Dark Elemental Energy

"Do you feel that, Toa? That burning sensation in your veins, the phantom jaws gnawing away at your strength? This is the bane of all users of Elemental Powers. Toa, Makuta, all who harness Elemental Energy to fuel their abilities are prey to this power. This is what most beings refer to as "Dark Elemental Energy"."

- An unknown Dark Hunter to a Toa. Dark Elemental Energy is an unusual force of energy found across the known universe, acting as an antitheses to Elemental Energy.

Behavior and Effects
The main thing that Dark Elemental Energy is known for is its effect on Elemental Energy. Whenever the two are present within the general area, they usually tend to repel one another. Large doses, however, can cancel out normal Elemental Energy. The oppissite can work as well, with large amounts of Elemental Energy cancelling out Dark Elemental Energy.

Beings of any Elemental Power are somewhat vulnerable to this energy. If any of them should come into contact with it, it can seep into their bodies and drain their Elemental Energy supply. It can also cause pain to them as well, the magnitude depending on the amount of energy absorbed. If one were to take in too much, it can potentially render them unconscious, with even larger doses being potentially being fatal. While it is possible for many to resist it, the effects are all generally the same. The smaller the being, the more vulnerable they are to the energy. Those who lacking natural control over the Elements are the most resistant to it.

Spherus Magna
TWB...

Okoto
Early records indicated that the substance was discovered before the Mask Makers came into being. According to one folktale, Umurak the Hunter once utilized a strange energy against one of the Elemental Creatures. He fired a pellet of the essence at his prey, which exploded into a purple-and-black cloud. The Creature felt its Elemental Powers waning, and was forced to flee from the Hunter. When Umarak gave chase, the unknown Creature managed to steal some of his arrows, and stabbed one into each of his feet. Weakened by his own tools, Umarak collapsed onto his knees, giving the Creature enough time to escape. It was said that on that day, Umarak vowed to never harness the power again, realizing that even he could fall to its taint.

During war between the Okotans and Skull Raiders, the latter often employed Dark Elemental Energy against the Protectors. Once the Skull Raiders were driven underground, however, it fell out of use.

When the Okotan architect Kripta was sent into the Shadow Realm, she discovered the energy to be in abundance there. While it made it difficult for anyone to use Elemental Powers, it was ineffective towards the energies used to use magicks. Many of Makuta's enforces were given weapons designed to channel the substance, though he himself never dared lay hands on it. During her stay there, Ghulmia became skilled in harnessing the substance, knowing that she would have to confront wielders of the Elements back on Okoto.

Trivia

 * TWB...