Au Ra physiology and other lore.

[Samcaesar]

Snip

Generally prairies are Steppes but with more frequent trees, apparently. The western part of the Great Plains for example is called the "Prairie steppe" so essentially they're interchangeable.

You're not wrong! Aether does change the rules in a very unique way, as does magic. Often however, magic emulates the effects of advance technology. Think of Magitek for example, it's stuff that emulates magic through the usage of crystallized aether. Replace aether with such things as like oil and now we through the use of technology can turn something liquid into fire or wind turbines would be turning wind aspect aether into lightening aspect aether.

Unless if Auri women have a sudden hulk switch I doubt that sort of thing happens :P Plus, if all Xaela women used that technique, well I kinda would guess it wouldn't be so effective against their main enemies, other Xaela. Tricks like that only work on those who don't expect it!