Introduction

Many Eyes, One Vision.

The PMD Half-Lidded Eye (Color)

The PMD Half-Lidded Eye (Simplified)

The Paracausal Monitoring Division (PMD) is a relatively recent addition to NanoTrasen's Emergency Response structure. With some of its roots reaching as far back as the Phoron War, this department was formally established in 2564 to investigate unexplained phenomena and the so-called "Galactic Awakening". Serving as Central Command’s paranormal equivalent of an Emergency Response Team, the PMD operates across a broad array of fields - from Xenoarchaeology to Field Operations. The PMD has already made a name for itself in more unstable areas of the Frontier, and its presence at any NanoTrasen facility is usually heralded by a significant catastrophe.

History

During the Phoron War, NanoTrasen faced a wide array of threats beyond the comparatively mundane assaults of the Syndicate. Although at the time many of these events were considered to be misinformation, misinterpretation, or incidents of mass hysteria, some Central Command branches decided to form small investigative units to track and follow up on such accounts. As these units operated in the time prior to the Galactic Awakening, very few were able to confirm paracausal activity. Although these field units were far from successful, the meager infrastructure provided to them would eventually inspire the PMD’s modern structure and procedure.

Modern Day

The early 2560s were marked by a subtle, yet undeniable increase to odd and unexplained phenomena across the frontier. Due to the expansive nature of NanoTrasen's holdings, Central Command recognized earlier than most the rising number of reports as they began to come in, in some cases requiring activations of Emergency Response Teams to handle unexpected situations. In light of this nascent trend, NanoTrasen sought to establish a branch of operations capable of not only providing adequate responses to such events - but also investigate the financial opportunity that might be seized through exploitation of these new phenomena.

Utilizing the barebones infrastructure of their mothballed investigatory units, Central Command began screening their extant ERT and DDO assets for any skillset, knowledge or ability relevant to the investigation of so-called "Paracausal" occurrences. Those employees were recruited into the PMD as the first Paracausal Anomaly Response Agents and Analysts. These brave agents continue to undergo rigorous training and study to ensure that the PMD, and by extension NanoTrasen, have the most up to date knowledge of paracausal phenomena possible.

Due to PARA being encountered largely during emergencies, many NanoTrasen employees are under the misguided impression that they exist as a paramilitary force. In reality the PMD functions as a scientific initiative, with much of its funding going to R&D: especially the detection, containment and study of paracausal items. PARA response teams are just as likely to retrieve an anomalous item as they are to encounter hostile paracausal entities.

Structure

The PMD functions as a subdivision of Central Command, operating under the same umbrella as the ST-ERT. Considering their dual role as a research initiative, it can be safely assumed that the PMD operates with marginally more autonomy in regards to how they conduct their research. As with ST-ERT teams, Central Command branches are meant to possess a dedicated PMD team in their assigned area of operations. These teams are generally meant to be based out of a local containment facility. However, due to the high risk nature of the assignment, and the difficulty NanoTrasen experiences with identifying and training new recruits, not every CentCom facility has access to a significant PMD presence. Indeed, many facilities are lucky to have even a single PARA at their disposal. Specialized containment facilities are slowly being constructed, but given the relatively low priority that's been placed on expanding the PMD's activities so far, it may be a long time before this changes.

Ranks

The PMD hierarchy illustrates just how much of the Division's work centers around containment and exploitation.

Containment Director: The assigned overseer of a PMD research facility. Directors determine what assets are mobilized to anomalous events and - most importantly - coordinate containment and research procedures. Currently, no Director’s identity has been made public.
Researcher: The backbone of the PMD’s study into the nascent field of Paranatural Science, Researchers may often seem deranged to the outside observer. Most are recruited for their ability to think laterally, allowing them to resist the influence of their subjects and engage in unorthodox methods of experimentation.
PARA: Paracausal Anomaly Response Agents are, for better or worse, the ‘face’ of the PMD. Trained in the suppression of paracausal phenomena and retrieval of objects of interest. Due to the hazardous nature of their work, PARA are occasionally provided experimental equipment or anomalous items that would otherwise qualify for containment.
Analyst: The unsung heroes of the PMD, Analysts conduct correlational research, compile case studies, review literature and/or documentation, and many other, less tangible forms of research. Their findings often help guide the design of practical experiments, and vice-versa.
Auditor: Although the name itself bears a dubious connotation, PMD Auditors are in fact little more than detectives. Responding to unverified reports or tracking down promising leads, Auditors are responsible for HUMINT gathering. Rarely, they will fill a PR position and may sometimes coordinate workshops and lectures to help NanoTrasen crew liaise with the larger Division.
Chaplain: Chaplains are not, in fact, a formal part of the PMD structure. Chaplains are often utilized by the PMD as a manner of canary. The PMD does not select or assign crew to the Chaplaincy, although they will frequently recruit knowledgeable or talented Chaplains.

Equipment

Through the study and exploitation of paranatural artifacts, the PMD has been able to begin production on a wide range of equipment and weaponry designed specifically to combat supernatural threats.

	Name	Description
	Null Rod	Fashioned out of obsidian, these specially crafted rods possess intrinsic properties which keep them grounded within baseline reality. In the hands of a trained user, a null rod is a formidable tool. Thanks to extensive field research, the PMD has been able to replicate the original design's effects across a much wider array of weaponry, providing their operatives with more options in the field.
	PARA Armor	PARA body armor is undeniably similar to NanoTrasen ERT gear - evidence of the hand-me-down nature of early PMD armament. Reinforced with an obsidian weave and etched with tested wards, in trained hands this armor can protect its user from a variety of unorthodox hazards. The Oculus Malum visor, crafted by PMD R&D after numerous losses in the field, effectively protects a trained wearer from exposure to memetic hazards without hampering efficacy.
	HOLY Class Armaments	Due to the effects of Acausal Logic Engine Disruption, PMD assets are trained primarily in close combat. However, when ranged weaponry must be utilized, the PMD favors antique or low complexity firearms. Although not as versatile as modern energy weapons, HOLY class firearms are reliable in the presence of strong paracausal phenomena and may be loaded with specialized blessed ammunition.

The Six Classes of Paracausal Phenomena

The PMD categorizes paracausal phenomena based on a reference scale, which has been provided below along with examples of eligible events or entities. This list has been internally disseminated to allow for proper classification of a reported emergency. The list is not exhaustive.

Classification	Event Ex.	Entity Ex.	Threat
Styx	Reality Shifting: An item manifests.	Incorporeal entities: Shades	Minor
Acheron	Reality Shifting: An item exhibits anomalous traits.	Passive corporeal entities: Wards	Minor
Lethe	Reality Warping: A wall begins weeping blood.	Malicious corporeal entities: Cultists	Moderate
Phlegethon	Reality Warping: An item becomes animate.	Malicious corporeal entities: Constructs	Severe
Cocytus	Unstable Realspace Rifts	Known Paranatural Entities: Blood Hunter, Le Gourmand	Extreme
Oceanus	Stable Realspace Rifts	Transubstantiated Deities: Theoretical - No known examples.	Existential

Glossary

PMD: Paracausal Monitoring Division - NanoTrasen's emergent department oriented towards the defense against - and exploitation of - paracausal activity.
PARA: Paracausal Anomaly Response Agent - Trained field operatives deployed by the PMD to recover anomalous items or repel paracausal incursions.
HPO: Hostile Paranatural Organization - Any occult or religious organization currently utilizing paracausal means to combat NanoTrasen or harm its interests.