Dark Energy

Dark Energy, commonly rendered in Ruulden as Druvath, is an aetheric energy flow associated with destabilization, corruption, and the manifestation of Netherkind. In most academic traditions, Dark Energy is treated as the opposing force to Light Energy (Miran): where Light sustains and harmonizes living systems, Dark erodes, replaces, and fractures the aetheric balance that allows Mundusian life to endure.

Overview

Dark Energy is discussed in two commonly referenced forms:

Ambient Dark: the low-level Dark Energy present in the environment, often observed to increase where fissures, portals, or Nether-tainted structures exist.
Invasive Dark: Dark Energy that enters or binds to living beings, most notably in the condition known as Darkblight.

Although its behavior is actively studied, Dark Energy remains less predictable than Light Energy, with sudden surges recorded even in daylight under exceptional circumstances.

Distribution and natural variance

Ambient Dark Energy is widely observed to fluctuate, with two commonly cited patterns:

Night variance: Dark Energy is frequently reported to rise slightly during deep night when ambient Light Energy is weakest. This variance is often linked to increased Netherkind activity.
Pooling: Dark Energy can accumulate in specific locations, particularly near portals, fissures, corrupted sites, or sites of prolonged aetheric imbalance.

The mechanism behind these patterns is not fully understood. Many scholars favor a leakage model, proposing that Dark Energy continuously seeps into Mundus through minor fissures or imperfect seals, remaining largely suppressed by daylight Light Energy in stable regions.

Interaction with matter

Mundusian scholarship frequently treats certain materials and formations as relevant to Dark Energy behavior:

Corrupted deposits: Field reports describe black mineral growths and tainted protrusions near disturbed sites. These deposits are often treated as warning signs of local Dark Energy instability.
Nether growths: Vines and other Nether-origin growths are commonly reported in high-Dark Energy incidents, particularly when they resist ordinary removal.

Because verified controlled experiments are rare, most material interaction claims remain observational rather than fully proven.

Measurement and detection

The study of Dark Energy is supported by both innate and mechanical methods:

Aura Readers: Rare individuals capable of sensing aetheric flows, including distortions consistent with invasive Dark Energy.
Lightmeasure devices: Instruments used to quantify local energy levels and detect trends. Despite the name, Lightmeasures are commonly used to monitor both Light Energy and Dark Energy in practical contexts, including medical screening and field surveillance.

Repeated measurements over time are generally recommended, as local interference, atmospheric conditions, and nearby energy sources can skew single readings.

Relationship to Light Energy

In many models, Light Energy (Miran) and Dark Energy (Druvath) are not treated as simple opposites in equal measure. Light Energy is generally stronger and more prevalent in stable daytime environments, while Dark Energy is more likely to manifest through:

suppression: reducing local Light Energy function or stability
replacement: occupying the energetic role normally fulfilled by Light Energy in living systems
destabilization: increasing variance and volatility in local aetheric conditions

This relationship is discussed most directly in Darkblight, where invasive Dark Energy corrupts and suppresses an individual's endogenous Light Energy, producing progressive neurological, emotional, and physiological breakdown.

Biological and ecological effects

Prolonged exposure to elevated Dark Energy is associated with both direct and indirect harm:

Aetheric illness: Increased risk and accelerated progression of Darkblight when Light Energy is suppressed or actively replaced.
Environmental drain: Reports in advanced Darkblight cases describe destabilization or absorption of ambient Light Energy within a short radius of the afflicted.
Local die-off: In high-Dark Energy conditions, plant vitality and animal health may rapidly decline, particularly if Light Energy levels fail to rebound.

Darkblight

Main article: Darkblight

Darkblight is classified as an aetherial degenerative syndrome caused by parasitic corruption of endogenous Light Energy by invasive Dark Energy. Documented late-stage outcomes include catastrophic Light suppression, severe mutation, loss of coherent speech, and, in extreme cases, transformation into lower-order Netherkind or a mindless husk-state drawn to Light sources.

Treatment remains experimental. Documented partial successes include prolonged containment in Light-consecrated zones, relic-channeling by high-capacity Lightbearers, and the use of relics.

Netherkind manifestation

Dark Energy is closely associated with Netherkind, though field classification varies. A common operational distinction is:

Lesser manifestations (Mundus-born): entities that manifest on Mundus under concentrated Dark Energy conditions, often during night variance. These are generally treated as weaker and more erratic than Nether-born entities.
True Netherkind (Nether-born): entities native to Nether environments, typically more powerful and more dangerous when confronted within the Nether itself.

Observed and commonly documented Nether threats include aggressive undead varieties, hostile arthropods, and volatile entities of unknown composition. Nether expeditions additionally report aerial and fire-aspected threats, and the Piglins are widely described as among the most organized and militarily significant Nether forces.

Practical defense and containment

Forcefield towers

Two centuries ago, Directionland engineers discovered that by gathering and concentrating Light Energy, a dome of protection could be formed over large areas. This led to the construction of forcefield towers in major settlements, designed to shield citizens during nighttime when Netherkind manifestations become most dangerous.

These forcefields are generally understood to function by maintaining a concentrated Light boundary that resists intrusion by entities formed of Druvath.

Sanctums and Light-consecrated zones

Light-saturated sanctums are commonly treated as stabilizing environments and are frequently recommended for those suffering aetheric imbalance. In documented Darkblight cases, confinement within consecrated zones is used to slow progression and reduce risk to surrounding structures.

Beliefs, myth, and cult activity

In the Aetherian Faith, Dark Energy (Druvath) is often discussed in connection to Rathsern, also known as "The Cursed One" or the "The Dark One". Ancient accounts describe Rathsern as the originator of Netherkind and the shaper of the Nether realm, later sealed away by the Four.

The Faith forbids his worship, but persistent reports describe illegal cult remnants operating in secrecy, commonly referred to as The Order of the Darkened Flame.