Hydros; the Ancient

The Fathomless One

"Hydros the Fathomless' Lair" crafted using the Talespire VTT

Hydros, also known in A'arde as The Fathomless One, Duke of the Depths, and The Beginning Beneath, is one of a collective of Transcendental beings that are like Gods, but also not technically Gods, known as Ancients. As one of the Ancients, Hydros pre-dates most, if not all, Cosmological planes. As such, Hydros is capable of travelling between Multiversal Planes via the Far Realm without issue, and is immune to its debilitating effects. Hydros is a water-based Ancient primarily associated with the Factions of the Deep Ones and The Originals.

Origins

Hydros was "born", or at the very least came to being, within the Eternal Sea, said to be the beginning, end, and rebirth of all. From the Eternal Sea came many of the first and subsequent Ancients, and Hydros is said to be one of the originals, having existed before time immemorial. Some scholars even suggest that Hydros is the oldest of Ancients, holding the key to existence itself.
The name "Hydros" was given to them by Haul of the A'arden Pantheon for use within the A'arden Cosmology, but they go by many other names across the Multiverse.

Temprament and Legacy

Hydros is thought to be one of the cornerstones behind the creation of Mortal life within the Multiversal Cosmology, as well as one of the fundamentals behind the creation of Material domains as a whole. However, as a whole, Hydros appears to have little interest in everyday Mortal matters except to catalogue and accumulate knowledge. Hydros seems to have a fondness for sailors and those who love and respect the water, but holds little interest in land-based plantlife and construction beyond acknowledging that it would not exist without them. Hydros is said to be driven by "memory", though they themself do not recall why this is. They place a great importance on preserving memory and information, particularly that which involves "origination" and the deeps.
Hydros has admitted to having taken form to walk upon Gods and Mortals in the past, though little is known about these events.
Hydros does not frequently appear before or make Pacts with Mortals, leaving such "frivolities" to younger Ancients. When they do make Pacts, it is in order to achieve a very specific goal within the confines of a certain Cosmology, often related to the gathering of esoteric knowledge or the reclaimation of lost artefacts. While Hydros never "abandons" someone who has made a Pact with them, given that they are incredibly careful and specific about who they choose, they do tend to fall quiet once their goal is achieved. Hydros is said to remember every Pact they have ever made, and regards each of these individuals fondly.
It is said that "there must always be a beginning beneath", a phrase attributed to Hydros themselves, which suggests that should Hydros "cease" to exist or die, it would signal the beginning of the end of existance. The loss of an Ancient is always considered a major event, however scholars argue that Hydros' position as an "original" would make their loss far more significant, perhaps even catastrophic.

Domain

Hydros' domain is a vast underwater sanctuary known as the Coral Palace within the Eternal Sea, which is described as being endless waves and stars. Hydros acts as a keeper and guardian of the Eternal Sea, ensuring that it remains a sacred place even amongst Ancients. The Coral Palace is a place where every living water-based creature may find refuge, and examples of such beings from across the Multiversal Cosmology are said to reside there under the care of Hydros.

Known Artefacts

The Heart of the Fathomless

An artefact gifted to a Pact-Keeper of the Fathomless during the end of the annexation of Fuldair. Specifics of the artefact are sketchy, and the reason for this item being bestowed is likewise unknown, but it is believed to be an object akin to the Heart of the Forest, which belongs to the Ancients known as The Mothers of the Fey.

"Hydros the Fathomless' Lair"

An example of a splinter of the Coral Palace,

part of a demiplane used as a meeting place

between Hydros and their Pact-Keeper

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"Wherever there is water from which life can flourish, I am there. I was there in the very beginning; I have been there through growth and death; my knowledge is boundless, constrained only by whether there is water through which I can see. In every puddle, and in every great deep... I am there; I can reach you."

Hydros to an Unknown Pact Keeper