The Continuum Crystal is a gargantuan, ethereal construct forged by Ael, the Eldari of Creation, using the essence of Kronus, the Eldari of Time, during the Solis Singularity. The crystal is the linchpin of the time-space continuum, maintaining the delicate balance of reality and enrapturing the dreaming consciousness of Azhorra'tha, the Watcher in the Abyss, within its gleaming depths. It serves as the argent heart of the cosmos, pulsating with the flow of energy that binds the planes and realms together. Nestled deep within the Cave of Continuum beneath the former city of Aressas (now Middenland), the crystal is fiercely guarded by the Order of Silverbourne, a paladin order formed by the last Silver Dragon, Samandriel Silvertongue.
Appearance
The Continuum Crystal is an immense, purple gem, a crystalline formation that seems to stretch endlessly into the cosmos. From the surface, only its peak is visible, but within, it is said to hold entire nebulae, galaxies, and stars, like peering into an infinite night sky. Those who gaze into its shimmering facets are often overwhelmed by its grandeur, for the crystal’s true form is far larger than what can be seen by mortal eyes.
The crystal radiates a mystical argent energy, a luminous force that flows through the realms, ensuring the stability of time, space, and the connection between the planes. Its surface constantly shifts and sparkles, as if the very fabric of the universe is woven into its structure.
Origin and Creation
The Continuum Crystal was forged during the Solis Singularity, the cataclysmic event that gave birth to the ordered universe. Ael, with the help of Prism and the other Eldari, realized that order needed to be forged from the chaos of the Primordial Pandemonium. To achieve this, Ael utilized the essence of Kronus, the Eldari of Time, to create a crystalline heart that would maintain the flow of time and space throughout the realms.
The crystal also served another purpose: to imprison the dreaming mind of Azhorra'tha. By using the crystal as a vessel, the Watcher in the Abyss was trapped within its infinite layers, ensuring that the chaotic force of its subconscious could not spill into the universe unchecked. The argent energy that now pulses through the Continuum Crystal is a direct result of this entrapment, using Azhorra’tha’s dreams as a source of power to bind the realms and maintain balance.
Heart of The Cosmos
The Continuum Crystal is the source of the time-space continuum, ensuring that the flow of time remains constant throughout the universe. It keeps the realms of existence in balance, preventing them from colliding or descending into chaos. The crystal’s power is not just limited to time, but also space, as it binds the various planes together through the Riftways overseen by Symetrius, the Custodian of Order.
This immense power also extends to the Infinity Shards, fragments of the crystal that were shattered during the Second Age: Twilight of Creation. These shards still retain a portion of the crystal’s power, capable of warping time and space, and are coveted by those who seek to manipulate the fabric of reality.
The crystal’s energy is also said to grant visions of the past, present, and future to those attuned to it, though these glimpses come at a great cost. Many who attempt to harness the crystal’s power are driven mad by the overwhelming scope of its influence.
The Shattering and the Continuum Crises
During the Second Age: Twilight of Creation, the Continuum Crystal was fractured by the Eyes of Stars, the greatest of the Revenant Titans. In a moment of catastrophic power, the titan shattered the crystal into many pieces, scattering shards—now known as the Infinity Shards—across the cosmos. This event destabilized the time-space continuum and led to the first Continuum Crisis, an age of great upheaval and chaos as the universe struggled to maintain balance.
The Infinity Shards became the focus of frenzied pursuit by the worshippers of Azhorra'tha, who sought to fully shatter the crystal and release their eldritch god from its prison. These events culminated in two more Continuum Crisis', the last of which saw Samandriel Silvertongue, the final Silver Dragon, sacrifice himself alongside a group of noble adventurers to stop the Cult of Infinitum led by Kalekai Blackhand. Though the crystal was mostly repaired, remnants of the Revenant Titans and the Cult of Infinitum still seek to destroy it completely and bring about the end of the cosmos.
The Order of Silverbourne and the Cave of Continuum
The Continuum Crystal is hidden deep within the Cave of Continuum, a sacred location beneath the now-ruined city of Aressas, which is now known as Middenland. The cave is a place of immense power, and within its depths, the crystal pulses with argent light, casting its glow upon the surrounding cavern.
Guarding the crystal is the Order of Silverbourne, a paladin order formed by Samandriel Silvertongue. This ancient order is tasked with protecting the crystal from those who would seek to use its power for destructive purposes. Samandriel, the last Silver Dragon, gave his life during the Third Continuum Crisis, sealing the rift that threatened to tear the universe apart. His sacrifice is honored by the paladins of the order, who remain ever vigilant in their duty.
Legacy and Impact
The Continuum Crystal is not only the heart of the cosmos but also a symbol of the delicate balance that holds the universe together. It is revered by scholars, mystics, and deities alike as the source of all time and space, and its influence is felt across all planes of existence.
Though fractured, the crystal continues to serve as the linchpin of reality, preventing the collapse of the time-space continuum. However, its legacy is one of both creation and destruction. The Infinity Shards that were scattered across the cosmos still hold immense power, and the Cult of Infinitum—worshippers of Azhorra’tha—continue to seek them out, hoping to finally shatter the crystal and release the Watcher in the Abyss from its prison.
For now, the crystal remains intact, its argent light a reminder of the eternal struggle between order and chaos, and the fragile thread that holds the cosmos together.