The Whiplash

Overview

The Whiplash is a double-funnel cyclonic tornado encountered by the Expeditionary Corps armada during its crossing of The Turmoil in 393 AC. It stands between the fleet and the pillar of light that appeared after The Hunger’s defeat, blocking passage despite the fleet being only a few nautical miles from its destination. The phenomenon consists of two nested counter-rotating vortices capable of shearing winds exceeding 500 kilometers per hour, destroying all drones and probes sent to investigate. Admiral Temera Singh suspects the barrier was deliberately erected as a protective measure.

Characteristics

The Whiplash consists of an outer cyclonic tornado with a flared vortex and an inner tornado nested within it, driven by counter-rotating winds. The double-funnel structure grinds material between its opposing rotations. Reconnaissance drones sent into the outer funnel were destroyed by the inner counter-rotating winds. The combined forces exceed what any vessel in the fleet can withstand.

Passage beneath the Whiplash is impossible due to Tumult winds of unprecedented magnitude at lower altitudes. Passage above is equally untenable, as the winds are most violent at the top of the funnel. Scholars and scientists consulted by Admiral Singh were unable to identify a solution.

The Eye

The Whiplash contains a calm eye at its center, where the hurricane forms a wide ring around a stable zone. Within this eye sits a floating island bearing the city of Asty, home to the Reka people. The pillar of light that guided the Expeditionary Corps across The Turmoil originates from the world-tree growing on this island.

Possible Artificial Origin

The Whiplash’s double-funnel configuration appears to defy natural meteorological behavior. Admiral Singh recorded suspicion that the barrier was deliberately constructed as a protective measure. The discovery of Asty at the cyclone’s center confirms the Whiplash functions as a shield around the Reka civilization.

Crossing

The Expeditionary Corps crossed the Whiplash by using Leviathans as a vanguard, led by Halua. The Leviathans consume Mana, creating a void that attracts less Tumult and generating a brief lull in wind speed behind them. Exalts aboard a skiff at the front of the formation protected an unnamed caller who lured the Leviathans through. The Yzmir focused their efforts on countering the Tumult specifically. The crossing took approximately three hours, during which the fleet sustained superficial structural damage.

Relationships

• Temera Singh: Admiral who documented the Whiplash and suspects its artificial origin (393 AC)
• Expeditionary Corps: Fleet blocked by the Whiplash
• The Turmoil: Region where the Whiplash is located
• The Ouroboros: Flagship from which Singh documented the phenomenon
• Asty: City located within the Whiplash’s eye
• The Reka: Civilization shielded by the Whiplash
• Halua: Leviathan that led the vanguard procession through the Whiplash (393 AC)
• Leviathans: Used as a vanguard to pierce the cyclone by consuming Mana
• Dimuri: Major who announced a visitor with information about the Whiplash (393 AC)