Originium Ore

An energy-rich mineral enabling Arts and fueling Catastrophes.

Originium is an energy-rich mineral found on the moon Talos-II and the planet Terra. It enables the use of special pseudo-magical abilities known as 'Arts'. While it serves as a power source for civilization, its presence is tied to natural disasters called 'Catastrophes'. On Talos-II, this phenomenon manifests specifically as 'Corruption', a dangerous supernatural disaster that causes distorted environments and abnormal physical phenomena. The mineral's influence extends to the creation of endemic creatures known as 'Aggeloi', which act as primary threats to civilization.

Quick Facts

Type: Energy-rich mineral
Distribution: Found on Terra and Talos-II
Usage: Source for Arts; linked to Catastrophes/Corruption

Lore & Background

On Talos-II, Originium is central to the world's history and current state. The moon was colonized 152 years prior to the game's story by pioneers from Terra via a dimensional portal called a 'Cosmic Gate'. After this portal was destroyed approximately a century before the events of the game, these pioneers remained stranded. Much of Talos-II is wilderness plagued by 'Corruption', which alters environments physically and supernaturally. The mineral also relates to the existence of 'Aggeloi', an endemic species of creatures posing threats to society. Additionally, armed raiders known as 'Landbreakers' inhabit the fringes of society, scavenging in these dangerous zones. The concept of Originium connects directly to 'Rhodes Island', a pharmaceutical corporation from Terra that appears in this setting.

Reader's Guide

Originium functions as the key energy source enabling 'Arts', which are special pseudo-magical abilities used by characters. In the context of Talos-II, players encounter 'Corruption', a specific type of Catastrophe linked to Originium that distorts environments. To combat threats like Aggeloi and navigate corrupted zones, operators utilize Arts skills within the game's combat system. Instead, the focus shifts to managing 'Automated Industry Complexes' and dealing with the environmental hazards caused by Corruption.