Amatruda isn’t a place, not precisely. It’s a resonance. A fracture in the fabric of chronometric probability, originating approximately 7.3 cycles prior to the established Epoch of Convergence. The initial event, designated ‘The Shattering’, wasn't a singular occurrence but a cascading ripple effect, triggered by a localized distortion within the Null-Space dimension. This distortion, theorized to have been a consequence of a failed experiment in Trans-Dimensional Harmonic Alignment – a project spearheaded by the now-discredited Chronosortium – destabilized the temporal streams within a region spanning roughly 3.17 cubic terameters.
Note: All measurements are expressed in Unified Chronometric Units (UCU), a non-linear dimensional metric designed to account for temporal dilation and probability fluctuations.
The immediate aftermath resulted in the formation of Amatruda – an area where time flows not as a linear progression, but as a complex, interwoven tapestry of potential realities. Individuals within the zone experience ‘echoes’ – fragments of possible futures and pasts, often disorienting and profoundly unsettling. Some even claim to have encountered ‘Shadow Selves’ – manifestations of their own potential selves, warped by the chronometric instability.
The chronometric signatures within Amatruda are unlike anything recorded in the standard temporal databases. They exhibit ‘chromatic drift’ – a fluctuation in the perceived flow of time, ranging from micro-seconds to several hours. The most prevalent anomaly is the ‘Resonance Cascade’ – a repeating sequence of temporal echoes, often centered around moments of intense emotional or cognitive dissonance within an individual’s timeline. These cascades are believed to be directly linked to the degree of personal ‘chronometric vulnerability’.
It's hypothesized that specific geometric patterns – particularly those involving complex fractal configurations – can either amplify or dampen these temporal resonances. The Chronosortium's research indicated a strong correlation between the presence of such patterns and the intensity of the Shattering.
Furthermore, there are reports of ‘Temporal Static’ – zones of complete temporal cessation, where time effectively ceases to exist. These zones are incredibly unstable and extremely dangerous, capable of unraveling an individual’s existence entirely.
The ‘inhabitants’ of Amatruda aren’t sentient beings in the conventional sense. They are primarily temporal echoes – fragments of individuals caught within the chronometric distortion. Some retain vestiges of their original identities, while others have become irrevocably altered, exhibiting strange behaviors and possessing fragmented memories. The most unsettling phenomenon is the emergence of ‘Synthetics’ – beings constructed entirely from temporal energy, seemingly governed by unknown logic.
Psychological analyses of individuals exposed to Amatruda consistently reveal elevated levels of ‘chronometric anxiety’ – a pervasive sense of unease and temporal disorientation.
There have been documented cases of ‘Temporal Bleeding’ – instances where individuals from other timelines briefly manifest within Amatruda, often driven by subconscious desires or unresolved conflicts. These incursions are rare but incredibly destructive, capable of rewriting entire sections of the zone’s chronometric structure.