From the introduction: Millenia ago a crystalline man separated himself into pieces. Each piece taking onto itself the unthinking consciousness of the body yet raised up by feral magicks to sentience. That crystalline man called himself Akades. Whether he is the last of an ancient race made by god, or formed from the void itself is unknown. Or perhaps he was the opus of a forgotten magician. Or maybe he began as a magician’s final attempt at sinless immortality. The true answer is not known. Rumors come now from Akades lonely tower. Tales of danger for those without. Whispers of madness and avarice on the part of his wilding protuberances.