Hollowed
The origins of The Hollowed trace back to the alien super-weapon fired at Earth between 2037 and 2038. The weapon unleashed a parasitic infestation that spread rapidly across the globe, transforming living beings into monstrous entities known as the Infested. These creatures became part of a hive mind, driven solely by the desire to propagate the parasitic organism. In the early years following the weapon’s deployment, some humans who were exposed to the parasite managed to survive without succumbing entirely to the hive mind’s control. These individuals, while permanently altered, retained their consciousness and autonomy, becoming the first Hollowed.
Culture and Society
Community Structure
The Hollowed communities are typically small and insular, with a strong emphasis on mutual support and survival. These groups often form in areas where uninfected humans fear to tread, such as heavily infested zones or remote regions. Within these communities, there is a strong sense of camaraderie, as members share a common experience of survival and transformation.
Relations with Humans
Relations between The Hollowed and uninfected humans are complex and often strained. Due to their appearance and the fear of infection, The Hollowed are frequently ostracized and persecuted by human societies. However, their knowledge of the infestation and their resilience make them valuable allies in the fight against the hive mind, leading to uneasy alliances in some cases.
In Popular Culture
The Hollowed have become a symbol of resilience and the blurred line between humanity and monstrosity in post-Infestation Earth. They are featured in various works of fiction, documentaries, and folklore, often portrayed as tragic figures caught between two worlds.
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