Law of the Eternal Drift

In Altanaeum, the skies themselves are governed by a natural force known as the Law of the Eternal Drift. This principle, often personified as a sentient force akin to "Mother Nature," dictates the perpetual motion and balance of the sky realms. It is the unseen hand that guides the winds, shapes the clouds, and ensures that Altanaeum remains suspended between the sky beyond and the world below.

Nature and Function

The Eternal Drift is both a physical and metaphysical phenomenon. It manifests as an unyielding current of wind magic that flows through every aspect of the sky realms, from the smallest threads of spider silk to the mighty Titan Behemoths. This current keeps the floating islands aloft, binds ecosystems together, and maintains the delicate balance between life and magic in Altanaeum.

The Driftwinds: The Eternal Drift moves in vast, interconnected cycles, creating predictable pathways that guide the movement of floating landmasses, cloud forests, and airships. It also regulates the migration of creatures like the Titan Snails and sky behemoths, ensuring they follow routes that sustain their ecosystems.

Magical Resonance: The Drift harmonizes with the Nýfada’s winds, amplifying their influence while moderating extremes. It acts as a balancing force, tempering storms and dispersing magical excess that could destabilize the realms.

Personification

Altaneans often revere the Eternal Drift as a living entity, calling it Thalýss, the Endless Breath. Thalýss is seen as both nurturing and impartial, ensuring the survival of the skylands while enforcing its own natural laws.

Thalýss’s Gift: The wind’s bounty, such as fertile cloud soil, the energy of Kerauno, and the harmonious currents that sustain flight, is considered a gift from Thalýss.

Thalýss’s Wrath: When the Eternal Drift is disrupted—by greed, war, or overharvesting—Altaneans believe Thalýss retaliates with violent storms, tearing apart islands or grounding reckless airships.

Key Principles of the Law

Everything Moves: Nothing in Altanaeum is static. Even the most stable islands drift subtly over time, and life in the sky realms must adapt to this perpetual motion. The Eternal Drift reminds all that change is inevitable and must be embraced rather than resisted.

Balance Must Be Kept: The Drift ensures that no part of Altanaeum takes more than it gives. Excess magic, resources, or life are carried away by the winds, redistributed to areas in need. Disrupting this flow leads to imbalance, with dire consequences for the realms.

The Wind Always Returns: The cycles of the Eternal Drift are unbreakable, flowing endlessly through time. Even in moments of chaos, the Drift will eventually restore order, though its methods may be harsh and unforgiving.

Manifestations of the Eternal Drift

The Celestial Currents: Glowing ribbons of wind magic occasionally appear in the skies, visible as shimmering auroras. These currents are considered the visible essence of the Eternal Drift, guiding creatures, ships, and even the weather.

The Whispering Breezes: Soft, melodic winds that carry messages, emotions, or faint fragments of memory. Many believe these breezes are Thalýss’s voice, offering wisdom or warnings to those who listen.

he Void Gales: Rare, destructive winds that occur when the Eternal Drift is disrupted. These gales can tear apart floating landmasses and scatter sky villages, a reminder of the Drift’s power and the need to respect its balance.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance

The Driftweavers: A sacred order of druids and wind mages who devote their lives to studying and maintaining the Eternal Drift. They interpret its flows, mediate between the Nýfada and Thalýss, and perform rituals to heal disruptions in the winds.

The Song of Thalýss: During festivals, Altaneans gather to perform the Song of Thalýss, a harmonious blend of voices and instruments designed to resonate with the Driftwinds. This act of reverence is said to strengthen the bond between the skyfolk and the Endless Breath.

Pilgrimage to the Tempest Nexus: The Tempest Nexus is believed to be the heart of the Eternal Drift, a swirling vortex of wind and light hidden deep within the sky realms. Pilgrims brave treacherous winds to reach this sacred site, offering Kerauno silk or feathers as tributes to Thalýss.