An Atlantean Aspect, or simply Aspect, describes the appearance of certain powerful magic users when they are overcome by emotion or using strong magic. Aspects are a survival mechanism, a way to scare off attackers. More powerful individuals, such as Arcana, have more distorted Aspects, whereas younger Atlanteans have more subtle Aspects, possibly because blending in is more valuable to survival than standing out.[1]
Aspects are generally ephemeral, unable to affect the real world in physical ways. Rune is unique in that his Aspect is powerful enough to burn people.[2] Children are not able to manifest Aspects.[2]
Examples
Rune's father could turn into a pillar of light bright enough it left an afterimage hours later. Rune's eyes become fiery and he sometimes catches fire himself. He is able to burn other people through his Aspect. His heir, Annawanna Dawncreak, also has fiery eyes in her Aspect, despite being too young to manifest one.
Lady Justice "dangled from the ceiling like a spider"[1] as far of her Aspect. Lady Lovers was able to cause intense sexual arousal when she revealed her Aspect. Addam's Aspect includes the faint outline of plate metal over his skin and clothes.[2]
Rune also mentions "burning bushes," "scorpions," and "F5 funnel clouds" as other, existing Aspects.[1]