Plane of Aquos

The Plane of Aquos, also known as the Elemental Plane of Water, was formed from the union of Unknown, the Unknown of Force, and Unknown, the Eldari of Space. This merging of elemental essence gave birth to a boundless realm of fluid motion, an infinite ocean where the forces of gravity and space interacted to create an ever-shifting aquatic landscape. Aquos is the source of all fluid existence within the cosmos, from the smallest droplets of water to the vast oceans of the Prime Plane. It represents the essence of change, flow, and adaptability, with the currents and tides of Aquos reflecting the dynamic forces that govern the universe.

Appearance

The Plane of Aquos is an endless expanse of water, with no discernible surface or depth. Travelers entering this plane find themselves submerged in a vast ocean that stretches in all directions, with the sensation of being several feet beneath the surface, though there is no clear "up" or "down." The water glows with a faint bluish-green luminescence, casting an ethereal light that permeates the plane, despite the absence of a sun or any other visible light source.

Within Aquos, pockets of other elements can be found—bubbles of air, chunks of earth, and even bursts of hot air, caught within the ever-changing currents. These elemental vortices create shifting environments where life and habitats form, often moving with the flow of the ocean. Coral reefs, kelp forests, and vast underwater cities exist within these pockets, sustained by the rich biodiversity that thrives in Aquos. However, the plane is far from peaceful; powerful currents, whirlpools, and tidal bores create hazards that can pull travelers far from their intended path or sweep them into elemental vortices leading to other realms.

Predatory creatures of immense size, such as krakens, giant squid, and aboleths, prowl the waters, while smaller yet deadly creatures—such as poisonous fish and virulent algae—pose a constant threat. The infamous "red tide" algae can cause blinding sickness or even death to those exposed to it. The unpredictability of Aquos is a testament to the volatile nature of water, which can nurture life or bring about its destruction in equal measure.

Origin and Creation

The Plane of Aquos was formed during the Unknown, when the elemental essence of Kinetus and Zephyr merged to create a realm of pure fluid motion. The result was an infinite ocean, where the forces of gravity and space combined to form a world of constant change. This union was essential in shaping the fluid dynamics of the cosmos, allowing for the existence of oceans, rivers, and all forms of liquid across the planes.

The creation of Aquos established the balance between solid matter and fluidity, ensuring that the rigid structure of the Plane of Gaian (Earth) would be counterbalanced by the adaptable, ever-changing nature of water. The gravitational forces of Kinetus ensure that the waters of Aquos remain in constant motion, while the spatial essence of Zephyr allows the plane to expand infinitely without bounds.

Elemental Affinity of Water

The Plane of Aquos is a realm of constant motion and transformation. The water here flows endlessly, forming currents, whirlpools, and vast underwater landscapes that are always shifting. The element of water within Aquos is fluid and adaptable, capable of taking any shape or form depending on the environment. It is both nurturing and destructive, providing life to the countless creatures that inhabit the plane while also posing a constant threat through its volatile nature.

Currents in Aquos can range from gentle streams to violent whirlpools, pulling travelers in unexpected directions. Some of these currents lead to other planes, creating natural portals that connect Aquos to the rest of the Continuum Crystal Cosmology. The plane also experiences "weather" in the form of temperature changes, tidal shifts, and even elemental storms, where the forces of fire, earth, and water collide in dramatic displays of power.

The depths of Aquos are home to vast coral reefs and underwater forests, where life flourishes. However, the deeper one ventures, the more dangerous the plane becomes. Massive creatures, such as krakens and leviathans, dwell in the darkest reaches, while poisonous algae and predatory fish patrol the upper waters.

Creation of Hydrus

From the elemental essence of water in Aquos, the god Unknown was born. As the God of Water, Hydrus embodies the fluidity, adaptability, and nurturing aspects of the element, while also wielding its destructive power when necessary. He is both the guardian of the oceans and rivers in the Prime Plane and the ruler of the endless seas in Aquos.

Hydrus' influence is felt throughout the cosmos wherever water exists. Sailors, fishermen, and sea creatures alike revere Hydrus as their protector, praying for his blessings to ensure safe passage across treacherous waters. But Hydrus is also known for his tempestuous nature—when angered, he can unleash devastating storms, whirlpools, and tidal waves, reminding all of the raw power that water holds.

As the custodian of the Plane of Aquos, Hydrus maintains the balance of water across the planes. His presence ensures that the natural cycles of the tides, currents, and weather continue in harmony, and he is often called upon by elemental sages and Water-Rifting aficianados for guidance and power.

Connections and Significance

Aquos is a vital part of the balance of the cosmos, as it provides the fluid essence that sustains life and motion throughout the planes. Every realm that contains liquid—whether oceans, rivers, or even the blood of living creatures—is connected to Aquos. The flow of water in the Prime Plane and beyond is a direct result of the elemental forces that govern this plane.

The Plane of Aquos is anchored to the Prime Plane through the Seastone, one of the elemental World Stones. The Seastone serves as a conduit for the elemental forces of water, allowing the energy of Aquos to shape the oceans, seas, and rivers of the Prime Plane. The areas surrounding the Seastone in The Sea Realm mirror the characteristics of Aquos, with the veil between the two planes thinning, allowing for a greater connection between them.

Legacy and Impact

The creation of the Plane of Aquos was a pivotal moment in the formation of the universe, as it provided the necessary fluidity and motion to counterbalance the rigidity of the Plane of Gaian. The constant flow of water within Aquos mirrors the natural cycles of change and transformation that occur throughout the cosmos, ensuring that life remains in a state of dynamic equilibrium.

The influence of Aquos can be felt in every ocean, river, and sea across the planes. The gravitational forces of Kinetus and the spatial essence of Zephyr work together to maintain the balance of fluid motion, ensuring that water flows freely throughout the universe. The worship of Aquos and the elemental forces of water continues to this day, with those who seek adaptability, transformation, and flow turning to the Plane of Aquos for guidance.

The Plane of Aquos remains a realm of both beauty and danger, where life thrives in the ever-changing currents, and where the forces of water hold the power to create and destroy in equal measure. Hydrus continues to preside over these waters, shaping their flow and ensuring that the cycles of life persist throughout the cosmos.