Oneirum is a metaphysical material that responds to desire. Since the Cataclysm, it has been used by Firmament Corporation as a non-renewable power source. While it is incredibly inefficient, the methods Firmament uses is enough to power Dyon steadily. However, Oneirum responds to any wishes, bypassing petty things such as thermodynamics and physics.
In its pure form, Oneirum cannot be sensed at all, only detected. Notably, unconstrained Oneirum reacts with desire violently. Without a focus or other equipment to restrict Oneiric influence, exposure to raw Oneirum creates physical mutations and eventually magical mutations as well. For humans, this reduces them to their most basic “desire,” their id, or their Legend.
Raw, unconstained Oneirum aggressively bonds with organic materials, primarily carbon. It tends to form very low-purity crystals on the surfaces of organic objects, such as human flesh. This crystal compound is the most basic form of constrained Oneirum, and can be harvested, though removing these growths leaves painful scars that many opt not to. This is the true nature of Storm Disease. When in a controlled form such as crystallization, or Firmanent’s Oneirum storage solutions, it lies dormant, but it is still able to react with intense fervor. When this happens, it reacts in an explosive chain.
Economy
The value of oneirum is a complex matter. Residents of the Outer Districts may pay an entire month’s rent for 15 grams of low-density pure oneirum, while the Authority regularly tithes vast amounts of energy from F-Corp for prices that do not at all equate to the quantity of oneirum spent generating that power.
This is due to the scarcity and strategic necessity of oneiric material. It is constantly subject to price fixings, harvest quotas, and other mechanisms by which Dyon’s Authority may ensure that the right amounts of it circulate within their grasp and the market at large.
These factors in tandem mean that, while oneirum is purchasable (at high cost, an extreme luxury for any who do not require it in their livelihood) even in the intermittent finances of slum residents, rationing and shortages mean those who may have the budget will still struggle to find enough to suit their needs. This excess demand allows black market dealers in cahoots with scavengers and delvers to make their hayday selling to those unable to meet their needs at cheaper legitimate outlets.
Storm Disease
Though the name was given after observing prolonged exposure to The Storm, the disease simply originates from unprotected exposure to high Oneirum concentrations.
Storm Disease manifests in many ways, but it often causes irreversible changes to biology and physiology without extensive, expensive, and high-risk surgery.