In an alternate realm known as Allagan, distinct from the world of Ashitoth, a different history and culture flourished. However, this realm faced a dire threat when the Illithid empire launched a devastating assault, seeking to subjugate Allagan under its rule. Overwhelmed by the relentless onslaught, the inhabitants of Allagan initiated the Crystarium project as a last resort.

The Crystarium project aimed to harness the world’s magical essence, consolidating it into a towering structure capable of traversing between worlds. The brightest minds and magic wielders united to realize this monumental endeavor. Witnessing the potential threat posed by the Crystarium, the Illithids abandoned their plans of conquest, opting instead to obliterate Allagan entirely.

As the world teetered on the brink of annihilation, the remaining wizards devised a desperate plan to complete the Crystarium. Through a ritual sacrifice, they imbued every living being with magical energy, channeling it into the tower’s construction. One among them was chosen to safeguard the tower’s power and guide its journey through the multiverse. Thus, the Crystal Exarch emerged, infused with the tower’s magic.
Upon completing the Crystarium, the Crystal Exarch utilized its power to escape to a distant world, seeking refuge from the pursuing Illithids. Meanwhile, the Illithids dispatched agents across different realms, intent on locating and harnessing the Crystarium’s power for their nefarious ambitions.

Arriving in Ashitoth, the Crystal Exarch entered a state of stasis, awaiting the arrival of those destined to aid him in safeguarding the tower. During this vulnerable period, an Illithid agent named Zodiark infiltrated the tower, scheming to exploit its resources in the creation of an elderbrain—a formidable entity of immense psychic power. Thus, amidst the backdrop of interdimensional conflict, the fate of Allagan and Ashitoth hung precariously in the balance.