The Hive refers to the interconnected set of Chambers that form in the Primordial Dream near a population center. A Chamber forms when a human experiences tremendous fear, leaving behind an impression in the Primordial Dream. The Begotten build their Lairs from Chambers, and are the primary makers of Chambers, but other supernatural beings may also inspire enough fear to leave a Chamber behind for a Beast to acquire.
The Apex of a given area exerts subtle influence over the entire Hive, including Lairs, even if they are not themselves a Beast. The entire Hive of a community takes on a common trait, such as darkness, dense fog or tangled undergrowth, that reflects the nature of the Apex. This trait appears gradually and fades gradually if the Apex changes.
Unlike the traits of their own Lairs, Beasts are not automatically immune to this Hive Trait, which may create discontent if the trait is particularly harmful or disruptive. For instance, an Apex whose signature Trait is blinding light would be an inconvenience to Begotten who prefer to hunt in darkness; one whose Apex Trait is is floods of corrosive acid would be a threat to the safety of every Beast not already immune to such conditions.
Beasts may build their Lairs from Chambers in different Hives, or even Chambers that belong to no particular Hive (such that one formed in the Hedge, the Shadow, etc.). This means different parts of the Lair may be subject to different Apex Traits.