The Force Field

"Nanachi"

- Filling every corner of this pit, it’s the very blood of the Abyss, so to speak.

The Force Field refers to the principle phenomenon responsible for many of the Abyss’s unique traits. Many of the inhabitants in and around the Abyss live and die by its flow, with it being responsible for blessings and curses, both literal and figurative. The deeper one goes, the stronger and denser the Force Field becomes.

Description
Throughout The Abyss, there exists a central shaft. An unbroken void that spans multiple layers. Throughout this shaft, the forcefield carries light and nutrients. From these readily available nutrients spring life. While plants, animals, and light may be found in more abundance, the closer one is to the central shaft, the Force Field is much more concentrated and so must be The Curse of the Abyss.

The Curse results from piercing the force field of the Abyss while ascending, although this fact is not generally known. With Layer piled upon Layer, the force field blankets living beings similar to cloth warping around them. Its structure is similar to that of inverted thorns, allowing one to pass through in descent, but harmful when trying to ascend. In addition to being warped by the movement of creatures, it is sensitive enough that it can also be altered by consciousness itself.

Areas located further away from the central shaft and, by extension, the force field are often colder and darker but also relatively sheltered from the effects of the Curse and dangerous creatures.

Many plants and animals found within the Abyss are capable of reacting to the Force Field itself. With some animals being capable of observing it. The Orb Piercer, Crimson Splitjaw, Fuzosheppu, and other such predatory animals immediately come to mind. The organs used for sensing the Force Field can sometimes be seen on these creatures' exteriors, often appearing as black splotches or holes. Although, some creatures such as Meinya and blessed Narehate are capable of seeing the Force Field without any such apparent organs.

The Force Field is also capable of influencing non-living, physical properties of the Abyss. Some of the most notable examples are the water supports and water bastions of the 5th Layer.

Insignia
Another unique attribute of the Force Field is its ability to imprint each living creature with an insignia. It is this very insignia which links a White Whistle with their user. Some creatures such as the Dread-Owle can interfere with how this insignia is perceived and use it for hunting.