Ether Corrosion

Lore & Background

Before New Eridu rose from the ashes, Old Eridu was consumed by an unchecked surge of this energy. The resulting catastrophe reshaped the world, creating the Hollows—pockets of distorted space where physics no longer obey standard laws. Ether Corrosion is not merely radiation; it rewrites matter and memory, turning familiar streets into labyrinthine nightmares filled with hostile entities. New Eridu survives today thanks to advanced containment barriers that filter out the worst of the contamination. However, the threat remains constant at the city's perimeter. Proxies are essential because they can resist the mental strain long enough to enter these zones and stabilize them. Without their intervention, the Corrosion would eventually breach the walls, turning the survivors into more monsters.

In Their Own Story

The air tasted like copper as the Proxy stepped across the threshold. Static crackled around his boots, a low hum vibrating in his teeth. Ahead, the skyline of New Eridu shimmered through a veil of violet fog, but here, gravity was merely a suggestion. A twisted spire floated upside down, dripping with glowing sludge that sizzled where it touched the ground. He tightened his grip on his weapon, feeling the familiar itch of Corrosion trying to seep into his thoughts. One slip, one moment of weakness, and he would become part of the scenery.

Reader's Guide

The atmosphere shifts drastically when crossing from New Eridu into a Hollow. Safe zones feature clean neon lights and orderly architecture, contrasting sharply with the chaotic distortion of corrupted areas. Here, gravity fluctuates, and static noise fills the air like a low hum. Etherium density varies by zone; high-corruption sectors pulse with violent violet energy, while stable pockets remain eerily quiet. Key landmarks include the protective Barriers surrounding the city, which glow faintly to repel intrusions. Within Hollows, players navigate through twisted ruins of Old Eridu, where buildings stretch into impossible geometries. Corrupted flora and fauna lurk in shadowed corners, waiting for Proxies to slip their guard. The deeper one ventures, the more reality fractures, demanding constant vigilance against mental degradation. Exploration requires specialized tools to measure contamination levels before engaging enemies. Certain areas feature unstable platforms that vanish under heavy Ether pressure. Landmarks often include data terminals or abandoned safehouses left by previous expeditions, offering brief respite from the corrosive environment.

Did You Know?

• Old Eridu was completely destroyed because its defenses could not contain the surge of Ether Corrosion.
• Prolonged exposure to high concentrations can mutate humans into hostile monsters called Serpents.
• The city of New Eridu is built directly on top of the ruins of the fallen Old Eridu.
• Proxies utilize specialized gear and combat styles designed specifically to neutralize corrupted entities.