Everything

Parsing Alternate Reality Spectrums

Specialties: Subdimensions, Anthropic Principle Applications, EDE Relations, Mapping, Applied Theory, Dimensional Anomaly

Based upon the Tychoidian cosmology theories of the Void Engineers (see Chapter Four, pp. 93-94), Dimensional Science posits an Anthropic Principle Field in which the conscious human mind exerts a degree of control over its metaphysical reality space. Because of that Principle, lesser subdimensions have collected outside of Earthly space, losers in some contest of metaphysical Darwinism. The entities native to those subdimensions – extradimensional entities, or EDEs – strive to pass the Earthly barriers and infect the human world. And that’s where Dimensional Science comes in, a method of asserting the Enlightened elements of the Anthropic Principle and keeping those EDEs out of human space.

In game terms, Dimensional Science is largely the same as the Spirit Sphere. Like other Technocratic Spheres of Influence, however, its Effects are bound to technological gear and viewed through a lens of science, not mysticism. Although Void Engineers still apply the term Umbrae to these subdimensions (considering them mathematical shadows of the human Consensus), the Dimensional Specialist’s approach lacks animistic reverence, even though it features scientific awe.

Unlike Data, Dimensional Science remains largely exclusive to a single Convention: the Void Engineers. In many regards, it’s a well-kept secret, propagated only through intense training at VE facilities. The Dimensional Specialist, then, is a man or woman of intense focus within a multilevel framework of thinking and perception. By outside standards, she appears paranoid… but of course, if you knew the things she knows about the pervasive nature of subdimensions and EDEs, you’d be paranoid too…

● EDE Scan/ Evaluate Gauntlet/ Map Dimensional Region

Through applied principles and technologies, the specialist learns to perceive EDE presence and potential incursions, evaluate the characteristics of alternate dimensions and thickness of the barrier that keeps them outside the Consensus, and perceive the essential terrain in the pocket dimensions on the other side of that Gauntlet.

●● Dimensional Vibration/ Modify Dimensional Gauntlet/ Transdimensional Field

At this level of expertise, the specialist can use radiation pulses, hypermath, and samples of transdimensional matter to grant access to those alternate dimensions. With the correct instruments, that specialist can send out artificial ripples into nearby subdimensions in order to attract EDEs and leave signals for other Dimensional Specialists.

Thanks to the hypermathematical models and recordings involved in Dimensional Science, a specialist can also manipulate the Gauntlet, raising or lowering it, even as low as 0 – a feat mystic mages cannot duplicate. The Gauntlet 0 Effect lasts for only one scene, but it counters the punishment of the Dimensional Anomaly (that is, the Avatar Storm) if that phenomenon is still in play. However, the specialist herself still suffers feedback damage as she works the Effect. (In game terms, she takes the usual Avatar Storm damage, though she prevents other characters from taking it during that scene.)

On a related note, the specialist learns to also surround herself (or, with the appropriate Spheres, other people or objects) with a transdimensional field; this, in turn, allows her to interact with subdimensions on a limited level (brief touch) without suffering harm from the Dimensional Anomaly.

●●● Dimensional Shift/ Manipulate Paraphysical Phenomena/ Phase Disruption Field

Increased understanding allows the specialist to step sideways into alternate dimensions, manipulate the paraphysical matter (that is, ephemera) of those dimensions, and – with the correct weaponry – send out destructive phase disruption fields of vibrations that disorient, injure, or disintegrate EDEs. (In short, her attacks can harm spirit entities.) Thanks to the Stun/ Kill/ Disintegrate settings on those weapons, she can choose whether to inflict bashing, lethal, or aggravated damage on Umbral targets… and although EDE’s experience all forms of damage the same way, dimension-hopping humans and Deviant werebeasts do not.

●●●● Alter Dimensional Topography/ Dimensional Gateway/ Stabilize Dimensional Field

Increased understanding and appropriate technologies help the specialist make lasting changes to alternate dimensions. Reworking the paraphysical constraints of a given space, she may craft pocket domains and dimensional walls in order to block or catch EDEs. A skilled specialist can do this even from the Earthly side of the Gauntlet, thus avoiding the effects of the Dimensional Anomaly. Using similar techniques, the specialist can also carve out rapid-transit paths; in game terms, this Effect cuts down the specialist’s travel time within the Otherworlds by (normal travel time divided by successes +1).

The specialist can also open large gateways into the subdimensions, although the people passing through those gates suffer the effects of the Anomaly unless the Gauntlet has already been lowered to 0 by a Dimension Science 2 Procedure.

Channeling Primal Energy (Quintessence) through appropriate technology, the specialist can also strengthen the Enlightened Anthropic Principle enough to prevent Void Adaptation (that is, disconnection and disembodiment; see Disembodiment in Chapter Four, pp. 88-89; and Disconnection and Disembodiment in Chapter Nine, p. 483.) Each point of Quintessence allows one character to resist Void Adaptation for one week.

●●●●● Anthropic Field/ Breach Spatial Horizon/ Cosmogenesis

Utilizing the ultimate applications of Anthropic Principle Fields, the specialist can generate her own Anthropic Field (with the right instruments, of course) that allows her to venture beyond both Horizons and venture into the Deep Universe. By crafting a reality bubble around herself, that specialist can keep other Earthly beings alive with her as well (two passengers per additional success beyond the second) and can engineer and pilot vehicles for Deep Universe travel. For design and construction systems, see Inventing, Modifying, and Improving Technology in Chapter Nine, (pp. 463-464).

Employing the arcane technologies of Cosmogenesis, that Master Specialist may also engineer and create Horizon Constructs and custom-designed and constructed EDE organisms. She must employ Primal Utility energies as well (often including Life and Matter if the EDE construct is to survive outside the subdimensions… that is, if it’s going to be more than simple ephemera), but these cosmic computations allow Void Engineers to harness powers not unlike those of legendary gods.