The Mist

The Acid Mists

The world's surface lies hidden beneath an ever-present layer of caustic mists that extend from the unseen ground to an average altitude of 2,800 meters. These mists, composed of various acidic compounds, make life below their upper boundary impossible. Any organic matter that comes into contact with the mists experiences rapid degradation, and even treated metals show significant corrosion after brief exposure. The mists maintain a relatively consistent upper boundary, though this can fluctuate by up to 200 meters depending on atmospheric conditions. This boundary line, known as the Mist Ceiling, serves as the lowest habitable elevation for mountain settlements.

Composition and Properties

The mists consist of a complex mixture of acidic compounds suspended in a dense atmospheric solution. Analysis of collected samples reveals a constantly shifting mixture of sulfuric, hydrochloric, and several unknown acids. The precise composition appears to vary with depth, becoming increasingly concentrated and corrosive closer to the surface.

Observable properties include:

- Rapid degradation of organic materials upon contact

- Severe corrosion of most metals within hours of exposure

- Complex layering, with visible striations of different densities

- Self-regenerating properties, quickly filling any artificial gaps

- Variable density based on atmospheric conditions

- Ability to penetrate most conventional seals and protective materials

The Mist Ceiling

The upper boundary of the mists, known as the Mist Ceiling, maintains a remarkably consistent average height of 2,800 meters, though it can fluctuate by up to 200 meters based on atmospheric conditions. This boundary serves as the lowest habitable elevation for mountain settlements, with most communities establishing their lowest districts at least 200 meters above the highest recorded Mist Ceiling to ensure safety.

Failed Expeditions

Ferrocrown's Descent (847 BT)

The first documented attempt to breach the mists came from Ferrocrown engineers, who constructed a heavily reinforced iron capsule attached to steel cables. The capsule, carrying three volunteers, was lowered 400 meters into the mists. When retrieved three hours later, the cables had been reduced to threads, and the capsule was empty save for partially dissolved equipment. The incident led to Ferrocrown's Preservation Edict, banning further descent attempts.

The Aethweave Purification Project (853 BT)

Aethweave scientists attempted to create a tunnel through the mists using their advanced water tunneling technology. They constructed a massive vertical tube with continuous acid neutralization systems. The project showed initial promise, clearing a 50-meter column of mist, but the apparatus catastrophically failed when deeper mist layers proved more corrosive than anticipated. Twenty-three researchers died when the purification systems ruptured.

Pyrocrux's Thermal Ventures (862 BT)

Believing that extreme heat might disperse the mists, Pyrocrux launched three attempts to create mist-free corridors using massive heat generators. The third attempt resulted in an unexpected chemical reaction that created a toxic gas cloud, claiming the lives of the entire research team and leading to the evacuation of a nearby settlement.

Solspire's Crystal Sphere (871 BT)

Solspire developed a descent vessel made from their most resistant crystalline materials, enhanced with protective runic engravings. The sphere, carrying two researchers, made it deeper than any previous attempt - nearly 800 meters into the mists. However, contact was lost after the sphere reported unusual pressure changes. Neither the vessel nor its occupants were ever recovered.

The Slyvarch Bio-Shell (882 BT)

Slyvarch botanists developed a specialized descent pod using living plant material known for its acid resistance. The bio-engineered shell began dissolving almost immediately upon entering the mists. The three scientists inside were lost.

Tempestrade's Wind Runner Project (889 BT)

The most ambitious attempt came from Tempestrade, who designed an airship capable of diving below the Mist Ceiling while maintaining a bubble of clean air around itself through continuous wind manipulation. The vessel, carrying a crew of seven, reported successful penetration of the first mist layer before all communication ceased. Debris from the Wind Runner was found three months later, scattered across multiple mountain peaks.

Modern Understanding

After centuries of failed attempts and lost lives, all six nations have enacted strict prohibitions against mist exploration. Modern research focuses instead on understanding the mists from above, using remote sensing equipment and analysis of mist behavior at the ceiling level.

Current theories suggest that the mists may be:

- A natural chemical process generated by unknown reactions at the surface

- A deliberate ancient defense system gone wrong

- A living entity or collection of microscopic organisms

- A necessary atmospheric component that prevents some greater catastrophe

Despite numerous technological advances, including the development of airship technology and the exploration of the Skylands, the mysteries below the Mist Ceiling remain impenetrable. The failed expeditions of the past serve as grim reminders of the mists' deadly nature and the hubris of attempting to challenge this natural barrier.