Ethereal Beasts

Lore & Background

The emergence of Ethereal Beasts is a direct consequence of the Hollows opening across the world. When physical reality fractures, Ether leaks into our dimension, warping matter and life forms caught within the distortion fields. This process is known as Etheric Corruption, transforming ordinary objects or living beings into hostile monsters driven by chaotic energy. These entities do not follow a hive mind but rather operate on instinctual urges to consume more Ether or defend their territory within the Hollow. Over time, some evolve into massive bosses capable of destabilizing entire layers of reality. Their presence is the main reason why New Eridu relies heavily on Proxies to navigate these zones safely. Despite their monstrous appearance, lore suggests that many Ethereal Beasts were once ordinary citizens or pets lost during Hollow incidents. This tragic origin story adds a layer of sorrow to the combat, as agents often fight against former humans who can no longer recognize them.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Hollow tasted like ozone and rust. Agent Vance tightened his grip on his weapon as the neon lights flickered out one by one. From the shadows of a crumbling skyscraper, something shifted—a silhouette too large to be human, glitching with static energy. It roared, a sound that wasn't quite sound but a vibration in the bones. The Ethereal Beast stepped forward, its limbs elongated and twisted by corruption. Vance didn't hesitate; he signaled his Bangboo partner. 'Clear the path,' he whispered. In this zone, hesitation meant becoming part of the distortion.

Reader's Guide

Unlike organized syndicates, Ethereal Beasts lack a unified command structure or political agenda. Their primary drive is instinctual survival and the consumption of Ether energy that fuels their existence within Hollows. This makes them an unpredictable natural disaster rather than a strategic enemy force. New Eridu authorities view them as immediate threats to public safety, deploying Police Task Forces alongside licensed Proxies to contain outbreaks before they reach residential zones. While most operate on feral impulses, certain high-level variants act as guardians for specific Hollow layers, protecting unstable anomalies that could cause further distortions. There are no named leaders among the beasts themselves; instead, their strength is dictated by Ether density and mutation levels. Combat against them requires specialized Bangboo support to navigate hazardous environments safely. The relationship between humanity and these entities remains strictly adversarial. Efforts focus on containment and eradication rather than negotiation. Understanding their behavioral patterns is crucial for Proxies aiming to clear Hollows efficiently without sustaining casualties or allowing corruption to spread into the city proper.

Did You Know?

• Many Ethereal Beasts were originally ordinary citizens who became trapped in a Hollow.
• They drop Ether Crystals and materials used by agents to upgrade gear.
• Bangboo are specifically designed to be immune to the corruption affecting these creatures.
• Some variants possess elemental affinities like fire, ice, or electricity.