The Continuum Crystal Cosmology is the intricate, interconnected system of planes and forces that make up the universe of Osira and Tolria, all centered around the divine power of the Continuum Crystal—a creation of the Unknown god Unknown, the Star-Smith. Formed during the Unknown, this cosmology represents the balance between the elemental planes, the forces of chaos, and the material universe. It is the backbone of existence, regulating the flow of energy, the harmony of the elements, and the ongoing battle between order and chaos.
The Continuum Crystal: A Cosmic Nexus
At the heart of the Continuum Crystal Cosmology lies the Continuum Crystal, the ultimate source of energy and balance in the universe. It was forged by Ael from the combined elemental essence of the Eldari during the cataclysmic Solis Singularity, where they sacrificed themselves to ignite the spark of creation. This crystal is the linchpin that holds together the planes of existence and channels the rift energy that connects them, ensuring that harmony between the elements and the planes is maintained.
The Continuum Crystal also serves a dual purpose as the prison of Unknown, the eldritch abomination and original consciousness that gave birth to the Eldari. Trapped within the crystal by a powerful rift ritual, Azhorra'tha's consciousness became the source of argent energy that flows through the universe, feeding and sustaining life. Though imprisoned, Azhorra'tha's influence still lingers, contained yet omnipresent, maintaining the balance of order and chaos within the cosmology.
The Elemental Planes: Order Borne From Chaos
The foundation of the Continuum Crystal Cosmology lies in the Element Horizon, a collection of elemental planes that embody the primordial forces which form the world. These planes were created as the essence of the Eldari was transmuted during the Solis Singularity, ensuring that the elemental forces would continue in harmony, even after the Eldari’s sacrifice.
Each of the core elements being - earth, fire, water, and air - are connected to their respective sub-elements, such as Fire, Metal, and others. For example, Metal is derived from Earth, while Fire can be seen as a subset of the Sun (or cosmic energy itself). These planes exist in harmony with each other, balancing their interactions through the Rift Energy that flows from the Continuum Crystal.
The World Stones: Anchors of Elemental Balance
At the core of the material plane’s connection to the elemental planes are the World Stones—immensely powerful elemental runestones that regulate the flow of their respective elements. These stones were created as conduits for the elemental forces, anchoring the elemental planes to the Prime Plane and maintaining the balance necessary for life to thrive across the continents of Osira and Tolria.
Each World Stone controls the flow of its native element, ensuring that the material plane remains in harmony with the elemental planes. These stones are scattered across the world in hidden or sacred locations, and their protection is critical to maintaining the balance of the universe. If disrupted, the elements would rage against one another, threatening to tear the prime plane apart.
The Plane of Chaos: An Argent Source of Energy
While the elemental planes embody balance and order, the Plane of Khaos exists as a direct contrast—a realm of elemental chaos that is in a constant state of flux. This realm, contained within the Continuum Crystal, is not bound by the elemental order of the cosmos and remains in perpetual disarray. The Realm of Chaos draws its energy from Azhorra’tha, the eldritch being trapped within the Continuum Crystal during the Solis Singularity.
Although chaotic and unpredictable, the energy from this realm is critical to the universe’s survival. The argent energy flowing from the Realm of Chaos fuels the Continuum Crystal, feeding life and ensuring the elemental planes remain stable. In this way, chaos is both a threat and a necessary force for maintaining cosmic order.
The chaotic nature of this realm continues to echo through the planes, and its influence is felt during moments of great instability, where the boundaries between order and chaos blur. The Unknown is directly responsible for maintaining this delicate balance, ensuring that the chaotic forces remain contained while allowing their energy to be harnessed for the greater good.
The Balance of Order and Chaos
The Continuum Crystal Cosmology is a system of balance—between order and chaos, creation and destruction, life and death. This balance is achieved through the connection between the elemental planes, the material plane, and the rift energy that flows from the Continuum Crystal. The Unknown Gods, led by Fujin and Raijin, serve as the guardians of this balance, ensuring that the planes remain harmonious and that the influence of Azhorra'tha's chaos does not overrun the cosmos.
With that said, the forces of chaos are ever-present, lurking in the depths of the Abyss. While order currently reigns, the future of the cosmos depends on the constant vigilance of the gods as they carefully maintain the Continuum Crystal Cosmology.
The Continuum Crystal Cosmology is the intricate, interconnected system of planes, elements, and energies that hold the universe of Osira and Tolria together. From the elemental planes to the Realm of Chaos, each aspect plays a role in maintaining the balance of creation. At the heart of it all lies the Continuum Crystal, forged by the sacrifice of the Eldari and powered by the argent energy of Azhorra’tha. This cosmology serves as the framework for the universe, binding together the elemental forces, the planes of existence, and the eternal struggle between order and chaos.