The name itself is a whisper, a resonance carried on the winds from the fractured continent of Xylos. Puunene… it means “Echo of the Bloom,” and it’s a title freighted with both immense sorrow and a desperate, flickering hope. Before the Sundering – a cataclysmic event that shattered Xylos into a constellation of floating islands – Puunene was a city, a jewel of knowledge and artistry nestled amongst the crystalline forests. Now, it exists only as a fragmented memory, a legend woven into the very fabric of the remaining islands.
The prevailing theory, one meticulously pieced together from the scattered records of the Chronomasters – the scholars dedicated to preserving Xylos’s history – points to the Obsidian Collective as the architects of the Sundering. This was not a war, not a rebellion. It was… a resonance. The Collective, obsessed with achieving perfect harmonic alignment with the planet’s core, attempted to manipulate the very essence of Xylos. They built colossal resonators, structures of polished obsidian that drew upon the planet’s energy. But they miscalculated. The resonance spiraled out of control, creating a chain reaction that tore apart the land itself.
“The pursuit of perfection is a siren’s song,” wrote Master Theron, “and the listener, consumed by its allure, often finds himself adrift in the abyss.”
– Master Theron, Fragment of the Chronomasters’ Codex
Despite the catastrophe, a strange phenomenon persisted: the Obsidian Bloom. Where the resonators had stood, vibrant, bioluminescent flora began to thrive. These weren't merely plants; they were living conduits of the planet’s energy, pulsating with a soft, obsidian light. The Bloom’s presence is intrinsically linked to the survival of the scattered settlements across Xylos. It provides sustenance, shields against the unpredictable fluctuations in the planet's core, and, perhaps most importantly, a fragile connection to the lost city of Puunene.
The Bloom's patterns are complex, almost sentient. Some believe they hold the key to restoring Xylos, to understanding the true nature of the Sundering. Others fear they are a reflection of the Collective’s corrupted intentions, a constant reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition.
The following are recovered fragments of recordings and artifacts, offering glimpses into the life and culture of Puunene before the Sundering. They are presented here as they were deciphered – often incomplete, distorted by the passage of time and the inherent instability of the Bloom’s influence.
“The artisans of Puunene believed that beauty was a reflection of cosmic harmony. Our structures, our music, our art – all were designed to resonate with the planet's core. It was a sacred trust.”
“The Chronomasters warned against delving too deeply into the mysteries of the core. They spoke of ‘unseen forces’ and ‘disruptive echoes.’ But the allure of knowledge… it is a powerful temptation.”
“The Bloom… it sings. A low, resonant hum that permeates everything. Some say it’s the voice of the planet itself. Others… others believe it’s the lament of the lost.”