Crystal Balls

He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. This article contains spoilers, meaning it has information and facts concerning recent or upcoming releases from the Assassin's Creed series. If you do not want to know about these events, it is recommended to read on with caution, or not at all. This template should be removed from the article 17 February 2021.

"Your father speaks with angels. He gains... insight from them."

―Jane Cooper to Elizabeth Jane Weston about Edward Kelley.

An active Crystal Ball

The Crystal Balls are Pieces of Eden that allow their wielders access to the Nexus, a place where individuals can speak across centuries and where members of the First Civilization can communicate with people across the timeline. The Crystal Balls are round in shape and possess lines and size similar to the Apples of Eden.

The first known Crystal Ball was in the possession of the English scientist Edward Kelley, who used it during his time in the Austrian royal court to gain insight from the First Civilization. He used it in his research to develop new advances in technology, becoming the personal scientist of the Austrian ruler in the process. However, the Ball was taken by Kelley's brother to keep him from abusing its power.

A second Crystal Ball was acquired by the Order of the Ancients during the late 9th century, and given to Gorm Kjotvesson. Following directions given through the artifact by Juno, Gorm brought the artifact to the Americas, named Vinland by the Norse. Gorm and his men sought to acquire the Grand Temple the Crystal Ball directed them to and brought slave laborers to work in camps in pursuit of it. Gorm's old rival from Norway, Eivor, tracked Gorm to Vinland with help of the Hidden One Hytham. There, she killed Gorm and seized the artifact, though she decided to not discover more about its purpose. She left the artifact in the care of the local Kanien'kehá:ka tribe of Karonhiakèn:iate', in whose hands it would stay for many generations.

By the middle of the 18th century, the artifact was in the hands of the Kanien'kehá:ka in Kanatahséton. It was used by Ratonhnhaké:ton to enter the Nexus, where he communicated with Juno. She directed him to become a member of the Assassin Brotherhood, with the secret intent of allowing him to come into the possession of the key to the Grand Temple. Ratonhnhaké:ton later used the ball again, and Juno then told him to hide the key somewhere where nobody would find it, while she knew that Ratonhnhaké:ton's descendant Desmond Miles would later find it and unlock the door inside the Grand Temple. After this final use, the artifact disintegrated into dust.

Gallery

• 
  Edward Kelley's Crystal Ball
• 
  Oiá:ner holding a Crystal Ball
• 
  A Crystal Ball activating the Nexus
• A Crystal Ball disintegrating
  A Crystal Ball disintegrating
• Eivor Varinsdottir holding the Crystal Ball
  Eivor Varinsdottir holding the Crystal Ball

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy (first appearance)
• Assassin's Creed III
• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla