Lambent Infection

Lore & Background

The infection began as a side effect of the Locust's heavy reliance on Imulsion, which seeped into the atmosphere and groundwater. Over time, this radiation-like exposure caused cellular breakdown in exposed organisms. Early victims displayed aggressive behavior and physical distortions before fully succumbing to the crystalline transformation that characterizes full Lambent status. As the threat grew, it became clear that the infection was not merely a disease but an ecological reset button driven by energy consumption. It turned forests into glowing necropolises and cities into death traps. The Locust Strongholds eventually fell victim to their own power source, with many emerging from the underground only to be consumed by the very substance they worshipped. Humanity's response shifted from tactical warfare to survivalist containment. The realization that standard weaponry could not stop the spread led to the development of Lightmass technology. This culminated in the activation of bombs designed to incinerate the infection, a move that saved the species but buried their cities under tons of rock and ash.

In Their Own Story

The air tasted like ozone and rotting earth. Kael stood on the ridge overlooking what used to be Jacinto City, now a sea of pulsating green light. The silence was heavy, broken only by the wet crackle of burning biomass below. He adjusted his Lancer's stock, watching as a shadow detached itself from a glowing tree line, moving with unnatural fluidity. There were no screams anymore, just the hum of energy and the glow of death. He knew the countdown on his wrist was nearing zero. The Lightmass bomb would end this nightmare, but it would also take everything he had left to fight for.

Reader's Guide

The Lambent phenomenon stems from the unique properties of Imulsion, a volatile energy source that acts as both fuel and biological catalyst. When organic matter absorbs high concentrations of this substance without protection, cellular structures destabilize and mutate rapidly. This process transforms living tissue into crystalline biomass radiating thermal energy, effectively turning victims into vectors for further spread. Historically, the infection escalated in phases. Early stages presented as aggressive mutations among fauna, while later iterations produced intelligent, hive-minded horrors capable of strategic coordination. The Locust Horde eventually succumbed to this plague within their own Strongholds, proving no species was immune. Environmental records indicate that entire ecosystems collapsed into glowing wastelands known as the Hollows. Scientific analysis suggests the infection seeks to convert all available biomass into a singular, energy-dense state. This metaphysical drive explains its relentless expansion until the application of extreme heat via Lightmass weaponry disrupted the molecular bonds holding the corrupted matter together.

Did You Know?

• The Locust Horde were not immune and eventually fell victim to their own Imulsion usage.
• The Lightmass Bombing buried the city of Jacinto to prevent the infection from spreading further.
• Animals in the infected zones mutated into creatures known as Lambent Hounds and other beasts.
• The glowing appearance is caused by the high-energy radiation emitted by corrupted Imulsion cells.