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The Memetic Engineers are the newest, and most unusual, of the Methodologies in the Technocracy. They are masters of a special form of thought-crafting. They study ideas, concepts and beliefs as living beings: autonomous creatures capable of evolution and mutation.

In the late 1950's, an amalgam of New World Order technomancers latched onto an experimental theory known as Cybernetics. This theory held that modeling computers on the patterns of living creatures was the best path to artificial intelligence. The originators of Cybernetics, Virtual Adepts mixed in with a few Progenitors, pushed their theory as an alternative to the mechanistic worldview of Iteration X. A formal presentation of the theory to the Technocracy Administrators was given in an October Symposium in 1959.

Pressure from Iteration X forced a temporary disavowal of Cybernetics. Though not formally banned, it was tinged with just enough stigma to make it a dubious line of research. Only two factions carried on with forwarding the goals of Cybernetics. One was the Virtual Adepts after they broke with the Technocratic Union in 1961. They currently foster interest in the new technique of Artificial Life, a revised version of Cybernetics.

The other was the amalgam from the New World Order. Sent as observers from the Convention, they were struck by the brilliance of the new theory. They began considering how certain of its tenets could be applied to the world of the mind. Computer programs and ideas are both information. Cannot, they reasoned, both be manipulated in similar ways? The amalgam approached the leaders of their Convention for permission to adapt Cybernetics for the purposes of the NWO. Tentative approval was given, though the activities of the researchers were carefully monitored.

A breakthrough was quickly made: memetics. The researchers found that ideas act in ways similar to biological processes. They can replicate, evolve and even "feed" through activities which support their existence. These were dubbed "memes", the mental equivalent of genes. Through extensive research, methods of manipulation and breeding customized memes were discovered. Very precise paradigm shifts became possible. Memetic engineering was born.

The New World Order was overjoyed. This new field of mind-magick promised limitless advantages in their struggle to define static reality. The relatively crude techniques of propoganda were obsolete, hammers to be replaced by the scalpel of memetics. Swaying the Masses would be child's play. On the strength of these hopes, the researchers were granted formal Methodology status as the Memetic Engineers.

At first, things went well. The Memetic Engineers, alongside their fellows in the Ivory Tower Methodology, expanded the NWO's power through meme-crafting. A particular specialty of theirs was the creation of counter-memes designed to attack the paradigms of enemies of the Technocracy. One notorious example was the Infernal Music meme, aimed at the Cult of Ecstasy. The notion that rock music is a source of the demonic has been a constant thorn in the side of the Ecstatics. More recent examples include the Ritual Satanic Abuse (devastating to the Verbena) and Net.Pedophile memes.

The Memetic Engineers remain valued members of the New World Order. Unfortunately, unforseen problems have cropped up. The senior meme-mages show signs of a dangerous relativism. Though supportive of the Technocracy's goals, many refuse to condemn the Council of Nine mysticks out of hand. They see the paradigms of the Traditions as a rich source of memes. Quaint, outmoded, but still useful. Some radicals whisper that they may even be worthy of preservation.

Another suspect practise is the liberal use of Dimensional Science. Memetic Engineers have a far higher tolerance for the Sphere of Spirit than the rest of the Union. This is encouraged by their peculiar theories on the relationship between Mind and Spirit. The NWO has to constantly crack down on the overuse of Dimensional Science. Other Conventions have been heard to call for a purge to prevent a repeat of the Virtual Adept and Son of Ether fiascos.

Then there are the incidents of Memetic Engineers going Wyld. Three of the original amalgam became Marauders. One of the reality deviants was terminated, but the other two escaped into the Deep Umbra. Worrying stories have filtered back from Void Engineer scouts about Realms composed of thought gone out of control...

Philosophy

Ideas are alive. Some are mere intellectual versions of DNA, content to be expressed as traits in the minds of humanity. Others are like simple bacteria. The most complex may form colonies, ecologies, whole realms of thought. All can be domesticated as our Progenitor comrades tamed the dog and ox so many millennia ago. Through memetic engineering, we will provide the Masses with a healthy mental landscape free of pollution.

Mind and Spirit are one. Umbra, alternate dimension — these terms are misleading. We Enlightened are capable of attuning ourselves to Meta-Reality, the world of thought which permeates the material universe. Understanding of Meta-Reality is crucial to memetics. Without it we are blind, cursed with working with second-hand versions of the mental world. The greatest weakness of the Union is its refusal to accept this fact.

A note on Meta-Reality: to a Memetic Engineer, the Umbral Worlds are actually a universal collective unconscious. The mind resides in both realities at the same time. The Gauntlet is a defense mechanism put out by living beings to prevent sensory chaos. A mage who "steps sideways" is simply tuning out one existence in favor of another. The reasons why such actions make mages disappear is contentious. Their best explanation is that the process causes the rest of the world to ignore the mage as a physical being. Mind magick is seen to work with the individual. Spirit operates in a wider sense.

Organization

The Memetic Engineers are organized in the usual manner of an academic Methodology. Technicians work in a variety of research labs and workshops, perfecting memetic science. Administrators head the departments, under a triumvirate known as "Meme Control". Field Operatives operate in scientific task forces, usually on expeditions into Meta-Reality. Others perform anthropological research of Sleeper and Magi alike. The atmosphere is collegial, almost chummy. The small size of the Metholdology (about 400 people) contributes to the sense of friendly competition.

Chantry

The Memetic Engineers maintain a small Horizon Realm known as MemeSpace. Mind and Spirit Effects are considered coincidental there, allowing them to perform advanced experiments in memetic theory. The interior of the Realm resembles a vast white space. Thoughts manifest as objects or entities.

A variety of mundane Constructs are located in the psychology departments of major universities. There are also Memetic Engineer sites on the Digital Web. Exploration Collectives are frequently established on long-lived Dream Realms.

Initiation

Memetic Engineers are usually drawn from Awakened members of the New World Order. Of course, there is a program in place to recruit talent from such fields as psychology. The Methodology has Associates schooled in memetic theory placed at key universities. Students who enroll in their classes are scanned for Awakened potential.

Sphere: Mind. Almost all train in Dimensional Science (Spirit) as well.

Common Foci

Hypnosis: Though considered primitive, Memetic Engineers often employ this technique as a focus for their Mind magick. It has the advantage of being almost completely coincidental.

Lucid Dreaming: Common focus for Spirit magic. Memetic Engineers go to sleep and "wake up" in their dreams. They become aware that they are in a dreaming state. Through this they can direct their dreams, interacting with Meta-Reality.

Other foci include psychological theory, computer models, etc.

Acolytes: pupils, psychiatrists, university faculty

Concepts: psychologist, sociologist, anthropologist

Stereotypes

Iteration X

Superb in their field, they are limited in their scope. What use is replacing the flesh if the mind it houses remains a mystery? Besides, their belief system is based on outmoded determinism. Too Fifties for our taste.

These theoreticians represent a serious threat, even if they are loyal. Their flagrant abuse of Dimensional Science negates the entire purpose of the Union. Strict supervision recommended.

New World Order

We are forever grateful to our parent Construct. Without them, we would be mired in the Dark Ages of mental science. Still, they concentrate overmuch on control instead of investigation. A little more open-mindedness would be welcome.

Among our most valuable assets. Unfortunately, their ideology remains troublesome. Re-education programs are in place to contain any damage.

Progenitors

These masters of DNA understand us most. Many aspects of memetics were inspired by their work. Together we will reshape both reality and Meta-Reality into a utopia.

A fascinating adaptation of our theories into another field. They are certainly easier to stomach than those Men in Black. One of the New World Order's better ideas.

Syndicate

Tragically limited in their fixation on money. They impoverish the memetic ecology of the Masses through their banal vision of popular culture. Nonetheless, they are to be admired for their mastery of various media. We've found their advertising techniques to be effective disseminators of our work.

Pushy bastards. They refuse to understand that the Masses cannot be given too much food for thought. It tends to cause indigestion.

Void Engineers

Completely wrong in their approach. They seek to define Meta-Reality in the physical, a futile endeavor. At least their scout reports allow us to focus our investigations.

And the other Constructs are nervous about us? What about those jokers? You won't get one of those hoity-toity renegades on my ship, thank you very much.

Akashic Brotherhood

There is much to be learned from their creed of self-awareness. However, the relentless introspection of their philosophy hamstrings their efforts against the Union.

They seek to disrupt the Way with a confusion of paths. One need only seek balance of Self to ignore their prattling.

Celestial Chorus

A fine subject of study! Examining their rigid belief-structure teaches one the powers of dogma and blind faith. We often adapt their memes for our own purposes.

Soulless infidels who profane the One with their subtle lies!

Cult of Ecstacy

Fairly mundane. Ascension through personal pleasure is a rather tired meme. There are more interesting variations. One cannot, however, dismiss their power. Even cliches have great allure.

Watch out for those Grayfaces, man.

Dreamspeakers

We sometimes meet such mages in our forays into Meta-Reality. Extensive interrogation has added a treasure-trove of information to our files on ancient memes. We find them quite useful when operating in less advanced cultures.

Avoid them if you can. They can turn your own mind against you. Yet, they may be a faint spark within the darkness of the Technocracy.

Euthanatos

Dangerous. Many of these experts on entropy have destroyed our most carefully groomed memes. Either use robust idea-structures against them, or let the operatives of the Union take direct action.

We are not impressed. All things may suffer the Good Death. Ideas included.

Order of Hermes

They had the first glimmering of our science in the Pythagorean and Platonic schools. They have not advanced since then. Their paradigm does bear analyzing for its lessons on occult memes in European culture.

These fools trifle with the Mysteries as if they were kitchen appliances. Strike them down!

Sons of Ether

Stupid, misguided traitors. They claim to be Scientists, but run away from any advancement that contradicts their antique theories.

Hah! The short-sighted idiots delve into Science without any sense of taste. All they see are tools, instead of the work that they produce.

Verbena

Another outmoded paradigm. They do make good boogeymen, though.

If one of those mind-warpers gets in athame range, I'll decorate the grove with his entrails.

Virtual Adepts

We sympathize somewhat with their objections to the Union. Our founders suffered many of the same persecutions. However, we have learned to work within the system instead of razing it to the ground.

Five bucks says these thought-hackers are going to be on the Council's side in a few years. Until then, keep on your toes. They ain't fighters, but they can do a lot of damage when they try.

Hollow Ones

The subject of our ongoing study of the post-modern memes in society. They also provide excellent experimental specimens.

Who?

Memetic Engineer Procedures

Meme Sample (Matter 2 or 4, Mind 3, Prime 2)

Designed to preserve thoughts in physical form. The Memetic Engineer initiates a brief mental link into a dreaming mind, then forms material objects based on the images found in the scan. Depending on the level of Matter employed, this can be anything from a crude figurine to a printed abstract. This procedure allows a memeticist to examine potential memes at leisure.

Meme Vector (Mind 2)

A basic form of memetic engineering. The caster chooses an object or place which has connections to a particular meme that is to be reinforced. A simple thought or emotion is imprinted through Mind. Though unsophisticated, this use of Resonance is a powerful tool in the Memetic Engineer arsenal. Doubly so when the "carrier" object used is crafted via Meme Sample.

Meme Hack (Entropy 1, Mind 4)

An advanced level of memetics. Users of this procedure analyze a situation to see whether it is conducive to the spread of a desired meme. Mind then writes the meme as an impulse in a key person who can best spread the meme. A common application is injecting a meme into a political rally. The Memetic Engineer senses which speaker or delegate has the best chance of communicating ideas to the rest of the assembly, then "primes the pump" with a telepathic suggestion.

Memecraft (Mind 5, Spirit 5)

One of the sources of the Memetic Engineers' power. This procedure enables a mage to weave ephemera in ways that turn abstract memes into spirit objects. Mind implants a psyche that is the meme incarnate. Such artificial spirits are released into the Dream Realms, programmed to wander the sleeping minds of the Masses. Spreading itself like a bacteria, these "memetic agents" spread the ideas manifested in their forms to thousands of Sleepers. A variant on this procedure breeds spirits which attack the spontaneous memes of Dream Realms.