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Applied Dynamic Systems

An electronics and software company established in 1954 by Hollister Broddick. ADS world headquarters is currently located in Highland City, NY.

(an·am·ne·sis) (Greek) [from ana back again + mimnesco remember] A recalling to mind; reminiscence; recollection; in Plato, the recollection of ideas known in a previous stage of existence; The transliteration of a Greek word for "remembering."

Used by Plato in his theory of knowledge. Plato argued that we learn by remembering what we learned before coming to this world. He taught that the human elements of consciousness sprang from seeds of inherent knowledge in the soul, present in the mind as the result of past experiences of the egoic center or reincarnating ego. Thus the acquisition of knowledge is a process of reminiscence or recollection of former experiences.

A form of writing commonly used in the magical arts. Angelic script was originally used by the Elohim as a common language between the many surviving tribes. (example)

After the second exodus, one of the larger groups of Elohim migrated all the way across the Atlantic Ocean where they built a city in the image of their lost world. This city was built near the island of Bimini, off the coast of Florida, and would later be known as Atlantis.

Atlantis grew to be one of the greatest cities ever built on Earth. Believing that enough time had passed since their last encounter with humans, the Atlanteans sought to once again befriend the tribes of man. Ships set sail for distant harbors and trade began, though they were surprised at how little mankind had changed in the thousand or so years since they had left them. They still found us violent, mistrusting, and greedy, but they had hopes that we would one day evolve past that. All seemed to be going well, but once again, it was a short lived peace.

The Atlanteans had grown curious about the fate of the universe from which they had escaped. Those who had made the crossing had no way of knowing what had transpired once they had passed through the rift. They wondered if it was safe to return to their true home and leave behind this world full of violent humans. So they began to experiment with rifts once again, though much of their old knowledge had been lost.

Word of what the Atlanteans were attempting spread quickly amongst the other tribes of the Elohim scattered around the world. Some set off to Atlantis to aid them in their efforts, others warned against opening doors into the unknown. The Atlanteans could not be dissuaded though, and preceded with their work.

Hidden, even from the Elohim themselves, was the knowledge that they had not crossed over to our universe alone. Mixed in with their numbers were agents of the dark God that they had fled from. These creatures had blended in with the Elohim, biding their time and waiting for their master. Many of them had made their way to Atlantis hoping to bring their God into our world.

They worked in secret, helping the Atlanteans build the devices needed to open rifts. They planned to sack the city the moment the rift appeared, but they were discovered. Their plan to bring their God through the rift was thwarted, but not before they started a catastrophic chain reaction which pulled the entire city through the rift and into the Void where it, and all of the gathered knowledge of the Elohim, was lost forever.

The only evidence left behind to prove that Atlantis ever existed was discovered in 1969 by a pilot flying over the waters off the coast of Bimini island. His discovery was predicted by psychic Edgar Cayce nearly twenty years earlier. The remains of the Atlantean's causeway is known as the Bimini Road.

aka Dark Eye, Soul Stealer, Black Cross, The Mark

A black stone cross created by dark magical arts and used as a means of identification for those who have submitted to the will of the Dark God. The surface is polished smooth and is flawless. Each arm of the cross stretches outward at equal lengths of half an inch from its center. The ends of each arm are flared. A hair thin silver ring passes through all four arms bisecting them at an equal distance from the center. The juncture of the four arms unite at a small disk, the center of which has a hole bored through from one side to the other. Five silver clips line the inner perimeter of the hole. Held in place by the five clips are various gem stones. The type of gem stone depends on the level of rank or power the owner of the cross has achieved.

An aurora is an optical phenomenon characterized by colorful displays of arcs, bands, drapes, or curtains of light in the night sky caused by interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the Sun (The Solar Wind). The most powerful aurora tend to occur after coronal mass ejections. In the Northern Hemisphere it is called the "aurora borealis" (northern lights); in the Southern Hemisphere, the "aurora australis" (southern lights). (image)

See Uluru

The Bimini Road is a formation near North Bimini island in the Bahamas. Discovered in 1968, it is generally assumed to be of natural origins. Some have claimed that the formation is an ancient road, or perhaps a collapsed wall of the civilization of Atlantis. Supporters of the Atlantis theory claim that the stone formation is far too unusual to be naturally formed. Supporters also quote the famous American psychic Edgar Cayce who predicted the discovery of the Bimini Road in 1968. Said Cayce: "A portion of the temples may yet be discovered under the slime of ages and sea water near Bimini... Expect it in '68 or '69 - not so far away." (image)

After years of studying bioluminescence in animals and plants, Project Phoenix scientists have created a substance called Bio-lumin.

Bio-lumin consists of genetically engineered microorganisms which create light through the process of bioluminescence. These living organisms are suspended within a nutrient rich solution contained within transparent plastic tubes. The organisms self replicate so there is never a need to replace the tubes (no filament, no gas, no moving parts), but the nutrient solution does need to be periodically replaced.

While in a relaxed state, the organisms go into a kind of hibernation, and do not produce light. However, if agitated by vibrations sent through the nutrient solution, they awaken and produce light. Variances in the wave length of the vibrations would cause different levels of excitation, and thus, produce a wide spectrum of visible light. Rapid variations in the vibration produce a white light similar to that of natural sunlight.

The only outside energy needed to produce the light lies with the vibration requirement. In this case the vibrations are created by a low frequency (below human hearing) tone that travels from one end of the connected tubes, through the nutrient solution, to a terminating point. The process requires a fraction of the energy needed to power standard incandescent lighting. The energy expended in powering a single sixty watt light bulb for one month can be use to illuminate an entire Bio-lumin fitted building for one year.

Constructed in 1940 by Project Phoenix as one of many secret scientific research sites located throughout the United States. The "Center" is located in Highland City beneath the hydroelectric dam which was built at the same time. The dam provides power as well as a cover for personnel who work within Center. It is a large structure with sprawling corridors and rooms which extend under the surrounding hills and out under the lake formed by the dam.

Created by Project Phoenix scientists, this new substance has the strength and resilience of normal steel, but its molecular composition has been altered to make it transparent. Originally developed for use in combat vehicles to allow soldiers an unimpeded view of their surroundings but the protection of full armor, the expense of creating Clear Steel has made wide use of it impossible. Despite the enormous expense of production, Clear Steel has been but into limited use, mainly in the form of protective barriers.

A length of clear quartz crystal upon which a magical suite has been placed. A conversation eater does as it's name implies, it absorbs spoken words and contains them so that those who are not included in the spell's activation will not be able to hear them (this includes listening devices, recording devices, and spells designed for eavesdropping).

The suite is activated by passing the crystal from your left hand to your right, from your right hand to the next participants left and so on until all participants have handled the crystal. It is then returned to the original handler (taken by left hand) to complete the circle. A simple "key word" is then spoken (usually chosen in advance by the person who created the suite) to activate the crystal.

As the conversation progresses, the clear crystal will begin to take on a smoky appearance until it turns completely black. At this point the crystal is full and can no longer absorb the conversation. The length of a conversation that can be absorbed is directly proportional to the size of the crystal. Full crystals can be used to play back a conversation, allowing even those who were not present during it's activation to listen, so it is best to destroy the crystal once it's finished it's job.

See Universal Oscillation

( Parabiological )( PP )

( Parabiological )( PE )

Code name of the underground scientific research building located in Highland City, NY used by Project Phoenix. Constructed in 1965, The Facility is located directly below downtown Highland City, deep beneath the city's underground transit and sewage systems. The main entrance into the structure is located at the ADS world headquarters building, however, several other entrance locations are scattered around the city which are used to move people and supplies into and out of the building in secret.

The interior is laid out like a stacked pie (ten floors), with each slice representing a major field of scientific study; Physics, Biology, Genetics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Neurology, Psychology, Parapsychology, Astrology, Psionics, Telekinesis, Telepathy, Ancient Rites, Cult Behavior and Practices, Transcendentalism, Aura Reading, to name a few. The outermost ring of the Facility is made up of living quarters.

The central pillar is known as the "hub" and houses four elevator shafts (two for moving between floors, one for entering/exiting via the ADS building, and one strictly for supplies/equipment). The first floor of the "hub" is a security processing area for verifying personnel. The second is for processing supplies/equipment. The third is a storage area. The fourth through eighth house offices, lecture halls, meeting spaces, cafeterias, and recreation zones. The ninth is the communications and security station. The tenth and deepest floor is dedicated to power generation, water purification/sanitation, and air filtration.

A system of isolated floor specific elevators allow personnel to move about the structure depending on their level of security clearance, the lowest floors requiring higher levels. Manned security stations are located throughout as well as other restrictive measures.

An elevator located on the tenth level leads out of the Facility to an even deeper security station. From this station a long passageway links the Facility to the main structure of the PBRC.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency

An agency of the United States government dedicated to swift response in the event of disasters, both natural and man made. This independent agency of the federal government was founded in 1979 to protect the people, property, and infrastructure of the United States from all types of hazards through a comprehensive management program of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It consists of a national office in Washington, DC and ten regional offices. It is now a division of the Department of Homeland Security. (logo)

( Parabiological )( PZ )

Insect-like in appearance, Hespers are a life-form brought from the parallel universe by the refugees. They are about the size of a large dog. They have jet black chitinous shells, eyes that emit a red bio-luminescent glow, and twenty pairs of legs (though the first set is stunted in growth and is mainly used to grasp food with pincer-like claws.)

Hespers were originally brought through the rift in small numbers as a possible sustainable food source for the refugees. During the second exodus, many Hespers were accidentally lost or left behind. Since that time they have gone feral, spread around the world, and have steadily been increasing in numbers.

Individually, Hespers are not very intelligent (roughly as smart as a cow). However, when in groups they seem to think as a collective and demonstrate much higher levels of cognitive thinking. Surprisingly, intelligence gained during contact with other members of the species, is lost when separated from the hive.

Individual Hespers pose little to no threat to humans. They will flee from loud noises and bright lights, and seem to prefer dark secluded areas to live. If cornered, a solitary Hespers will feign death rather than attack. However, in groups as small as three, their behavior changes drastically. Hesper clusters are violently territorial, and will defend their hives against anyone or anything that gets too close.

They are immune to radiation, chemical agents, biological and viral weapons. They are impervious to projectile weapons and fire and since the raising of "The Veil" they are invisible to the naked eye unless bombarded by charged particles. Energy based weaponry or offensive spell casting are the best options when confronting a Hesper. In an emergency, a sharp blade can be used to penetrate the much thinner shell of their underbellies, though this tactic is extremely dangerous.

Highland City is roughly the size of Philadelphia, PA and located within a valley in upstate New York. Like most medium sized cities it has many suburban neighborhoods, row-homes, housing projects, tall office buildings, and gated homes nestled in the surrounding hills. Several smaller towns are also nearby, close enough to commute into Highland for work, but far enough to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life.

Formed in the immediate aftermath of the September 11th, 2001 attacks, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a Cabinet department of the United States federal government with the responsibility of protecting the territory of the U.S. from terrorist attacks and responding to natural disasters. Whereas the Department of Defense is charged with military actions abroad, the Department of Homeland Security works in the civilian sphere to protect the United States within, at, and outside its borders. Its stated goal is to prepare for, prevent, and respond to domestic emergencies, particularly terrorism. (logo)

Mobile Command Center

Magnetic Drive System

Memory Erasure Recovery Implantation

The MERI project was originally conceived as an efficient way to give combat soldiers real life experience without the need to put them in harms way. As the project moved into the testing phase it became clear that it could be used for other applications as well, including but not limited to: The erasure of a memory, the replacement of a memory, or an insertion of a memory.

Development of MERI began in 1960 but progress was slowed due to limitations in technology. Several successful tests were conducted throughout the mid to late sixties, but the device also had an equal number of failures. Work on the MERI device was abandoned in 1971 when fatal flaws were discovered within the programming that could not be corrected.

In 1979 a young Dr. Allen Reed found the abandoned research behind the MERI project and began to tinker with it in his spare time. Two years later the brilliant doctor presented his redesigned version of the MERI device to the Council. Using updated technologies and complex knowledge of the human mind, Dr. Reed had succeeded where so many others had failed. The MERI device is still in use to this day, and Dr. Reed continues to impress the Council with regular updates and improvements to the project.

Today the MERI device is housed in its own lab attached to Dr. Reed's Neurology department within the Facility. From the outside its appearance is much like an MRI; a big imposing box with a tubular opening in its center, through which a table-like gurney can be slid, positioning the patient's head dead center within the tube. Like an MRI device, most of the MERI is constructed out of non-metallic substances due to the powerful magnets used during scanning, but that's where the similarities end.

MRIs are non-invasive scanners, designed to look but not touch. The MERI, on the other hand, is designed to delve into a persons mind, translate electrical and biochemical activity into information, and then reproduce thoughts, dreams, and memories in a viewable format. Most commonly that format is a high-definition three dimensional holographic, but in the past it had been video. The process also works in reverse, allowing created materials to be implanted into the subjects mind as if they were their own experience.

Originally the Midnight Riders were an American bomber escort
group based in Europe during World War II. During their tour the
Midnight Riders never lost a bomber under their protection. When
the war ended, the pilots returned home to find civilian life just wasn't
exciting enough. Some of the pilots had grown fond of tooling
around the airbases in Europe on motorcycles and brought that love
back with them to the states. The Midnight Riders Motorcycle Club
was established in 1946, with membership restricted to fellow aviator
veterans.

While attending the Gypsy Tour motorcycle rally in Hollister,
California in 1947, several members of the Midnight Riders were
arrested for brawling with members of a rival club, the Boozefighters.
Not long after the events in Hollister the club was branded as being
part of the "one percenter" or "outlaw biker" element, a distinction
they bore proudly.

During the 1950's the club dropped the membership restrictions and
grew in number and infamy. Several chapters of the Midnight Riders
began to spring up through the United States much to the disdain of
the FBI who believed they had connections with organized crime but
could not prove their claims. In 1959 the club's founding member
and president, Derrick "thrill kill" Thomas, was found murdered
execution style in a truck stop bathroom outside of Daytona, Florida.
Though no one claimed responsibility for his death, the surviving
members of the Midnight Riders took it upon themselves to declare
war not just on all other rival clubs, but on the FBI and the mafia as
well.

The early sixties began the rapid downfall of the Midnight Riders.
War against so many enemies at once took its toll. Chapters from
coast to coast closed as there were just not enough survivors from
the constant attacks to keep them going. By 1966 the FBI estimated
that there were no more than thirty Midnight Riders still on the road.
With the club in ruins and too few members left to continue the war,
club president Tony "big guns" Bowmen sought out other means to
lay his enemies low. It is believed that it was during this time that the
Midnight Riders began their association with Satanism and other
occult practices.

1969 marks the last known whereabouts of the Midnight Riders,
though unconfirmed sightings have been reported across the
continental United States since then.

Members of the Midnight Riders can be identified by their club's
"colors", three patches worn on the back of their vests. The central
patch bears the club's insignia, a black raven in flight against a
midnight blue sky adorned with white stars. The top rocker patch
bears the club's name, the bottom rocker patch indicates the charter
to which the member belongs. Two other patches adorn a Midnight
Rider's vest but are not included as part of the club's colors. An
"MC" patch is placed to the left of the insignia patch, and a "1%"
patch to the insignia's right. Club members never use last names
when speaking to or of each other, and most use nicknames (road
names) rather than their real ones.

Project Phoenix addendum-
Surviving members of the Midnight Riders were lured with promises
of power into an agreement with the Silver Circle. They took part in a
transference ceremony on May 21st, 1969. It is unclear whether or
not those who participated were made aware of the details of such a
dangerous transference. An unnatural rift was opened near
Alamogordo New Mexico and several Demon class Parabiologicals
were freed from the Void. Members of the Midnight Riders were
then taken as host bodies by the Demons. Project tracking has seen
their numbers swell to about three hundred in the intervening years.
All members are believed to be Demons themselves, as becoming
a new member involves taking part in a secretive ceremony under
the direction of known members of the Silver Circle.

The Demon class Parabiologicals have been identified as
Mallenchior, elite warriors who served under the Dark God in the
Otherverse before being imprisoned in the Void. Great care should
be taken when confronting members of the Midnight Riders due to
this fact.

As one universe approaches its apex of expansion, tears appear in the fabric of reality. These openings, called rifts, can allow objects from one universe to pass into the other. Natural rifts are stable and bypass the Void completely.

After the first exodus, the Elohim found themselves living amongst mankind. Over time, some of the Elohim found themselves attracted to humans, and vice versa. The mixing of blood created new races, and new tensions. The children produced from these unions were neither human nor Elohim, but possessed qualities of both. They were given the name Nephilim, the 'Fallen Ones', because their creation led to the end of peaceful cohabitation between the Elohim and the Sumerians

Each child born possessed powers that were beneficial to all those around them. Arid lands grew crops in their presence, water spilled from stone, the sick were miraculously healed. The Nephilim grew to be a prized possession for the Sumerians Each city sought to have their own child born from the son's of God. Fighting erupted between the cities as Nephilim children were kidnapped or murdered in power struggles.

The Elohim begged the Sumerians to cease the fighting, but in the end, their pleas went unheard. Eventually the Elohim became targets themselves. The Sumerians blamed them for their wars and turned against their one time friends. With their numbers already depleted after the First Exodus, the Elohim left Sumerian lands rather than risk annihilation. This retreat became known as the Second Exodus.

The Nephilim who survived the fighting grew up to take positions of power in Sumeria. However, a powerful madness came over them as they matured into adults. The Sumerians who once coveted their magical powers grew to despise their demanding ways and excessive behavior. One by one the remaining Nephilim were murdered, ending their tyranny.

Name given by the Sumerians to describe the emergency of the refugees (the Elohim) from the rift that opened in their lands. The word Nibiru means "Planet Crossing" in Sumerian

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

An agency in the Department of Commerce that maps the oceans and conserves their living resources; predicts changes to the earth's environment; provides weather reports and forecasts floods and hurricanes and other natural disasters related to weather. NOAA operates a network of weather satellites, the National Weather Service, the National Hurricane Center, and cooperates with the National Ice Center. (logo)

The National Transportation Safety Board

A U.S. government independent organization, based in Washington, D.C., responsible for investigation of accidents involving aviation, highway, marine, pipelines and railroads in the United States. It is charged by the U.S. Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the United States, as well as significant accidents in other modes of transportation. The organization is also in charge of investigating cases of hazardous waste releases that occur from modes of transportation. (logo)

Parabiological Research Center

aka The Zoo

After capturing the first Parabiological specimen in 1938, construction began on the PBRC in 1939 to house it and future specimens for study and research purposes. Located beneath Highland City, NY, the PBRC is always in a state of reconstruction as new technologies and methods are developed and implemented.

The underground structure is cylindrically in design, with 100 tiers ringing the inner wall. Each tier is lined with 50 docking bays into which individual containment cells can be inserted. Each individual cell can be tailored to fit the specific needs of it's occupant.

The center of the domed ceiling opens via an aperture to allow new cells (with their occupant) to be lowered by crane into the main structure. Once lowered to the correct tier, possession of the cell is taken over by an automated system of robotic arms. Cells are plugged into predetermined docking bays where they can be monitored and maintained by technicians located in the "pit" area.

The "pit" is located in the center of the floor level, directly below the aperture. Within this sunken area technicians and scientists closely monitor all aspects of the PBRC. Should an accident such as a cell breaking free of the crane or an unscheduled release of a specimen occur, a shell of energy and wards can be activated to protect those within the "pit". Prior to the construction of the passageway connecting the PBRC to the Facility in 1970, all personnel were lowered into the structure in the same manner as it's occupants.

The first line of the Project Phoenix charter states 'The pursuit of knowledge without restriction or persecution, for the betterment and protection of the United States of America and, ultimately, the world.' (logo)

aka Portal, Gate, Summoning Circle, Gap, Door, Spatial Tear, Bridge

A passageway from one universe into another. Rifts come in two varieties, natural and unnatural. Unnatural rifts also come in two varieties, complete and incomplete. All rifts connect to our parallel universe, with one exception. Incomplete rifts connect to an area known as the Void.

Derived from an early Anglo-Saxon word "runa" meaning "secret" or "mystery." Originally a pictorial alphabet in Northern Italy, circa 500 BCE. Its use later spread across Europe. There are a number of different sets of runes, each derived from a specific alphabet, such as the Elder Futhrk, Saxon Futhork and Norse Younger Futhark.

The word "rune" also refers to a small piece of material marked with a rune symbol. Each rune has its own magical significance. They are commonly used for divination of the future, performing magic, or evoking deities. (example)

A music group whose style evolves to reflect the state of the world
around them though they scoff at being described simply as a
political or activist band. They've released a new album every year
since being signed by Reflection Records in 1996. The current
band line up is as follows:

Jason Everitz - Lead Singer/Lyricist/Composer
David Boris - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Gary Gordon - Rhythm Guitar/Vocals/Piano
Michael Benner - Bass Guitar
Cliff Henderson - Drums

(the following is an excerpt from the band's web page)

Terminal Distrust was founded in 1992 by lead singer Jason
Everitz while he attended classes at NYU. Fellow classmate and best
friend, David Boris, signed on as lead guitar/background vocalist.
The final member to join was Michael Benner, who reluctantly left his
studies at NYU to become the band's bassist. A mutual acquaintance
from the New York underground music scene, Gary Gordon, signed
on as bassist, but later took up duties on rhythm guitar when original
rhythm guitarist, John Cole, quit in 1995 after an altercation while
onstage. Cliff Henderson left his band Jigsaw Fracture in 1996 to
join Terminal Distrust, replacing original drummer Casey Marx who
died of an overdose.

For much of the early nineties (before being signed by Reflection
Records) the band's musical genre was heavy metal with a leaning
towards speed metal, though some music aficionados may consider
their true roots closer to that of the death metal produced today.
Like most fledgling bands, Terminal Distrust got its start playing gigs
at bars, mostly in New York City. Success wasn't immediate, and
after several on stage arguments, the band nearly broke up for good.
The arguments reached a boiling point in 1995 when drummer
Casey Marx leapt over his drum kit to attack guitarist John Cole,
whom Casey suspected was sleeping with his girlfriend. After the
onstage attack John quit for good. Six months later, Casey Marx was
found dead of a heroin overdose in a backstage bathroom.

The surviving members debated whether it was worth sticking
together, as they had yet to make a mark for themselves in the New
York music scene. In the spring of 1996 they began auditions for
new band members. It was during these auditions that lead singer
Jason Everitz developed the concept of an ever changing and
evolving band, the Terminal Distrust that we all know and love today.
On May 21, 1996 the new Terminal Distrust took the stage at the infamous
Hegvin's Hideaway on Bleecker Street. Bernard Shuster, a music producer for
Reflection Records, was in attendance that night and was completely
blown away by their performance. The rest, as they say, is music history.

"Sometimes I..."
Lyrics by Jason Everitz 1995

Loneliness and misery
Are the only friends
Who follow me
When I think of what
We could've been
I should by now
I can never win

(chorus 1)
Cause I gave her my everything
And she took my soul
Left with nothing
Just this fucking hole

Walkin' on the edge
Peering down
Nothing's left...
Except the ground

(chorus 2)
Damned if I do an' damned if I don't
Why do I care, 'cause she don't
Damned if I do an' damned if I don't
Why should I care, if she won't

(solo)

(chorus 1)

(chorus 2)

Should I jump? (repeat 4x)

Studio Discography 1995-Present:

"Addiction" (1995) {re-recording of original demo with same title}
"United We Stand" (1996)
"Birth of the Destroyer" (1997)
"Morningstar" (1998)
"Mabus" (1999)
"The Path Is Unclear" (2000)
"Divided We Fall" (2001)
"Wag the Dog" (2002)
"Sheep" (2003)
"Breeching the Void" (2004)
"The Darkness Grows" (2005)
"Warning Signs" (2006)
"End of the Long Count" (2007)

(rare scan of original "Addiction" demo album cover)

aka Cosmic Wobble

Term used to describe the push and pull interaction between the two universes. The two universes (A and B) are joined at their centers by a super-massive black hole ( =(0)= ). fig. 1

As side "A" contracts, the force of gravity it exerts on side "B" increases, eventually slowing side "B"'s expansion. fig. 2 Once side "A" has reached a singularity state (*), its immense gravitational force halts side "B"'s expansion and begins to pull it back in on itself. fig. 3

Ethereal particles from side "B" are pulled through the black hole and into "A". fig. 4 This new influx of energy triggers a "Big Bang" (**) event for universe "A", which begins to expand as "B" continues to contract fig. 5, eventually becoming a singularity and repeating the process over and over. fig. 6

A rift that has been created either through technological or magical means. Unnatural rifts are highly unstable as they are physical tears in the fabric of reality between two universes. There are two types of Unnatural Rift; complete and incomplete.

Complete rifts are the more stable of the two. They are somewhat safe passageways from one universe to another. Incomplete rifts, however, do not. These open into the Void, a place that is neither the home universe nor the destination universe.

aka Limbo, Null Space, Anti-Verse

The theoretical space that is not a Universe. It's literally nothing. No time, no space, no Ether, nothing at all. A complete absence of everything.

(example)

aka Devil Dog

( Parabiological )( PZ)

A parabiological entity created using the Dark Arts. Zyrogoth are one of the most feared creatures in the Dark Lords arsenal. As large as a black bear, the four legged beasts are known for their unpredictably violent nature. Their intelligence varies depending upon the magic user whom created them. The creator also has varying degrees of control over the beasts dependent upon their skill with ethereal manipulations.

Zyrogoth have hairless reptilian skins, usually mottled black and brown but other varieties have been noted including red/black, violet/indigo, and yellow/black. These colorings may or may not be related to a possible hierarchal structure among the species (little research has been conducted regarding pack behavior). The pores of their skin continually excrete a viscous fluid that gives them the appearance of being slick and shiny. This coating allows the beasts to squeeze through tight spaces, and is a known contact irritant to humans as well as several other mammalian species. Irritations range from a mild burning sensation to serious inflammations of the skin and eyes (the latter sometimes leading to permanent blindness).

The Zyrogoth's three toed paws are armed with razor sharp claws. These claws have been known to be strong enough to pierce steel plating up to three inches thick and should be avoided at all costs. Along the animal's spine (every third vertebra) hard plates project through the skin (much like that of a stegosaurus, though much smaller in comparison). These plates jut outward and closely resemble the teeth of a modern diamond tipped chainsaw blade. These spines extend from the base of the animal's neck down to the end of its tapered tail. Their tails are mainly used for balance, but can be used as an effective weapon. Zyrogoth have heads adorned with two sharpened horns. These horns extend from the beasts skull toward its rear before curving forward and offer a degree of protection to its rather large eyes. The average length of a Zyrogoth horn is about four feet.

The creature's jaw structure resembles that of a crocodile's, though it's rows of renewable teeth resemble those found in Great White Sharks. Bites received from a Zyrogoth are almost always lethal due to the pressure it can exert upon its victim. Those lucky enough to survive a Zyrogoth bite are still under risk of being poisoned by its saliva. Zyrogoth's venomous saliva doesn't kill, it enters the bloodstream and attacks the natural ether contained within the mitochondria which reside in all living cells. The venom corrupts the ether, changing it until the host becomes nothing more than a puppet for the Dark Lord.

A Zyrogoth's lidless eyes are located on either side of its skull. They bulge outward and have a full range of motion allowing the animal to see nearly 360 degrees without moving its head. Its eyes can also move independently of each other, giving it the ability to track multiple targets at once. A byproduct of the method in which they've been created has given them eyes that glow with a fiery red light. This anomaly apparently doesn't affect the animals vision, though it does affect its ability to hide effectively.

Zyrogoth are excellent hunters, able to find and track prey miles away with a highly developed olfactory system. The are surprisingly fast (upwards of 40 mph) and agile. Zyrogoth have been known to pounce on their prey, leaping distances of thirty feet and heights of twenty feet.