Introduction
The mortal mind has always sought out a higher power. There is an intrinsic desire to find magic in the mundane - from the fertility goddesses of primitive man to the established religions which have spread across the stars, the cold light of reason and logic has not been able to fully dispel the belief in the supernatural. Although language has evolved, and formerly mystic concepts have been sterilized and forced to conform with models of understanding, there can no longer be any doubt that concepts such as Metaphysics and Paracausality are simply the latest methods by which humanity can interpret that long-understood reality: there are higher powers, and there is magic just behind the mundane.
Core Concepts
What is Paracausality?
One of the fundamental laws that forms the fabric of Reality is the logical concept of Causality. Item A interacts with Object B, creating Reaction C, and so on and so forth, theoretically forever. The flow of Time is essential for Causality to function, so the concept of causal existence is dependent on the flow and fabric of Time and Space, often abstractly referred to as the Fourth Dimension, Reality, or Greyspace. However, it is accepted that extra-dimensional influences exist outside of Time, and some may even be able to manipulate it to an unknown extent. The common pop-culture understanding of “time travel” is not what we’re discussing today; paracausal phenomena do not interact with Time in this manner. Instead, Paracausality is recognized as the intrusion of an influence that cannot be demonstrated to have followed Causal logic. Item A interacts with Object B, but Xylophone 1 manifests in the middle of the interaction to create Reaction F. Paracausal influence is most easily identified as an object or being appearing ex nihilo to interrupt or otherwise artificially interfere with natural Causal logic for the purposes of selecting a different outcome. Based on the current models of understanding, almost all Paracausal energy may be traced back to Redspace, leading researchers to believe this ever-expanding dimension is the primary source for Paracausal phenomena. The very nature of Paracausal intervention makes it an existential threat to the fundamental operation of Reality, and thus across the millennia it has been recognized as both a taboo and a boon, depending on where one might be standing. One of the most basic forms of mortal magic, Prayer, is functionally a request for Paracausal intervention.
The Galactic Awakening
Somewhere on or around Sol Standard Calendar date 12JUL2564, a Galaxy wide spike in Paracausal energy occurred for the first time in two centuries. Until this date, the existence of ‘magic’ was once again becoming considered a mere superstition, and religious and occult entities alike were viewed as relics of a passing era. It was, therefore, no surprise that the initial reports of paranatural phenomena were considered pranks or misinformation by most parties on the Galactic stage. NanoTrasen, being a frontier megacorp, caught onto its veracity sooner than most thanks to the nature of its Central Command structure. Rapidly mobilizing assets, NanoTrasen leapt to the fore of Paracausal research, founding the Paracausal Monitoring Division to help prevent future attacks from hostile paranatural entities on its own holdings. In the year that followed, the rest of the Galaxy likewise began to accept the reality of the Galactic Awakening, though the full consequences of this event on the Galaxy may not become apparent for some time.
The Blood Is the Life
Redspace is often considered a “Lower” dimension relative to Greyspace. However, this does not mean that it exists in the Third or Second Dimensional Paradigm. It may be considered a Fifth or Sixth Dimensional abstraction, although there is no genuine way to express such a concept. Instead, it must be made clear that Redspace’s low frequency energy is not inferior, but rather, ‘’other’’. Certain Realspace actions and substances have been found to greatly facilitate or concentrate the flow of Low Frequency Dimensional Waves. The study of what systems or concoctions provoke the strongest reactions has always been one of the core tenets of magic throughout history, and one substance in particular has been observed to induce effects more often than any other. Organs which facilitate life - especially the heart - are considered powerful resources for attracting Paracausal influence, but it is the lifesblood of a creature itself which produces the strongest reaction. Perhaps due to the nature of their creation, Redspace Denizens seem to be able to feed off of blood in a vicarious way - theories include but are not limited to different forms of psychic absorption or transubstantive appropriation. It is appropriate then that, at the beginning of the Galactic Awakening, it was the Geometer of Blood who immediately rose to power on the Galactic stage.
Acausal Logic Engine Disruption
Following the Galactic Awakening, researchers have noticed an interesting result of Paracausal phenomena manifesting. Complex electronics such as cyborgs, computer systems, and energy weapons may sometimes experience serious malfunctions, up to and including total loss of operational function. FBPs and complex Artificial Intelligence units are just as vulnerable to this occurrence as the standard power cell is. The presiding theory held by the PMD is that Low Frequency Dimensional Waves create a form of energy-based sympathetic resonance which rapidly depletes power sources and interferes with complex circuitry. Organizations such as the PMD have been able to create Paranatural counters to this phenomena, but it remains the reason why antique ballistic firearms and melee weapons have become the standard for occult forces across the Galaxy.
Low Frequency Dimensional Waves
Counter to what the name suggests, LFDW are not, in fact, waves in the traditional sense. Rather, an LFDW is a form of spatial anomaly which produces localized Redshift radiation. Although the Redshifted waves may be monitored, the LFDW is considered to be a form of ‘dimensionally adjacent gravitic disturbance’. Complex arrays of sensors and parabolic dishes are utilized by the PMD to detect and triangulate these disturbances in the hopes of providing early warnings to affected areas, or to isolate anomalous items. LFDW are known for the odd way in which their Redshifting affects dedicated scanners - a phenomena described as if the anomaly is on the other side of a corner, spitting out its energy “sideways”.
Transdimensional Iconography
Researchers in the emergent field of Paracausality immediately took notice of the standardized architecture and furnishing of most Blood Cult fortifications and temples. It quickly became apparent that certain objects and images helped to form a complex paranatural ‘formula’ through which LFD energies could be concentrated and exploited. Structures such as altars and ‘daemon forges’ are not simply complex machines or ornate objects of worship, but are themselves Paracausal objects not unlike the PMD’s parabola. Nar’Sie, the Geometer of Blood, is believed now to be the Redspace abstraction and embodiment of sacred geometry, and possibly some forms of complex dimensional mathematics. Appropriately, the transdimensional iconography used to summon her influence are geometric runes and carvings painted in life essence - hence her title. Other geometric structures, such as the artificially grown crystals which compose Blood Cult ‘pylon’ structures, appear to also assist in these endeavors. Each crystal’s structure is unique, but researchers have found that they adhere to a set of governing principles - it is believed that pylons are formed rapidly through the channeling of the Geometer’s energy into a configured receptacle. Essentially, the more the Cult enforces the symbolism of the Geometer on reality, the more easily the essence Nar’Sie can be channeled through into it. Researchers postulate that on a large enough scale, under the right conditions, Nar’Sie herself may be able to be pulled into Greyspace. Many fear this may be the Cult’s goal. It is currently unknown if the principle of Transdimensional Iconogrpahy is a universal law for Paracausal channeling, but it has been observed in every currently known case, and is presumed to be the standard.
WIP
Redspace Denizens
Inception
Manifestation
Transubstantiation
Paracausal Abilities “Psionics/Magic”
Ritual
Inherent
Vancian