Appearance
Gaia, the Eldari of Matter, is the very embodiment of all physical existence. She represents the celestial bodies, the molten cores of stars, the shifting tectonic plates of planets, and all tangible things. Unlike her counterpart Nox, who embodies the absence of matter, Gaia is the presence of all that is. Her form is often depicted as an immense, flowing figure made of ever-changing rock, magma, and crystalline structures, eternally shifting and forming new shapes.
In the presence of Gaia, one would feel the weight of the cosmos itself, as if standing upon the very bones of creation. She is matter incarnate, giving life to all celestial bodies that form the universe. Some describe her as the great sculptor of the cosmos, constantly shaping and reshaping reality from the raw material of existence.
Origin
Gaia was born from the dreaming mind of Azhorra'tha, like the other Eldari, but her role was singularly crucial. Without her, there would be no tangible existence—no stars, no planets, no matter from which to build the cosmos. From the moment of her inception, Gaia was the source of all physical substance in the universe. Where Ael forged and shaped creation, it was Gaia who provided the very material with which the Star-Smith worked.
As the Eldari clashed in Primordial Pandemonium, Gaia's essence was torn between her need to exist and the forces that sought to unmake her. But when the Solis Singularity was set into motion by Ael and Prism, Gaia transmuted her being into the Plane of Gaian, an infinite realm of shifting earth and molten magma, where matter could exist in harmony and continue to evolve.
Existence
Gaia exists wherever matter exists. Her influence is boundless, stretching across every realm, every plane of existence, for without her, there would be nothing to stand upon or build from. She is the counterpart of Nox, who represents the absence of existence, and as long as Gaia endures, there will always be something to oppose the void.
In the Plane of Gaian, her essence takes the form of an endless network of tectonic plates and subterranean caves. Here, the earth constantly shifts, forms, and destroys itself, a never-ending cycle of creation and destruction that mirrors the cosmos itself. Gaia is deeply connected to Kinetus, the Eldari of Force, as it is through the force of gravity that matter is formed, held together, and controlled.
Powers and Abilities
As the embodiment of matter, Gaia is responsible for all material existence across the cosmos. Her power is omnipresent, felt in the weight of mountains, the pull of gravity, and the molten energy within the cores of stars. Without Gaia, there would be no physical reality—only empty space and void. Some of her powers include:
- Matter Creation: Gaia provides the raw material from which all things are made. Planets, stars, and all celestial bodies owe their existence to her essence.
- Substance Manipulation: The very composition of matter is within her grasp. She can shape, form, and transform material existence at will, from stone and metal to magma and molten cores.
- Endless Formation: In the Plane of Gaian, Gaia constantly shapes and reshapes the landscape, forming new mountains, valleys, and subterranean realms, symbolizing the eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
Connections
Gaia is closely tied to many of the other Eldari and gods due to the foundational nature of her power. Most notably:
- Nox: The most direct contrast to Gaia, Nox represents the absence of existence, while Gaia embodies material existence. Where Nox is void, Gaia is form. Together, they represent the eternal balance of creation and destruction.
- Kinetus: Gaia is deeply connected to Kinetus, the Eldari of Force, as gravity is essential to shaping and controlling matter. Without Kinetus, the material would be chaos, constantly unraveling itself. Together, they ensure that matter is bound and ordered within the cosmos.
- Theia: A remnant of Gaia’s essence was used to form Theia, the Primus Goddess of Earth and Substance. Theia is revered by mortals as the goddess of harvest, fertility, and substance, embodying the physical blessings of the earth itself. She is especially venerated by Earth-Rifting sages who call upon the power of the earth for their magic.
Legacy and Legends
Gaia is often referred to as "Mother Matter," a title that reflects her role in the birth of material existence. All that has substance owes its creation to Gaia, and as such, she is worshipped by many as the foundational source of life itself. Her legacy can be seen in the stars, the planets, and the very soil underfoot.
The Plane of Gaian, where Gaia’s essence resides, is both revered and feared. It is a place of constant upheaval, where the landscape shifts and reforms without end. It is said that those who journey there will witness the raw, unformed potential of creation itself, but few return unchanged, for the infinite weight of the world presses heavily on the mind and soul.
Among mortals, particularly those who work the land, Gaia is venerated through rituals and offerings to ensure bountiful harvests and stable foundations. Her legacy continues in the teachings of Earth-Rifting sages, who draw upon her power to shape the earth and control the elements.
Death
Gaia, like many of the Eldari, did not die in the Solis Singularity. Instead, her essence was transmuted into the Plane of Gaian, where her divine influence continues. As long as matter exists, so too does Gaia. However, if the day ever comes when all matter is consumed, and the cosmos falls to the Void, Gaia will fade, leaving only the cold embrace of Nox.
Though she endures, Gaia's presence is not felt consciously—she is the bedrock upon which the universe is built. In many ways, Gaia is eternal, as long as the material world remains. The destruction of Gaia would mark the end of all existence, as the fabric of the universe itself would unravel.