The crystals came from space, striking a planet already inhabited by people. Their arrival left scattered impact sites, but their presence did not remain confined to the craters. Crystal growth spread into the surrounding land and continued beneath the surface.

In time, the inhabitants learned to harness their energy. Research became industry, and crystal technology eventually powered weapons and military machines.

Now the crystals are both a valuable resource and an expanding threat. The same deposits that supply a settlement or sustain an army can continue growing into the territory around them.

People have learned to use the crystals faster than they have learned to control their spread.