Continuum - Anders Mage Page 2.0

The Continuum

Speciality Sphere: Time

Secondary Spheres: Any

History and Overview

The Continuum is an unusual group of mages, separate from both the Technocracy and the Traditions (though it was once part of the former) who specialise in the Sphere of Time. They are entirely devoted to the defence of reality from the Nephandi, which they call the Darkness.

The Continuum has existed (though not as an organization) since the dawn of man, as individual mages who constantly battled the Nephandi. After the Mythic Age, these mages joined the Technocracy when they discovered that the nascent organization also sought the defence of reality. During this time, the previously individual mages that fought the Darkness found new purpose together and formed the organization that would be called the Continuum. A large majority had studied the Sphere of Time to aid them in their battles against the Darkness and a Construct (Central Office) was set up in the Shade Realm of Time (Nexus). This Realm was found to contain access points to many alternate realities, or Virtuals, which were observed, explored and cataloged.

After a while however, they felt they had become trapped in the Technocratic agenda and the Ascension War, which they felt were meaningless given the true Perpetual War with the Darkness. In addition, they were increasingly becoming aware of dark plots within the Conventions that would wrest control of Nexus from the Continuum.

The tension built between the Continuum and the other Conventions when in 1905 the Continuum realized that Time was not constant but relative to the observer and believed that this was something so profound that the Sleeper scientific community should be informed immediately. The Technocracy forbade them from publishing, since this was scheduled to be revealed far ahead in their Time Table. The Continuum itself then announced that one of their researchers had rebelled and had published the theory regardless. The resulting paradigm shift was far more dramatic than the Technocracy had ever imagined, as the traditional Newtonian/Copernican system was swept aside by the new Special Theory of Relativity. Suddenly, Sleeper scientists had the answers to those nagging problems that had started to plague the Newtonian Universe - this in itself Awakened a few of their Avatars. There was now a new way to describe the Universe.

The Void Engineers also made unexpected gains, when it was realised (and popularized) that space travel was now a step closer. By sending someone to distant stars at extremely rapid velocities, they would age relatively more slowly than those left behind. This made people more accepting of the concepts of extended space flight, a goal of the Void Engineers.

The Technocracy as a whole, however, were not impressed. Further (covert) investigations revealed that the publication of the Relativity Theory was actually intentional, despite the Continuum's protestations of innocence. This was all the excuse the Technocracy needed and in an emergency Symposium the Continuum was declared an enemy of the Technocracy and an attempt was made to destroy them. However, the Continuum had foreseen the attempt and set numerous booby-traps that killed or trapped many of their enemies. Damage was heavy but the Technocracy could not afford to follow up with a huge mage hunt due to the preparations for the approaching First World War.

Alone for the first time in over 300 years and aware that it could not possibly defend against the much more powerful Technocracy on Earth, the Continuum retreated to Nexus. Central Office became a fortification and the former Convention recruited many mages from the Traditions, who were keen to woo the Continuum to their side of the Ascension War. By the time the Technocracy could begin to retaliate effectively, the Continuum had become too firmly entrenched on its home ground. The Technocracy simply could not afford to divert the manpower to destroy the Continuum and a stalemate was declared, even though the Continuum had managed to elaborate on their earlier theories and published the General Theory of Relativity in 1915.

While Nexus and its Virtuals were obviously a valuable prize, the Technocracy realized (much to its chagrin) that the Continuum was more valuable alive, since they had absolutely no interest in the Ascension War and served a useful purpose by combatting the Nephandi as and when they appeared. Outright hostility between the two ceased and Nexus was left to the Continuum, although covertly the Technocracy still seeks to somehow regain control of their seceded Convention and their Realm.

Having no urge to participate in the Ascension War, the Continuum was not interested in joining the Traditions either, despite repeated attempts by the Council of Nine to persuade it. Instead, the Continuum concentrated on the struggle against the Darkness. However, it has accepted mages from the Traditions into its ranks and often allies with them where they have the same targets. It still does not trust the Technocracy and their paths often cross. Encounters between the two often escalate into full-blown animosity. Despite the fact that the Continuum targets the Nephandi, Marauders, and wraiths (forces that the Technocracy also consider dangerous), the Technocracy would rather deal with these themselves - killing the competition can only be an advantage. It is also rumoured that some elements within the Technocracy seek to use the Nephandi for their own ends and as such would rather have these creatures alive. As a result, the Continuum has had to divert a significant part of its forces to defending itself from its former allies.

As described above, the Continuum sees itself as separate from both the Traditions and the Technocracy. They view the Ascension War as a struggle in a burning house. Reality is under siege from beyond and the only powers capable of protecting it are locked in a petty war.

Today, the Continuum is a rather militaristic organization. While there are many non-combat personnel, its main focus is on the Perpetual War with the Darkness and the organization's defence against the Technocracy.

The Continuum is divided into three main Branches. The most important, Repulsion Branch, is largely concerned with combating the Nephandi, who they see as dwelling beyond the corridor of Time. Wherever the Nephandi break through into our reality, the Continuum is there to close the rift and destroy the intruders. The Continuum believes that the Traditions and the Technocracy are too busy fighting their Ascension War to realize the magnitude of this threat from outside. Repulsion Branch also often deals with Marauders and wraiths where they prove too much for Target Neutralization (see below).

The other major branch of the Continuum is Intelligence Acquisition, which collects information against its enemies on Earth and forecasts any future attacks using their Time magick.

Target Neutralization applies the knowledge gathered by Intelligence Acquisition and is the part of the Continuum most commonly seen on Earth. This Branch most often works with mages of other Traditions.

Philosophy

REPULSION BRANCH: We must repel the Darkness at all costs. It is enough that it seeks to destroy reality. Then where will the Traditions and the Technocracy fight their Ascension War? They can struggle against each other for as long as they like but in the end the forces from beyond the corridor of Time will devour all. While they fight each other the Darkness can only gather its strength. Once both sides are weakened enough, it will step in and destroy everything they have fought for.

We must ensure that this never happens. Since neither side wishes to listen to reason, it is left to us to fend off the Dark Ones' continuous attacks. We have held them off so far but how long can we continue without the full attention of our allies? No matter. We have a mission to protect the Corridor. Should we fall, reality will be left wide open. Perhaps then our "allies" will realize the folly of their ways.

INTELLIGENCE ACQUISITION: We are the advance guard of the Continuum. Should there be an assault against us, we will know of it long before its initiation. We are the early warning system of reality, forever vigilant for Nephandi attack. We have a job to do and we do it well.

TARGET NEUTRALIZATION: We are the front line in this reality. We seek and destroy the enemies of the Continuum on Earth and we secure and protect its allies.

Organization

REPULSION BRANCH: It is believed that this branch of the Continuum is directed by the Oracles in person, whoever they might be. Certainly, no Repulsion Branch agent knows the origins of his mission orders - and no Agent ever questions them. They know the gravity of their situation and do what must be done. Agents simply receive their orders. Strangely, they are completely unaware as to how they know their mission. All they know is that they have been briefed before the mission and will be debriefed afterwards.

There are two types of Repulsion Branch agents: the Field Operatives and the Specialists. Much of the mission work is done by the Field Ops. Should a situation get out of control, the Field Ops can call in the Specialists to patch things up. Specialists are usually the Adepts and Masters of their field, while Field Ops have Sphere levels between 1 and 3.

Field Ops are frequently assigned in pairs or threes. These partnerships are usually fixed, until one partner is killed or lost in action. The ability to work as part of a team is essential to Repulsion Branch agents and each agent's magical abilities frequently complement those of the other team members. Specialists work alone but are never dispatched into the field unless called upon by the Field Ops.

The Earth Section of the Repulsion Branch is but the final obstacle for any invaders. Most of the Repulsion Branch guards the Horizon, continually fending off assault from the Nephandi. Occasionally, some slip through the net and must be stopped by Earth Section (usually from within our own reality) before damage is done. Earth Section closely allies with Target Acquisition.

INTELLIGENCE ACQUISITION: Intelligence Acquisition is based primarily on Earth and is organized in a similar fashion to military intelligence gathering organizations. It is important to realize that this part of the Continuum takes part in both intelligence acquisition (through Time, Chaos (Entropy) and Mind effects) and in Target Neutralization, which takes out the perceived threat. Neutralization agents frequently have potent Forces, Matter, and Life scores in order to best affect any opponents. While Intelligence Acquisition focuses on any forthcoming attacks, any extra-dimensional assault (ie. Nephandi) is directed to Repulsion Branch, while any attacks from within Reality (i.e. Technomancer) are directed to Target Neutralization.

TARGET NEUTRALIZATION: Target Neutralization is based exclusively on Earth and deals with the enemies of the Continuum therein. As such, they are not quite as specialised as Repulsion Branch, as they have to deal with the Technocracy, wraiths and the odd Marauder. In addition, they must acquire certain targets alive (such as new recruits for the Continuum) and protect them from their enemies. Target Neutralization is a highly militaristic organization, which allies closely with the Earth Section of Repulsion Branch.

Meetings

REPULSION BRANCH: Much of Repulsion Branch is based in Nexus, in the home Chantry of Central Office. The Specialists and Field Ops of the Repulsion Branch are dispatched from here to Main Corridor (Earth) or to one of the Virtuals or Realms which are under attack by the Darkness. Some Repulsion Agents are based on Earth, often in other Chantries. They often work in teams of two or three, and often work with Target Neutralization Agents.

INTELLIGENCE ACQUISITION: Acquisition Chantries (called Stations) are located in many of the occupied realms of Main Corridor, as well as in the Near Umbra and Earth itself. A complex network of sensors and lookouts around each Station provides the information that is relayed to the Repulsion and Target Neutralization branches.

TARGET NEUTRALIZATION: Target Neutralization are often associated with members of other Traditions in Chantries on Earth. These are sent out as strike teams to the target location in order to neutralize the target if hostile, or acquire the target if friendly. Out of mission time, these Agents can continue their normal research.

Initiation

REPULSION BRANCH: Intelligence Acquisition keeps an eye out for any Sleepers who have had experience with the Nephandi and survived to tell the tale. While they may be in deep shock from this experience, it has been shown that in some it goes some way to awakening their Avatars. They begin to question what they have seen, which is the first step to becoming Sapient. Although they often eventually recover from the ordeal, they become perfect targets for either the Technocracy, looking for more Avatars to swell their ranks, or Nephandi eager to finish what they started. Acquisition dispatches Target Neutralization teams to escort the initiate to Central Office, the Continuum's Chantry located in Nexus, Main Corridor's Shade Realm of Time. There he or she is introduced to the ways of the Continuum and fully Awakened. Those who do not Awaken as a result of their brush with the Nephandi are usually held as Acolytes for the other Branches.

In addition, many mages voluntarily join Repulsion Branch from Target Neutralization or even from other Traditions (although this is rare). They too are escorted to Central Office to undergo training.

INTELLIGENCE ACQUISITION: This is a much more open Branch of the Continuum. It approaches those in other Traditions who choose to specialise in Time and Mind and requests that they join this branch. It also keeps an eye out for Sleepers who self-awaken and show aptitude in the Time Sphere. It then picks them up (usually with a Target Neutralization team) before the Technocracy can get hold of them.

TARGET NEUTRALIZATION: Many of the Agents who join Repulsion Branch work in Target Neutralization first, honing their skills on more mundane enemies than the Darkness. Some remain in Target Neutralization, training others who come to join the front line on Earth.

Chantry

The main Chantry for the Repulsion Branch is Central Office in Nexus, the Shade Realm of Time. Intelligence Acquisition and Target Neutralization are based on Earth and they share a Chantry which is located in London, England.

Acolytes

Repulsion: None. All members of Repulsion Branch are fully Awakened.

Int.Acq.: Detectives, Policemen, Public Records Clerks.

Target Acquisition: Soldiers, Armed Forces, Survivalists.

Sphere

Time. All agents receive some training in the Sphere of Time but many of the other Spheres are also extensively studied. Many Target Neutralization mages concentrate on Forces, Correspondence and Matter to attack or protect their targets. Intelligence Acquisition mages usually also specialize in Entropy (Chaos) to best assess probabilities and Mind. Repulsion Branch Agents usually have high scores in Correspondence, Mind, and Forces. Spirit is also popular among all Continuum Agents in order to enter and leave the Umbra.

Foci

Since they have spent a few hundred years as members of the Technocracy, Continuum Agents require foci for all their effects until their Arete reaches 5.

Correspondence/Mind/Prime/Spirit: Meditation: Observation is the key to Continuum magick (see the Paradigm page). An Agent has merely to concentrate for a few seconds to observe the desired effect for it to occur. This requires at least one round of meditation per Sphere dot and one point in the Meditation skill (regardless of the level of the effect).; Note that countermagick can be cast in the same round as the incoming effect and does not require such meditation. Fastcasting is also possible and allows the effect to be cast in one round with a penalty of +1 to the difficulty. All Spheres that do not need a physical focus (ie. Correspondence/Mind/Prime/Spirit) can only be cast through meditation.
Forces/Matter/Life: Weapon: This is often a high-tech weapon of some sort and is unique to each effect. Continuum agents are completely incapable of using Matter, Forces, or Life without the relevant weapon (which is in fact a unique talisman). Thus, to fire a laser at a target, the agent needs his laser rifle, which is a Forces 3 Prime 2 device. Each device is a unique item. The rules for these are similar to those for the devices of the Sons of Ether.
Entropy: Calculator: Chaos and Entropy calculations must be done on some form of calculating device, be it abacus, calculator or computer.
Time: Timepiece: Frequently, this is a pocket watch of some sort, though some agents prefer a digital watch. This helps to focus the agent's mind on the observation of Time. It is a unique item.

Concepts

Soldier, Information Gatherer, Secret agent, detective, anyone who's discovered things they weren't meant to know.

Quote

"Dark forces are at work here — and they're very cunning so far. This could be a trap..."

Stereotypes

The Continuum's opinion of the Traditions is described below. The Traditions' opinion of the Continuum is denoted below this. Note that many of the subtraditions here can be found in the various Mage archives on the Net.

Akashic Brotherhood, Verbena, Cult of Ecstasy: They are too wrapped up in their own primitive views of reality to see the threat from beyond.; They overestimate the magnitude of the Nephandi threat. Our immediate struggle against the Technocracy is much more important.
Celestial Chorus: They are far too focused on their One and are worryingly ecclesiastical. However, they can be quite useful allies in the Perpetual War.; They are committed full time to the destruction of demons and devils. This can only be good. We are not blind to the threat from beyond.
Dreamspeakers: They know of the Nephandi threat but focus too much on the Earth. They should realize that Earth is but part of Main Corridor, which will be destroyed should the Nephandi break through. Still, we respect their views. After all, their existence means that we can devote less troops to protecting the Earth itself.; They speak wisely of the threat from the Nephandi but we are powerless to aid them at the front lines of the Horizon. It is our place to protect Gaia from harm and theirs to guard the Near Umbra.
Euthanatos: A worrying group of fanatics and murderers. Despite their *ahem* good intentions, many are prime targets for corruption by the Darkness. Most of them seem to attract ghosts like moths to a flame, which we must endeavour to extinguish.; Close-minded scientists! They think we are agents of darkness! Don't make me laugh. There's nothing wrong with what we do. They overestimate the threat of the Nephandi!
Necromancers: These blind fools serve the Darkness! We aim to locate and destroy all their cursed artifacts and have diverted several task forces to such missions.; A constant thorn in our sides. Fortunately, they seem to be making no more headway in their quest to seek and destroy the Pages than we are in finding them ourselves.
Orphans: Hollow Ones: A sad indication of the state of human society today. Regardless, the existence of this group and of other Orphans is something that we did not foresee. Clearly, something important is about to happen...; Protect us from the Nephandi? Don't bother, they've been with us for ages...
Cerebus: Interesting and useful individuals - we could do with some of them in Acquisition.; Another reject from the Technocracy? Boy, there's really something wrong with those bastards if they lose three Conventions in a hundred years! But anyway, this lot aren't actually that bad - we help each other quite a bit, actually.
Sons Of Jupiter: They fight the War against the Nephandi in their own way but are too easily distracted by the Chimerae and their ancient artifacts. If only they'd focus on the Horizon instead.; They may not realize it but we're allies in the Eternal War. Any help is appreciated in our struggle. They do seem a little distant. Perhaps they have focused too long on the Deep Umbra.
Trenchcoaters: Unfortunately, there are always a few who get away. Most of these should be in Repulsion Branch. Still, they at least tolerate us, which is an improvement on their relations with the other Traditions.; They're a useful alternative to us and they want to protect reality as much as we do but they're really off this planet. Still, we can get along since most of them have also seen the horrors that are really out there, poor sods.
Wanderers: Nice idea but just seeing what's out there doesn't stop its destruction. Action is more important than plain experience. Still, the ones that roam the Umbra are at least aware of the problem.; It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it, I suppose!
Order of Hermes: The Five Houses: Fascinating history but all too often their power is directed inwards rather than outwards to the protection of reality.; While the threat is real, we must focus on this Reality. Let the Continuum deal with the Nephandi.
Goetia: Given their past record, we don't trust this group one bit. Whenever one of their dark magi shows up, we're always there to destroy them. It's bad enough that the Nephandi can force their way through but an open doorway into our reality is totally intolerable.; Goetia: They've just got it in for us - we dumped all that demonic stuff long ago.; Dark Magi: Another one of our myriad of mortal enemies. They are fools if they think they can stop us, like all the others.
Cabalists: Their magic is unusual. They are slightly sympathetic to our cause and combat the Nephandi in their own way.; Any defenders of reality against the Qlippoth are worthy of respect. Theirs is a lonely and dangerous path but one we must ultimately tread as well.
Enochians: More unusual magics. We are not entirely certain of the origin of the Enochians' spirits and there is a suspicion that they may well be disguised Nephandi. We have them under constant surveillance.; They are somewhat suspicious of us for some undeserved reason. This is not appreciated but our way is bound to draw fear from the ignorant.
Rosicrucians: Another pointless group. All their secrets cannot protect them should the demons come knocking on their doors.; Useful but somewhat esoteric. I wonder who watches these Watchmen?
Sons of Ether: They have their uses and were once our brothers. Their devices are without rival. However, they are still too complacent with regards to the threat of the Darkness.; We'll deal with the Nephandi as and when they appear. Of course, to have this lot get there first saves us a lot of bother.
Virtual Adepts: We saw this little schism coming. Their ideas of virgin new Virtual Worlds are interesting but should we fall their worlds will be destroyed as surely as our own.; The Continuum have got it all wrong. Our worlds can survive anything the Nephandi throw at them.

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