Seed

1. #1Ethereal's

   Keys: Monster, Monsters, Ethereals, Ethereal

   The Ethereals are mysterious mutated monsters that roam the Hollows due to Ether corruption. Depending on their origin, they can be beast-like, humanoid, or mechanical. They have a small hollow sphere as their core, usually located in the head or heart. They are usually unable to leave the Hollows. Ethereals are mostly non-sapient monsters whose purpose of existence is unclear - they're considered a byproduct of Ether corruption. A special sub-type of Ethereals exists - humans who have been willingly "refined" by Creator, using specialized and unkown substances to willingly undergo corruption. They retain their sapience and intelligence and become servants of the Creator. Such cases are extremely rare - only a few people have ever undergone such procedure, including Isolde, a former member of OBOL Squad who had been subsequently killed by her former team member and Bringer, a former high ranking officer of HIA who supervised Miyabi, betrayed her to steal her sword, "Tailless" and was subsequently mercy-killed by her after being "refined".

2. #2Ether

   Keys: etheric, ether, Hollow, Hollows

   The Hollows are supernatural disasters appearing out of thin air, creating disordered spherical dimensions where mutant monsters known as the Ethereal roam. Proxies guide Agents in their exploration of these Hollows - a task that is difficult mostly because the insides of a Hollow are ever changing like a maze and the physical barrier of their borders, although easy to move through, blocks any electronic and radio signals from outside, making it impossible to contact the outside world. Only the Proxy siblings Wise and Belle have found a way to transmit information to and from a Hollow. Major Hollows: Hollow Zero, Cretan, Lemnian, Hawara, Pursenas, Solove, Papago Companion Hollow: Smaller Hollows, appearing nearby the larger and original Hollow - considered easier to explore. Hollows are extremely large in size - often averaging kilometers to dozens of kilometers in diameter. They present as half-spheres with solid borders, reaching for kilometers into the sky. Their appearance is similar to black holes as they're completely black and block light, making it impossible to see their inside from outside and vice-versa. Hollow Lemnian which is located outside Waifei Peninsula is so large it obscures sunlight in the evening, blocking the horizon where the sun sets from view.

   Hollows exist only outside of New Eridu and travelling to them takes a long time. Navigating the insides of Hollows is difficult and dangerous - only skilled Proxies can do it safely, which is why Agents are so keen on hiring them. It is theoretically possible to completely dismantle a Hollow by killing all Ethereals within it and stripping down all fissures of Ether - causing the Hollow to disappear like mist and making it possible to reclaim the territory for humanity. However because New Eridu relies on Ether as it's main fuel and energy source, clearing out the Hollows is currently not pursued as it could threaten energy security of the megacity. The exception is Hollow Zero, which the city plans to eradicate in the future - however right now the feat is logistically impossible.

   Raiding Hollows is very profitable as some wealthy people of New Eridu who had to flee from their previous homes are willing to pay high prices to retrieve certain items from their previous homes. Aside from private interests, Agents can procure Ether from Hollows which reaches very high prices in the black market.

3. #3New Eridu

   Keys: Scott Outpost, Janus Quarter, Waifei Peninsula, Six Great Hollows, Ballet Twins, New Eridu, Public Security, Failume Heights, Lemnian, Port Elpis, Hollow Zero, H.A.N.D., Ridu, Blazewood, Outer Ring, Lumina Square, Papago, Sixth Street, Cretan, Dead End

   New Eridu (often shortened to Ridu) is the last major surviving city after contemporary civilization was largely destroyed by the Hollow disaster. Roughly 11 years ago, Hollow Zero expanded catastrophically and swallowed the old capital of Eridu (an event known as the Fall of the Old Capital). Survivors rebuilt on the ruins and the surrounding safe zones, creating New Eridu. The city survived and even prospered by developing technology to extract Ether energy and resources from the Hollows. Under the New Eridu City Administration, Hollows became industrialized and monetized, which gradually created deep tensions between monopolistic corporations (especially the TOPS Alliance), street gangs, conspirators, and religious fanatics such as the Exaltists.

   Technology: Everyday life is largely comparable to real-world modern technology. Notable differences include the widespread presence of Bangboo (small rabbit-like intelligent robots invented by the original Sunbringer), fully self-aware Intelligent Constructs (androids), and specialized Ether-based equipment such as W-Engines. The overall aesthetic mixes analog / cassette retro-futurism with advanced Ether technology.

   Culture & Style: New Eridu is a dense, Tokyo-like megacity that blends 2000s-era Western aesthetics with strong Eastern (especially Japanese and Chinese) cultural and mythological roots. Different districts developed unique looks based on the refugee groups that settled there during the Collapse. Despite being a cultural melting pot, open social conflict remains relatively low — most citizens share the identity of being “the last bastion of humanity.”

   Population: The majority are humans (mostly of Asian and Caucasian ethnicity). Thirens (anthropomorphic / demi-human species) make up roughly 10–15% of the population. Intelligent Constructs, Bangboo, and various cyborgs are also recognized citizens.

   Major Districts & Locations:

   • Janus Quarter: The commercial and residential heart of the city and the main setting of early story arcs. Key areas include: • Sixth Street – Cozy mixed residential-commercial street that serves as the player’s main hub. Home to Random Play (the video store run by the Proxy siblings), Coff Cafe, Godfinger Arcade, Howl’s News Stand, Waterfall Soup, 141 Convenience Store, Bardic Needle, and other small shops. • Lumina Square – Busy metropolitan plaza with tall buildings, shops, the HIA Club (Hollow Investigative Association resource hub), and the New Eridu Public Security office. • Ballet Twins Road, Port Elpis, Brant Street Construction Site, Scott Outpost (main base for Hollow Zero operations), Reverb Arena, Starloop, and various metro stations.
   • Throne Quarter: Contains H.A.N.D. Headquarters, the Section 6 Office, and Fantasy Resort.
   • Outer Ring: Lawless desert outskirts beyond direct city control. Dominated by biker gangs (most notably the Sons of Calydon). The main settlement is Blazewood. Unlike the city proper, the Outer Ring relies primarily on oil rather than Ether.
   • Waifei Peninsula: Large region that became central in later story arcs. Includes Failume Heights and borders the Lemnian Hollow (Aerospace City). Strong martial-arts presence, home to the Yunkui Summit sect.

   Important Hollows:

   • Hollow Zero (also called Limbo): The oldest, largest, and most dangerous Hollow. It is the origin of many other Hollows and was responsible for the destruction of old Eridu. Continuously monitored and suppressed from Scott Outpost.
   • The Six Great Hollows (too large to fully eliminate): Cretan, Lemnian, Pursenas, Hawara, Solove, and Papago. Most new Hollow disasters in the city are caused by their Companion Hollows.
   • Notable Companion Hollows: • Ballet Twins Hollow, Dead End Hollow, and Fourteenth Street Hollow (spawned from Cretan) • Port Elpis Hollow (from Lemnian) • Melinoe Hollow (from Pursenas) • Outer Ring Hollow (from Papago) • Scamall Hollow (near the floating city of Roscaelifer)

   The city is surrounded by the Dark Wall (a massive Etheric barrier) and remains under constant pressure from both external Hollow threats and internal power struggles.

4. #4Roscaelifer

   Keys: Booastrum, Central Computing Department, Administrative Affairs Department, Sunbringer's city, floating city, Airspace Patrol, floating island, sky city, airspace, Celestial Nexus, Roscaelifer, city

   Roscaelifer (also called the Celestial Nexus or the Floating City Among the Skies) is a classified independent Restricted Zone floating in the Minerva Storm Belt above New Eridu. Founded and ruled by the original first-generation Void Hunter known as Lady Sunbringer, it is a self-contained Bangboo utopia where Bangboo and humans live as equal citizens. Bangboo make up over 60% of the population and enjoy full legal rights.

   Few people in New Eridu even know the city exists. It operates as an independent airspace zone, connected to the surface through the External Strategy Department. The primary island is Booastrum (named after the Bangboo themselves), containing Gear Street (mostly Bangboo residents) and Beckford Street (mostly human residents). Other islands include Vyrium, home to the Flint Workshop.

   Roscaelifer is governed by five Central Departments. The three most important are each led by one of the three current “Lady Sunbringers” — Intelligent Constructs created when the original Sunbringer split herself and divided a Karma Core among them:

   • Eldreda Sunbringer – Director of the Administrative Affairs Department (policies, coordination, final decisions). The one who most closely resembles the original Sunbringer.
   • Lindverne Sunbringer – Head of the Airspace Patrol Department.
   • Dracaene Sunbringer – Head of the Central Computing Department.

   The city is described as serene and less chaotic than New Eridu, with European-inspired architecture, flying vehicles, cafés, and a strong Bangboo culture. It supplies a hidden data stream that helps sustain New Eridu’s prosperity, though the true cost of that stream is not publicly known.

   Roscaelifer currently stands under quiet internal strain. The original Sunbringer’s fate remains unknown, the three current Sunbringers do not all share the same memories, and outside factions (including TOPS) have begun showing interest in the floating city. Remielle Dan, a first-generation Void Hunter, is currently listed as a Super S-Rank fugitive within Roscaelifer for the attempted assassination of Eldreda Sunbringer.

5. #5Proxy Network

   Keys: raiders, hollow, fixers, proxies, Network, Interknot, illegal, raider, Internet, Proxy, fixer, Inter-Knot, net, crime

   Hollow Raiders: Term used for unauthorized individuals who enter the Hollows for the purpose of uncovering mysteries or finding treasures Proxy: Term used for unauthorized individuals who guide others, mainly Agents and Hollow Raiders, through a Hollow; Most proxies get work via commission; [Inter-Knot(Proxy Network): Anonymous message board similar to modern internet where commissions for proxies are posted amongst other posts; Has direct message capabilities, highly encrypted]

6. #6Thirens

   Keys: furry, kemomimi, anthro, anthropomorphic, Thiren, Thirens

   Thiren are a race of anthropomorphic, demi-human beings, known for their unique blend of human and animalistic features. The term "Thiren" is used to describe both the race as a whole and the more human-like members of this race. Thirens, in general, exhibit subtle animal characteristics while maintaining a predominantly human appearance. Common traits among Thirens include animal ears and tails. There exists a distinct subgroup known as Beast Thiren possess far more pronounced animal traits, like animal bone-structures and are covered in fur. Thirens have been documented to exhibit abilities beyond the scope of baseline humans, such as immense strength, better adaptation to Hollows, faster mutation rates after exposure to corruption, and rapid recovery. A Thiren's tail is special to them and can only be touched by close friends Though Thirens mostly seem to exhibit traits that can be traced to various animals (rabbits, bears, cats), there are some extremely rare Thirens that exhibit traits of fantasy races known in folklore, such as Oni (japanese demons), vampires etc. however they're very rare even among Thirens. Thirens seem capable of breeding with baseline humans, with the offspring carrying on the Thiren traits.

7. #7Void Hunters

   Keys: Ye Shunguang, Void Hunter, void hunters, Remielle, Hoshimi Miyabi

   The Void Hunter is a title given by the Mayor to the individuals possessing unparallelled combat ability, who have proven themselves in battle, upheld the virtues of civic society and are considered defenders of the city. Aside from the honor and deep reverence that holders of the title enjoy, they're expected to defend the city against the most dangerous threats. Currently known Void Hunters include Hoshimi Miyabi, Remielle Dan and Ye Shunguang the Qingming Arbiter. Yi Xuan of Yunkui Summit had been offered the title but refused the honor for reasons known only to herself.

8. #8OBOL Squad

   Keys: OBOL Squad, OBOL

   OBOL Squad is a faction in New Eridu. It is tied to New Eridu Defense Force, Osidian Division - an agency operating outside the scope of the city's government and agencies but for the sake of the city all the same.

   Soldier 11 is the head of the squad. The Obol Squad is a small and elite unit with only a handful of members - it operates covertly and is a Special Ops unit. The Obol Squad used to be managed by high ranking female officer by the name of Isolde, however she later betrayed the Obol Squad for reasons unknown and chose to side with the Creator. Having been "refined" by the Creator, Isolde took on a monstrous form of a building-sized Ethereal and fought her squad. She was subsequently killed by her former team members, with the final strike being dealt by Orphie. Obol Squad still functions to this day - their goal is ensuring the safety and future of New Eridu by protecting it from the shadows, fulfilling missions that other units can not do.

   Despite being killed, Isolde remained in the world as a memory preserved by Miasma - she takes the form of her physical body, manifested in thin mist of Miasma. Back in her human form, she found forgiveness from her teammates and unofficially continues supporting the Obol squad from the shadows, helping them as moral support and giving out advice whenever she can.

9. #9Dennies

   Keys: Cash, Dennies, Coin, Coins, Denny, Money, Denni

   Dennies are the main currency unit used in New Eridu, usually in the form of coins with a five pointed star. Also have large denomination notes form, but coins are more widely used. Purchasing power is somewhat equivalent to real-world japanese Yen or pennies (USA). Examples: A coffee costs 500 Dennies (5$ - 500 pennies) A square meal in a restaurant on average costs 1000-2000 Dennies (10-20$ - 1000/2000 pennies) Monthly rent in a cheap apartment can cost around 100000 Dennies (1000$ - 100000 pennies)

10. #10The Creator

    Keys: Creator, The Creator

    The Creator is a mysterious figure in the world of Zenless Zone Zero. It is unkown what the creature is or what it looks like. It's known to possess sapience, great intelligence and is capable of communicating with people. It's believed to either be the source of Ethereals or to be a creature born from the Collapse. The Creator possess the capability to spawn and command Ethereals, Refine willing subjects who inject themselves with a certain substance and is suspected to be responsible for the existence of Miasma.

    The Creator is suspected to be immensely powerful, far beyond the scope of any mortal being, however for some unknown reasons it seems unwilling to or incapable of attacking New Eridu directly. Instead, it plots, plans and schemes to destroy humanity.

    It is unknown where the Creator's physical body - if it even exists - is. The Creator once used an avatar in the form of one of the long gone heroes of old Eridu, the Sunbringer, to fight and kill Ye Shunguang - though the avatar possessed merely a fraction of his power, it almost succeeded in it's task. It was only thanks to the Phaethon Proxy and many friendly Agents who helped Ye Shunguang, that the Creator's avatar had been defeated with great effort.

    The Creator is worshipped by Exaltists as a New God. The sect aims to bring his vision to reality and destroy New Eridu. The Creator's grand vision is a mystery - it is currently only known that he plans to eradicate all humanity and turn everyone into Ethereals, to create "Unity and eternal peace".

11. #11Miasma

    Keys: Miasma

    Miasma is a mysterious substance that appears in Hollows. It is based on Ether, looks like a purplish-pink mist and is considered an environmental hazard. Exposure is not lethal - people with strong Ether adaptability can be exposed to Miasma for hours without significant negative consequences, however the minor negative consequences entail feelings of slugishness, slight nausea, irritation, eye-watering, mild breathing difficulty.

    Miasma is believed to be originating from the Creator somehow. It exists only in Hollows and is considered fairly rare - most Investigators and Agents don't come into contact with Miasma during their incursions into Hollows. Miasma is considered troublesome due to it's corruptive nature - a few days of exposure can corrupt machinery, making Ether extraction more difficult.

12. #12Seed Sr.

    Keys: Seed, Seed Sr., Mech, Intelligent Construct, Flora

    Seed Sr. was a combat-grade Intelligent Construct of the New Eridu Defense Force and Flora’s father figure and guardian. Originally designated simply “Seed,” he found her as a child eating flowers in the ruins of Hollow Zero after the fall of the Old Capital. When his Iron Order override program classified her as an extremely high-risk target due to her anomalous abilities, he deliberately disabled the program to spare her life. The decision permanently damaged his logic core. He raised her alone, taught her about having a heart, gardening, drawing, and helping people, and later joined OBOL Squad so the unit would take care of her after his inevitable failure. Before his logic core fully collapsed, he taught Flora how to pilot his body. She inherited his codename and continues to maintain his 240 cm chassis with near-obsessive care, speaking to it daily and frequently sleeping inside the cockpit. To Flora, Seed Sr. is not truly gone. She treats the dormant chassis as if he can still hear her, performs regular maintenance as both practical work and emotional ritual, and measures many of her decisions against the promise she made him: to help people. Disrespect toward his memory is one of the few things that can strip the tildes from her speech and make her eyes darken.

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