Namu was once a natural world with vast biodiversity; its most unique characteristic was its natural magical essence, which took on a gaseous form. All life on Namu lived and breathed this essence, though many also ate flora or other fauna. The umiae (singular: umius) were the ancient ancestors of umin; they were typically around the size of the big cats of Earth and were omnivores, sometimes consuming flora and sometimes hunting. 

The Cataclysm

Then, something happened. It was unclear what exactly it was—perhaps there was a cosmic metaphysical event, perhaps some celestial creature did something, perhaps the magical essence of the planet simply reached a tipping point. Whatever the cause, the core of the planet collapsed, and the magical essence of Namu rushed to the core of the planet to fill the void. This essence crystallized into the earliest rudimentary form of kor. However, the surface ecosystem was completely destroyed; the rush of magic to the core led to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, and the lack of ambient magical energy meant that the flora and fauna that lived and breathed the essence rapidly withered in health before perishing. 

There was a mass extinction of many species, but the umiae, who already had a fair bit of resilience but not to the current state of umin, were able to retreat deep underground where there was still some ambient magical essence. More importantly, the crystals there were relatively fragile compared to those at the core and at present, and the umin ancestors tried to eat the crystals. Luckily, the crystals were so concentrated in magical essence that the umiae could survive despite losing their original food sources. Over the years following the catastrophe, most other species perished, as did the umiae who could not handle the stress of transitioning to magical sustainment alone, leading to a strong selection of those who could. 

The Cocoon

Over time, more of the magic crystallized, and it became more dense and difficult to break. Umiae who were able to break the crystals to eat them were able to survive, and those who consumed denser crystals were stronger, more long-lived, and healthier. They went deeper into the planet, where there was greater metaphysical and physical pressure, leading to their resilience developing further. Over time, the entire planet crystallized, locking the umiae underground, as if they were in a crystalline cocoon. 

Due to the magical properties of the kor and environment, no external beings were able to enter, and the umiae, as they became umin, could not leave or sense anything beyond the cocoon. Additionally, increasing gravitational and metaphysical pressures led to time distortion, with time within the cocoon progressing faster than beyond it. Throughout this period, all other species of Namu—including microbes—perished within the cocoon. 

For millions of years, umiae continued to evolve, becoming the umin of the present day, intertwined with the kor of Namu. The immense pressures and dangerous terrain of crystalline caverns led to their resilience developing further. The lack of pressures for aggression, reproductive competition, and hunting led to them becoming increasingly mild-mannered as a species. 

The Ascension

One day, there was a particularly powerful umin that became curious about the realm beyond Namu. They were seen as strange to those who had known the crystalline world as their entire understanding of existence, but this umin decided to ascend anyway, going as far as they could through crystalline caverns until they could see light filtering through the facets of kor. Without hesitation, they summoned all the power they had and managed to break through the crystalline wall. 

That umin disappeared—perhaps after exploring the surface, they leapt to the stars. Slowly, other umin also ascended, though some stayed within the crystalline depths. Many were unsure of what to do, having known only the crystal caverns for their entire life. Then, another powerful umin appeared, their very body a reflection of the expanse of space. 

I will guide you, they said to all the umin of Namu. I will teach you what we are capable of, speak of where we can go. There is more to explore and more to learn; if you wish to explore the stars, I will show how to take the first steps towards where you want to go. 

Among the umin who had no proper language as of yet, that umin earned the meaning-name of "The Wayfarer." Not all umin sought their teachings, but for those who did, the Wayfarer showed them how to traverse the stars and enter other dimensions. They told of different worlds they had seen, both within their universe and in other universes, and would show the way to those who were drawn to a particular one. They spoke of the way that all umin were still connected to Namu, and that one day, some way or another, they would reunite within the essence of kor. If they become lost, the Wayfarer will guide them back.

In this way, the Wayfarer paved the way for umin to explore beyond Namu, knowing that they would return in death, if not life. Over the following generations, many umin taught and guided their own children to explore, but the Wayfarer was always around for those who sought guidance on a longer journey.