So, an outline of the Ethereal Gathering's technology and capabilities:
Gathering tech is built upon three pillars of fundamental rules:
-Their 'bodies' exist in a realm known as the Void, a collection of dead or incomplete universes and plains of existence that can be found between fully functional planes.
-Isolation Fields are used to isolate matter and energy from external forces, such as Baryonic Particles and the four forces that govern this universe (Electromagnetism, gravity, etc.). These fields have three layers, an external containment layer of dense Boson Inhibiting exotic matter, a Void vacuum, and the internal payload or substance being contained. By containing it so, the contents don't react with the outside universe, until required and the containment field is shut off.
-Quantum/Universe Tunneling has been well researched and achieved, allowing small controlled wormholes between two points in this universe, or between universes, to be achieved. While structured matter (such as a ship) cannot use these tunnels without being torn into sub atomic particles and radiation, energy and exotic matter can be ferried for a variety of uses, from communication to 'firing' this energy as a weapon.
Entropy/Decay weapons- This beam is not actually a true energy weapon: rather, an Isolation Field is created in a cylindrical tube shape, with the payload being Tunneled from the the accretion disk of a pulsar. This collection of materials accelerates particle heat death around it, and also catalyzes the effect from decayed matter to create a cascade of destruction. This effect, however, loses momentum after a short while when the 'beam' is shut off, and results in a clean hole. Extremely effective against armor, this weapon is weak against most forms of energy shielding. Main armament of the Temple class Cruiser, with smaller versions sported by Sisters and Matrons. Most common deployed weapon type.
Void Warhead - Simply put, a guided munition that is a solid sphere containing an Isolation Field, which in turn contains pure Void Space. When this missile collides with an object, the shell fractures, disabling the Field and reacting violently with local space-time, vaporizing whatever it hits. Lacking penetrative power, it is used as an AoE weapon, and deadly to squadrons of fighter craft. All Vessels sport several launch bays of this projectile, with the exception of the Amazon War Walker.
Zero Point Mortars - An intense concentration of gravitons, these munitions crush anything caught within it's field of influence. Resisted by shields and heavy armor, it's an effective anti infantry and anti-structure artillery weapon, which can be fired from orbit for surface bombardment. The main weapon armament of the Amazon, a missile variant is used by Black Fleet Matrons for anti fighter and anti infantry combat. Traditional Matrons project this field as well around them, to act as a second defensive layer for critical ships, destroying or diverting physical projectiles such as missiles or rail gun slugs.
'Collapse' Cannon - Main armament of the Cathedral Dreadnought, this projectile is an intense singularity kept within a powerful Isolation Field. Cathedrals can increase the size, power and longevity of the round by linking together and sharing the burden of energy requirements, resulting in a more powerful blast at the cost of increased charging time and total energy drainage from their reactors, shutting off all other functions for a brief amount of time. Meant as a 'final blow' weapon, a Collapse Cannon can destroy entire small fleets in a single burst, though the projectile is slow and avoidable, tearing and destroying ships along it's path before detonating.
Shielding/Armor - The armor of any vessel is considerably weak, with a dense layering of heavy materials. When projected with an Isolation Field, however, the surface hardens and forms an ablative layering, making them much more resistant to damage. This field has huge energy requirements due to it's size, however, and can only be utilized on dedicated mobile armor plates, which a ship will use to intercept and clock incoming fire.
Military Doctrine - When engaging enemies, vessels will strafe and circle the target, keeping it's armor facing it's enemy as much as possible. Shields are deteriorated with sustained Void Warhead fire, with Entropy Cannons used to deal killing blows by piercing and destroying key areas of the ships (Hangars, Engines, Bridges, etc.). Swarms of boarding Constructs will fly to the ship, meanwhile, and attempt to cut their way through and engage the crew on foot. In larger numbers, several Temples will convert to Conduit Ships, losing all functions but contacting the Home Fleet, to request reinforcements, relay tactical data and bolster other ships offensive and defensive capabilities by transmitting reactor energy to them.
Ethereals are weak to magic, and have little understanding or defensive capabilities against it, merely using it as a catalyst for Core establishing and signal strengthening. Combined with their reliance on it to run Construct Cores, this link is a major weak spot, crafty enemies able to shut it off and completely disable many units at once. Conduit Ships are used to counter this, but if they are lost, most ships still capable of doing so will retreat. They are also vulnerable just after arriving at a destination via FTL, and as such cannot warp straight into conflicts, moving under traditional power and making reinforcements slow, or in atmosphere, where the ship will explode violently.
Enemy shields are difficult to pierce, and usually require much firepower to collapse. As such, Ethereals prefer to strike at enemies quickly where there is little resistance, and get out before reinforcements arrive. Ethereal minds are also delicate, and psionic/disruption attacks usually drive them into a frenzy, killing anything around them (friend and foe alike).