Nightmare: Difference between revisions

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(Vex can create nightmares of their own, confirmed in the Haunted Forest and Osiris, the text remains as it is from what Ikora said)
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{{Faction infobox
{{Faction infobox
|variant=
|nameBG= maroon
|image=[[File:Destiny2-shadowkeep-crota.jpg|350px|Guardian is fighting against Crota Phantasm]]
|BG= maroon
|Domain(s)= [[Moon]]<br>[[Lost Sector]]s
|sectionBG= maroon
|Type= Apparition
|lineBG= maroon
|Functions=
|name=Nightmares
|Other names=
|othernames=Phantasms <br> Phantoms
|Conflicts=
|image=[[File:NightmareInfobox.jpg|300px]]
|Leadership=
|domain(s)= [[Moon]]<br>[[Leviathan (ship)|The Leviathan]]
|Notable= Red aura
|functions =Psychologically torment [[Guardian]]s<br>Serve [[Emperor Calus]]
|war= [[Vanguard]] <br> [[House of Light]] <br> [[Imperial Cabal]] <br> [[Sol Divisive]] {{C|partially}} <br> [[Hidden Swarm]] {{C|partially}} <br> [[Loyalists]] {{C|partially}} <br> [[House of Dusk]] {{C|partially}}
|ally=[[The Witness]] <br> [[Hidden Swarm]] {{C|partially}} <br> [[Sol Divisive]] {{C|partially}} <br> [[Loyalists]] {{C|partially}} <br> [[Scorn]] <br> [[House of Dusk]] {{C|partially}}
|notable-member= [[Nightmare of Crota, Son of Oryx]] <br> [[Nightmare of Dominus Ghaul]] <br> [[Nightmare of Fikrul, the Fanatic]] <br> [[Nightmare of Omnigul, Will of Crota]] <br> [[Nightmare of Skolas, Kell of Kells]] <br> [[Nightmare of Taniks, the Scarred]] <br> [[Nightmare of Phogoth, the Untamed]] <br> [[Nightmare of Zydron, Gate Lord]] <br> [[Nightmare of Caiatl, Princess-Imperial]]
}}
}}
{{Quote|The Nightmares appear to be extracted from our very psyche—violent manifestations that wreak havoc, tormenting us with our past trauma. They tease us with a life we once knew, prying into our minds and attacking our most vulnerable points. This assault on our emotions is aimed to weaken us and our sense of purpose.|Eris Morn.}}
{{Quote|The Nightmares appear to be extracted from our very psyche—violent manifestations that wreak havoc, tormenting us with our past trauma. They tease us with a life we once knew, prying into our minds and attacking our most vulnerable points. This assault on our emotions is aimed to weaken us and our sense of purpose.|Eris Morn.}}
'''Nightmares''' are apparitions created by the [[Pyramids]] using the power of the [[Darkness]], manifesting as past figures and enemies to exploit the worst fears of [[Guardians]] and other beings. First appearing following the discovery of the [[Pyramid (Luna)|Pyramid]] on [[Luna]], the Nightmares include phantoms of some of [[The Guardian]]'s deadliest foes, including [[Crota]], [[Fikrul]] and [[Ghaul]].
'''Nightmares''' are apparitions of [[Darkness]] used for psychological warfare and as a security system for the [[Black Fleet]]; manifested as past figures and enemies to exploit the trauma and worst fears of [[Guardian]]s and other victims. First appearing following Eris Morn's discovery of the [[Pyramid (Luna)|Pyramid]] beneath the [[Moon]], the Nightmares include phantoms of some of [[Guardian]]s' deadliest foes, including [[Crota]], [[Fikrul]], [[Ghaul]] and [[Uldren Sov]].  


==Overview==
==Overview==
Nightmares are drawn from the psyche of Guardians and other beings, appearing as fallen foes or allies associated with painful or traumatic memories. They resemble their living counterparts flawlessly and share all of their abilities, but are shrouded in a miasma of red-black haze that extrudes tendrils radiating away from the Nightmare at its core. When taking damage, some of the more powerful Nightmares can transform into an invulnerable version of themselves made of the same reddish mist, and can only be revert back to their vulnerable state by the destruction of lesser Nightmares spawned from them.
[[File:NightmareCrota.gif|thumb|300px|Nightmare Veins circulating out of Crota's Nightmare]]
Nightmares are usually surrounded by a miasma of crimson reddish-black [[Darkness]], radiating a ghastly aura, and the most powerful specimen manifesting ghostly tendrils. They are found primarily near and in the [[Scarlet Keep]] citadel, which was built close to the [[The Lunar Pyramid]]. Beyond the Moon, Nightmares have propagated on other celestial bodies, roosting in [[Lost Sector]]s in place of their previous tenants.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/10/1)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Shadowkeep]], [[Lore:Letters from Eris|Letters from Eris]]: - [[Lore:Letters from Eris#Regarding the Spread of Nightmares|Regarding the Spread of Nightmares]]''</ref> [[Emperor Calus|Calus]], the exiled [[Cabal]] [[Emperor]], would weaponize the Nightmares to his bidding by forming a psychic bond between the dormant Lunar [[Pyramid]] and his flagship, the [[Leviathan (ship)|Leviathan]]. This in turn transformed Calus' ship into an extension of the Pyramid's resonance and allowed for new Nightmares to haunt the derelict vessel.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/05/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]], [https://www.bungie.net/7/en/Seasons/SeasonOfTheHaunted Season of the Haunted]''</ref>


Though found across the Solar System, the Nightmares can be encountered primarily near and in the [[Scarlet Keep]] citadel. Beyond the Moon, they roost in [[Lost Sector]]s taking the forms of its previous enemy tenants.
According to [[Hashladûn, Daughter of Crota|Hashladûn]], Nightmares are malleable creations of the Lunar Pyramid, not truly alive but made of "chaos, negation, and the raw things found existing in spaces between thought and fear."<ref name="Heretic">'''Bungie (2019/10/29)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Shadowkeep]], [[Heretic#Lore|Heretic]]''</ref> They are extracted from the psyche of targets, wreaking havoc by provoking grief and trauma as well as presenting a physical threat.<ref name="Regarding">'''Bungie (2019/10/1)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Shadowkeep]], [[Lore:Letters from Eris|Letters from Eris]] - [[Lore:Letters from Eris#Regarding Nightmares|Regarding Nightmares]]''</ref>


Before the events of the ''[[Shadowkeep]]'' campaign, the Hive of the [[Hidden Swarm]] had experimented with various ways to harness the phantasmal essence of the Luna Pyramid and created a means to immunize themselves from its trauma-influenced abilities. Under the command of the Daughters of Crota, they even attempted to recreate [[Oryx, the Taken King]] as a Nightmare or even as a true version of himself; a necessary violation of the [[Sword Logic]], since the Taken King was never succeeded by his killers.  Unable to conjure Nightmares themselves, however, the Swarm opted instead to make use of the Nightmares conjured by Eris and the Guardians<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/regarding-nightmares?highlight=corporeal Regarding Nightmares].</ref>
Eris initially surmised that the true purpose of the Nightmares was a tool made to manipulate and exploit mortals at their weakest, tempting them towards the side of the [[The Witness|Witness]] with [[Stasis|promises of power]] and the meeting of those they lost once again.<ref name="Regarding"/> This would be recanted later, when she exposed her deduction that the Nightmares were in fact a defense mechanism to drive away those who would tamper with the Lunar Pyramid.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/05/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUL5Vd5rleI Bound in Sorrow | Formulating a Plan]''</ref> This defense mechanism would also be utilized by the [[The Europan Pyramid|Europan Pyramid]] when [[Elisabeth Bray]] entered it in her attempt to relearn [[Stasis]].<ref name="Bitter"/>


Initially thought to be limited to targeting traumas related to Guardians, a week after containment efforts began, a [[Nightmare of Horkis, Fear of Mithrax|Nightmare of significance]] was sighted in the [[Anchor of Light]], intriguingly titled after [[Mithrax, the Forsaken]] as a fear. It is stated that the creation of Nightmares can reach across the Galaxy.
It is believed that [[Nezarec, Final God of Pain]] co-opted the Nightmares in the past and wove them into his Pyramid as a security system<ref name="Visitation">'''Bungie (2023/06/04)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Visitation]]''</ref>, which was then expanded to other Pyramids<ref name="Bitter">'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Bitter]] - [[Bitter#Elsie felt the nightmare manifest long before she saw it.|Entry 7]]''</ref>. Currently, Eris Morn and [[Micah-10]] believe that Nightmares are a yet-untapped power of the Darkness, explaining how they persist even after the "death" of Nezarec.<ref name="Visitation"/>


==Unique Forces==
==Gameplay==
===Fallen===
[[File:PyramidNightmare.jpg|300px|thumb|Nightmares surrounding the Luna Pyramid]]
*[[Nightmare Shank]]
*[[Nightmare Dreg]]
*[[Nightmare Wretch]]


===Hive===
Nightmares are enemies that debut in ''[[Shadowkeep]]'' and are primarily encountered in [[Lost Sector]]s and during endgame activities like [[Nightmare Hunts]] and [[Altars of Sorrow]] on the [[Moon]]. They can vary in difficulty; such as [[Elite]], [[Major]], and [[Ultra]], and drop phantasmal orbs upon death that grants players an ''"Unstable Essence"'' damage buff on all other Nightmare enemies for ten seconds. Nightmare bosses are often accompanied by two Major mob enemies that can respawn if destroyed, most often when boss health reaches halfway and if no current Nightmare enemies are standing then.
*[[Nightmare Thrall]]
*[[Nightmare Acolyte]]
*[[Nightmare Wizard]]
*[[Nightmare Ogre]]
*[[Swordbearer Nightmare]]
*[[Tormented Servant Nightmare]]
 
===Cabal===
*[[Nightmare War Beast]]
*[[Nightmare Legionary]]


===Scorn===
[[Ultra]]-tier Greater Nightmares, especially the ones found in endgame activities, have an additional mechanic that renders them intangible with immunity to damage in a reddish-black ethereal form after they spawn additional Nightmare mobs; forcing players to clear them first to initiate the next damage phase.
*[[Nightmare Stalker]]


===Vex===
Nightmares have a chance of dropping ''"Phantasmal Fragments"'' and even rarer ''"Phantasmal Cores"'' as a resource to craft weapons and [[Dreambane Armor]] at the [[Lectern of Enchantment]], which are unlocked from '''Nightmare Essence''' weapon bounties (which can drop from bosses during [[Nightmare Hunts]] and randomly on the [[Moon]]). Even certain armor mods equipped to Dreambane armor are effective in both warding and boosting damage against Nightmare enemies.
*[[Nightmare Goblin]]
*[[Nightmare Harpy]]


==Known Nightmares==
==Notable members==
===Major Nightmares===
===Greater Nightmares===
*[[Nightmare of Crota, Son of Oryx]] - Aspect of Despair
*'''[[Nightmare of Anaphex, Sworn to Otzot]]'''
*[[Nightmare of Dominus Ghaul]] - Aspect of Rage
*'''[[Nightmare of Caiatl, Princess-Imperial]]''' - <small>Aspect of Regret</small>
*[[Nightmare of Fikrul, the Fanatic]] - Aspect of Insanity
*'''[[Nightmare of Crota, Son of Oryx]]''' - <small>Aspect of Despair</small>
*[[Nightmare of Omnigul, Will of Crota]] - Aspect of Anguish
*'''[[Nightmare of Dominus Ghaul]]''' - <small>Aspect of Rage</small>
*[[Nightmare of Phogoth, the Untamed]] - Aspect of Fear
*'''[[Nightmare of Elykris, the Machinist]]'''
*[[Nightmare of Skolas, Kell of Kells]] - Aspect of Pride
*'''[[Nightmare of the Fanatic]]''' - <small>Aspect of Insanity</small>
*[[Nightmare of Taniks, the Scarred]] - Aspect of Isolation
*'''[[Nightmare of Gahlran, Sorrow Bearer]]'''
*[[Nightmare of Zydron, Gate Lord]] - Aspect of Servitude
*'''[[Nightmare of Kethiks, Grief Unforgiven]]'''
*'''[[Nightmare of Navôta, Eir-Spawn]]'''
*'''[[Nightmare of Omnigul, Will of Crota]]''' - <small>Aspect of Anguish</small>
*'''[[Nightmare of Phogoth, the Untamed]]''' - <small>Aspect of Fear</small>
*'''[[Nightmare of Safiyah]]''' - <small>Aspect of Grief</small>
*'''[[Nightmare of Skolas, Kell of Kells]]''' - <small>Aspect of Pride</small>
*'''[[Nightmare of Taniks, the Scarred]]''' - <small>Aspect of Isolation</small>
*'''[[Nightmare of Uldren]]''' - <small>Aspect of Shame</small>
*'''[[Nightmare of Zydron, Gate Lord]]''' - <small>Aspect of Servitude</small>


===Minor Nightmares===
===Other Nightmares===
*[[Nightmare of Arguth, the Tormented]]
*[[Nightmare of Arguth, the Tormented]]
*[[Nightmare of Carun, Beastmaster]]
*[[Nightmare of Cek'ik, Seeker of the Deep]]
*[[Nightmare of Emonut, Sworn of Moli Imoli]]
*[[Nightmare of Eriana-3]]
*[[Nightmare of Evoks, the Burned]]
*[[Nightmare of Gothrax, Swarm Protector]]
*[[Nightmare of Gothrax, Swarm Protector]]
*[[Nightmare of Ha'lok, the Shield]]
*[[Nightmare of Horkis, Fear of Mithrax]]
*[[Nightmare of Horkis, Fear of Mithrax]]
*[[Nightmare of Hou'dal, Failed Assassin]]
*[[Nightmare of Jaxx, Claw of Xivu Arath]]
*[[Nightmare of Jaxx, Claw of Xivu Arath]]
*[[Nightmare of Ka'hok, Sworn of Umun'arath]]
*[[Nightmare of Ka'nok, Failed Assassin]]
*[[Nightmare of Kelnix Reborn]]
*[[Nightmare of Kelnix Reborn]]
*[[Nightmare of Kra'lok, the Sword]]
*[[Nightmare of Ky'leks, the Docked]]
*[[Nightmare of Lambiks-4]]
*[[Nightmare of Lambiks-4]]
*[[Nightmare of Loronvis, Council Hand]]
*[[Nightmare of Loronvis, Council Hand]]
*[[Nightmare Reaver Vandal]]
*[[Nightmare of Omar Agah]]
*[[Nightmare of Qalec, the Sniper]]
*[[Nightmare of Regor, Failed Assassin]]
*[[Nightmare of Reyiks, Actuator]]
*[[Nightmare of Reyiks, Actuator]]
*[[Nightmare of Rizaahn, the Lost]]
*[[Nightmare of Rizaahn, the Lost]]
*[[Nightmare of Rovikis, Council Hand]]
*[[Nightmare of Rovikis, Council Hand]]
*[[Nightmare of Sai Mota]]
*[[Nightmare of Sek're, Echo of the Voice]]
*[[Nightmare of Seresis, Council Hand]]
*[[Nightmare of Seresis, Council Hand]]
*[[Nightmare Servant of Ir Yût]]
*[[Nightmare of Sy'ad, the Unending]]
*[[Nightmare of Talgoth, Soul Smasher]]
*[[Nightmare of Talgoth, Soul Smasher]]
*[[Nightmare of Tlazat, Fed to Beasts]]
*[[Nightmare of Toland, the Shattered]]
*[[Nightmare of Uaoc, Spine Breaker]]
*[[Nightmare of Uroa, Sworn of Shayotet]]
*[[Nightmare of Val Dumoar]]
*[[Nightmare of Val Sinu, Hellbringer]]
*[[Nightmare of Val Sinu, Hellbringer]]
*[[Nightmare of Vell Tarlowe]]
*[[Nightmare of Volniks, Deathkeeper]]
*[[Nightmare of Volniks, Deathkeeper]]
*[[Nightmare of Xortal, Sworn of Crota]]
*[[Nightmare of Xortal, Sworn of Crota]]
*[[Nightmare Reaver Vandal]]
*[[Nightmare Servant of Ir Yût]]
*[[Primus Or'sek, Vessel of Nightmares]]
*[[The Drowned]]
*[[The Forgotten]]
*[[The Sunken]]
*[[Valus Thu'ur, Vessel of Nightmares]]
===Mentioned only===
*[[Nightmare of Ana Bray]]
*[[Nightmare of Cayde-6]]
*[[Nightmare of Shayura]]


==List of Appearances==
==Unique forces==
*''[[Destiny 2]]''
 
**''[[Shadowkeep]]'' {{1st}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
===Cabal===
*[[Atavist Illusion]]
*[[Dread Bearer]]
*[[Egregore Atavist]]
*[[Honored Bellkeeper]]
*[[Nightmare Bellkeeper]]
*[[Nightmare Centurion]]
*[[Nightmare Colossus]]
*[[Nightmare Gladiator]]
*[[Nightmare Incendior]]
*[[Nightmare Legionary]]
*[[Nightmare Phalanx]]
*[[Nightmare Psion]]
*[[Nightmare War Beast]]
*[[Standard Bearer]]
*[[Unrelenting Nightmare]]
*[[Vision of Gahlran]]
 
===Fallen===
*[[Nightmare Dreg]]
*[[Nightmare Shank]]
*[[Nightmare Wretch]]
 
{{Col-2}}
===Hive===
*[[Nightmare Acolyte]]
*[[Nightmare Knight]]
*[[Nightmare Ogre]]
*[[Nightmare Thrall]]
*[[Nightmare Wizard]]
*[[Swordbearer Nightmare]]
*[[Tormented Servant Nightmare]]
 
===Scorn===
*[[Dread Bearer]]
*[[Nightmare Abomination]]
*[[Nightmare Chieftain]]
*[[Nightmare Lurker]]
*[[Nightmare Raider]]
*[[Nightmare Ravager]]
*[[Nightmare Stalker]]
 
===Vex===
*[[Nightmare Goblin]]
*[[Nightmare Harpy]]
{{Col-end}}
 
==Guardian's Arsenal==
Utilizing [[Hive]] artifacts and makeshift relics such as the [[Cryptoglyph]], [[Eris Morn]] manages to develop refashioned, ancient weapons and armor infused with Nightmare energy.
 
;'''[[Legendary]] Armor sets'''
*[[Dreambane Armor]] set - [[Hunter]]/[[Titan (class)|Titan]]/[[Warlock]]
;'''Legendary Weapons'''
*[[A Fine Memorial]] - {{icon|Arc}} [[Machine Gun]]
*[[Arc Logic]] - {{icon|Arc}} [[Auto Rifle]]
*[[Dream Breaker]] - {{icon|Solar}} [[Fusion Rifle]]
*[[Every Waking Moment]] - {{icon|Void}} [[Submachine Gun]]
*[[Loud Lullaby]] - {{icon|Kinetic}} [[Hand Cannon]]
*[[Love and Death]] - {{icon|Solar}} Heavy [[Grenade Launcher]]
*[[Night Terror]] - {{icon|Arc}} [[Sword]]
*[[One Small Step]] - {{icon|Kinetic}} [[Shotgun]]
*[[Premonition]] - {{icon|Void}} [[Pulse Rifle]]
*[[Tranquility]] - {{icon|Kinetic}} [[Sniper Rifle]]


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* In a few bounties when the Haunted Forest was created, it is implied that the [[Vex]] are capable of creating [[Nightmares]] of their very own that prey on our greatest fears,<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/items/haunted-terrors?highlight=haunted Haunted Terrors]</ref> [[Ikora Rey|Ikora]] even asked if they would creating shades of ourselves.<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/items/colony-collapse?highlight=vex Colony Collapse]</ref>
*In a few bounties when the Haunted Forest was created, it is implied that the [[Vex]] are capable of creating [[Nightmares]] of their very own known as [[Terrors]]. They are said to prey on our greatest fears<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/items/haunted-terrors?highlight=haunted Haunted Terrors]</ref> and [[Ikora Rey|Ikora]] even asked if they would create shades of ourselves.<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/items/colony-collapse?highlight=vex Colony Collapse]</ref>
*In an effort to create a puppet champion, the Daughters of Crota constantly resurrect the shattered [[Zulmak, Instrument of Torment]] by combining the phantasmal essence of the Nightmares with Zulmak's husk, creating the first hybrid of a Hive and a Nightmare.<ref name="Heretic"/>
*According to [[Toland]], the [[Pyramid (Luna)|Pyramid]] cannot conjure Nightmares from [[Hive]] minds. They require a [[human]] psyche: anguished, burdened, [[Risen|Lightbearing]] vessels.{{Citation needed}} However, this seems to be contradicted by the existence of the [[Nightmare of Horkis, Fear of Mithrax]], unless Horkis had previously encountered the Guardians before manifesting as a Nightmare.
*Several Nightmares are effigies of individuals who are not deceased. For example, Toland exists beyond his physical form, Omar Agah's essence was transferred into an insect-like creature that now powers a weapon and Fikrul is capable of repeatedly resurrecting himself. This indicates the purely psychological intent of the Lunar Pyramid's conjuration of the Nightmares, and not its ability to pull the spirits of the dead into being.
*Because of the connections to memory, the creation of Nightmares may be closely related to the powers of [[Deepsight]].
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
 
Nightmare of Skolas.jpg| Nightmare of Skolas.
Nightmare Fikrul.jpg|Nightmare of Fikrul.
TaniksNightmare.jpg|Nightmare of Taniks.
 
NightmareZydron.jpg|Nightmare of Zydron.
DominusNightmare.jpg|Nightmare of Ghaul.
Destiny2-shadowkeep-crota.jpg|Nightmare of Crota.
 
PhogothNightmare.jpg|Nightmare of Phogoth.
NightmareofOmnigul.jpg|Nightmare of Omnigul.
Hive6.png|Another view of Crota.
 
Crota2.jpg|Nightmare of Crota normal.
RedCrota.jpg|Nightmare of Crota with Nightmare Veins.
Nightmare Thrall.png|Nightmare Thralls.
 
File:Nightmare.jpg|A [[Titan (class)|Titan]] overlooking a dormant Nightmare.
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Shadowkeep]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Season of the Undying]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season of the Worthy]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season of Arrivals]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season of the Hunt]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season of the Lost]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season of the Haunted]]''
**''[[Lightfall]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[The Final Shape]]''
*''[[Kuang Xuan's Logbook]]'' {{Fm}}
*''[[The Hidden Dossier]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Bitter]]'' {{Mo}}


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


{{Darkness}}
{{Enemy factions}}
[[Category:Black Fleet]]
[[Category:Enemies]]
[[Category:Enemies]]
[[Category:Enemy factions]]
[[Category:Nightmares|*]]
[[Category:Paracausal entities]]

Latest revision as of 15:24, October 22, 2024

Nightmares
NightmareInfobox.jpg
Overview

Other name(s):

Phantasms
Phantoms

Domain(s):

Moon
The Leviathan

Functions:

Psychologically torment Guardians
Serve Emperor Calus

Notable member(s):

Nightmare of Crota, Son of Oryx
Nightmare of Dominus Ghaul
Nightmare of Fikrul, the Fanatic
Nightmare of Omnigul, Will of Crota
Nightmare of Skolas, Kell of Kells
Nightmare of Taniks, the Scarred
Nightmare of Phogoth, the Untamed
Nightmare of Zydron, Gate Lord
Nightmare of Caiatl, Princess-Imperial

At war with:

Vanguard
House of Light
Imperial Cabal
Sol Divisive (partially)
Hidden Swarm (partially)
Loyalists (partially)
House of Dusk (partially)

Allied with:

The Witness
Hidden Swarm (partially)
Sol Divisive (partially)
Loyalists (partially)
Scorn
House of Dusk (partially)

 

"The Nightmares appear to be extracted from our very psyche—violent manifestations that wreak havoc, tormenting us with our past trauma. They tease us with a life we once knew, prying into our minds and attacking our most vulnerable points. This assault on our emotions is aimed to weaken us and our sense of purpose."
— Eris Morn.

Nightmares are apparitions of Darkness used for psychological warfare and as a security system for the Black Fleet; manifested as past figures and enemies to exploit the trauma and worst fears of Guardians and other victims. First appearing following Eris Morn's discovery of the Pyramid beneath the Moon, the Nightmares include phantoms of some of Guardians' deadliest foes, including Crota, Fikrul, Ghaul and Uldren Sov.

Overview

Nightmare Veins circulating out of Crota's Nightmare

Nightmares are usually surrounded by a miasma of crimson reddish-black Darkness, radiating a ghastly aura, and the most powerful specimen manifesting ghostly tendrils. They are found primarily near and in the Scarlet Keep citadel, which was built close to the The Lunar Pyramid. Beyond the Moon, Nightmares have propagated on other celestial bodies, roosting in Lost Sectors in place of their previous tenants.[1] Calus, the exiled Cabal Emperor, would weaponize the Nightmares to his bidding by forming a psychic bond between the dormant Lunar Pyramid and his flagship, the Leviathan. This in turn transformed Calus' ship into an extension of the Pyramid's resonance and allowed for new Nightmares to haunt the derelict vessel.[2]

According to Hashladûn, Nightmares are malleable creations of the Lunar Pyramid, not truly alive but made of "chaos, negation, and the raw things found existing in spaces between thought and fear."[3] They are extracted from the psyche of targets, wreaking havoc by provoking grief and trauma as well as presenting a physical threat.[4]

Eris initially surmised that the true purpose of the Nightmares was a tool made to manipulate and exploit mortals at their weakest, tempting them towards the side of the Witness with promises of power and the meeting of those they lost once again.[4] This would be recanted later, when she exposed her deduction that the Nightmares were in fact a defense mechanism to drive away those who would tamper with the Lunar Pyramid.[5] This defense mechanism would also be utilized by the Europan Pyramid when Elisabeth Bray entered it in her attempt to relearn Stasis.[6]

It is believed that Nezarec, Final God of Pain co-opted the Nightmares in the past and wove them into his Pyramid as a security system[7], which was then expanded to other Pyramids[6]. Currently, Eris Morn and Micah-10 believe that Nightmares are a yet-untapped power of the Darkness, explaining how they persist even after the "death" of Nezarec.[7]

Gameplay

Nightmares surrounding the Luna Pyramid

Nightmares are enemies that debut in Shadowkeep and are primarily encountered in Lost Sectors and during endgame activities like Nightmare Hunts and Altars of Sorrow on the Moon. They can vary in difficulty; such as Elite, Major, and Ultra, and drop phantasmal orbs upon death that grants players an "Unstable Essence" damage buff on all other Nightmare enemies for ten seconds. Nightmare bosses are often accompanied by two Major mob enemies that can respawn if destroyed, most often when boss health reaches halfway and if no current Nightmare enemies are standing then.

Ultra-tier Greater Nightmares, especially the ones found in endgame activities, have an additional mechanic that renders them intangible with immunity to damage in a reddish-black ethereal form after they spawn additional Nightmare mobs; forcing players to clear them first to initiate the next damage phase.

Nightmares have a chance of dropping "Phantasmal Fragments" and even rarer "Phantasmal Cores" as a resource to craft weapons and Dreambane Armor at the Lectern of Enchantment, which are unlocked from Nightmare Essence weapon bounties (which can drop from bosses during Nightmare Hunts and randomly on the Moon). Even certain armor mods equipped to Dreambane armor are effective in both warding and boosting damage against Nightmare enemies.

Notable members

Greater Nightmares

Other Nightmares

Mentioned only

Unique forces

Guardian's Arsenal

Utilizing Hive artifacts and makeshift relics such as the Cryptoglyph, Eris Morn manages to develop refashioned, ancient weapons and armor infused with Nightmare energy.

Legendary Armor sets
Legendary Weapons

Trivia

  • In a few bounties when the Haunted Forest was created, it is implied that the Vex are capable of creating Nightmares of their very own known as Terrors. They are said to prey on our greatest fears[8] and Ikora even asked if they would create shades of ourselves.[9]
  • In an effort to create a puppet champion, the Daughters of Crota constantly resurrect the shattered Zulmak, Instrument of Torment by combining the phantasmal essence of the Nightmares with Zulmak's husk, creating the first hybrid of a Hive and a Nightmare.[3]
  • According to Toland, the Pyramid cannot conjure Nightmares from Hive minds. They require a human psyche: anguished, burdened, Lightbearing vessels.[citation needed] However, this seems to be contradicted by the existence of the Nightmare of Horkis, Fear of Mithrax, unless Horkis had previously encountered the Guardians before manifesting as a Nightmare.
  • Several Nightmares are effigies of individuals who are not deceased. For example, Toland exists beyond his physical form, Omar Agah's essence was transferred into an insect-like creature that now powers a weapon and Fikrul is capable of repeatedly resurrecting himself. This indicates the purely psychological intent of the Lunar Pyramid's conjuration of the Nightmares, and not its ability to pull the spirits of the dead into being.
  • Because of the connections to memory, the creation of Nightmares may be closely related to the powers of Deepsight.

Gallery

  • Nightmare of Skolas.

    Nightmare of Skolas.

  • Nightmare of Fikrul.

    Nightmare of Fikrul.

  • Nightmare of Taniks.

    Nightmare of Taniks.

  • Nightmare of Zydron.

    Nightmare of Zydron.

  • Nightmare of Ghaul.

    Nightmare of Ghaul.

  • Nightmare of Crota.

    Nightmare of Crota.

  • Nightmare of Phogoth.

    Nightmare of Phogoth.

  • Nightmare of Omnigul.

    Nightmare of Omnigul.

  • Another view of Crota.

    Another view of Crota.

  • Nightmare of Crota normal.

    Nightmare of Crota normal.

  • Nightmare of Crota with Nightmare Veins.

    Nightmare of Crota with Nightmare Veins.

  • Nightmare Thralls.

    Nightmare Thralls.

  • A Titan overlooking a dormant Nightmare.

    A Titan overlooking a dormant Nightmare.

List of appearances

References

  1. ^ Bungie (2019/10/1), Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, Letters from Eris: - Regarding the Spread of Nightmares
  2. ^ Bungie (2022/05/24), Destiny 2: Season of the Haunted, Season of the Haunted
  3. ^ a b Bungie (2019/10/29), Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, Heretic
  4. ^ a b Bungie (2019/10/1), Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, Letters from Eris - Regarding Nightmares
  5. ^ Bungie (2022/05/24), Destiny 2: Season of the Haunted, Bound in Sorrow | Formulating a Plan
  6. ^ a b Bungie (2023/2/28), Destiny 2: Lightfall, Bitter - Entry 7
  7. ^ a b Bungie (2023/06/04), Destiny 2: The Final Shape - The Visitation
  8. ^ Haunted Terrors
  9. ^ Colony Collapse

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Darkness
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Manifestations

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Enemy factions
Cabal legions
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Hive broods
Vex collectives
Miscellaneous factions
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