The Perennial Wave is made up of a seemingly endless amount of nanomachines which flow out from the center of the galaxy and which deactivate or destroy complex machines and electronics. At any moment, the Wave can be at various degrees of density, which are colloquially referred to as “high tide” and “low tide.”[1] It is generally invisible to the naked eye, but may sometimes be visible as fog.
The Perennial Wave can be dangerous or inconvenient for both synthetic and biologically-based people. For example, it limits the complexity of prostheses people can wear or assistive tech they can use. It doesn't have much effect on Divines and does not affect the Twilight Mirage.
This section contains spoilers for PALISADE 37: Reach In / Reach Out Pt. 1.
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The Wave is unable to affect Divines because Perennial was created by the Divine Collaborate and so she cannot harm Divines directly.[2]
History
The Perennial Wave was created when Perennial was first brought by HORIZON to the center of the galaxy.[3] Adaptations to its effects led to the creation of the Equiaxed people among the Columnar Tabulary. It is also known to have caused the collapse of the Divine Principality's ability to travel faster than light.[4]
In late PARTIZAN, after the Red Light, the effects of the Perennial Wave weakened slightly. Following the events of "Operation Shackled Sun", the Wave bonded with Kalmeria, which further reduced the Wave's effects and allowed the creation of powerful new technologies and artifacts.