Eternal Shard
An Eternal Shard is a fragment of concentrated Eternal Essence, a relic of immense power created by The Seven to endow their Eternal Servants with their abilities. These shards, though initially intended as tools for creation and collaboration, became symbols of control, sources of conflict, and ultimately, catalysts for the Eternal War.
Characteristics
Eternal Shards are crystalline structures of varying size, their forms constantly shifting with an inner glow that reflects the divine energy contained within them. They hum with latent power, resonating with the wielder’s intent and nature. Each shard is unique, imbued with a fraction of its creator’s essence, which determines its capabilities and limitations.
Appearance
An Eternal Shard appears as a multifaceted crystal that radiates light and energy. Its color and intensity often correspond to the traits of its creator. For example:
- Shards from The Architect emit a steady golden light, symbolizing order and construction.
- Shards from The Nurturer glow with a verdant green hue, reflecting life and growth.
- Shards from The Reaper shimmer with a deep violet, embodying the cycle of endings and beginnings.
- Shards from The Balancer emanate a soft silver light, representing equilibrium and fairness.
- Shards from The Guardian radiate a protective azure glow, symbolizing vigilance and defense.
- Shards from The Dreamweaver pulse with a shifting spectrum of colors, embodying imagination and potential.
- Shards from The Timekeeper sparkle with a bright, rhythmic amber hue, reflecting the flow and passage of time.
Properties
Eternal Shards grant their bearers extraordinary abilities, such as manipulating elements, altering reality, or creating life. For instance, during the Eternal War, a Loyal Servant used a shard from The Balancer to stabilize collapsing regions of the Eternal Plane, preventing catastrophic rifts. Conversely, Rebel Servants wielded shards from The Reaper to unleash devastating waves of decay upon their enemies, erasing entire armies in moments. These examples highlight the immense and often unpredictable power contained within each shard. However, they also impose limitations, binding the wielder’s actions to the ideals of the shard’s creator. This duality made the shards both a blessing and a curse for the Eternal Servants.
Creation
The Seven created the Eternal Shards during the Primordial Age to empower their Servants. These shards were designed to channel the divine essence of their creators, enabling the Servants to perform tasks that required immense power. The process of creating a shard involved imbuing a fragment of The Seven’s own essence into a crystalline form, making each shard a direct extension of their will.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the Eternal Shards was to assist in the shaping and maintenance of the Eternal Universe. These shards granted their wielders abilities far beyond mortal comprehension. Some wielders could summon entire landscapes, shaping mountains and rivers with mere thought, while others infused life into barren wastelands, creating ecosystems teeming with vitality. The shards also served as conduits for elemental control, allowing their bearers to command storms, forge unbreakable fortresses from raw earth, or ignite eternal flames. In addition to their creative potential, the shards could heal vast regions scarred by destruction, mending the fabric of reality itself. Despite their boundless utility, their misuse in the Eternal War revealed the destructive capabilities they also possessed, making them both invaluable and perilous.
Role in the Eternal War
Eternal Shards played a pivotal role in the Eternal War. Initially tools of creation, they became weapons and points of contention as the conflict between the Rebel Ones and the Loyal Ones escalated.
Catalyst for Rebellion
The restrictive nature of the shards was one of the primary grievances that led to the rebellion of the Eternal Servants. Servants like Tardok argued that the shards’ binding properties suppressed their free will, reducing them to tools rather than sentient beings. This sentiment fueled the rise of the Rebel Ones, who sought to sever their ties to The Seven.
Weapons of War
During the war, Eternal Shards were used in ways their creators had never intended. Rebel Servants wielded shards to amplify their power, while Loyal Ones used them to defend The Seven and the balance of the universe. The shards became both the cause and the means of destruction, as their immense energy reshaped landscapes and annihilated entire regions.
The Unstable Shard
One of the most infamous creations of the war was the Unstable Shard, crafted by Tardok. By fusing fragments of destroyed Eternal Shards, Tardok created a volatile artifact capable of unleashing unprecedented destruction. This shard’s activation in the Eternal Plane triggered the Calamity, fracturing the universe and marking the end of the Eternal War.
Legacy
After the Calamity, most Eternal Shards were lost or destroyed. However, fragments of these shards still exist, scattered across the planes. These remnants are highly sought after by Magisters, mages, and adventurers, as even a sliver of an Eternal Shard holds immense power.
Modern Use
In the present era, shards and their fragments are used in various ways. Some are incorporated into powerful artifacts, while others serve as focal points for rituals and spells. The knowledge of how to fully harness a shard’s power has been largely lost, but research into their properties continues.
Cultural Significance
Eternal Shards have become symbols of both hope and caution. To some, they represent the heights of creation and the potential of divine power. To others, they serve as reminders of the hubris and destruction that led to the Eternal War. Many cultures weave tales and myths around the shards, portraying them as relics of a bygone era and keys to unlocking the secrets of the universe.
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