Hydrus (aka Titan of The Tides) is one of the elemental deities of the Pantheon of Primus, embodying the boundless power and grace of water. Born from the unified essence of Zephyr (Eldari of Space) and Kinetus (Eldari of Force), Hydrus arose alongside the creation of the Plane of Aquos, an endless oceanic expanse that serves as the elemental nexus of water. Within the cosmic framework of The Continuum Crystal, Hydrus is the force responsible for permeating water throughout the planes of existence, contributing to the delicate yet harmonious balance of the cosmos.
Divine Form and Function
As a primordial being tied to the vastness of the oceans and water's immutable flow, Hydrus’s true form is incomprehensible to mortals, an embodiment of the infinite nature of his domain. However, accounts from the Avatars of the Sea, particularly Avatar Atla, as well as myths from the ancient Dragon Turtle, have offered glimpses into his visage.
Hydrus is described as a colossal aquatic being, his long, scaled body flowing like the tides themselves. He possesses four mighty arms, each capable of controlling the oceans with effortless grace, and a serpentine tail that moves in perfect harmony with the waters. Large, curved horns crown his head, radiating power and dominion, while his presence imbues an aura of unyielding strength and profound calmness.
Despite his otherwise awe-inspiring and formidable appearance, Avatars of the Sea who have encountered his vision, such as Atla, described Hydrus as a source of resolve and tranquility. His gaze is said to inspire the unrelenting will of the ocean itself—unyielding, persistent, and eternal.
The Plane of Aquos
The Plane of Aquos, Hydrus’s eternal domain, is an infinite expanse of water and endless currents. It is a realm of constant motion and perfect harmony, where even the smallest droplet of water contributes to the balance of the cosmos. The Riftways flow through Aquos, allowing Hydrus’s influence to extend to the Prime Plane and beyond.
In Aquos, water is both a physical and metaphysical force—embodying adaptability, resilience, and unity. Hydrus governs this realm as its keeper, ensuring that the elemental essence of water continues to flow seamlessly throughout the cosmos.
Titan of The Tides
Like his elemental kin among the Pantheon of Primus, Hydrus cannot fully manifest on the Prime Plane due to the catastrophic disruption it would cause to the balance of the Continuum Crystal Cosmology. His immeasurable power, if brought to bear in the material realm, would overwhelm its fragile harmony, leading to untold devastation.
Instead, Hydrus exerts his influence through his chosen emissaries. The Archon of Water, Mythia, embodies Hydrus’s will and safeguards the Seastone, the conduit through which the Plane of Aquos connects to The Sea Realm. Additionally, Hydrus’s legacy continues through the Cycle of Sea Avatars, a lineage of mortal stewards chosen to protect and maintain the balance of water within the Prime Plane.
Avatars of The Sea
Hydrus’s consciousness is most directly expressed through Mythia, the Archon of Water, a primordial guardian who oversees the Seastone and the well-being of the Sea Realm. Mythia was one of the first beings shaped from Hydrus's essence, and her wisdom and strength have guided countless Avatars through the ages.
The Sea Avatars are selected every 3,000 to 4,000 years, carrying the mantle of Hydrus’s power to steward the oceans and defend the balance of the seas. These Avatars, such as the legendary Atla, Avatar Vapora, and Avatar Typhon, have upheld Hydrus’s will and played pivotal roles in the protection of the Prime Plane.
Legacy and Mythology
Hydrus is revered as a symbol of persistence, resilience, and harmony. His influence is seen in every wave that touches the shores, every stream that flows into the great seas, and every raindrop that nourishes the earth. His worshippers, particularly among the Aesir and Triton, honor him as the eternal force that unites all life through the waters of creation.
The mythic tales of Hydrus and his chosen Avatars serve as a reminder of the unrelenting force of water—able to adapt, endure, and shape the world around it. Through the Seastone and the Riftways, Hydrus’s essence continues to flow, ensuring the survival and harmony of the cosmos.
"To gaze upon the waters is to glimpse the eternal, for Hydrus flows through every tide, every river, and every drop that falls from the heavens. He is the calm before the storm, the storm itself, and the stillness that follows." – Avatar Atla