The History of Blæwenstan: A Fusion of Realms and Myths
The Blæwenstan crystal is no ordinary resource in the medieval fantasy world where John McGill and his companions find themselves. Its origins stretch back through the mists of time, deeply entwined with both ancient myth and the forbidden science of ages long past. To understand its significance, one must delve into the legends, the science, and the cataclysmic events that have shaped this mysterious world.
Origins in Myth: The Dragon's Essence
Legend has it that long before humans and other beings walked the planet, the skies were ruled by colossal dragons, creatures of immense power whose very breath could reshape the land. These dragons were not only physical beings but also connected to the raw magical essence of the planet. They drew their power from deep within the earth, where the core pulsed with pure energy.
It is said that one dragon in particular, the ancient Aldwynor, was the mightiest of them all. His power was tied to the blue core of the planet itself, a mystical energy source that sustained not only the dragons but the entire world’s balance. Aldwynor, in his dying breath, descended into the earth, where his energy fused with the land and crystallized, forming what would one day be called Blæwenstan, meaning “Blue Stone” in the ancient tongue.
This crystal, formed from the life force of a dragon and the natural magical energy of the world, became a precious and rare material, pulsing with an almost liquid-like energy. Over the centuries, it became known that Blæwenstan could not only be used as a powerful fuel source but also had strange properties that could manipulate the flow of time, reality, and even life itself.
The First Extinction Event: The Forbidden Alchemy
Thousands of years later, as the knowledge of the dragons faded into myth, a group of ancient alchemists and scholars began to tap into the planet's buried secrets. They sought to harness the power of Blæwenstan to fuel their experiments—experiments that aimed to merge the mystical and the scientific. It was a golden age of discovery, where both magic and technology coexisted and thrived.
However, the alchemists’ ambitions exceeded their wisdom. They began to push the boundaries of what should be possible, using the crystal to conduct time-manipulating experiments, power massive machines, and attempt to ascend beyond mortal limits. Their greatest experiment, known as the Fusion of Realms, aimed to open a gateway between dimensions, to harness power from multiple realities and bring them together for a singular purpose: endless energy and immortality.
This experiment, however, was their downfall. The First Extinction Event occurred when the fusion of realms went catastrophically wrong. Instead of creating a stable bridge between worlds, the experiment tore the fabric of reality apart, releasing chaotic energies and birthing abominations—failed experiments that rampaged through the world. It is said that the very first of the First Irons, twisted beings of mechanical and organic parts, were a result of these failed experiments. The chaotic magic destroyed civilizations, sent the dragons and their magic deeper into the earth, and left the planet scarred.
Despite the destruction, the Blæwenstan crystal remained. It had absorbed the power from the attempted fusion of realms, and while it had become more unstable, it also became more powerful. The few remaining alchemists, survivors of the apocalypse they had caused, hid their knowledge and the last remaining supplies of Blæwenstan deep beneath the earth, where they believed future generations could one day harness its power—but at a cost.
Modern Times: A Precious and Dangerous Resource
Fast forward to the present, and the knowledge of Blæwenstan’s true origins has been lost to most. The crystal is known primarily for its magical properties, used sparingly by mages and those who understand its potential. However, its real power remains untapped. The planet is also rich with other natural resources—coal, oil, and even uranium-like materials that can be harnessed for nuclear power—but Blæwenstan stands apart. It is not just fuel; it is magic, history, and a potential gateway to something greater—or more disastrous.
The discovery of Blæwenstan by Elysande’s team, and the knowledge brought by Smith and Kurt, has reignited the possibility of unlocking its true potential. The fusion of the scientific minds of Renoa and the magical practices of this new world has given rise to new theories. Blæwenstan, when in its fluid state, could be used to stabilize otherwise unstable machines—such as the Reversed Time Freezer—or even power massive devices that could restore balance to the world, or conversely, destroy it.
Fictional Mythology: The Crystal of Two Worlds
The duality of Blæwenstan, forged from both the life force of an ancient dragon and the failed experiment of the ancient alchemists, has given it a reputation as a “crystal of two worlds.” It symbolizes the merger of natural, mystical energy with the scientific ambition of those who sought to control the universe. It is both a gift and a curse, a source of life and destruction.
In some of the remaining ancient texts, there is a prophecy that speaks of a time when the worlds will once again collide—a Second Fusion of Realms—and that the Blæwenstan crystal will either be the key to salvation or the instrument of the planet’s final demise. The prophecy hints that only a leader, crowned with the wisdom of both worlds, can decide the fate of this collision.
With John McGill now at the helm of the Kingdom of Dandelions, and with Smith, Kurt, and Elysande exploring the limits of Blæwenstan, the ancient prophecy seems closer to being fulfilled. Whether they will harness the crystal’s power for good or repeat the mistakes of the past remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Blæwenstan is not just a resource; it is a relic of the planet’s forgotten past, forged from dragon energy and failed human ambition. It holds the promise of limitless power but also the risk of cataclysmic destruction. As John McGill and his team navigate the challenges of the present, the question remains: will Blæwenstan be their salvation, or will it doom them to repeat the tragedies of the First Extinction Event?