Ether
From Xenosaga Wiki
Ether is short for Especial Theory of Rudimentary. It consists of a very wide range of abilities which are similar to magic but based upon purely scientific reasoning which to some degree is similar to, say, alchemy. It refers to nanomachine abilities that many Xenosaga characters can use. Some characters have the ability to tap into the nano abilities ("Open Ether Circuit") for medical and attack purposes. In a way, Ether is almost a mechanical form of the Force from Star Wars, and does not seem to be related to the scientific version of Ether. However, it is also possible that the nanomachines have Ether ability, as well. Some Ether abilities include the Medica series (uses nanomachines to heal), attack Ethers (similar to Magic in other RPGs), and countless others. There seems to many versions of Ether hence the generalized name, while most characters and NPCs appear to use nanomachine based Ether (even recovery items appear to be nanomedkits.) some characters rely on different sources. Several characters exhibit energy emission and manipulation powers as well as psychic powers and physiological abilities beyond the human norm which can either be explained by contact with Zohar, U-DO, some form of mutation, vague skills or through transference technology. A few characters promininently exhibit the ability to summon equipment via teleportation. This is likely done through the U.M.N. however biological beings are noted at being unable to cross space this way without detrimental effects. In Episode II, combination Ethers were used by the characters both inside and outside of their E.S. Notably Episode I featured unique character Ether based upon their professions or species. Gnosis and other humans are also known to use similar effects. Although U.R.T.V. units like Albedo and Rubedo can regenerate or 'preserve' themselves in that order, this may or may not fall within the Ether classification. chaos, Jin and several others may have powers based on more traditional notions of oriental magic. There will most likely be many more Ether skills in Episode III, although this has not been confirmed. However, this entire topic is only brushed upon in Episodes I and II.
Ether could also come from the word "aether," which is the Greek personification of the sky/heaven, from Aether, the substance that supposedly fills all of space and was often considered a fifth element in science and philosophy. Aether was also the substance which was breathed by the Olympian gods (as opposed to the aer, or air, breathed by humans).
