#aenshin

Will post more soon.

What people need to remember is that all MonHun lore, unless specifically stated by the devs, is all written from an in-universe and a perspective that is incomplete. The ending of the game is fairly clear on the fact that none of them Really understand why Aenshin changed to create then spread the Encroachment. They have theories, ones that are most correct (i.e the binding crystals making Aenshin lose control over itself and changing how its body functions) but the specifics and the nuances are still things that need to be figured out over time.

That being said, we do Have another example of mass crystallization of an environment in the MonHun setting: The Elder's Recess and Everstream. We do actually know the cause for why such intense crystallization happened in this area. It is the result of generations of Elder Dragon bioenergy flowing into this area via the Dragon Veins due to the Elder Crossing and old Elder Dragons coming to the New World to pass away.

I don't think this is the same phenomenon obviously, but given they take place in the same setting it's not inconceivable they're related. The Encroachment wasn't stagnant for 200 years while Aenshin was dormant, it's just that it waking up started to accelerate the issue and egg quartz in particular seems to be only attributed to Aenshin’s presence because it forms from the sudden crystallization the Elder Dragon is capable of. Aenshin was the protector of the continent's environment. It fended off other Elders and likely its presensence was able to manipulate and guide the energy of the Dragon Veins given how strong the flow appears to be here (being able to influence the very elements of monsters).

The blightstone on Aenshin’s back/the pendant given to you by Simon is real; its based on Aqua Aura Quartz!! We bought matching pendants with it at our local crystal shop!