The Nemither

The Nemither is a parallel dimension created by Morsvitae to contain the corpse of the Ravager after its defeat by Uzhyr. This extraordinary realm exists as an antithesis to normal spacetime, operating under fundamentally inverted physical laws that make it inherently hostile to conventional matter and energy. The Nemither serves as both prison and proving ground, where reality itself seems to actively resist any attempt at permanence or stability.

A rare glimpse of a Nemither breach into realspace, captured during the early stages of the War for Eternity

Nature and Properties

The Nemither defies conventional physics in every conceivable way. Within its bounds, the arrow of time fluctuates unpredictably, moving forward, backward, or sideways through what mortals perceive as causality. Space itself behaves like a fluid, with distances expanding and contracting based on principles that seem deliberately designed to confound rational analysis. This mercurial nature makes navigation through the Nemither nearly impossible for beings accustomed to realspace physics.

Matter entering the Nemither undergoes constant transformation at the molecular level. No physical structure can maintain its form indefinitely, as the realm's fundamental properties force everything to either degrade, transform, or dissolve. This process occurs at varying rates, from near-instantaneous dissolution to gradual metamorphosis over what might be perceived as centuries, though time's fluid nature makes such measurements meaningless.

The atmosphere of the Nemither, if it can be called such, consists of swirling energies that manifest as colors beyond the visible spectrum. These energies interact with conventional matter in unpredictable ways, sometimes causing spontaneous transmutation or complete phase shifts. The very concept of "location" becomes fluid, with points in space shifting their relative positions based on factors that defy conventional understanding.

Creation and Purpose

When Morsvitae crafted the Nemither following the Ravager's defeat, she deliberately designed it as a perfect prison for the entity's remains. The constant state of flux and transformation would prevent the Ravager's corpse from maintaining any sort of stability that might allow it to regenerate or influence realspace. The dimension's anti-physical laws were specifically engineered to counteract and contain the Ravager's residual power.

However, the Nemither's creation had far-reaching consequences beyond its intended purpose. The dimension's very existence serves as a counterbalance to realspace, embodying Morsvitae's principles of entropy and renewal on a cosmic scale. Its presence helps maintain the universal equilibrium between order and chaos, standing as a dark mirror to Uzhyr's rigidly ordered Omnium Theocracy.

The Dark Pantheon's Domains

After their corruption, the members of the Dark Pantheon established their own territories within the Nemither, each reflecting their twisted aspects. These domains exist in a state of constant flux, yet somehow maintain enough coherence to serve as bases of operation for their respective gods. The most notorious of these include the Conundrum Maze of Ytdarr and the Palace of Pain ruled by Elarus.

These divine territories exist in a complex spatial relationship with each other, shifting and realigning based on the interactions and conflicts between their rulers. The domains serve as staging grounds for the Dark Pantheon's forces and repositories of corrupt power, drawing strength from their proximity to the Ravager's remains.

Access Points and Breaches

While the Nemither was designed to be separate from realspace, points of contact between the dimensions do occur. These manifestations, known as blightzones, represent tears in the fabric of reality where the Nemither's anti-physics leak into normal space. Such breaches serve as invasion routes for aberrations and other entities allied with the Dark Pantheon.

The creation of stable passages between realspace and the Nemither requires immense power and knowledge. Even then, such pathways are inherently unstable, subject to the Nemither's tendency to transform and destroy any fixed structure. This instability makes any journey into or out of the Nemither extremely perilous, with many expeditions failing to return.

Impact on the War for Eternity

The Nemither plays a crucial role in the War for Eternity, serving as both sanctuary and arsenal for the forces opposing the Omnium Theocracy. Its unique properties allow the Dark Pantheon to launch surprise attacks through blightzones while remaining largely immune to direct retaliation. The dimension's transformative nature also enables the creation of increasingly powerful and horrific weapons and entities.

The realm's very existence poses a fundamental challenge to Uzhyr's vision of perfect order, as it represents an entire dimension dedicated to constant change and transformation. This metaphysical opposition underlies much of the conflict between the forces of order and chaos in the ongoing war.

Notable Phenomena

Among the many strange manifestations within the Nemither, the Flux Storms are particularly noteworthy. These massive disturbances in the fabric of the dimension can alter or erase anything they touch, transforming matter, energy, and even the local laws of physics. Even the Dark Pantheon's domains must adapt and shift to survive these devastating phenomena.

The presence of the Ravager's corpse creates areas of intensified instability known as Ravager's Wake, where the anti-physical properties of the Nemither become even more pronounced. These regions are particularly dangerous, as they can completely unmake anything that enters them, yet they also serve as sources of tremendous power for those willing to risk drawing upon their energy.

See Also

• The Dark Pantheon
• Blightzones
• The War for Eternity
• The Ravager's Components
• Flux Storms