ANDERS MAGE PAGE 2.0

NOTE: The Paradigm as described here is probably only important to agents of the Repulsion Branch. Continuum agents within Intelligence Acquisition and Target Neutralization tend to be more earthbound than those in Repulsion Branch so many require less esoteric paradigms. For example, a Target Neutralization agent is probably more likely to just teleport than to think about exactly how he is moving across the Corridor in a space-like path. As a result, Repulsion Branch agents sometimes think they take their job much more seriously than their Acquisition/Neutralization counterparts.

The Paradigm

The Corridor: Reality is an endless Corridor, with time as its length and space as its width. The Corridor is under constant attack from the Darkness beyond its walls and its agents within. The walls of the Corridor must be continually guarded and any holes in its walls must rapidly be sealed before any permanent damage is done.

Magick

Observation: An Accepter (Sleeper) sees events around him as they have been defined by the observations of other, more astute observers (mages). Observing an event fixes it in time and space (i.e. the Corridor). Observers are able to see what they want to see, thus fixing events in the Corridor according to their own requirements.

Spheres

Correspondence

Space-Like Paths (Sidestep). By travelling along a 'space-like' path (effectively, by moving sideways) in the Corridor, an observer can bypass time and travel great distances instantaneously. By shifting one's perceptions along the width of the Corridor, an observer can sense distant events and locations. By reaching across the Corridor, an observer can physically affect these distant locations.

Note that it is not possible for Accepters to travel across the Corridor in this way. The closest they can ever get is the theoretical maximum of the speed of light, which itself cannot travel across the Corridor instantaneously. However, acceleration to such velocities warps the fabric of the Corridor such that Special Relativistic effects can occur to slow the subjective passage of time. Observers travel on Space-Like Paths so both t (absolute travel Time) and Tau (subjective travel Time) = 0.

Entropy

Quantum Mechanics. By observing events at the quantum level, an observer can control probability and randomness.

Forces

Interaction. All forces (gravity, electromagnetic, strong and weak) are manifestations of unseen interactions between particles. Only in certain circumstances do these interactions manifest as real particles such as photons and electrons. By observing these interactions, an observer can influence the forces that affect the macro/microscopic world.

Life

Mass-energy. Living beings are still constructed of basic matter but this interacts in a complex (biochemical) manner to fuel the body. Affecting living creatures requires more finesse and concentration than that required for non-living material and by necessity the problem must be approached from a separate direction.

Life is affected in a similar way to Matter but since living bodies are much more complex than non-living material, a new approach must be set up in the observer's mind. Hence, Life is a separate Sphere to Matter.

Matter

Mass-energy. E = mc². Mass has energy and energy has mass. All physical objects, whether solid, liquid, gaseous or plasma, possess this mass-energy. Observers can convert ambient energy into mass (transferring it from extremely distant parts of the Corridor to their present location if necessary) and fashion this into any material they desire through observation and opinion. Note that the total amount of mass-energy in the universe is constant, so even observers cannot spontaneously create mass-energy. It must exist already in another form.

Note that this is just background. In reality, Matter as used by a Continuum agent will itself draw the energy from elsewhere in the universe (say, a cloud of interstellar gas a thousand light-years away or the air around the targeted object) to create the material/object. Correspondence or Mind is not required to use Matter.

Mind

Opinion. One of the more esoteric concepts within the Paradigm of the Corridor. Since observation defines reality, opinion of what one sees plays a critical role in determining what one has just seen. Thus, opinion is also a vital factor in fixing reality.

Prime

The Flow. All things are pushed in one direction through the Corridor. The current that drives them is the Flow. By increasing or decreasing the density of the Flow through an object, it can be more or less firmly anchored to the Corridor. Decreasing the Flow density causes an object to become inherently unstable, until it completely discorporates when the density reaches zero.

Spirit

Opening the doors. There are many side doors in the Corridor, through which branch corridors with differing parameters to our own may be entered. It is believed that other Corridors (as opposed to branches) do exist, presumably also under constant siege from the Darkness in which they rest.

Time

The Corridor. The infinite length of Corridor itself represents time. The Flow passes through everything within the Corridor. While manipulation of the density of this Flow affects an object's inherent stability, the Flow also imparts a force to the object while it passes through it (that is not related to its density) that pushes it along the Corridor. This force is uni-directional in Main Corridor. It only pushes the object in one direction (forwards through time). Manipulation of this force affects the speed at which an object travels down the Corridor.

Increasing the forward motion makes time pass at a faster subjective rate. Decreasing the forward motion makes time pass at a subjectively slower rate. Anchoring the object to Corridor so that it has no forward motion freezes that object in Time. Experiments are curretly underway to reverse the direction of motion in a test object, but all attempts so far have failed - the reversal of causality (cause and effect) that results creates a singularity since such phenomena are not stable in the Corridor.

Arete

Astuteness. More astute observers can understand the Corridor better by seeing in more detail. Observers become more astute through experience - by noticing the subtle nuances in every observation.

Quintessence

Energy. Energy is an unusual quantity. While in the conventional universe it manifests as a force or as mass, the truth is much deeper than this. Energy is in fact a physical manifestation of the density of the Flow, the current that perpetually pushes events forwards in time along the Corridor. In the physical world, the energy density of the flow can manifest in many forms in the right circumstances. This energy can be used to back up observations, ensuring they are perceived correctly.

Paradox

Singularity: Instabilities created by poorly observed events in the Corridor result in the creation of singularities (Paradox flaws and spirits). In some cases, the disturbance is so severe that naked singularities arise, which necessitate the creation of an event horizon around the observer which shields the surrounding Corridor from the instability (i.e. a Paradox Realm). Since nothing originating in the Corridor can penetrate an event horizon, the Paradox is enclosed and Reality is effectively shielded from the instability while the observer negotiates the Paradox realm set up within the event horizon.

Awakening / Ascension

Sapience (Sagacity): Accepters who start to question what they see become Sapient. By doubting the observations of others instead of just accepting them, they formulate their own opinion and so become observers themselves.

It should be noted that the Continuum does not believe in Ascension. The struggle against the Darkness is continuous and so can never have such a culmination (other than the total destruction of Main Corridor).

Mage-Specific Backgrounds

Arcane

Covering the Tracks. Observers are capable of seeing reality in its true form - the Corridor. By looking behind them (in the past), they can cover their tracks so they pass with very little trace along the Corridor.

Avatar

Dense Flow. Observers exist because the Flow through them is denser than the Flow through normal Accepters. In addition, observers can draw upon this excess density as a kind of Energy battery with which to back up their observations.

Destiny

Recognition. Some observers are simply very good at what they do or show a faint hint of extraordinary talent. As such, they deserve recognition.

Dream

Scanning the Corridor. Since the Corridor contains everything that will be, is or has been in existence, it is possible to scan its contents (at least in the immediate vicinity) for knowledge that the observer may require.

Node

Energy concentrations. The Flow through some regions of the Corridor is denser than normal. More Energy can thus manifest in these locations.

Views on Other Mage-Related Issues

Terminology

Metaverse: The sum of reality. The Metaverse can be thought of as an infinite region of Darkness within which are suspended the Corridors.

Corridor: A single universe, with all its branches (realms). Arcadia is a Corridor.

Main Corridor: Our own Universe, encompassing all the realms and the Near Umbra.

Nexus: Main Corridor's Shade Realm of Time, the Chantry realm of the Continuum.

Virtuals: The alternate universes that can be accessed only from Nexus.

The Perpetual War: The continuing defense of Main Corridor against the Darkness.

Nephandi

The Darkness. The raison d'etre of the Continuum, the Nephandi are the Darkness that surrounds the Corridor. Like the Corridor itself, this Darkness appears to have always existed and has always acted to destroy it. The Continuum believes that the Darkness represents the natural state of the Metaverse, with the Corridors being unstable imperfections in its fabric. As a result, the laws of reality always try to correct these flaws by destroying them. However, the destruction of the Corridors would be the destruction of all reality - absolute oblivion.

As such, the Continuum continually acts to defend the integrity of the Corridor from the "corrective forces" of the Darkness and any who would aid them. The Nephandi themselves are the physical representations of these forces. Since the Darkness is infinite, the Continuum never seeks to win the war against it. Its actions are entirely defensive, striking the Nephandi as and when they attack Main Corridor.

The Umbra

The Penumbra represents the periphery of the Corridor, nearest its walls. Since the Corridor is infinite in length and width, only observers (not Accepters) can perceive its walls. By entering the Periphery, an observer can easily find doors into Branch Corridors, while at the same time being able to perceive normal reality. By entering these side doors, observers can enter other realms in the Umbra. In some places, doors may lead directly into the Darkness that surrounds the Corridor (the Deep Umbra). Such doors are sought out and are continually guarded, since they present an obvious route for the Darkness to enter the Corridor. More adventurous observers claim to have seen other Corridors (realms in the Deep Umbra) suspended in the Darkness around our own but the Continuum cannot afford to expend its limited resources by investigating them and defending our own at the same time. It is assumed that these other Corridors are also under siege by the Darkness.

Wraiths

The Continuum holds what appears to be a violently paranoid opinion of wraiths. It actively seeks and destroys them wherever they exist. In their view, when something dies it may leave an imprint of itself (a wraith) on reality. A good analogy would be to equate the imprint to an after-image left on the retina after a bright light is shone into one's eyes.

The Continuum perceives these imprints as a very real threat to the Corridor's integrity, for it is through them that its walls become weakened, allowing the Darkness outside easier passage to reality. By resonating with the imprint's desires, the invader can manifest itself within the Corridor. Lingering memories and desires, nursery rhymes and even old photographs have proven to be a major thorn in the side of the Continuum as it fends off attempts by the Darkness to break through the weakened walls.

There is much debate on whether or not these imprints are sentient. Some argue that imprints are just that - emotional after-images left on reality, with no sentience or intelligence. Others (especially those who have come face-to-face with wraiths) believe that they are indeed sentient but can be driven, used or tricked by the Darkness into acting as a gateway into the Corridor. All factions believe that while these imprints may or may not be a direct threat, they remain a weak link through which the Darkness can break through, so they should be removed wherever found. Some Agents actively seek and destroy Fetters in order to loosen the bonds of a wraith to the living world.

In game terms, the Continuum sees Wraiths as a direct link to the forces of Oblivion, toys to be used by the Darkness to penetrate the walls of the Corridor. It should be noted that the Underworld has not been discovered by the Continuum and cannot be accounted for within its Paradigm.

Chronicles involving the interaction/confrontation between wraiths and Continuum agents (especially Repulsion Branch) are potentially the most interesting of all. Inspiration can be found in the early 1980's British science-fiction series Sapphire and Steel. Indeed, the Paradigm of the Continuum is extrapolated from information hinted at in the six adventures that made up this series. Adventure 2 in particular is a very good example of wraiths being used by the Darkness for its own ends. As an aside, Sapphire and Steel themselves can be considered as Repulsion Branch Field Ops (with Lead and Silver, who also appear in the series occasionally, as Repulsion Branch Specialists).

Garou

The Continuum is neutral to the Garou (werewolves) primarily because it knows so little about them. The Continuum views the Garou as natural hybrids of the forces within this Corridor and its branches, since they exist at or near the Periphery (ie. the walls of the Corridor). If the Continuum knew enough Garou cosmology, they would probably believe that the Wyrm is yet another manifestation of the Darkness. It is not certain that the Garou are aware of the existence of the Continuum but where they can, the two sides prefer to leave each other to fight their own battles with the Darkness on their own terms.

Vampires

While the existence of vampires is rumoured, the Continuum knows too little about these creatures to draw an opinion. The general consensus is that they are a form of unusual but natural lifeform unique to our own Corridor, possibly forming when an Accepter dies while becoming Sapient to create a partially-Sapient creature. All of this is conjecture. If truth be told, vampires are a largely unknown quantity to the Continuum. However, it is believed that there is no connection between the Darkness and these entities. Wherever possible, vampires should be studied (carefully!) by Continuum agents, although their paths rarely cross. Nevertheless, the Continuum is aware that some of these creatures actively aid the Darkness and tries to seek and destroy them when they can.

Spirits

Inhabitants of our Branch Corridors. The Continuum is curious as to the nature of these creatures and how they interact with our own Corridor. However, it is aware that some of these beings either willingly or unwillingly serve the Darkness, so it treads very carefully when dealing with them. All attempts are of course made to destroy any that serve the Darkness.

Changelings and Faeries

The Continuum is aware of the existence of these creatures and studies them wherever possible. Faeries themselves are cited as proof of the existence of other Corridors and are believed to originate from a nearby Corridor. Changelings appear to be exiles from this other Corridor, believed to be known as Arcadia. Very little is known about the Arcadia Corridor and some observers believe it to have once been a branch of our own. How and when it separated from our own would be of great interest to the Continuum if it had the time to study it.

Sleepers

Accepters. Those whose lack Sapience and so are unable to observe the Corridor. Accepters merely accept the observations of others as fact (hence their name). However, while they are incapable of forming their own opinion and making their own observations, they are capable of instinctively contradicting observations made by observers that go against their accepted worldview. Such contradiction is dangerous to careless observers, as it can set up singularities and event horizons to plague them. By making observations that can fit in to an Accepter's world-view, an observer can avoid these problems.

Technocracy

Prior to the Age of Reason, the Continuum did not exist as an organization. When the Technocracy formed, the like-minded mages that had been defending reality from the Darkness beyond came together, believing that the Technocracy appeared to have similar goals to their own. They formed the Continuum within this organization and learned much from it. Unfortunately, the Technocracy quickly became too wrapped up in their attempts to completely define reality and so the Continuum lost interest in them. The "accidental" publication of the Special Theory of Relativity in 1905 was done partially out of spite to them. The Continuum had been restrained and obstructed for too long and saw that the Technocracy did not take the defence of the Corridor seriously. When they realized that Relativity had been released to the masses far earlier than they wanted, the Technocracy attempted (and failed) to destroy the Continuum. As it is, they still prove a constant thorn in the Continuum's sides even today, obstructing them at every count.

Marauders

The Continuum is not entirely certain of the origin of this bizarre group of observers. It is believed that they are from our own Corridor and represent observers who have become Sapient in a highly stressful environment. Some believe they have come face to face with the Darkness and have been driven insane by it. Certainly, the Darkness holds many alien horrors that can drive even observers insane - even Continuum Agents do not enter it without substantial protection.

Marauders are a constant thorn in the Continuum's side. Originating in Main Corridor, they are fully capable of entering Nexus and the Virtuals, which they see as a playground of sorts. They have contaminated a significant number of inhabited Virtuals, which the Continuum actively tried to prevent.

In addition, the Marauders' disruptive activities can provide gateways into Main Corridor for the Darkness to enter, so the Continuum makes every effort to drive them back from whence they came.

The Traditions

The Continuum sees itself as separate but allied to this group of mages, since it now has much more in common with them than the Technocracy. Most of the Traditions are too focused in their struggle against the Technocracy, which serves no purpose. Who would be left to congratulate should the Corridor collapse to the Darkness? The Continuum believes they should focus instead on the real enemy: the Darkness. Many of the Traditions leave the Continuum alone and while some do not trust them, they do acknowledge that someone has to take the defence of reality seriously. However, only the Celestial Chorus, Dreamspeakers and Cabalists are sometimes helpful to their cause. Ideally, the Continuum would gladly see some Traditions destroyed outright. The Necromancers and some Goetics actively aid or seek the Darkness, which cannot be tolerated. The Continuum distinctly distrusts the Euthanatos, believing they deal too much with wraiths and so are a threat to the stability of the Corridor.

The Ascension War

The Ascension War between the Traditions and the Technocracy is something that never ceases to amaze the Continuum. They liken it unto a battle in a burning house, with the walls collapsing all around the combatants. The Continuum believes that both factions should cease their childish bickering and pitiful powerplays and devote themselves to the defence of the Corridor against the Darkness outside.