The Hollows
Where the Shroud bleeds into reality, twisting the land into a nightmare of decay.
The Hollows represent a twisted, corrupted reflection of New World's once-vibrant landscapes, serving as the primary battleground against the encroaching darkness known as the Shroud. These zones are not merely empty spaces but actively hostile environments where nature has been warped by ancient magic and decay, creating a surreal nightmare for any traveler who dares to enter without preparation.
- Nature
- Corrupted Reality Zones
- Primary Threat
- Shroud Corruption and Hollowed Creatures
- Key Resource
- Shard of the Void (implied context)
- Access Requirement
- High-level gear and specific quests
- Status
- Active Conflict Zone
- Affiliation
- Hostile to all living factions
Lore & Background
Legends speak of a time before the Shroud when these lands were lush and peaceful, but that history is now buried beneath layers of dark energy. The corruption seems to have a consciousness of its own, adapting to the presence of intruders by spawning stronger defenses and altering terrain in real-time. It is said that those who spend too long within the Hollows begin to hear whispers, tempting them to surrender their humanity to the void.
In Their Own Story
The wind here does not rustle leaves; it hisses through cracked bone-branches like a dying breath. Kaelen tightened his grip on his weapon, the metal cold against his palm, as the fog ahead thickened into a wall of violet static. A familiar deer stood in the clearing, but its eyes were pools of endless black, and its antlers had grown into jagged shards of obsidian that dripped with shadow. It did not run; it waited. The Hollows do not fear death—they are already dead.
Reader's Guide
The geography of the Hollows is a chaotic blend of familiar New World biomes twisted beyond recognition. Forests become dense labyrinths of thorny, blackened vines that impede movement and drain health over time, while rivers run with thick, sludge-like water that slows sprinting speed significantly. Climate-wise, these zones are perpetually shrouded in a heavy, oppressive fog that limits visibility, making navigation difficult without constant use of light sources or map markers. The air feels heavier, often accompanied by a low, rumbling ambient sound that signals the proximity of corrupted entities. Unique features include 'Shroud Rifts,' unstable portals that spawn waves of enemies and alter local gravity or terrain temporarily. Players must navigate these shifting hazards while managing their sanity or corruption meters, as lingering too long without purifying the area can result in fatal debuffs.
Did You Know?
- The Hollows are not static; they expand and contract based on the strength of the Shroud's influence at any given time.
- Creatures within the Hollows retain some memory of their former lives, often mimicking the behaviors of normal animals before attacking.
- Certain rare herbs can only be found growing in the most corrupted sections of these zones, making them highly valuable for alchemy.
More in World & Setting
Elsewhere in the New World universe
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