Tunnel

Tunnels are unstable passages that form in areas affected by the Leviathan. They are not a natural phenomenon and do not arise spontaneously. Their existence is always linked to the activity of Evil and the proximity of the Leviathan.

Tunnels do not open directly near stations or in densely populated areas. They appear in the wider surroundings, often beyond the boundaries of normal traffic, in locations long neglected or poorly monitored.

Warp Worms

The creation of tunnels is caused by so-called warp worms. These are specialized entities of Evil whose sole purpose is to disrupt space and create passages between the Leviathan and distant parts of the system.

Warp worms do not move in a conventional way and never stray far from their Leviathan. They literally burrow into the structure of space, gradually deforming, weakening, and tearing it apart. The result is an unstable passage capable of temporarily transporting matter.

Tunnel Formation

The process of tunnel formation is not instantaneous. A warp worm first begins to slowly disrupt the surrounding space near the Leviathan. Once the structure is sufficiently weakened, the tunnel opens and connects distant regions of the system. At this stage, the tunnel becomes active and begins to fulfill its function.

Function of Tunnels

Tunnels serve as transfer routes for Protospheres. They do not appear to be intended for the movement of fully developed entities of Evil nor for direct attacks.

Protospheres pass through tunnels individually and require time to continue their development after emergence. Only then can a swarm capable of active operations form in the surrounding area.

Lifespan and Dissolution

Tunnels are not permanent. Their stability is limited and gradually decreases until the tunnel disappears without a trace.

Destroying a warp worm can lead to the tunnel closing before a swarm is formed. If a tunnel collapses naturally, space gradually returns to its original state.

Significance for the System

Tunnels do not pose an immediate threat on their own, but their existence creates conditions for the long-term influence of Evil, and thus represents a danger.

The area in which a tunnel appears becomes part of the broader sphere of the Leviathan’s influence, even if its inhabitants may not initially be aware of it.