The Hollows

Lore & Background

As the Lambent infection spread through the Imulsion veins, the Hollows transformed from military fortresses into biological hells. The corruption mutated Locust soldiers and local fauna alike, creating a secondary threat that endangered both sides of the war. By the time of the Final Hour, the network was so compromised that sealing it off became necessary to prevent total planetary extinction.

In Their Own Story

The air tasted like copper and old blood as Marcus descended into the dark. His helmet lights cut through the gloom, revealing walls slick with glowing blue residue. Somewhere in the distance, a click echoed—a Locust scout signaling its kin. He tightened his grip on the Lancer, knowing that down here, there was no retreat, only the next tunnel and the shadows waiting within.

Reader's Guide

The Hollows consist of vast, interconnected cavern systems stretching deep beneath the crust of Sera. Geologically unstable due to centuries of Imulsion mining, these tunnels feature narrow choke points ideal for ambush tactics but dangerous for large formations. Environmental hazards include toxic gas pockets, structural collapses, and pervasive Lambent corruption which mutates local fauna into hostile entities. Strategic importance lies in their control over Imulsion reserves; whoever holds the Hollows controls the fuel supply essential for COG weaponry and Locust technology alike. The Locust Horde utilized these depths as impregnable strongholds during the Pendulum Wars and Emergence Day, remaining hidden from surface dwellers until the final conflict erupted. Key events include the initial surface breaches that triggered the war, and later operations by COG teams to locate critical targets or destroy Lambent nests deep within the crust. Navigation requires specialized equipment due to low visibility and high radiation levels near raw deposits. The network ultimately became a tomb when deep-core detonations were used to seal off the infection during the Final Hour, collapsing much of the system to save the remaining surface population.

Did You Know?

• Imulsion mining in these depths inadvertently triggered the Lambent outbreak.
• Locust physiology evolved specifically to withstand underground radiation and toxins.
• The network spans beneath every major region of Sera's habitable landmass.
• Sealing the Hollows was a desperate measure that destroyed much of the planet's infrastructure.