Anomalies

Overview

Anomalies are supernatural phenomena in Neverness to Everness that "defy common sense." They are the central supernatural element of the game's world, responsible for the strange and dangerous occurrences that plague the city of Hethereau. Anomalies can take many forms: they can be entities (creatures or beings), objects (items with inexplicable properties), or even entire places (locations where the rules of reality are altered). Their severity ranges from minor, harmless disturbances to overtly dangerous phenomena that threaten lives.

Historical Integration

Anomalies are not a recent occurrence in the world of Neverness to Everness. Throughout history, they have integrated deeply into the fabric of society. Over time, this prolonged exposure to anomalous phenomena caused some humans to adapt and develop supernatural abilities of their own. These individuals became known as Espers. The widespread and persistent nature of Anomalies eventually led to the establishment of a government organization dedicated to managing them.

The Bureau of Anomaly Control was founded to handle the growing threat of Anomalies and to manage the Esper population. The Bureau operates across Hethereau, deploying tactical divisions and containment units to deal with anomalous events as they arise.

Types of Anomalies

Anomalies in Hethereau vary widely in their nature and threat level:

• Peaceful anomalies (oddities): Some anomalous creatures live among the residents of Hethereau and are relatively harmless. These "oddities" are sometimes even recognized as citizens by the Bureau. They coexist with normal humans and contribute to the city's unique supernatural atmosphere.

• Mischievous anomalies: Mid-level disturbances that cause inconvenience or minor danger. These might manifest as objects behaving strangely, localized distortions in reality, or anomalous creatures causing trouble.

• Dangerous anomalies: Severe supernatural events that pose a direct threat to human safety. These require intervention by trained personnel from the Bureau or independent anomaly hunters like the Eibon crew.

Environmental Impact

One of the most dramatic effects of Anomalies is their ability to transform the environment. When anomalous activity intensifies in an area, the surrounding cityscape can seamlessly morph into a surreal, creepy alternate version of itself. These transitions happen in real time without loading screens; the familiar streets and buildings of Hethereau warp into twisted, otherworldly spaces. This environmental transformation is both a visual spectacle and a gameplay signal that the player is entering dangerous anomalous territory.

Anomaly Investigation

Players investigate Anomalies as a core part of the game's structure. Main quests are organized as "case files" that the player works through on behalf of the Eibon Antique Shop. Each case involves investigating a reported anomaly, analyzing its nature, and resolving the situation. The investigation process often involves exploring affected areas, gathering clues, interviewing witnesses, and eventually confronting the source of the anomaly.

The anomaly investigation system ties together the game's combat, exploration, and narrative elements. Some anomalies can only be discovered at certain times of day or under specific weather conditions, creating an incentive for players to explore Hethereau thoroughly.