Iron Wind

The iron wind is the Ninth-World term for clouds of dangerous nano spirits (also called nanotech by the more learned). Malfunctioning machines— insane, really—that are far too tiny to see travel across the landscape in terrible clouds borne by strong winds. These machines warp everything they touch, transmuting all matter. An iron wind storm twists the ground, turns rock into clouds of vapor, and creates new features out of thin air. And woe to any living thing caught in its passing. Trees become rocks, pools of water, or unrecognizable lumps of pulsing, living substance. The iron wind tears apart creatures only to rebuild them in bizarre, seemingly random shapes. Flesh is transmuted to nonliving substances, ropy tendrils, or even more alien configurations or textures. Nine times out of ten, this transformation results in the death of the creature—sometimes a long, painful death as it tries to cope with its new form.

Utility

The iron wind is a destructive force from which most people flee. Those that cannot flee or would protect their dwellings attempt to erect massive barriers in the hopes of shielding their possessions.

Access & Availability

The iron wind is constantly moving, and very few seek it out. Its patterns are random and unpredictable.

Complexity

Some scholars say the iron wind is merely trillions of nano-machines. However, many treat the iron wind as a malevolent entity with its own mindset. The truth is far too dangerous for most people to seriously consider a first hand encounter.

Discovery

The iron wind is known to most people albeit primarily through stories.