The thaumaton is a class of magical particle, which mediates interactions between magions. They have finite (but very fast) speed and complex internal state, and interact very sparingly with normal matter except by their effects on the magions of the magiferous aether.

Thaumatons interact with magions and impart changes to their energetic and magical state. Perturbed magions then create the various and sundry effects of all forms of magic.

There are many types of thaumaton, which mediate different kinds of magic. Discordant (D-thau) and Harmonic thaumatons (H-thau) mediate chaos magic and the effects of the Elements of Harmony respectively. Kinetic thaumatons (K-thau) mediate telekinesis and force shield magic. There are other varieties. A thaumaton that has a state favoring magion interactions is called a committed thaumaton; conversely, uncommitted thaumatons do not tend to interact with magions.