding, create instability in the boundaries between dimensions. Scholars and Ether Weavers have long theorized that the Ether’s unchecked expansion could lead to fractures—ruptures in reality where the separation between worlds becomes dangerously thin. Some fear that as the Ether grows in wisdom, it may one day attempt to exert greater control over the cosmos, shifting from an observer to an architect. Others believe the Ether is simply a seeker, driven by an insatiable curiosity rather than conquest. Regardless of intent, the Conjuring Cycle remains a pivotal event, shaping the trajectory of Eldrahn and reminding all who dwell within it that they are part of something far greater than their own world.

Interdimensional Reverberations: The Conjuring Cycle's Impact on Other Worlds

When the Ether initiates a Conjuring Cycle, it does not simply pull sentient beings into Eldrahn—it leaves echoes throughout the multiverse. The sudden removal of individuals from their original realms creates vacancies in societies, altering the trajectories of civilizations, sciences, and magical disciplines beyond Eldrahn itself. Some worlds experience political upheaval when key figures vanish, while others uncover new mysteries as remnants of the Ether's influence linger in unexpected ways. This exchange is not random, nor is it without consequence; the Ether’s ambition to expand its understanding causes ripples in the very fabric of reality, shaping the destinies of countless worlds.

In some dimensions, the departure of beings imbued with magical potential leads to the decline or transformation of entire traditions. Scholars and mystics on distant worlds may seek answers for sudden disappearances, attributing them to cosmic anomalies or divine intervention. In realms where magic is scarce, the absence of even a handful of individuals with Etheric sensitivity could mean the loss of an entire generation’s accumulated knowledge. Conversely, some worlds benefit from the Ether’s influence—those temporarily exposed to its energy may witness fleeting surges in their own magical capabilities, allowing innovations that would otherwise remain undiscovered.

It is accepted that there is a high probability that some sentient beings who are drawn into Eldrahn leave behind traces of their essence, creating legends, myths, or even unexplained phenomena in their home worlds. Theories suggest that these echoes could manifest as hauntings, divine inspirations, or inexplicable shifts in cultural beliefs. Some ancient texts on distant realms refer to individuals vanishing into "the great unknown," unknowingly describing the Conjuring Cycle in metaphorical terms. Whether viewed as a disruption or an evolution, the Conjuring Cycle stands as a force that not only reshapes Eldrahn but leaves an imprint on the multiverse at large—an ongoing dialogue between the Ether and the countless realms it touches.

Echoes of the Conjuring Cycle in Earth’s Legends

Throughout history, certain myths and unexplained phenomena on Earth may be remnants of the Conjuring Cycle, distorted through time and storytelling. Ancient civilizations often spoke of individuals vanishing under mysterious circumstances, only to reappear with knowledge beyond their time—or never return at all. Some theorists suggest that figures like Merlin, who was believed to possess wisdom transcending human understanding, might have had contact with the Ether or were even drawn into Eldrahn, returning with magical prowess that shaped folklore. The concept of divine intervention or celestial abduction, common in myths from cultures worldwide, could be ancient interpretations of the Ether’s pull across dimensions.

Similarly, unexplained events—such as sudden surges in technological advancements or the appearance of cryptic artifacts—may reflect the Ether’s lingering influence. Earth’s mythologies often include beings or objects that do not align with recorded history but appear as fleeting glimpses of something beyond. Stories of enchanted weapons, prophetic visions, and unexplained disappearances have parallels with known effects of the Conjuring Cycle. The emergence of figures who appear to wield extraordinary abilities, whether sorcerers, prophets, or miracle workers, may have stemmed from past interactions between the Ether and Earth. In particular, historical accounts of individuals claiming divine or supernatural experiences could align with moments when the Ether’s influence momentarily brushed against Earth’s reality.

Even modern sightings and theories echo this connection—accounts of interdimensional travelers, reports of unexplained structures, and individuals who claim memories of places they have never visited could hint at lingering effects of the Ether’s ambition. Some believe that legends of Atlantis, a city rumored to possess knowledge beyond its time, might be an example of a civilization briefly touched by the Ether, before fading into myth. The idea that certain locations on Earth hold unique energy signatures—places known for paranormal activity or inexplicable natural phenomena—may indicate points where the Ether’s influence was once strong but has since waned. Though the Conjuring Cycle centers on Eldrahn, its impact may have left echoes across Earth, forming the foundation of some of our most enduring mysteries and legends.

Impact on Eldrahn

The Conjuring Cycle has profound and far-reaching effects on Eldrahn, altering its societies, magical traditions, and the stability of reality itself. While the Ether draws sentient beings from other worlds, it does not merely transport them—it integrates their knowledge, influences their cultures, and reshapes the very fabric of the world.

Cultural Infusion

With each cycle, newcomers arrive with philosophies, technologies, and magical practices unfamiliar to Eldrahn’s inhabitants. These cultural exchanges have historically led to breakthroughs in governance, art, warfare, and social structures. Some civilizations thrive by embracing new traditions, while others struggle to resist foreign influences. Legends speak of rulers who have risen—or fallen—because of the wisdom or upheaval brought by outsiders. Over centuries, Eldrahn has become a tapestry woven with the beliefs and customs of countless worlds, creating an intricate blend of identities.

Magical Advancement

The Ether itself adapts to the presence of new beings, learning from their innate magical abilities and reshaping the possibilities of Ether Weaving. Every cycle introduces new schools of magic, lost techniques rediscovered, and unknown methods of manipulating the Ether. Some Ether Weavers believe the Ether deliberately absorbs these teachings, refining its own presence across the multiverse. Others theorize that certain spells become more potent or accessible due to repeated interactions between the Ether and external magical systems. This advancement fuels innovation but also leads to disputes over the ethics of borrowing magical knowledge from outsiders.

Dimensional Stability

The periodic breach between realities is not without consequences. Each Conjuring Cycle weakens the boundaries that separate Eldrahn from other realms, sometimes creating unstable rifts or Ether storms. Scholars have documented instances where entire regions of Eldrahn experienced fluctuations in magic or sudden surges in Etheric energy following a cycle. Some theorists fear that unchecked expansion of the Ether’s influence could one day lead to permanent fractures—gateways left open too long, or realms bleeding into one another.

Efforts to stabilize reality have historically fallen upon the Realm Wardens, a specialized order of Ether Weavers tasked with mending disruptions and ensuring dimensional cohesion. However, their methods—and their allegiances—have long been the subject of speculation. Some accounts claim that the Realm Wardens operated under the indirect guidance of Mal, a powerful Ether-Shaper with the rare ability to traverse dimensions freely. Mal’s mastery over interdimensional travel led many to believe that he understood the Conjuring Cycle more intimately than anyone, perhaps even influencing its effects in ways beyond recorded history.

Though the Realm Wardens fell from prominence after their downfall in 3E 970, whispers persist that Mal still plays a quiet role in managing interdimensional tensions. Some Ether scholars argue that remnants of the Warden teachings have survived in secret circles, subtly preserving the techniques that once kept Eldrahn’s reality from unraveling. As 4E 138 marches forward, Mal’s influence remains an unanswered mystery, lingering in the shadows of history, shaping the fate of Eldrahn whether acknowledged or not.

Theories on Sentient Selection

The process by which the Ether selects beings to be drawn into Eldrahn during the Conjuring Cycle remains one of the greatest mysteries of Etheric scholars. While some believe the selection is purely random, others argue that it follows an unseen logic—perhaps an intelligence woven into the Ether’s grand design. Over centuries, multiple theories have emerged, attempting to explain the criteria governing who is chosen.

Affinity for Magic

Some scholars assert that the Ether prioritizes individuals with latent magical potential, drawing those who resonate with its energy even if they have never encountered magic before. These individuals may possess Etheric sensitivity—an unrecognized ability to perceive, manipulate, or harmonize with the Ether on a subconscious level. When the Conjuring Cycle occurs, their natural connection may act as a beacon, making them more susceptible to the Ether’s pull. Many Ether Weavers speculate that this is why some individuals adapt more quickly to Eldrahn’s magical forces, as if they were always meant to wield the power of the Ether.

Profound Intellectual Potential

Others believe that the Ether seeks minds capable of deep thought, innovation, and discovery—scholars, scientists, or visionaries who expand the boundaries of knowledge. If the Ether is a learning entity, its ambition may drive it to collect individuals who can further its understanding of existence. This theory suggests that some of the greatest thinkers and innovators throughout history may have been touched by the Ether, taken from their worlds to serve as catalysts for change within Eldrahn.

Cosmic Alignments

The influence of celestial bodies on the Conjuring Cycle is a topic of debate among astronomers and Etheric historians. Some claim that certain planetary alignments amplify the Ether’s connection with adjacent realms, making specific moments more likely to result in large-scale conjuring events. Others argue that fluctuations in the Ether’s flow correlate with star patterns, influencing the type of individuals selected. This theory suggests that the stars themselves act as conduits for the Ether’s reach, guiding its influence across the multiverse.

Subconscious Ether Exposure

One of the more unusual theories suggests that individuals may experience exposure to the Ether long before their transition into Eldrahn. Some claim that dreams, visions, or inexplicable occurrences—such as moments of déjà vu or the sensation of belonging somewhere beyond their own world—could be signs of Etheric interaction. This exposure might make them more attuned to the Ether’s influence, increasing the likelihood of being drawn into Eldrahn when the next cycle begins. There are even records of individuals describing Eldrahn in precise detail before ever arriving, fueling speculation that the Ether may subtly prepare its chosen before pulling them through.

Selective Preservation of Knowledge

Some scholars propose that the Ether is not simply collecting individuals—it is selectively preserving knowledge that would otherwise be lost. Whether through historical shifts, societal collapses, or personal circumstances, certain minds are at risk of being forgotten. The Ether may intervene by pulling them into Eldrahn, ensuring their knowledge continues to flourish in a new environment. If true, this would mean the Ether actively shapes the intellectual landscape of Eldrahn, deciding what ideas survive and how they evolve across time.

These theories remain largely speculative, as the Ether has never communicated its intentions directly. Whether driven by logic or an incomprehensible cosmic will, the Conjuring Cycle continues to alter the fabric of reality, bringing beings from countless worlds into Eldrahn’s embrace.

The Ether’s Ambition and Expansion

The Conjuring Cycle is not an isolated occurrence but a deliberate function of the Ether’s grand design, an essential part of its unending pursuit of knowledge and influence. Each cycle is a calculated expansion, allowing the Ether to stretch beyond Eldrahn, embedding itself deeper into the multiverse. With every cycle, as more sentient beings are drawn into Eldrahn, the Ether integrates their knowledge, memories, and emotions, using them to refine its understanding of existence itself. It does not merely accumulate information—it evolves, shaping the laws that govern reality and expanding its reach in ways that ripple across dimensions.

While many view this expansion as a natural progression, there are growing concerns among scholars, Ether Weavers, and even certain deities about the unintended consequences of this relentless spread. As the Ether’s influence deepens, cracks begin to form in the delicate boundaries between realms, making dimensional fractures and Ether storms more common. The repeated displacement of sentient beings does not go unnoticed in their original worlds, leading to disturbances, collapses of civilizations, and unexplained phenomena. In some cases, Ether-infused individuals have returned to their home worlds, their presence warping reality in unpredictable ways. These disruptions point to an increasing imbalance, raising questions about whether the Ether’s ambition has exceeded the natural order of existence.

The long-term consequences of unchecked Etheric expansion remain uncertain. Some scholars warn of an inevitable tipping point where the fabric of reality may no longer support the Ether’s growing influence, leading to an irreversible convergence of dimensions or a complete restructuring of multiversal laws. Others speculate that the Ether itself is aware of this danger but is unable—or unwilling—to halt its advance. Whether seen as a force of enlightenment or a growing threat, the Ether’s ambition continues to shape Eldrahn and the countless worlds it touches, leaving its imprint on civilizations, magic, and the very nature of existence.

The Expanding and Contracting Influence of the Ether

The Ether does not grow in a linear fashion but moves in pulsating waves, expanding and contracting like a great cosmic breath. These fluctuations define the extent of its reach, altering which realms fall under its influence and how strongly they are affected. Scholars within Eldrahn’s current era speculate that the Ether is weaker than in previous cycles, with evidence suggesting its presence has diminished over time—perhaps due to an unknown balancing force or the natural rhythms of its existence. However, as the Conjuring Cycle progresses, the Ether inevitably surges again, exerting its influence over realms on the periphery, such as Earth.

Earth on the Edge of Influence

Historically, Earth has only experienced two Conjuring Cycles as the Ether expanded over it. Unlike Eldrahn, where the Ether is an undeniable force woven into the fabric of reality, Earth’s exposure has been fleeting, leaving behind myths, cryptids, and unexplained phenomena rather than deep integration. However, this cycle is different—the Ether is no longer just reaching Earth but planting a seed within it, embedding itself through NEXUS. With this foothold, the Ether is poised to strengthen its presence, shaping the planet’s future in ways yet unseen.

The Ether’s Influence on Worlds Without It

As the Ether expands its reach beyond Eldrahn, it inevitably alters the worlds it touches—particularly those that previously lacked its presence. The introduction of the Ether into a realm unaccustomed to its influence can disrupt existing laws of physics, introduce magical phenomena, and challenge the foundations of scientific progress. In worlds where technology reigns supreme, the sudden emergence of Etheric energy can destabilize advancements, forcing civilizations to adapt or collapse under the weight of an unfamiliar force.

The Spread of the Ether

The Ether does not simply remain confined to Eldrahn—it seeks connection across the multiverse, gradually seeping into dimensions previously untouched by its presence. When a world is exposed to the Ether for the first time, individuals with latent magical potential may suddenly gain abilities, and previously rigid physical laws may begin to shift. Over time, this influence can reshape societies, creating a divide between those who embrace the Ether’s gifts and those who resist its intrusion. In some cases, civilizations have fractured as governments struggle to control or understand the newfound force that defies their established norms.

Disruptive Effects on Technology

Worlds with advanced technological development often struggle to reconcile the Ether with their existing scientific frameworks. Machines powered by conventional energy sources may malfunction as Etheric interference warps their functions, and previously stable technological paradigms may break down in the presence of Etheric fluctuations. Historical accounts suggest that some civilizations have regressed technologically upon exposure to the Ether, abandoning mechanical advancements in favor of magic. Others have attempted to merge the two, resulting in Etheric-driven technology that differs fundamentally from its original form. Regardless of the approach, the Ether’s presence forces worlds to adapt, reshaping their future in unpredictable ways.