Epoch: 784 Cycles of the Aethelian Drift
Butterlike isn't simply a texture; it's a resonance. A vibration within the fabric of existence itself. It began, not with a physical creation, but with a dissonance – a fracture in the chromatic tapestry of the Void. This fracture manifested as a slow, deliberate unfolding, like a petal of a flower constructed from solidified light. The Aethelian Drift, a temporal current rumored to carry memories and echoes of forgotten realities, was the catalyst. This Drift, it is believed, doesn't merely flow; it *feels*.
“To touch Butterlike is to briefly glimpse the face of the Architect. But the Architect, as all know, is a fickle and ultimately silent observer.” – Archivist Theron of the Obsidian Archives.
Butterlike exists outside the conventional constraints of time. Its density fluctuates in accordance with the emotional states of sentient observers. Intense joy will solidify it, creating shimmering, almost impenetrable structures. Conversely, profound sorrow tends to dissipate it, leaving behind only a faint, lingering warmth. Scientific instruments struggle to quantify its behavior; readings become exponentially erratic within a radius of approximately 15 meters of a single individual experiencing significant emotional flux.
The Aethelian Drift plays a crucial role. During periods of heightened Drift activity (typically coinciding with celestial alignments known as ‘Echoes’), Butterlike becomes incredibly malleable, capable of self-repair and even limited manipulation. It’s theorized that the Drift acts as a kind of scaffolding, allowing Butterlike to ‘rewrite’ its molecular structure in response to external stimuli. Some scholars have posited a symbiotic relationship: Butterlike passively absorbs ambient emotional energy, while the Drift actively shapes its physical form.
“Imagine a sculpture sculpted not by hands, but by the very breath of a dying star. That, in essence, is Butterlike.” – Lyra, the Cartographer of Shifting Sands.
For centuries, the Cult of the Stillness has dedicated itself to understanding and, more importantly, *containing* the effects of Butterlike. They believe it is a dangerous anomaly, a nascent god attempting to break free from the constraints of reality. Their rituals involve intricate geometric patterns woven from polished obsidian and the precise manipulation of sound frequencies – specifically, tones that induce a state of profound emotional neutrality. They utilize ‘Nullifiers’ – devices designed to dampen emotional resonance – to prevent Butterlike from solidifying. Their temples, built within naturally occurring fissures in the crystalline plains of Xylos, are shielded by layers of acoustic dampening material and are perpetually maintained in a state of near-absolute silence.
The Cult’s most sacred artifact is the ‘Heartstone of Oblivion’ – a pulsating orb of solidified Butterlike that radiates an aura of profound emptiness. Legend claims that prolonged exposure to the Heartstone can erase memories, personalities, and even entire lineages. The Cult guards this artifact with unwavering zeal, recognizing its potential to be used for both protection and destruction.
Obsidian Archive Records indicate a particularly volatile period – the ‘Fracture of Echoes’ – when the Cult nearly succumbed to the chaotic influence of Butterlike.
The existence of Butterlike has profound implications for our understanding of reality. If emotional states can directly influence physical matter, then the universe itself may be fundamentally governed by consciousness. It suggests that the boundaries between observer and observed are far more porous than previously imagined. Furthermore, the potential for manipulating Butterlike could lead to unimaginable technological advancements – or, conversely, catastrophic consequences if wielded without wisdom.
Current research focuses on developing ‘Resonance Dampeners’ – devices capable of selectively neutralizing the emotional influence of Butterlike. However, these efforts have so far proven fruitless, highlighting the inherent complexity and unpredictability of this enigmatic substance.
Project Chronos – a clandestine initiative funded by the Stellar Consortium – recently concluded with no conclusive findings. All research was immediately classified.