Syndicate Paradigm
By Anders SandbergThe Paradigm
The Market: The Market encompasses everything, even things others regard as outside economics. The laws of nature are built upon the transactions between different forces and the flows of capital (energy) between processes. Everything that exists does so because it is economical in some sense and anything which is not efficient enough will sooner or later be out-competed from reality. In this way the Market stabilizes itself and moves towards perfection. It is our duty to guide the economic forces to avoid sudden changes or undesirable developments, eventually to move the economy towards optimal conditions.
Magick
Business: By understanding the rules of the Market and with a keen feeling of its behavior, it is possible for us to use it for our own (and others) profit or to subtly manipulate it to become more optimal. The rules are fairly loose but they can be very unforgiving if you mess things up. In general the Market works best when nobody interferes at all but sometimes changes may be necessary.
Spheres
Correspondence — Transport & Communications
The Market ties everything together and wherever there is a profit to be made people will get there regardless of where it is. The stronger the economy, the closer things are brought together.
Entropy — Fluctuations
It is an unfortunate fact that the Market currently isn't totally stable and often fluctuates in unpredictable manners. At the same time it's a great way to make profit. By understanding the subtle patterns underlying market-fluctuations, a shrewd businessman can exploit them to his purposes.
Forces — Power
Energy is required to produce goods, to transport them and to use them. This makes it a most valuable resource, which can be sold at high prices to those loyal to you and withheld from your enemies.
Life — Health
The Market naturally influences the health of all living beings. They can become stressed or calmed in response to its movements, it can nourish them or starve them and its effects can both kill and give life. Just like everything else living organisms are miniature markets, where different organs supply and consume various chemicals, sometimes in competition, sometimes co-operatively. By applying your knowledge of the laws of the Market, this internal market can easily be altered.
Matter — Goods
Goods are produced and sold and this drives much of the Market. If there is a market for a commodity, then it will surely come into existence. Almost anything can appear if the Market demands it. On the other hand, if the demands change the goods have to change too, or be out-competed.
Mind — Manipulation
It is of vital importance for the businessman to learn how to read the behaviour of others and how to manipulate them if it is needed. The first step is of course to learn how to control yourself, never revealing your inner thoughts and weaknesses. Later you may learn how to manipulate others through body language, speech, subliminals and advertising.
Prime — Economy
Economy is the study of the Market and the application of this knowledge. By understanding the Market we can understand practically all of existence, and by controlling it we can control everything. Although the movements of money are the most visible form of the Market, there are many other aspects which we seek to include in the economic system.
Spirit — The Ghost in the Machine
Although most are loath to admit it, even stockbrokers are a bit superstitious. The movements of the Market sometimes exhibit surprisingly complex and flexible behaviors, almost like living beings. These patterns can be controlled, analyzed or eliminated by applying correct business procedures against them.
Time — Speed and Statistics
Time is literally money. All truly successful businessmen have been quick to act and good at foreseeing future events. To achieve this we use statistics to find the patterns in past events and extrapolate future trends. We also study means to work faster and more efficient and to speed up (or slow down) the changes on the Market.
Arete
Business Sense: To fully be able to understand the Market, one has to have an intuitive business acumen. Successful businessmen all seem to know almost directly what the Market will do in a certain situation and can manipulate it at will. The most successful are so close to it that they always act in the best way possible, and skillfully avoid any imperfections.
Avatar
The Invisible Hand: Just like the Market balances and guides itself towards optimal conditions, all people also moves towards perfection. This phenomenon, usually called the Invisible Hand, can be more or less effective depending on various factors like market interference, intuition and person.
Quintessence
Capital: Everything that exists must have capital to exist and most processes require a steady inflow to survive. It is naturally vitally important for us to keep track of these flows to keep the market stable and through them we can control everything else if needed. Surplus capital should naturally be invested in profitable ventures.
Paradox
Market Imperfections: When someone interferes with the workings of the Market, this can result in Market Imperfections, where the normal rules break down. Such instabilities breed insecurity and confusion and are usually destructive.
Mage-Specific Backgrounds
Arcane — Untraceability
Information is power and the less information anyone has about you and your investments, the less power they have over you or your transactions.
Destiny — Trainee Promise
There are some trainees who rise meteorically towards the top, overcoming all hindrances and challenges. Others just plod along with no hope for advancement.
Dream — Information
To be able to work efficiently, many people in the business have assistants, staff or information networks providing them with relevant information and advice. In fact, many are so well-informed that they seem to know virtually anything.
Node — Income
There are many sources of Capital but some income sources seems to produce much more than others. These should of course be carefully managed and it is best to make sure the source grows by investing in it.
