Danger: Mana Poisoning
One thing often not considered with magic is that generally, the body of a bog-standard human isn't capable of dealing with the raw concentrations of mana that comprise spells. Thus ether, being condensed, highly-concentrated magic, is likely to produce mutagenic effects in those exposed to it.
Depending on the method and time frame of exposure, this can range from cancerous, radiation poisoning sickness from long-term evaporation, all the way to explosive tentacular growth for heavy physical saturation.
As a tool, ether has many uses and much utility, but it also presents very real dangers, especially for those who are exposed to it for long periods.
The red-and-white stripes make this somewhat comical, a blatant North Pole like you might see on a holiday greeting card. The rest of the idea is also interesting and, as others have pointed out, even good enough that an expansion would be nice and interesting to read. Good idea, can definitely not have enough winter holiday submissions.
An interesting oddity, and sure to spark interest if encoutner in an otherwise tropical climate. Perhaps the locals have come to rely on it for refigeration and releif from the othersie intolerably hot envrioment.
Items (Potion) (Campaign Defining)
Whether it merely magnifies the latent abilities of the subject or actually imparts magical ability to the truly ungifted is a choice for the GM to make. Regardless, this doesn't have to simply be a substance usable only to the mages and their ilk. Go to Comment