The Worldstones are ancient, primordial artifacts imbued with the raw elemental essence of the Неизвестно. These sacred stones are the linchpins of the Riftways, tethering the elemental planes of existence to the Prime Plane and maintaining the continuum crystal cosmology's delicate balance. Their creation, purpose, and influence are deeply intertwined with the fabric of the universe itself, acting as both a blessing and a burden for the mortal realm. It is believed that each and every worldstone is inexorably connected to the Primus deity that embodies the remnant essence of the Eldari whose cosmic form initially formed their plane of existence.
Origins of the Worldstones
In Неизвестно's vision of the Continuum Crystal Cosmology, he envisioned a ordered cosmos where the elements could coexist with one another. To achieve this vision, the Primus deities - whom would succeed the Eldari as their remnant essence was forged into the planes - needed to be constrained by this ordered structure. Though divine in power, Неизвестно was constrained by its own design. To prevent catastrophic disruptions to the material and mortal realms, the gods could not directly manifest their true forms upon the Prime Plane. Instead, their influence flowed through their elemental planes of Energy, Earth, Water, Air, Life, and Death.
To anchor these elemental planes and ensure their connection to the Prime Plane, Ael forged the Worldstones during the Неизвестно:
- Неизвестно (Energy/Fire): A radiant gem blazing with eternal light that was bound to Plane of Ignis.
- Earthstone (Earth): A colossal stone resonating with the strength of mountains that was bound to Plane of Gaian.
- Seastone (Water): A shimmering crystalline core of the oceans’ depths that was bound to the Plane of Aquos.
- Etherstone (Air/Arcana): A swirling artifact of boundless winds and arcane threads that was bound to the Plane of Zephyron.
These Worldstones, in turn, were connected by Riftways to Неизвестно, the argent heart of the cosmos and the ultimate nexus of universal order. Notably
Purpose and Function
The Worldstones serve two primary purposes:
- Elemental Harmony: By regulating the flow of elemental energy, the Worldstones ensure the sustainable balance of life on the Prime Plane. This balance shapes the geography, climate, and life forms of the Elemental Realms, such as The Sun Realm, The Earth Realm, The Sea Realm, and The Air Realm.
- Cosmic Stability: The Worldstones anchor the Riftways, the cosmic pathways that bind the planes together, preventing them from collapsing into Khaos.
To gaze into a Worldstone is to witness the eons of elemental history—an experience so overwhelming that most mortals would be driven to madness. Thus, the protection and stewardship of the Worldstones were entrusted to the Archons and their chosen Avatars.
Of Archons and Avatars
The Archons are primordial avatars of the elemental forces, existing as the first beings on the Prime Plane alongside the Elementari. Manifested by the gods, the Archons are tasked with guarding the Worldstones and enforcing the elemental balance. The Archons were originally created by the elemental deities - Неизвестно, Неизвестно, Неизвестно, and Aether - whom enacted their will through these primordial guardians.
Every 3,000–4,000 years, the Archons select an Avatar, a mortal champion imbued with a fraction of their elemental essence, to act as their steward. These Avatars serve as protectors of the realms, mediators of the elements, and arbiters of the Archons' will. Each Avatar undertakes a divine trial to prove their worth, often requiring them to journey into the Riftways and confront their deepest fears and limitations.
Shaping the Prime Plane
Each Worldstone profoundly influences its surrounding geography and inhabitants:
- Sunstone: The Sun Realm is a warm yet vibrant landscape of deserts and plateaus, where light and heat sustain life in harsh conditions.
- Earthstone: The Earth Realm features towering mountains, lush forests, and deep caverns, its inhabitants molded by resilience and fortitude.
- Seastone: The Sea Realm is a vast aquatic expanse, home to the Неизвестно and other marine life, flourishing in an environment of ceaseless currents and tides.
- Etherstone: The Air Realm is a domain of floating islands and boundless skies, populated by the Vanir and imbued with arcane energies.
During The Planar Rapture, a cosmic war between the Pantheon of Primus and the Elementari, the Worldstones became crucial to the gods’ efforts to preserve order. Helios sculpted the True Dragon from the Archons image, empowering these majestic beings to serve as protectors of the Prime Plane and its elemental harmony.
The Worldstones are not impervious to danger. The shattering of the Continuum Crystal during the First Continuum Crisis destabilized the elemental balance, leading to the emergence of Revenant Titan like the World Eater Serpent and The Great Serpent. Moreover, mortal ambition, particularly during events like The Riftfire Rebellion, has repeatedly placed the Worldstones at risk.
The Worldstones' importance cannot be overstated. Should any of them be destroyed or corrupted, the elemental chaos unleashed would devastate the Prime Plane and ripple across the entire cosmos.
Legacy
The Worldstones are not just artifacts; they are symbols of creation, balance, and the enduring struggle to maintain harmony amidst chaos. Their influence resonates through history, mythology, and the lives of every being on the Prime Plane. Whether revered by the Aesir of the Sea Realm, the Solir of the Sun Realm, the Njordir of the Earth Realm, or the Vanir of the Air Realm, the Worldstones stand as a testament to the fragile yet resilient nature of existence.