Aetherborne (race)

The Aetherborne are a race of humanoids which populate the Aether itself. Though no written (or archaeological) records directly state when and how the Aetherborne came to inhabit their homelands, it is thought that this came about sometime in the Middle Formative Era of the Celestial Age.

Due to their Aether-gills (which are largely debated as to whether they are adaptations or inventions), the Aetherborne "breathe" natural Aether rather than any specific type of matter. Because of this, the typical humanoid respiratory organs are less pronounced on Aetherborne individuals than on other humanoids.

For much of the history of Ha'ther, the Aetherborne have remained largely uncontacted and unaffected by events transpiring within the planes. However, sparse records of contact with Aetherborne-like entities have been dated to as early as the Brass Age. (It appears that the Aetherborne have long been aware of the goings-on within the planes but have chosen to abstain from involvement.)

During the Duerian Expansive Period (in the Shale Age), the Aetherborne had extensive contact with the Duerian Dwarves. Though Duerian Aethership technology far outmatched that of the Aetherborne, generations of experience in navigating the Aether gave the latter the advantage in any confrontations. Borders were quickly formed and remained rather rigid throughout the age.