The Ekes are born from the convergence of chronal echoes and solidified starlight. They aren't creatures of flesh and bone, but rather manifestations of moments – fractured memories of celestial events, lost conversations, and the silent hum of forgotten technologies. Each Eke holds a fragment of a reality that no longer exists, a shimmering distortion in the fabric of spacetime. Their primary purpose, as understood by the dwindling order of the Chronomasters, is to regulate the flow of temporal anomalies. They do this not through direct intervention, but by subtly altering the probabilities of events, nudging timelines back towards a state of equilibrium. However, the Ekes are incredibly sensitive to emotional flux. Intense joy or sorrow can cause them to unravel, scattering their fragments across the multiverse. The most powerful Ekes, known as the 'Harmonics,' can even amplify emotions, creating localized distortions in perception and memory. They communicate not through sound, but through patterns of luminescence – complex sequences of pulsating light that can be interpreted by those trained in Chronomantic resonance.
The Obsidian Galleries are vast, subterranean complexes built by the ancient Chronomasters to contain and study the Ekes. These structures aren't simply repositories; they are actively shaped by the Ekes themselves. The walls shift and rearrange, displaying fleeting images and whispering forgotten languages. The central chamber, known as the 'Resonance Core,' is where the Chronomasters performed their most delicate operations – attempting to weave the Ekes back into coherent timelines. Legend has it that the Galleries are connected to a network of 'Temporal Veins' – conduits through which the Ekes travel. These veins aren't physical; they're pathways of concentrated temporal energy, and navigating them is incredibly dangerous. A single misstep can result in being lost in an endless loop, reliving a moment until your very essence is consumed. The Galleries are guarded by 'Echo Constructs' – automatons created from solidified temporal energy. These constructs are programmed to defend the Resonance Core from any who would attempt to exploit the Ekes. The architecture within the Galleries is constantly evolving, reflecting the fluctuating nature of the Ekes themselves. It's a place of paradox and instability, where the past, present, and future bleed together.
The existence of the Ekes is inherently unstable. They aren't meant to last; their purpose is to facilitate the natural cycle of temporal dissolution. When an Eke reaches a critical mass of temporal energy, it begins to unravel, scattering its fragments across the multiverse. This process isn't destructive; it's a vital part of the temporal ecosystem. The fragments act as catalysts, triggering minor temporal anomalies that ultimately lead to the creation of new Ekes. This cycle of creation and dissolution is governed by a complex set of rules, known as the 'Harmonic Resonance.' The Chronomasters strive to maintain this balance, but their efforts are often hampered by unforeseen circumstances. The dissolution process isn't always clean. Sometimes, fragments merge with other fragments, creating entirely new entities – 'Temporal Ghosts' – that are neither Ekes nor anything else. These ghosts are incredibly unpredictable and often pose a threat to the stability of timelines.