Zenless Zone Zero Lorebook

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1. #1Hollows

   Keys: Lemnian Hollow, Cretan Hollow, Hollows, Hollow · Secondary: Ether, Proxies, Proxy, Hollow Investigative Association

   Hollows are supernatural disasters. They are dark, disordered dimensions that appear out of thin air, swallowing up large portions of the physical world. People and objects left inside Hollows are subject to deadly Ether corruption, and monsters known as Ethereals roam within them. Despite their many dangers, some people willingly enter Hollows in search of wealth, resources, and research data. Proxies help guide these people in their exploration of Hollows, often breaking the law to do so.

   Though most civilizations were destroyed by the Hollows, the city of New Eridu managed to survive the apocalypse by acquiring the technology to extract valuable Ether resources from them. Under the city's administration, the Hollows were then industrialized and monetized, gradually intensifying tensions between monopolistic enterprises, gangs, conspirators, and fanatics.

   Hollows are an apocalyptic-level disaster, an abnormal spherical dimension that appears out of thin air swallowing everything they touch. The internal space-time environment becomes disorderly due to unknown influences, and dangerous mutant creatures known as the "Ethereal" are produced. Ordinary people lost in the Hollows face not only the horror of being attacked by monsters, but have to risk the corruption and eventual mutation.

   Hollows are characterized by their black, spherical appearances. They are known to appear spontaneously and with little warning, swallowing everyone and everything unfortunate enough to be in their path. Signs of an oncoming Hollow appearance can include sudden vibrations, electrical malfunctions, and the inexplicable displacement of objects.

   Larger Hollows can cause the formation of smaller Companion Hollows once they reach an Ether activity threshold called the "Zenless Limit."

   Once they have spawned, Hollows begin to create Ether-based monsters known as Ethereals. Although Ethereals have not been known to leave their Hollows, they still pose a serious threat to anyone within.

   Hollows are sustained by Ether energy, which is directly linked to the Ethereals residing within them. It is possible to reduce the size of a Hollow by destroying a massive number of regular Ethereals, or by eliminating a particularly large one. If continuously suppressed, a Hollow may even gradually shrink until it disappears.

   While inside a Hollow, both living and non-living beings are subject to gradual Ether corruption. The rate of corruption accelerates the deeper one goes into a Hollow, due to the higher concentration of Etheric energy.

   Objects and structures within Hollows will slowly degrade, warping and weakening their appearances. Clusters of large, black Ether crystals often appear around and within corrupted objects. Small objects can be preserved by storing them in anti-corruption serum

   Humans and humanoids who stay inside Hollows too long are eventually afflicted with Ether corruption. Corruption causes rapid mutations in a person's physiology, including the growth of dark, painful crystals throughout their body, the formation of a distinctive Ether "core," and a gradual loss of sanity. Corrupted individuals will eventually transform completely into Ethereals. There is no known cure for Ether corruption, with current treatments only able to reverse mild cases. Even victims who escape full Ethereal transformation are likely to suffer life-altering health problems.

   Individuals are corrupted at rates relative to their Ether aptitude. Those with high Ether aptitude can stay in Hollows unprotected for longer periods of time without suffering the effects of corruption. Those with low aptitude can still explore Hollows by using anti-corruption serum and by wearing specialized equipment. Anti-corruption gear is commonly used by New Eridu Public Security, the Hollow Investigative Association, the New Eridu Defense Force, and bandits.

   Both intelligent and non-intelligent machines such as robots or cyborgs can be corrupted, though their natural Ether resistance is higher.

   The once-ordinary interiors of Hollows are drastically altered by Ether, turning them into mazes of distorted environments. Within Hollows, normal laws of physics and spacetime don't apply; a seemingly-straightforward path could be riddled with invisible fissures and blockages that lead to random locations, while what looks like a dead end could contain a portal out of the Hollow. Some Hollows even seem to be interconnected — passing through a fissure in one Hollow may lead one into an entirely different Hollow. Communication with the outside world is nearly impossible from within a Hollow, with only the legendary Proxy Phaethon being able to reliably do so. Additionally, the environment within a Hollow tends to shift frequently, meaning one path through a Hollow could change, making conventional cartographic methods useless in charting the interior of a Hollow.

   Hollows are naturally complex places, and being careless can lead to death for inexperienced and experienced explorers alike. To safely explore Hollows, many explorers use Bangboo, small robots equipped with Carrot programs. These programs create maps of Hollows by predicting the behavior of space within the Hollow, using data collected from previous observation of Hollows. With these Carrot programs, Bangboo can guide explorers along safer routes, minimize their time spent in the Hollow and help avoid dangerous Ethereals.

   Most contemporary civilizations were unable to survive the spontaneous appearances of Hollows. The citizens of Eridu, however, were able to harness the Hollows' Ether as an energy source, allowing the city to thrive in the face of the apocalypse. Though Eridu was eventually consumed by Hollow Zero, its survivors rebuilt in what would become the city of New Eridu.

   To generate usable power, advanced pipe networks extract Etheric matter from existing Hollows. The absorbed Etheric energy is then converted into electricity, while any leftover Ether corruption is released into the air through a process called "Shiyu." This purification takes place at specialized pillars located in and around the city, where monsters created by the corruption are regularly purged.

   Ether is an incredibly potent power source, with most buildings, vehicles, and appliances in New Eridu using it as fuel. Ether corporations have yet to extend their reach beyond the city, where rural residents and biker gangs still use traditional diesel fuel.

   Though Hollows have enabled the city to thrive, the residents of New Eridu are still well-aware of their dangers. A large part of New Eridu Public Security's work revolves around Hollow-related incidents, including rescuing citizens trapped by new Companion Hollows, dealing with criminals who use Hollows as hideouts, and even managing traffic incidents caused by Hollow appearances. They also arrest and prosecute Hollow Raiders and Proxies who illegally enter Hollows.

   The Hollow Investigative Association is the organization primarily responsible for managing Hollow disaster-related matters. Their Investigators complete official commissions, such as rescues and Ethereal hunts, for a fee. The Association regularly recruits citizens with high Ether aptitudes to become Investigators, training them extensively in Hollow exploration and combat.

   Multiple elite agencies collaborate to research and suppress the most dangerous Hollows, especially Hollow Zero. These include H.A.N.D., the New Eridu Defense Force's Obsidian Division, and the White Star Institute.

   Many people who explore Hollows do not do so legally. Groups known as "Hollow Raiders" regularly enter Hollows for variety of reasons. Some are hardened criminals who use Hollows to evade the law, and who assault and rob other explorers. Others are freelancers, mercenaries, independent investigators, and Proxies who complete private commissions not sanctioned by the Hollow Investigative Association. Many Hollow Raiders use the online service Inter-Knot to communicate and to post commissions.

   Types of Hollows Hollow Zero Main article: Hollow Zero Hollow Zero, also known as "Limbo," is a colossal Hollow that consumed the old city of Eridu, resulting in its destruction. It is the source of many of the Hollows in and around New Eridu. The investigation and suppression of Hollow Zero pose a long-term challenge for the authorities of New Eridu.

   The Six Great Hollows are major Hollows held under intensive monitoring. Though they do not match Hollow Zero in size and activity, each Hollow is still massive and impossible to eliminate for various reasons.

   Companion Hollows Companion Hollows are smaller Hollows that can form around a larger Hollow.

2. #2Thiren

   Keys: Animal, Beast, Beasts, Animals, Thiren, Furry, Thirens

   Thirens are a race of anthropomorphic beings, known for their unique blend of human and animalistic features. Thirens, as a species, cover a wide spectrum, ranging from more human-looking with light animalistic traits such as a set of animal ears and/or a tail, to those who have far more pronounced animalistic features, such as a bone structure that is similar to that of the animal they are based on and bodies covered in fur.

   Based on the Inter-Knot Post: Have you got any recommendations for Thiren hair products?, more animalistic Thirens may be referred to as "beast Thirens", while in other cases, those who have a body covered in fur are simply called "furry Thirens"

   Some Thirens have been found to have a caffeine intolerance, with coffee consumption potentially leading to heart problems.

   Thirens exhibit superhuman abilities such as immense strength, high Ether aptitude, faster mutation rates after exposure to corruption, and rapid recovery.

3. #3Ether

   Keys: Ether · Secondary: Power Source, Energy, Power

   Ether refers to a substance extracted from Hollows which powers New Eridu. Ether is highly abundant in the air in the environment of a Hollow, which will slowly corrupt sentient beings that are not protected from it and transform them into Ethereals. Ether consumes any kind of matter.

4. #4Proxy

   Keys: Agents, Proxy, Proxies · Secondary: Investigators, InterKnot, Proxy Network

   Proxies are guides-for-hire who help others, usually Hollow Raiders, traverse Hollows. Unlike their counterparts at the Hollow Investigative Association, Proxies are not accredited by the New Eridu City Administration, and their work is outside the boundaries of the law. They often complete jobs too risky or shady for the HIA to take on.

   Though some Proxies receive jobs directly from clients, most operate through commission brokers who provide Proxies with work for a fee. Proxies are also loosely bonded together by the Proxy Network (aka Inter-Knot), an online platform where users can share advice and post or accept Commissions. Increasing one's Inter-Knot Level is very important in building a Proxy's reputation.

   Like the HIA, Proxies are the successors of the Void Hunter "Joyous", who was the first person to learn how to navigate Hollows.

5. #5Ethereals

   Keys: Beast, Ethereals, Monster, Monsters, Ethereal, Corrupted · Secondary: Ether Corrupted, Creatures

   Ethereals are the mutant flora and fauna created by Hollows. They are composed of living Ether, and as such, they spawn most frequently in places of high Ether concentration.

   Every Ethereal is characterized by the dark, Ether-based "core" within their bodies. Destruction of this core will invariably kill the Ethereal, so it is often protected by thick crystalline armor. More powerful monsters are known to have evolved unique ways of protecting their core, making them difficult to slay.

   Ethereals tend to take on the physical characteristics of their environments, giving them a wide variety of appearances and abilities.

   Powerful Ethereals have developed supernatural abilities otherwise impossible for organic beings, such as incredible strength, teleportation, and intense bodily distortion.

   Without exception, Ethereals are hostile to all non-Ether life. Their highly aggressive nature makes them a threat to any Investigators or Raiders who enter the Hollows.

   Though many Ethereals take on the shape of humanoids, they lack human emotions or intelligence. Despite this, some Ethereals display unique behaviors, including mercilessness, cunning, and even honor.

   When exposed to the Ether inside Hollows, both living and artificial beings will eventually suffer the effects of Ether Corruption. Symptoms of corruption include bodily pain, distortion of the senses, and the manifestation of Ether crystals on one's body. Severe Corruption due to prolonged stays in Hollows will eventually induce a transformation into an Ethereal.

   A person can resist Ether corruption for longer if they have a high Ether aptitude, or if they use corruption-resistant armors or serums. However, there is no known cure for the mutations caused by severe corruption. Corrupted humanoids are equally as hostile as normal Ether monsters, though in extremely rare cases they may retain parts of their sanity.

6. #6Bangboo

   Keys: Bangboo · Secondary: Travel, Guide, Traversing, Hollow Guide, Carrot, Traveling

   Bangboo are small, rabbit-like robots. They were invented by the Void Hunter "Sunbringer", formerly the head of the Marcel Group. Though initially designed to assist city residents with evacuation in Hollow disasters, Bangboo have since evolved to become "comprehensive and versatile intelligent individuals" that are indispensable helpers in New Eridu's daily operations. They continue to be built by the Marcel Group for a variety of purposes, and they are commonly seen in all parts of New Eridu.

   Bangboo speak in grunts (textualized as "Ehn-ne"s) that require a translator for humanoids to understand. Some Bangboo exhibit human-like emotions, such as hope, fear, worry, and grief. Bangboos have been seen to converse and collaborate with each other without human intervention. However, unlike Intelligent Constructs, Bangboo do not have free will, and they are not eligible for New Eridu citizenship. Bangboo without masters are legally required to be scrapped.

   Bangboo are mechanical in nature and require charging. Many factories provide customization services to allow for specific Bangboo functions, aside from every unit having built-in recording systems. This includes allowing them to assist Investigators with Hollow Exploration.

   Securityboo are Bangboo that work for New Eridu Public Security.

   Most Bangboo are short and stout, only around knee-height. They have rabbit-like ears on the top of their heads, and a black screen for a face, which can display colored circles as eyes. Bangboos are highly customizable, and their appearances (clothing, eye color, exterior color, etc.) can vary greatly. Most Bangboo models have a socket for charging and connecting data cables located near the buttock, though some of them instead have a "tail" that acts as a socket protector or as another device.

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