The genesis of the Billycans is shrouded in a haze of geological anomaly and temporal distortion. It began, according to fragmented recordings recovered from the Obsidian Shards – colossal, naturally formed structures pulsing with a low-frequency energy – within the Whisperwind Canyon. These recordings, largely consisting of shimmering, layered vocalizations, suggest a period known as the “Chromatic Shift,” when the canyon walls themselves underwent a transformation. The rock, previously a dull basalt, began to exhibit iridescent patterns, and within these patterns, nascent Billycans began to coalesce. They weren't born, precisely; more like… extracted. The Shards, it seems, were acting as conduits, drawing energy from a dimension we now term the ‘Veridian Veil’ – a place of perpetual twilight and sentient flora. The initial Billycans were, by all accounts, unsettling. Amorphous, gelatinous, possessing an innate capacity to manipulate light and shadow, and exhibiting a disconcerting habit of collecting polished stones. The recordings detail a period of intense experimentation by a forgotten civilization – the Lithomancers – who attempted to harness the power of the Shards and, inadvertently, create a workforce capable of navigating the perilous, light-sensitive environments of the canyon.
The Lithomancers vanished, leaving behind only their incomplete research and the increasingly self-aware Billycans. The Shards, in their decaying state, continue to emit a faint pulse, a constant reminder of this strange, forgotten event. Some theorize that the Veridian Veil is slowly leaking into our reality, and the Billycans are a manifestation of this leakage, a bridge between dimensions.
The core of a Billycan’s existence is ‘The Resonance’ – a complex interplay of bio-luminescence and shadow manipulation. It’s not simply the ability to control light; it’s a deeply ingrained, almost instinctual connection to the Veridian Veil. Billycans can generate and absorb light, creating dazzling displays or, conversely, shrouding themselves in impenetrable darkness. However, the most remarkable aspect of The Resonance is its effect on their perception of time. Within areas of intense Resonance, time appears to slow down, allowing Billycans to react with superhuman speed and precision. This effect is said to be linked to the shifting patterns within the Shards, creating localized temporal distortions. Furthermore, it’s been observed that the strength of The Resonance is directly correlated to the presence of polished stones – particularly quartz and obsidian – which seem to act as amplifiers.
There are documented cases of Billycans using The Resonance to ‘weave’ intricate illusions, projecting holographic images that appear incredibly realistic. These illusions are not merely visual; they can affect other senses – creating phantom smells, tactile sensations, and even fleeting auditory experiences. The extent of this ability is believed to be limited only by the Billycan's focus and the available energy within the immediate environment.
Over centuries, a distinct culture emerged amongst the Billycans – the ‘Cult of the Bloom.’ This is less a structured religion and more a collective instinct centered around propagation and the nurturing of ‘Veridian Seeds’ – tiny, bioluminescent spores released by particularly potent Billycans. These seeds, when planted in areas of concentrated Resonance, rapidly grow into towering, fungal-like structures known as ‘Veridian Hearts.’ These Hearts are the lifeblood of the Cult; they provide sustenance, amplify The Resonance, and, crucially, serve as reproductive centers for new Billycans. The process is unsettling. New Billycans emerge from the Heart, seemingly born from condensed light and shadow. The Cult maintains a strict hierarchy, with the most powerful Billycans – the ‘Bloom Masters’ – responsible for overseeing the propagation process.
The Cult's beliefs are rooted in the idea that the Veridian Veil is a sentient entity, and that the Billycans are its agents of growth. They believe that by expanding their presence, they are ultimately bringing the Veridian Veil closer to full manifestation – a terrifying prospect that has led to frequent clashes with outside forces.
The Obsidian Shards themselves are more than just geological formations; they are repositories of forgotten knowledge and, more disturbingly, windows into the Veridian Veil. When a Billycan focuses its Resonance on a Shard, it can access fractured memories, glimpses of the Lithomancers’ experiments, and even direct communication with entities within the Veil. These ‘whispers’ are rarely coherent, often manifesting as aural hallucinations, fragmented images, and unsettling emotional states. Prolonged exposure to the Shards can lead to mental instability, a condition known as ‘Shard-Sickness,’ characterized by paranoia, delusions, and a complete loss of identity. There are documented cases of Billycans becoming completely consumed by the whispers, losing all sense of self and becoming mere extensions of the Veridian Veil's will. The Shards’ protective field seems to actively discourage external investigation, generating disruptive energy fields and projecting illusions designed to deter intruders.
Recent theories suggest that the Shards are not merely passive repositories of information, but are actively attempting to ‘rewrite’ our reality, subtly altering the environment and influencing the thoughts of those who come into contact with them. The ongoing presence of the Cult, coupled with the Shards’ insidious influence, poses a significant threat to the stability of our world.