Originium Energy

The mineral born of disaster that fuels magic while spreading a fatal plague across Terra.

Originium is a valuable mineral left behind by natural disasters across the planet Terra. This substance serves as the foundation for using "Arts," a form of magic, yet it carries a deadly cost. While it enhances abilities and drives industry, Originium infects those exposed to it with Oripathy, a progressive and invariably fatal disease. Because the infection is contagious under certain conditions, individuals who contract it are shunned and persecuted by society. This duality defines the world of Arknights: the mineral that powers civilization also threatens its existence through the spread of death.

Lore & Background

Natural disasters leave behind Originium, which creates a paradoxical situation for the people of Terra. On one hand, it is a valuable resource that enhances the ability to use Arts. On the other, it infects humans with Oripathy, a disease that is invariably fatal and spreads under certain conditions. This reality has created deep societal fractures; the infected are shunned and persecuted by the healthy population. In response to this oppression, some of the infected formed the Reunion movement, a militant group waging war on the despotic governments of Terra. The main story revolves around these conflicts between the infected and non-infected, as well as struggles among various countries and races. Rhodes Island, a pharmaceutical and self-defense organization led by the masked Doctor, searches for a cure while defending against Reunion and hostile governments.

Reader's Guide

Originium cannot be safely handled without understanding its dual nature as both a power source and a pathogen. It is found in areas affected by natural disasters and is essential for using Arts, but exposure leads to Oripathy. Players must recognize that the infected are persecuted and often form groups like Reunion to fight back. In gameplay terms, this means understanding that characters with certain abilities may be part of this struggle against a backdrop of disease and war. There is no cure mentioned in the lore; Rhodes Island's primary mission regarding Originium is searching for one while defending itself. The mineral's presence dictates the geopolitical landscape, creating a world where resources are fought over and infected individuals face constant danger from both enemies and society.