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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. Followers of Nar’Sie, the Geometer of Blood, appropriately, utilize transdimensional iconography heavily featuring geometric runes and carvings painted in life essence. 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 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.
Redspace Denizens
Inception
Redspace, much like its high-frequency counterpart Bluespace, functions as a dark reflection of Reality. Whereas Bluespace’s environment is a crushing, nearly sterile abyss, Redspace is a vibrant realm full of life - in a sense. In the past the creatures which inhabit Redspace may have been considered daemons, or monsters, or even gods in their own right. The manner in which Redspace Denizens come to be is still a mystery, although researchers have begun to believe that these creatures are a form of living abstraction. It is now commonly believed that Nar’Sie is not simply utilizing the ‘Geometer’, but that She may be the Redspace abstraction and embodiment of sacred geometry, and possibly some forms of complex dimensional mathematics itself. Denizens known to serve under the Geometer, likewise, seem to be extensions of Her will. In Reality, two Shades are nearly identical, but in Redspace it is believed one may represent a concept as specific as the diameter of a summoning rune and the other the acute angle usually found in the number seven.
Manifestation
By channeling Low Frequency Dimensional Waves and utilizing Transdimensional Iconography (Icons), Redspace Denizens may enforce their will upon Reality. In some instances, they may even be able to perform miraculous acts of intervention. Manifestation is considered to be the application of external influence by a Denizen, and not the physical appearance of one. Known instances of manifestation in the past include Acausal Logic Engine Disruption, bleeding from inanimate objects, or the sudden appearance of physical objects - both occult and mundane. Manifestation may not be shocking if one has invoked it, but unbidden it may be a sign of trouble to come.
Transubstantiation
The most dramatic and dangerous forms of Manifestation fall into their own category: Transubstantiation. After the Galactic Awakening, reports of animated statues being utilized as combatants by Blood Cult cells were quickly confirmed. Reality, by its very nature, is hazardous to a Redspace Denizen in the same way Redspace is deadly to us. Ancient sorcery allowed Denizens to inhabit complex Icons known as Constructs - statues formed of resonant stone and metal akin to the pseudo-organic formation of Pylon crystals. Utilizing these Constructs, Redspace Denizens may cross over into Reality in a bid to further the goals of their masters. There are no confirmed cases of a Deity class entity utilizing a Construct, but researchers still question whether such a form would be necessary for a being of that power. The seizure of many Blood Cult manuscripts and holy writings has lead researchers to hypothesize that the servants of the Geometer are attempting to orchestrate a Galaxy-wide Transubstantiation event which may allow their god to physically manifest in our dimension.
Paracausal Abilities
Disambiguation
For centuries the connection between Redspace and Reality were too weak to facilitate strong magical talents in mortals. Most assuredly there have always been organic creatures with a natural connection to Redspace, but until the Galactic Awakening, such connections were considered to be little more than strong intuition or mental illnesses of some variety. Following the Awakening, a large portion of those with paranatural connections became able to exert their latent abilities. It is currently unknown whether the affinity comes from genetics, life experience, or more abstract concepts such as the ‘soul’, but an overwhelming number of latent paranatural subjects were already engaged in some form of religious or occult service. Many others were con men or performance psychics. Certain alien races possess abilities that might be considered supernatural - telepathy, limited telekinesis, shapeshifting - but paranatural abilities are widely considered to only encompass those powers which may not have a primarily biological or technological factor. A changeling’s ability to fleshmend is not paranatural, but the ability to heal through prayer is.
Ritual
Some paranatural abilities exhibit themselves through the execution of rituals. The necessity for Blood Cultists to draw strictly defined runes, or imbue items with power, are considered forms of ritual magic. Although more restrictive than inherent paranatural abilities, ritual magic is considered to be one of the strongest of the classifications due to its low failure rate and the demonstrable efficacy of successfully enacted rites. If left uninterrupted, ritual magic bears the potential to cause great damage to the uninitiated, just as if it is attempted by the untrained.
Inherent
Inherent magic is much more difficult to classify, and is simply considered to be the exhibition of paranatural abilities at will and without a need for repetitive input such as verbal incantations or somatic gestures. Inherent magical abilities are typically less powerful than Ritual or Vancian demonstrations, but are equally subtle, and should be regarded with great caution.
Vancian
Named after the human concept of Vancian magic, as originally described by Jack Vance, this rare form of paranatural execution appears to have been closer to reality than its namesake realized. Archaeological digs have indicated that there were several ‘Colleges’ which instructed those with natural talent in the ways to channel Redspace energy directly through their bodies via a complex system of words, gestures, and material preparations. Although these colleges have long since fallen away, reports of “Wizards” and “Technomagi” were an uncommon but observed phenomenon during the Phoron Wars. Originally chalked up to rumor, it appears those capable of Vancian magic retained their abilities even during this long period of Paracausal dormancy. No one has yet been able to ascertain how.
Psionic Phenomena
Morphogenetic Field Theory
It is undeniable that there are anomalous phenomena unrelated to Paracausal Forces. Chief amongst these is the field of Psionics - frequently referred to as Psi by its proponents. Historically, Psi phenomena has been regarded as little more than a form of mentalism performed by talented showmen. There remains no concrete evidence of psionic abilities being possessed by the majority of the galaxy's denizens. However, there are some few races which exhibit abilities which classify as Psi. Based on current understandings of the phenomena, psionic powers seem to present almost exclusively as forms of telepathy.
In the study of Hive organisms, researchers have been compelled to acknowledge the previously discredited theory of morphogenetic fields. Originally posited - as far as Humanity is concerned - in the 20th Century, morphogenetic field theory suggests that biological organisms produce an intrinsic field which helps guide their development. At the microscopic level, this field accounts for the assignment of cells and the delineation between functions. At the macro level, the theory suggests that one member of a species which has just learned a skill might spontaneously transfer that information to other members of the species regardless of distance or contact with the originator. In psychological terms, it is considered to be a component of the collective unconscious.
Hive Minds
The entities which served as the basis for confirming Morphogenetic Field Theory were a widespread pest species. These creatures - known to speak to each other through echolocation - were long theorized to possess a secondary method of communication. Extensive broad-spectrum testing frustrated scientists for decades, until a modified understanding of MFT was applied to the problem. It has since become the general understanding that - through an unknown process - certain species have either evolved or have been engineered to produce specialized subspecies not unlike a Queen Bee. These subspecies possess an intrinsic ability to consciously affect the morphogenetic fields of their relatives in what is now recognized as the Hive. Astonishingly, researchers believe that this class of being is not only capable of telepathic communication with any member of its Hive, but that it also functions as a channel through which members of the Hive may also engage in telepathy, even though they were not born with the intrinsic ability.
Anomalous Lifeforms
Outside of Hive Minds, researchers have confirmed that creatures composed of Roanoke Cells - namely Xenochimera - also possess an ability to influence morphogenetic fields. It is believed that this ability stems from the cell's own need to subjugate and integrate the diverse amounts of genetic material it absorbs. Curiously, the Xenochimera is not able to affect the morphogenetic field of an entity whose species it has not absorbed before. This suggests that all organic life in the galaxy possesses a morphogenetic field, but that the vast majority of species did not evolve along paths which made the exploitation of this phenomena a necessity.
Lore
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| Corporations | NanoTrasen, Frontier Megacorporations, Minor Corporations, The Syndicate |
| NanoTrasen Specific | NDV Marksman, Paracausal Monitoring Division |
| Other Organizations | ITV Talon, System Defense Force, The Orion Confederation |
| Worldbuilding | Extradimensional Mechanics, FTL Travel, Galactic Landmarks, Legends, Mysteries, and Rumors, Metaphysics and Paracausality, Technology of the 2500's, The Timeline |
| Contribution Data | Lore Submission Templates, Roadmap for Lore Development |