Aberrations

Aberrations represent one of the most terrifying and destructive forces in the Wars of the Cosmos, manifesting as twisted emanations of the Dark Pantheon. These entities serve as the primary shock troops and agents of chaos in the war against the Omnium Theocracy, embodying the corrupted aspects of their divine progenitors.

An aberration emerging through a blightzone, as captured by Lawwatch surveillance systems before the recording equipment was destroyed

Origins and Nature

Aberrations came into existence after the Dark Pantheon's ritual of empowerment using the Ravager's corpse in the Nemither. Each god gained the ability to create these beings as extensions of their own corrupted essence, splitting fragments of their divine power into both minor and major forms. Unlike conventional beings, aberrations do not truly live or die in any conventional sense - they exist as manifestations of their patron deity's will and power, able to reform in the Nemither should their physical forms be destroyed in realspace.

The mere presence of aberrations causes severe psychological trauma to mortal beings, often inducing immediate states of violent mania or catatonic terror. This effect appears to be an intrinsic property of their corrupted divine essence rather than any conscious effort on their part. The Lawwatch has documented numerous cases where even hardened veterans have been reduced to gibbering wrecks after brief exposures to aberrations, leading to strict protocols requiring specialized mental conditioning for any forces dedicated to combating these entities.

Classification and Hierarchy

Aberrations manifest in two distinct categories, each serving different roles in the Dark Pantheon's armies. Minor aberrations represent the most numerous class, existing as little more than animate weapons of their patron deity. These entities possess minimal individual consciousness, operating purely on destructive instinct and their god's direct commands. They appear in countless horrific forms, from writhing masses of tentacles to geometric impossibilities that hurt mortal minds to observe.

Major aberrations, by contrast, possess individual consciousness and personalities, though still bound absolutely to their creator's will. These beings serve as generals and champions of the Dark Pantheon, each one a unique horror crafted for specific purposes. Many major aberrations command vast hosts of their minor counterparts, organizing them into coherent military forces that have proven devastatingly effective against conventional armies.

Combat Capabilities

The martial abilities of aberrations vary dramatically based on their origin and classification. Minor aberrations typically rely on overwhelming numbers and their reality-warping presence to overcome opponents. Their physical forms often incorporate weapons or natural armaments that mirror corrupted versions of their patron deity's original domain - for instance, minor aberrations of Dystus frequently manifest abilities that corrode and annihilate matter they contact.

Major aberrations possess far more sophisticated capabilities, often wielding powers that directly channel their patron deity's essence. The Cataphracts of Cunning, major aberrations serving Ytdarr, can bend reality and perception around themselves, while Jagged Juggernauts of Gardor embody unstoppable physical might enhanced by divine rage. These entities frequently lead military campaigns against the Theocracy, employing tactical acumen that makes them far more dangerous than their mindless lesser counterparts.

Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures

Despite their formidable nature, aberrations do possess certain weaknesses that the forces of the Omnium Theocracy have learned to exploit. The discovery of Vulkatan flamestone's lethal effects against aberrations marked a significant turning point in the war, providing a reliable means of destroying these entities. Additionally, the gene-enhanced soldiers of the Messianic Legions have proven remarkably resistant to the psychological effects of aberration exposure, allowing them to engage these entities in direct combat.

The most effective countermeasure against aberrations remains preventing their manifestation in the first place. The Lawwatch maintains constant vigilance against the formation of blightzones, as these reality breaches serve as the primary means by which aberrations enter realspace from the Nemither. When blightzones do form, specialized strike teams are deployed to seal them as quickly as possible, often at great cost in lives and resources.

Theological Significance

The existence of aberrations represents a profound theological challenge to the Omnium Theocracy. As corrupted fragments of divine power, they embody the potential for celestial beings to fall from grace and turn against the natural order. The Cult of Uzhyr interprets aberrations as manifestations of cosmic disorder that must be purged to maintain universal harmony, while more esoteric scholars study them for insights into the fundamental nature of divine power and corruption.

Some theological experts within the Theocracy have proposed that aberrations represent a perversion of the Lort'zyn's original act of god-creation, suggesting that the Dark Pantheon's ability to create these entities stems from their own origins as manufactured deities. This interpretation remains controversial, as it implies uncomfortable questions about the nature of divinity itself.

Cultural Impact

The emergence of aberrations has profoundly impacted culture throughout the Omnium Theocracy. Their existence has spawned new forms of art, literature, and philosophy attempting to grapple with the horror they represent. The term "Aberrant Architecture" has emerged to describe buildings and structures warped by prolonged exposure to these entities, while "aberration dreams" have become a recognized psychological condition among populations that have survived aberration attacks.

See Also

• The War for Eternity
• Blightzone Containment Protocols
• The Dark Pantheon