Rings of Eden
The Shards of Eden were ring-like Pieces of Eden, which were invented by the First Civilization to serve as personal shields for their wearers. The Shards projected an electromagnetic field which protected their wearers from magnetic projectile damage, as well as charges from energy-based weapons. Shards could also be used in conjunction with a shielding device, which would project a blue, spherical field over a given area when used.
History
In the decades preceding the First Catastrophe, the First Civilization attempted to adapt the principles behind the Shards to create a shield that could protect the whole planet, in an attempt to repel the impending solar flare. However, they didn't have the time or resources to make even a large enough shield to safeguard a single city, and so they abandoned the research for other, more favorable solutions.
During the late 17th century, a Shard came into the possession of the renowned privateer-turned-pirate William Kidd, and its ability to deflect metal or, more specifically, lead musket balls, contributed to folklore stories of his invincibility. Kidd eventually chose to hide his Shard on Oak Island, to keep it safe from Templar forces who sought it. To this end, Kidd created a map that provided clues to the Shard's location, and divided it among four of his former crew members before he was captured by the British and executed.
Years later, the Assassin Connor managed to gather the four pieces of the map from "Peg Leg", who sat near the docks of his ship, and, along with Robert Faulkner, traveled to Oak Island to obtain the Shard. Though both wondered why Kidd protected this "treasure" so carefully, Connor soon realized its power when it threw Faulkner's whiskey flask out of his hand.
Trivia
- Subsequent to Connor's acquisition of the Shard, its effects were present while reliving the memories of Haytham Kenway.
- The Shard's effect could also be observed on Desmond Miles after he had relived the memory in which Connor found it.
- The Shard shares many features with the rings of Neodymium magnets that are found in miniature motors, which give off a strong magnetic field.
- Unlike King Washington's Apple of Eden, the Shard does NOT grant complete immunity from incoming enemy projectiles; it only decreases the chance of being hit. The Shard-bearer can still be shot.
Gallery
-
Connor retrieving William Kidd's shard -
Connor examining the shard -
Juno explaining the effect of the shards to Desmond Miles
-
Jupiter being shielded by a shard
Reference
