Ether Storms

Lore & Background

For the citizens of New Eridu, an Ether Storm represents an immediate existential threat. Prolonged exposure to the high concentrations of Etherium within these storms leads to rapid corruption, turning living beings into mindless monsters or dissolving them entirely into the void. This is why Proxies are essential; they act as guides and protectors, navigating the treacherous spatial anomalies to escort civilians to safety or retrieve lost resources before the storm consumes everything in its path. The study of these storms remains one of the most critical areas for the city's scientists, hoping to find a way to stabilize the Hollows permanently.

In Their Own Story

The sky above the abandoned subway station didn't just darken; it fractured. A jagged tear of neon green light ripped through the clouds, bleeding a soundless roar that vibrated in the teeth rather than the ears. The Proxy raised their hand, shielding the civilian behind them as the ground beneath their feet suddenly tilted forty-five degrees, sending debris floating upward into the swirling vortex. 'Don't look at the colors,' they shouted over the hum of distorting reality. 'Just keep moving! The storm is eating the path!' As a massive chunk of concrete drifted past like a falling leaf in reverse gravity, the Proxy knew there was only one way out: dive deeper into the chaos before it swallowed them whole.

Reader's Guide

Entering an Ether Storm transforms the Hollow from a ruined cityscape into a surreal dreamscape where up and down lose meaning. The atmosphere is thick with a glowing, toxic fog that obscures vision, forcing players to rely on audio cues and visual landmarks that may shift positions between moments. Etherium corruption levels are critical here; lingering in open areas without cover will rapidly deplete health or trigger status effects representing the encroaching madness of the dimension. Players must constantly monitor their surroundings for shifting platforms, floating debris, and sudden gravity shifts that can turn a safe path into a deadly drop. Key landmarks often include distorted versions of New Eridu architecture, such as skyscrapers leaning at impossible angles or subway tunnels that loop back on themselves. Navigating these zones requires precise timing and spatial awareness, as the environment itself acts as an active enemy, constantly rearranging the battlefield to disorient and isolate travelers.

Did You Know?

• Ether Storms are not random weather events but direct consequences of the Hollow's unstable barrier failing against New Eridu.
• The toxic particles within these storms, known as Etherium, are responsible for mutating humans into monsters upon prolonged exposure.
• Proxies often use specialized equipment or combat techniques to stabilize their footing during the gravity shifts caused by a storm.