Lifeblood

Lifeblood is, as it's name implies, the drive force behind most of Aetherius' civilized lands. In the very beginnings of civilization, Lifeblood was very common, and most creatures, plants, and humanoids contained Lifeblood within them. This caused them to have incredible power. They could run faster, jump higher, and think much more broadly than most animals today. The peoples of before created entire cities powered by Lifeblood, and glorious machines as well. Alas, with such power, comes people willing to hoard it.

Many groups of people (developing countries, actually) wanted to secure Lifeblood for themselves, and for endless amounts of power. Wars began over Lifeblood, cities crumbled, and society as they knew it ceased to exist. Those creatures that were still left after the seemingly endless battles went into hiding all over the world, and the plants who contained it are now rare, with most considered entirely extinct.

Now, one thing to mention, is that Lifeblood on it's own is horrible, especially now. Nobody knows why it has become "poisonous" in it's raw form, but nobody really seems to care. The only way to get the truly magical abilities out of Lifeblood is to refine it with ancient arcane rituals, or heavily advanced technology.