Old Harbor

Lore & Background

Before New Eridu rose as a beacon of hope amidst the ruins of the old world, Old Harbor was the beating heart of commerce for the region. It was here that goods from across the globe were unloaded, processed, and distributed to the rebuilding cities. The architecture reflects this era, with sturdy concrete structures and heavy steel frameworks designed to withstand the rigors of maritime trade. However, the Collapse brought devastation, leaving many of these structures half-finished or abandoned, creating a landscape of decay that time has only partially healed. The district's relationship with the Hollows is complex; while it serves as a stable ground for daily life, the proximity to the ocean and the sheer volume of industrial waste have created pockets of high Etherium concentration. These pockets occasionally rupture, forming temporary or semi-permanent Hollows that engulf parts of the docks. The HIA (Hollow Investigation Agency) maintains a constant watch over these zones, deploying Proxies to seal breaches before they can expand into residential areas. For the citizens living here, life is a balancing act between maintaining their livelihoods and staying one step ahead of the encroaching corruption. Despite the dangers, Old Harbor retains a unique spirit. The locals have adapted to the ever-present threat, integrating safety protocols into their daily routines with practiced ease. It is a place where the resilience of New Eridu's people is most visible, as they continue to trade, work, and live in the shadow of the cranes that once promised prosperity but now stand as reminders of a world forever changed.

In Their Own Story

The fog rolled off the water, thick and heavy with the scent of salt and ozone. Kael adjusted his collar, stepping out onto the wet pavement of Old Harbor's main dock. The usual hum of forklifts and shouting foremen was absent; today, the silence was broken only by the distant, rhythmic thrumming of a Hollow barrier pulsing somewhere near Warehouse 4. He checked his proxy device, the screen flickering with a warning of unstable Etherium readings. A group of civilians huddled near the exit, their faces pale as they watched the air shimmer and warp above the cargo containers. Kael signaled to them, pointing toward the safe zone marked by the HIA barricades. "Stay back," he called out, his voice cutting through the damp chill. He drew his weapon, not out of fear, but out of duty. The harbor had seen worse days, and it would see this one too.

Reader's Guide

Old Harbor presents a mix of open industrial spaces and tight, claustrophobic alleyways. The atmosphere is perpetually damp, with fog often clinging to the ground near the water's edge, obscuring vision and hiding potential threats. Etherium corruption levels vary significantly by sector. The outer docks are generally stable but can experience sudden spikes during storms or seismic activity. In contrast, the inner warehouse district frequently hosts active Hollows where reality is thin, requiring players to be vigilant for distorted geometry and aggressive monsters. Key landmarks include the massive rusted cranes that dominate the skyline, serving as both visual anchors and potential vantage points. The Warehouse District offers a maze of shipping containers and storage units, perfect for ambushes but also hiding valuable loot. Finally, the HIA checkpoint acts as a safe zone where players can regroup and receive mission updates before diving back into the chaos.

Did You Know?

• The architecture in Old Harbor retains heavy industrial elements from pre-Collapse eras, making it distinct from newer residential zones.
• Proxies often report that Hollows here tend to manifest with water-based or mechanical anomalies due to the district's history.
• Despite its dangers, Old Harbor remains a primary hub for importing essential resources into New Eridu.
• The local population has developed unique slang and survival tactics specifically tailored to navigating the unstable sectors of the harbor.