Post by Kirikami on Sept 1, 2011 14:22:53 GMT -5
To be completed
This Glossary is placed here for two reasons. The first is to have a central hub where all game based information can be found. I also aim to use it as a starting point for my idea, before putting them together.
Some of these terms have been recycled from "Star Ocean III: Until the End of Time" FAQ1 and FAQ2 were used as references. I use these terms because they do a good job of summing up certain sets of technology and other relevant terms for a Space Fantasy type of setting. They are not my terms, and I'm only using them for fun and flavor.
A
Absolute Visual Magnitude
Unlike the usual visual magnitude system, which compares the apparent brightness of stars as viewed from a specific planet, this unit was created to compare the actual brightness of stars. This unit gives the brightness of a star when viewed from a specific distance of ten parsecs (32.6 light years).
Alterable Space
When matter exists in three-dimensional space, space warps in direct proportion to the amount of energy in that matter, and that matter begins moving in a direction described by a curved, or geodesic line. This phenomenon appears to observers as gravity, and acts as if a force were being exerted in the surrounding area. "Alterable space" (or "altspace" for short) is a term referring to this type of three-dimensional universe. People tend to think that the mass in matter warps space and creates gravity, but in reality, it is the energy in the matter that actually warps space, thereby giving the appearance of what we refer to as "mass". The theory of alterable space was a historical scientific breakthrough, and led to a major revolution that resulted in the recent gravity-based technologies such as Gravitic warp, all of which depend upon total control over altspace.
Antimatter Torpedo
This weapon consists of a gigantic railgun that shoots a torpedo filled with both matter and antimatter deuterium through subspace (The Rift). The torpedo returns to ordinary space a set period of time after launch, and creates an explosive force directed against its target when the antimatter and matter come together. With the proper retooling, an Antimatter Torpedo can hit Ethereal or incorporeal targets existing in The Rift, though it's usually too dangerous to do so, as a Spacial Paradox may occur.
Astronomical Unit (AU)
A distance unit defined on Earth during the earlier part of the Age of Scientific Enlightenment as the average distance from Terra to its star, Sol. When converted to metric measurements, this works out to around 149.6 million kilometers. Since many of the life forms encountered in the galaxy have lived on planets at approximately the same distance from their own stars, this unit still enjoys widespread use, even in the Common Era.
Atmospheric Composition
A description of what kinds of molecules are present in a planet's
atmosphere, as well as their ratios. Planets with an atmospheric composition that supports humanoid life, in particular those with an oxygen density that is neither too high nor too low, are referred to as T-class planets. (T for "Terra")
B
Battle Simulator
A battle simulation system with the latest holographic technology,
allowing the user to enjoy a wide variety of different fights with
simulated opponents in virtual space. The system provides deep sensory feedback, not only of the traditional visual and auditory type, but olfactory and tactile as well, resulting in a fighting experience that is essentially indistinguishable from the real thing.
Battle-Class Ship
The latest model of battle spaceship, used as the backbone of the
Pangalactic Federation military. Since battleships are built out of carbonic neotide, which has extremely high light beam absorption characteristics, they boast stealth characteristics that are dramatically superior to those of other ship classes. Battleships are extremely versatile, sporting various weapons and devices. Also, battleships are designed with the capability to simultaneously fire out of multiple gun ports, for overwhelming firepower that goes beyond what one would ordinarily believe possible. Battleships are also fully equipped from a defense standpoint, with full force fields which shield it's hull. These high-quality shields are manufactured by the Zeov Corporation, which has the best reputation of any manufacturer in the Pangalactic Federation, and throughout the known galaxies.
C
Carbonic Neotide
This is a material made from an artificial process of metallurgy combined with synthetic polycarbon based engineering. What results is a material that is easily pliable, yet stronger than steel. This material can absorb light beams to a degree, granting the object or ship more protection against energy based weaponry than normal ships. Because of it's synthetic nature, it is not only considered superior to steel in the making of ships, but is readily available through energy based replication.
Channeled Force
A term coined for the use of explaining Electricity to people of underdeveloped planets without introducing the concept of new technology, thus preserving such a planet's natural development.
Communicator
The standard communications device in use throughout the Pangalactic Federation. This device is capable of both Gravitic Communication over a distance of one astronomical unit, as well as the translation of unknown languages through voice pattern analysis. Communicators can also be used to send distress signals over a distance of approximately one light year.
Creation Cannon
The creation energy-based cannons used by ships in the Pangalactic
Federation military. Since these guns use creation energy as an energy source, they are far more destructive than the antimatter cannons that used to be the mainstay of ship-to-ship weaponry. However, creation cannons are far more difficult to control. Just about seventy years prior to present day CE, the time-space displacement shield inside the battleship Tilgrem's primary cannon malfunctioned, resulting in an explosion that annihilated an entire planet from this universe! For this reason, Federation law stipulates extremely severe restrictions regarding the use of creation cannons.
Creation Energy
This system, which was discovered in an ancient ruin on the planet
Zaytarn, describes a system wherein part of the energy that exists in imaginary number space (In a way, The Rift, or Subspace) is drawn into three-dimensional space. Theoretically, this type of system could produce an essentially infinite amount of energy. Of course, since no type of material or electromagnetic shield can withstand the tremendous amounts of energy created by this system, the use of creation energy is strictly limited to special areas of space surrounded by space-time displacement shields.
Creation Engine
Device which generates Creation Energy.
Cutter Class Ship
A ship designed purely for maneuverability with superb acceleration,
deceleration, and turn radius characteristics. The major drawback of a Cutter is that the interior is almost entirely taken up by the Gravitic warp engine and creation engine, so there's not much room left for living in space.
D
Drifters See on this page.
E
Electromagnetic Shield (EMS)
A shield system that utilizes powerful radiation to form layers of
gravitons in any desired location. This system uses the phenomenon whereby energy that is continuously fed into a certain closed space creates matter and gravitons to be formed, in order to create an antigravity field as well as a physical force field. When this type of shield is used in a battle situation, this frequency of the radiation used to generate the shield is randomly changed with each deployment. This prevents the enemy from matching the frequency
of the shield and disabling it. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to deploy this kind of shield, so energy for this purpose must be stored somewhere in advance. Of course, there are limits to the space available, so it is not wise to deploy a shield that is more powerful (and which requires more space) than necessary. In combat, the timing at which the shield must be activated is
unpredictable, so a number of thin energy fields are deployed outside the shield proper, and the shield is only activated when the fields are breached.
Electronegativity
A measurement of how powerfully a substance attracts electrons.
The larger this value, the better that substance is at attracting
electrons. See also Ionization Energy.
Energy Magnitude
A unit created to express huge amounts of energy on the universal
scale, with magnitude 1 defined as the average total amount of energy emitted by a star approximately the same size as Sol in one microsecond (millionth of a second). In this notation, the amount of energy expressed goes up by a factor of one thousand with each magnitude, so the energy indicated by magnitude 9 is one septillion (10 24) times the amount of energy indicated by magnitude 1.
Energy Stone
An extremely rare ore that is primarily mined on planets such as Expel, and which is used as the raw material in the creation of Quadratic Keys, a catalyst necessary to activate a Quadrium Sphere.
Escape Pod
A small pod used for escape in an emergency situation. Federal law requires all ships in the Pangalactic Federation to carry more than enough pods to carry the maximum number of crew and passengers. Each pod's carrying capacity depends on it's size and type but usually holds no more than 8 people, and includes a small Gravitic warp engine in addition to the life support equipment. An average group of 8 adult male humanoids could survive inside a pod for approximately one week. Pods are also capable of entering a planet's atmosphere, and when a swift rescue seems hopeless, it will automatically search for and land on the nearest planet that can sustain life.
Expel
A planet located in the Arkula System of Sector Theta that has an
atmospheric composition and surface gravity approximately identical to those of Earth. This naturally beautiful world is currently enjoying a period of stability, but at one point in its past the high density of Energy Stones distributed throughout its atmosphere polluted the entire planet.
This mysterious pollution, which began around four hundred years prior to present day, continued for several years, and affected the psyches of many of the planet's wild animals, causing them to ferociously attack the native Expelians. However, twenty years after that, Dr. Neuyman succeeded in developing his Neuyman Purifier, a device that was able to remove this pollution. This cleaner worked wonderfully, removing most of the pollution by the very next year, and thereby eliminating almost all of the negative influence of the Energy Stones. Recognizing the value of this technology, Expel was invited to join the Pangalactic Federation at the end of the same year.
Because Expel is one of the few planets that generate Energy Stones-a necessity in the creation of Quadratic Keys-the planet is an extremely influential voice within the Pangalactic Federation. The current Prime Minister of Expel is Ms. Eleanor T. Kross (age 36).
F
Force Field
An artificially created energy field. As of the current year, force fields are used for a diverse range of applications, from shields on spaceships to simulation games for children.
G
Genomorphist
Researchers in the field of genomorphy.
Genomorphy
A prohibited field of science in which a target organism is freely created through the research and direct manipulation of the genetic information of living organisms.This field, which intrudes upon the domain of the gods, has been declared heresy by certain types of religious people and philosophers, and researchers have even been persecuted in the past. Still, this is one field that humanity cannot avoid on the path to the summit of evolution--or so some scientists believe.
Gravitic Communication
An extremely long-distance, high-speed communication system used
primarily between stars.This system simultaneously uses an altspace (Subspace, pertaining to The Rift) warping effect to create signals and a Gravitic warp to enable communication at a speed that would have been unthinkable in the past.
Gravitic Communicator
A device for conducting gravitic communication.
See Gravitic Communication.
Gravitic Warp
A new warp theory developed by Dr. Krupp in 537 SD, which enabled travel at speeds that greatly exceed those previously possible via subspace warp. The system works by controlling the gravitational dimension that ordinarily propagates through altspace and using it to directly warp space in front of the ship, compressing it in such a way as to effectively enable extremely high-speed travel through three-dimensional space. Almost all large vessels nowadays utilize gravitic warp systems. Another way to think about this would be to bend gravity, sending the ship into the rift, than bending it again whilst there to reach a Warp in the Warp. This can be dangerous if a ship doesn't have a time-space displacement shield, as the dangers therein cannot be manually avoided. Without this technology, the rift is like another dimension that must be traversed- though still greatly ahead physical space travel, it falls behind gravitic warp.
Example: Mars would take 80+ years at the speed of , from Terra, with conventional engines. In the Warp, it would take perhaps four hours or so, with gravitic Warp, it's almost instantaneous. (This is not exact, just a rough example of the various speeds)
Gravitic Warp Core
The gravitic warp core is the heart of a gravitic warp engine, and includes the creation engine that acts as an energy source for the gravitic warp, as well as the surrounding space-time displacement shield. Any accident that might occur while this core system is operating could spell instant disaster, so this system is always located in the safest possible location on a ship.
Gravitic Warp Engine
A device which allows vessels to enter Gravitic Warp.
Gravitic Warp Field
A special field that is projected in the direction of travel via gravitic warp. The space inside this field is compressed to a much greater degree than ordinary space, so ships and other objects traveling through the field can exceed the speed of light relative to ordinary space.
Graviton
This particle was theoretically derived from the need to explain the warping effect of an object's mass on space-time, it is perceived as a latent energy that has no effect outside the particle.
The existence of this particle was postulated in order to explain the actual phenomenon whereby the mass of an object will warp space-time, before the nature and effect of alterable space (altspace) were understood.
After physicists came to understand altspace(The Rift/Astral Plane), it became apparent that rather than mass creating the force of gravity, the existence of matter warps space-time in such a way that the apparent force of gravity results, and this effectively disproves the existence of "gravity" itself.
Regardless, the graviton still survives as one of the tools used to help explain the extremely confusing effects of altspace.
H
Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
One of the core principles of quantum mechanics that states that "the momentum and coordinate of any subatomic particle cannot both be known at the same time". In other words, if you measure the location, the act of measurement itself will actually change the momentum of that subatomic particle.
Conversely, if you measure the momentum, then there will be no way to simultaneously measure the location.This does not mean that you cannot know the coordinate or momentum of a particle before you measure it, but rather that particles are made up of a combination of a wide variety of possibilities, and really have no specific location or momentum. There is no way to know the results until you actually take a measurement.This physics theory is so powerful it even has philosophical ramifications, and is no less important nowadays in the common era.
I
Incapacitator
Another term for a stunning weapon, a weapon that is only for subduing and not killing an opponent.
Ionization Energy
A measurement of how readily metallic elements dissolve into metal ions in a solvent. The lower the ionization energy of a material, the harder it is to dissolve, and the easier it is to precipitate as a solid.
See Electronegativity.
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Planet Class
Planet class is a classification of a planet's size into either S, M,
or L. Planets with a solid crust, but no atmosphere, are S class planets. Planets with both a solid crust and an atmosphere are M class planets. Gas planets without a solid crust are categorized as L class planets. There are variations in size depending on how far a planet is from its parent star, but in general, S class planets are smallest, followed by M class, then L class. According to this system, Earth would be categorized as an M class planet.
Q
Quad Scanner
A hand-held, palm-sized scanner that is capable of measuring any and all known types of sound waves, light, electromagnetic radiation, gravity waves, and other variables. Since this scanner is also capable of emitting a variety of different wavelengths, it can handle nearly any biological, geological, environmental or other surveying task by itself.
Quadratic Key
A special material created by purifying energy stone to an extremely high degree, and molding it to a specific structure. This material amplifies a certain type of energy, and by combining a quadratic key with a quadratic sphere, it is possible to derive even more energy than that which can be derived from antimatter reactions. This material also has a symbological effect on the physical structure and psyche of living organisms, so it must be handled with extreme care.
Quadrium Sphere
A material created by collecting symbological essences and combining them with a quadratic key in a device that can generate energy in excess of that created in antimatter reactions. The creation energy reaction generates an even higher amount of energy, but it requires a certain amount of energy to kick-star. Antimatter reactors are widely used as an energy source for this purpose.
Quantum Torpedo
An anti-ship weapon that slips quietly through subspace, then uses a gravitic warp drive to strike its target at faster-than-light speeds.
This torpedo emits creation energy at the instant It reaches its target coordinates, thereby offering more stealth and destructive power than the older torpedo technology.
R
Reduction
Reduction refers to any one of the following three physical processes:
1. Taking oxygen away from a certain substance
2. Combining a certain substance with hydrogen
3. A certain atom receiving an electron
In general, however, the term is almost always used in reference to the first of the three definitions
Replicator
A device that generates matter by configuring basic materials according to molecular templates stored in a database.In other words, as long as the original data exists, this machine can be used to create any object whatsoever.There are many specialized replicators that are optimized for different purposes and which have different interface specifications, such as food and machine replicators.
Rune
Those underdeveloped planets which discover Symbology to a point, usually use a word as archaic as this for symbology. Or in this case, a symbol (spell) in general.
Runological Force
The term generally used on underdeveloped planet to describe the energy of symbological magic- or in essence, the myst.
Runological Weapon
A term generally utilized on underdeveloped planets to describe weapons made from symbological origins, or which utilize runological force in their design.
Runologist
The archaic term used on underdeveloped planets to label a symbologist or Myst Weaver.
Runology
See Rune above.
S
Sector
One of 25 equal partitions of the [Milky Way galaxy], defined so that the general galactic location of a star or other object can be quickly understood. (Since the [Milky Way] is shaped like a whirlpool, there are only six sectors on the periphery.) Each sector is shaped like a perfect hexagon when viewed from the bottom, and extends up into a hexagon-shaped pillar. These interlocking sectors neatly partition the entire galaxy.
The sector that includes the center of the Milky Way is called the Zero Sector. The central point of the Zero Sector lies along a straight line that connects to the point at the center of the universe, or the point from which all galaxies are expanding. Other sectors are drawn in a whirlpool fashion radiating out from this line starting with the Alpha Sector, then the Beta Sector, and so on.
The center of the galaxy is much thicker than the surrounding areas, so the seven sectors from Zero to Zeta are also divided vertically, unlike the other sectors. In this case, the sectors above and below the central sectors have either a + (plus) or a - (minus) affixed to the end of each sector name, in order to differentiate them from the
central sectors. If these sectors are also included, the entire Milky Way is divided into a total of 39 sectors.
Space-Time Discontinuity Effect
A device that generates matter by configuring basic materials according to molecular templates stored in a database.In other words, as long as the original data exists, this machine can be used to create any object whatsoever.There are many specialized replicators that are optimized for different purposes and which have different interface specifications, such as food and machine replicators.
Assume that person A has traveled three seconds back in time. For three seconds, the person A before the time travel (A1) and the person A coming back from three seconds in the future (A2) will exist simultaneously, overlapping in time. If, after three seconds pass, A1 travels back into the past, then no problem will occur. But if A2 should prevent this from happening
somehow, what would happen? This Space-Time Discontinuity Effect has been proposed as one possible answer to the question.
According to Professor J.D. Wormer, who published this theory, the simultaneous existence of identical matter in the same space-time puts a tremendous strain on that space, so if a situation occurs whereby a person travels to the past and prevents his own movement through time, then as a result, person A will be infinitely duplicated, and three-dimensional space will contract into the singularity caused by the infinite mass created.
In the same paper, Professor J.D. Wormer also predicts that if this type of phenomenon were to occur in the future, then the amount of mass in three-dimensional space would shrink to zero, and the dimensions themselves would revert to nothingness.
Space-Time Displacement Shield
A completely new type of force field that began to be researched when creation energy was first discovered. Unlike previous energy fields comprised of electromagnetic radiation, this field blocks energy in the fourth dimension by actually interfering with space-time itself, preventing it from conveying the energy.
In other words, whereas previous shields could only block the target enemy type, space-time displacement shields actually reflect the energy into another dimension. This is why this new type of shield can block magnitudes more energy than previously utilized shields such as electromagnetic shields.
Subspace Warp
Synonymous with gravitic warp.
Superconducting Aluminum
A special aluminum compound that has almost zero volume resistivity when electric current is applied under certain conditions. The dielectric bauxite that is used to form this material is extremely rare. In fact, it is nearly as rare as energy stones.
Symbol
A specially shaped pattern that is necessary for using symbology. Whether inscribed on the body via Myst Weaver potential and growth or utilized from memory from an ascribable surface. (Spontaneously, or Prepared respectively)
Symbological Force
A force generated when symbology is used. The strength of the symbological force will depend to a large extent upon the level of the symbological invocation, the strength of the symbologist's psyche, and more than anything, upon the symbologist's experience and natural ability. (In DnD terms, another way to say arcane energy, or magic, like when detecting magic)
Symbological Genetics
See Genomorphy.
Symbologist
One who invokes reality warping effects through the use of symbols, utilizing the Myst of reality to utilize such abilities. See here.
Symbology
See Symbologist, above.
T
Time Paradox
A problem that can occur as a result of travel in time, either to the past or to the future. The most famous time paradox is the Grandfather Paradox, which asks "what would happen if you went back in time and killed your grandfather--would you still exist?"
In 2956 CE, Professor J.D. Wormer published his paper on the space-time discontinuity effect, in which he postulated that even without a major paradox such as the one described above, if a single speck of dust, or even a single electron were to travel in time, it would have a major effect on the present.
Transport Jammer
A machine that emits special gravity waves in the area around it, in order to jam transportation by affecting the generation of quanta that occurs during the transportation process. When transportation is attempted when a machine of this nature is in operation, although the matter inside the transporter will be disintegrated as always, nothing will appear at the destination. In this case, the matter transported is lost.Therefore all transporters in use nowadays come equipped with a system to detect gravity waves at the destination, and will not attempt to transport into the field of effect of a transport jammer.
Transport Ship
A ship with the primary mission of transporting goods and personnel. Although transport ships are equipped with a reasonable space-time displacement shield, they only possess a token level of firepower. Of course, this is only natural as they were not built to engage in ship battles in the first place.
Transporter
A system developed in 207 SD that can disintegrate an object in one place, send an exact replica to any other place, and reintegrate it at the quantum level. In the past, it was believed that Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle would prevent any transportation system of this nature from working, but the development of this technology has allowed a sort of pseudo-transportation system to be implemented.
U
Underdeveloped Planet
A planet with a level of technology low enough to entitle it to protection under the Underdeveloped Planet Preservation Pact (UP3). The UP3 defines three planetary classifications, namely underdeveloped planet, monitored planet, and developed planet. A monitored planet is one where contact is only allowed with a number of representatives of that planet's civilization, and an underdeveloped planet is one where no contact with that planet's civilization is allowed whatsoever. Emergency situations where lives are at stake are an exception to this rule, however, and secondary contact (contact where natives are not made aware of the fact that someone from a developed planet is present) is allowed.
UP3; Planet Preservation Pact
A treaty aimed at protecting planets with civilizations that are not yet fully developed. Federation laws strictly prohibit contact with such civilizations. The reason for this is because contact with higher civilizations often greatly influences the path of history of underdeveloped worlds. All citizens and groups belonging to the Pangalactic Federation are required to adhere to this treaty, unless there is a clear and present danger to a person's life. This treaty is one of the most important sets of rules in the Pangalactic Federation, and delineates how citizens must act in emergency situations. Of course, in certain quarters, this treaty is thought to exist in name only.
V
Volume Resistivity
A measurement of the difficulty of running a current through a certain substance. The larger the value, the more difficult it is to run electricity through the substance.
W
Warp Speed
One method of expressing faster-than-light speeds. This unit represents the relative distance traveled in normal space during a set amount of time. This unit does not refer to actual speed at all, but rather to the distance between the measured start coordinate and measured end coordinate in normal space. When the actual distance an object has moved at warp speed is measured, it is always 2N-1 times the distance traveled by light in normal space.
X
Y
Z
This Glossary is placed here for two reasons. The first is to have a central hub where all game based information can be found. I also aim to use it as a starting point for my idea, before putting them together.
Some of these terms have been recycled from "Star Ocean III: Until the End of Time" FAQ1 and FAQ2 were used as references. I use these terms because they do a good job of summing up certain sets of technology and other relevant terms for a Space Fantasy type of setting. They are not my terms, and I'm only using them for fun and flavor.
A
Absolute Visual Magnitude
Unlike the usual visual magnitude system, which compares the apparent brightness of stars as viewed from a specific planet, this unit was created to compare the actual brightness of stars. This unit gives the brightness of a star when viewed from a specific distance of ten parsecs (32.6 light years).
Alterable Space
When matter exists in three-dimensional space, space warps in direct proportion to the amount of energy in that matter, and that matter begins moving in a direction described by a curved, or geodesic line. This phenomenon appears to observers as gravity, and acts as if a force were being exerted in the surrounding area. "Alterable space" (or "altspace" for short) is a term referring to this type of three-dimensional universe. People tend to think that the mass in matter warps space and creates gravity, but in reality, it is the energy in the matter that actually warps space, thereby giving the appearance of what we refer to as "mass". The theory of alterable space was a historical scientific breakthrough, and led to a major revolution that resulted in the recent gravity-based technologies such as Gravitic warp, all of which depend upon total control over altspace.
Antimatter Torpedo
This weapon consists of a gigantic railgun that shoots a torpedo filled with both matter and antimatter deuterium through subspace (The Rift). The torpedo returns to ordinary space a set period of time after launch, and creates an explosive force directed against its target when the antimatter and matter come together. With the proper retooling, an Antimatter Torpedo can hit Ethereal or incorporeal targets existing in The Rift, though it's usually too dangerous to do so, as a Spacial Paradox may occur.
Astronomical Unit (AU)
A distance unit defined on Earth during the earlier part of the Age of Scientific Enlightenment as the average distance from Terra to its star, Sol. When converted to metric measurements, this works out to around 149.6 million kilometers. Since many of the life forms encountered in the galaxy have lived on planets at approximately the same distance from their own stars, this unit still enjoys widespread use, even in the Common Era.
Atmospheric Composition
A description of what kinds of molecules are present in a planet's
atmosphere, as well as their ratios. Planets with an atmospheric composition that supports humanoid life, in particular those with an oxygen density that is neither too high nor too low, are referred to as T-class planets. (T for "Terra")
B
Battle Simulator
A battle simulation system with the latest holographic technology,
allowing the user to enjoy a wide variety of different fights with
simulated opponents in virtual space. The system provides deep sensory feedback, not only of the traditional visual and auditory type, but olfactory and tactile as well, resulting in a fighting experience that is essentially indistinguishable from the real thing.
Battle-Class Ship
The latest model of battle spaceship, used as the backbone of the
Pangalactic Federation military. Since battleships are built out of carbonic neotide, which has extremely high light beam absorption characteristics, they boast stealth characteristics that are dramatically superior to those of other ship classes. Battleships are extremely versatile, sporting various weapons and devices. Also, battleships are designed with the capability to simultaneously fire out of multiple gun ports, for overwhelming firepower that goes beyond what one would ordinarily believe possible. Battleships are also fully equipped from a defense standpoint, with full force fields which shield it's hull. These high-quality shields are manufactured by the Zeov Corporation, which has the best reputation of any manufacturer in the Pangalactic Federation, and throughout the known galaxies.
C
Carbonic Neotide
This is a material made from an artificial process of metallurgy combined with synthetic polycarbon based engineering. What results is a material that is easily pliable, yet stronger than steel. This material can absorb light beams to a degree, granting the object or ship more protection against energy based weaponry than normal ships. Because of it's synthetic nature, it is not only considered superior to steel in the making of ships, but is readily available through energy based replication.
Channeled Force
A term coined for the use of explaining Electricity to people of underdeveloped planets without introducing the concept of new technology, thus preserving such a planet's natural development.
Communicator
The standard communications device in use throughout the Pangalactic Federation. This device is capable of both Gravitic Communication over a distance of one astronomical unit, as well as the translation of unknown languages through voice pattern analysis. Communicators can also be used to send distress signals over a distance of approximately one light year.
Creation Cannon
The creation energy-based cannons used by ships in the Pangalactic
Federation military. Since these guns use creation energy as an energy source, they are far more destructive than the antimatter cannons that used to be the mainstay of ship-to-ship weaponry. However, creation cannons are far more difficult to control. Just about seventy years prior to present day CE, the time-space displacement shield inside the battleship Tilgrem's primary cannon malfunctioned, resulting in an explosion that annihilated an entire planet from this universe! For this reason, Federation law stipulates extremely severe restrictions regarding the use of creation cannons.
Creation Energy
This system, which was discovered in an ancient ruin on the planet
Zaytarn, describes a system wherein part of the energy that exists in imaginary number space (In a way, The Rift, or Subspace) is drawn into three-dimensional space. Theoretically, this type of system could produce an essentially infinite amount of energy. Of course, since no type of material or electromagnetic shield can withstand the tremendous amounts of energy created by this system, the use of creation energy is strictly limited to special areas of space surrounded by space-time displacement shields.
Creation Engine
Device which generates Creation Energy.
Cutter Class Ship
A ship designed purely for maneuverability with superb acceleration,
deceleration, and turn radius characteristics. The major drawback of a Cutter is that the interior is almost entirely taken up by the Gravitic warp engine and creation engine, so there's not much room left for living in space.
D
Drifters See on this page.
E
Electromagnetic Shield (EMS)
A shield system that utilizes powerful radiation to form layers of
gravitons in any desired location. This system uses the phenomenon whereby energy that is continuously fed into a certain closed space creates matter and gravitons to be formed, in order to create an antigravity field as well as a physical force field. When this type of shield is used in a battle situation, this frequency of the radiation used to generate the shield is randomly changed with each deployment. This prevents the enemy from matching the frequency
of the shield and disabling it. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to deploy this kind of shield, so energy for this purpose must be stored somewhere in advance. Of course, there are limits to the space available, so it is not wise to deploy a shield that is more powerful (and which requires more space) than necessary. In combat, the timing at which the shield must be activated is
unpredictable, so a number of thin energy fields are deployed outside the shield proper, and the shield is only activated when the fields are breached.
Electronegativity
A measurement of how powerfully a substance attracts electrons.
The larger this value, the better that substance is at attracting
electrons. See also Ionization Energy.
Energy Magnitude
A unit created to express huge amounts of energy on the universal
scale, with magnitude 1 defined as the average total amount of energy emitted by a star approximately the same size as Sol in one microsecond (millionth of a second). In this notation, the amount of energy expressed goes up by a factor of one thousand with each magnitude, so the energy indicated by magnitude 9 is one septillion (10 24) times the amount of energy indicated by magnitude 1.
Energy Stone
An extremely rare ore that is primarily mined on planets such as Expel, and which is used as the raw material in the creation of Quadratic Keys, a catalyst necessary to activate a Quadrium Sphere.
Escape Pod
A small pod used for escape in an emergency situation. Federal law requires all ships in the Pangalactic Federation to carry more than enough pods to carry the maximum number of crew and passengers. Each pod's carrying capacity depends on it's size and type but usually holds no more than 8 people, and includes a small Gravitic warp engine in addition to the life support equipment. An average group of 8 adult male humanoids could survive inside a pod for approximately one week. Pods are also capable of entering a planet's atmosphere, and when a swift rescue seems hopeless, it will automatically search for and land on the nearest planet that can sustain life.
Expel
A planet located in the Arkula System of Sector Theta that has an
atmospheric composition and surface gravity approximately identical to those of Earth. This naturally beautiful world is currently enjoying a period of stability, but at one point in its past the high density of Energy Stones distributed throughout its atmosphere polluted the entire planet.
This mysterious pollution, which began around four hundred years prior to present day, continued for several years, and affected the psyches of many of the planet's wild animals, causing them to ferociously attack the native Expelians. However, twenty years after that, Dr. Neuyman succeeded in developing his Neuyman Purifier, a device that was able to remove this pollution. This cleaner worked wonderfully, removing most of the pollution by the very next year, and thereby eliminating almost all of the negative influence of the Energy Stones. Recognizing the value of this technology, Expel was invited to join the Pangalactic Federation at the end of the same year.
Because Expel is one of the few planets that generate Energy Stones-a necessity in the creation of Quadratic Keys-the planet is an extremely influential voice within the Pangalactic Federation. The current Prime Minister of Expel is Ms. Eleanor T. Kross (age 36).
F
Force Field
An artificially created energy field. As of the current year, force fields are used for a diverse range of applications, from shields on spaceships to simulation games for children.
G
Genomorphist
Researchers in the field of genomorphy.
Genomorphy
A prohibited field of science in which a target organism is freely created through the research and direct manipulation of the genetic information of living organisms.This field, which intrudes upon the domain of the gods, has been declared heresy by certain types of religious people and philosophers, and researchers have even been persecuted in the past. Still, this is one field that humanity cannot avoid on the path to the summit of evolution--or so some scientists believe.
Gravitic Communication
An extremely long-distance, high-speed communication system used
primarily between stars.This system simultaneously uses an altspace (Subspace, pertaining to The Rift) warping effect to create signals and a Gravitic warp to enable communication at a speed that would have been unthinkable in the past.
Gravitic Communicator
A device for conducting gravitic communication.
See Gravitic Communication.
Gravitic Warp
A new warp theory developed by Dr. Krupp in 537 SD, which enabled travel at speeds that greatly exceed those previously possible via subspace warp. The system works by controlling the gravitational dimension that ordinarily propagates through altspace and using it to directly warp space in front of the ship, compressing it in such a way as to effectively enable extremely high-speed travel through three-dimensional space. Almost all large vessels nowadays utilize gravitic warp systems. Another way to think about this would be to bend gravity, sending the ship into the rift, than bending it again whilst there to reach a Warp in the Warp. This can be dangerous if a ship doesn't have a time-space displacement shield, as the dangers therein cannot be manually avoided. Without this technology, the rift is like another dimension that must be traversed- though still greatly ahead physical space travel, it falls behind gravitic warp.
Example: Mars would take 80+ years at the speed of , from Terra, with conventional engines. In the Warp, it would take perhaps four hours or so, with gravitic Warp, it's almost instantaneous. (This is not exact, just a rough example of the various speeds)
Gravitic Warp Core
The gravitic warp core is the heart of a gravitic warp engine, and includes the creation engine that acts as an energy source for the gravitic warp, as well as the surrounding space-time displacement shield. Any accident that might occur while this core system is operating could spell instant disaster, so this system is always located in the safest possible location on a ship.
Gravitic Warp Engine
A device which allows vessels to enter Gravitic Warp.
Gravitic Warp Field
A special field that is projected in the direction of travel via gravitic warp. The space inside this field is compressed to a much greater degree than ordinary space, so ships and other objects traveling through the field can exceed the speed of light relative to ordinary space.
Graviton
This particle was theoretically derived from the need to explain the warping effect of an object's mass on space-time, it is perceived as a latent energy that has no effect outside the particle.
The existence of this particle was postulated in order to explain the actual phenomenon whereby the mass of an object will warp space-time, before the nature and effect of alterable space (altspace) were understood.
After physicists came to understand altspace(The Rift/Astral Plane), it became apparent that rather than mass creating the force of gravity, the existence of matter warps space-time in such a way that the apparent force of gravity results, and this effectively disproves the existence of "gravity" itself.
Regardless, the graviton still survives as one of the tools used to help explain the extremely confusing effects of altspace.
H
Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
One of the core principles of quantum mechanics that states that "the momentum and coordinate of any subatomic particle cannot both be known at the same time". In other words, if you measure the location, the act of measurement itself will actually change the momentum of that subatomic particle.
Conversely, if you measure the momentum, then there will be no way to simultaneously measure the location.This does not mean that you cannot know the coordinate or momentum of a particle before you measure it, but rather that particles are made up of a combination of a wide variety of possibilities, and really have no specific location or momentum. There is no way to know the results until you actually take a measurement.This physics theory is so powerful it even has philosophical ramifications, and is no less important nowadays in the common era.
I
Incapacitator
Another term for a stunning weapon, a weapon that is only for subduing and not killing an opponent.
Ionization Energy
A measurement of how readily metallic elements dissolve into metal ions in a solvent. The lower the ionization energy of a material, the harder it is to dissolve, and the easier it is to precipitate as a solid.
See Electronegativity.
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Planet Class
Planet class is a classification of a planet's size into either S, M,
or L. Planets with a solid crust, but no atmosphere, are S class planets. Planets with both a solid crust and an atmosphere are M class planets. Gas planets without a solid crust are categorized as L class planets. There are variations in size depending on how far a planet is from its parent star, but in general, S class planets are smallest, followed by M class, then L class. According to this system, Earth would be categorized as an M class planet.
Q
Quad Scanner
A hand-held, palm-sized scanner that is capable of measuring any and all known types of sound waves, light, electromagnetic radiation, gravity waves, and other variables. Since this scanner is also capable of emitting a variety of different wavelengths, it can handle nearly any biological, geological, environmental or other surveying task by itself.
Quadratic Key
A special material created by purifying energy stone to an extremely high degree, and molding it to a specific structure. This material amplifies a certain type of energy, and by combining a quadratic key with a quadratic sphere, it is possible to derive even more energy than that which can be derived from antimatter reactions. This material also has a symbological effect on the physical structure and psyche of living organisms, so it must be handled with extreme care.
Quadrium Sphere
A material created by collecting symbological essences and combining them with a quadratic key in a device that can generate energy in excess of that created in antimatter reactions. The creation energy reaction generates an even higher amount of energy, but it requires a certain amount of energy to kick-star. Antimatter reactors are widely used as an energy source for this purpose.
Quantum Torpedo
An anti-ship weapon that slips quietly through subspace, then uses a gravitic warp drive to strike its target at faster-than-light speeds.
This torpedo emits creation energy at the instant It reaches its target coordinates, thereby offering more stealth and destructive power than the older torpedo technology.
R
Reduction
Reduction refers to any one of the following three physical processes:
1. Taking oxygen away from a certain substance
2. Combining a certain substance with hydrogen
3. A certain atom receiving an electron
In general, however, the term is almost always used in reference to the first of the three definitions
Replicator
A device that generates matter by configuring basic materials according to molecular templates stored in a database.In other words, as long as the original data exists, this machine can be used to create any object whatsoever.There are many specialized replicators that are optimized for different purposes and which have different interface specifications, such as food and machine replicators.
Rune
Those underdeveloped planets which discover Symbology to a point, usually use a word as archaic as this for symbology. Or in this case, a symbol (spell) in general.
Runological Force
The term generally used on underdeveloped planet to describe the energy of symbological magic- or in essence, the myst.
Runological Weapon
A term generally utilized on underdeveloped planets to describe weapons made from symbological origins, or which utilize runological force in their design.
Runologist
The archaic term used on underdeveloped planets to label a symbologist or Myst Weaver.
Runology
See Rune above.
S
Sector
One of 25 equal partitions of the [Milky Way galaxy], defined so that the general galactic location of a star or other object can be quickly understood. (Since the [Milky Way] is shaped like a whirlpool, there are only six sectors on the periphery.) Each sector is shaped like a perfect hexagon when viewed from the bottom, and extends up into a hexagon-shaped pillar. These interlocking sectors neatly partition the entire galaxy.
The sector that includes the center of the Milky Way is called the Zero Sector. The central point of the Zero Sector lies along a straight line that connects to the point at the center of the universe, or the point from which all galaxies are expanding. Other sectors are drawn in a whirlpool fashion radiating out from this line starting with the Alpha Sector, then the Beta Sector, and so on.
The center of the galaxy is much thicker than the surrounding areas, so the seven sectors from Zero to Zeta are also divided vertically, unlike the other sectors. In this case, the sectors above and below the central sectors have either a + (plus) or a - (minus) affixed to the end of each sector name, in order to differentiate them from the
central sectors. If these sectors are also included, the entire Milky Way is divided into a total of 39 sectors.
Space-Time Discontinuity Effect
A device that generates matter by configuring basic materials according to molecular templates stored in a database.In other words, as long as the original data exists, this machine can be used to create any object whatsoever.There are many specialized replicators that are optimized for different purposes and which have different interface specifications, such as food and machine replicators.
Assume that person A has traveled three seconds back in time. For three seconds, the person A before the time travel (A1) and the person A coming back from three seconds in the future (A2) will exist simultaneously, overlapping in time. If, after three seconds pass, A1 travels back into the past, then no problem will occur. But if A2 should prevent this from happening
somehow, what would happen? This Space-Time Discontinuity Effect has been proposed as one possible answer to the question.
According to Professor J.D. Wormer, who published this theory, the simultaneous existence of identical matter in the same space-time puts a tremendous strain on that space, so if a situation occurs whereby a person travels to the past and prevents his own movement through time, then as a result, person A will be infinitely duplicated, and three-dimensional space will contract into the singularity caused by the infinite mass created.
In the same paper, Professor J.D. Wormer also predicts that if this type of phenomenon were to occur in the future, then the amount of mass in three-dimensional space would shrink to zero, and the dimensions themselves would revert to nothingness.
Space-Time Displacement Shield
A completely new type of force field that began to be researched when creation energy was first discovered. Unlike previous energy fields comprised of electromagnetic radiation, this field blocks energy in the fourth dimension by actually interfering with space-time itself, preventing it from conveying the energy.
In other words, whereas previous shields could only block the target enemy type, space-time displacement shields actually reflect the energy into another dimension. This is why this new type of shield can block magnitudes more energy than previously utilized shields such as electromagnetic shields.
Subspace Warp
Synonymous with gravitic warp.
Superconducting Aluminum
A special aluminum compound that has almost zero volume resistivity when electric current is applied under certain conditions. The dielectric bauxite that is used to form this material is extremely rare. In fact, it is nearly as rare as energy stones.
Symbol
A specially shaped pattern that is necessary for using symbology. Whether inscribed on the body via Myst Weaver potential and growth or utilized from memory from an ascribable surface. (Spontaneously, or Prepared respectively)
Symbological Force
A force generated when symbology is used. The strength of the symbological force will depend to a large extent upon the level of the symbological invocation, the strength of the symbologist's psyche, and more than anything, upon the symbologist's experience and natural ability. (In DnD terms, another way to say arcane energy, or magic, like when detecting magic)
Symbological Genetics
See Genomorphy.
Symbologist
One who invokes reality warping effects through the use of symbols, utilizing the Myst of reality to utilize such abilities. See here.
Symbology
See Symbologist, above.
T
Time Paradox
A problem that can occur as a result of travel in time, either to the past or to the future. The most famous time paradox is the Grandfather Paradox, which asks "what would happen if you went back in time and killed your grandfather--would you still exist?"
In 2956 CE, Professor J.D. Wormer published his paper on the space-time discontinuity effect, in which he postulated that even without a major paradox such as the one described above, if a single speck of dust, or even a single electron were to travel in time, it would have a major effect on the present.
Transport Jammer
A machine that emits special gravity waves in the area around it, in order to jam transportation by affecting the generation of quanta that occurs during the transportation process. When transportation is attempted when a machine of this nature is in operation, although the matter inside the transporter will be disintegrated as always, nothing will appear at the destination. In this case, the matter transported is lost.Therefore all transporters in use nowadays come equipped with a system to detect gravity waves at the destination, and will not attempt to transport into the field of effect of a transport jammer.
Transport Ship
A ship with the primary mission of transporting goods and personnel. Although transport ships are equipped with a reasonable space-time displacement shield, they only possess a token level of firepower. Of course, this is only natural as they were not built to engage in ship battles in the first place.
Transporter
A system developed in 207 SD that can disintegrate an object in one place, send an exact replica to any other place, and reintegrate it at the quantum level. In the past, it was believed that Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle would prevent any transportation system of this nature from working, but the development of this technology has allowed a sort of pseudo-transportation system to be implemented.
U
Underdeveloped Planet
A planet with a level of technology low enough to entitle it to protection under the Underdeveloped Planet Preservation Pact (UP3). The UP3 defines three planetary classifications, namely underdeveloped planet, monitored planet, and developed planet. A monitored planet is one where contact is only allowed with a number of representatives of that planet's civilization, and an underdeveloped planet is one where no contact with that planet's civilization is allowed whatsoever. Emergency situations where lives are at stake are an exception to this rule, however, and secondary contact (contact where natives are not made aware of the fact that someone from a developed planet is present) is allowed.
UP3; Planet Preservation Pact
A treaty aimed at protecting planets with civilizations that are not yet fully developed. Federation laws strictly prohibit contact with such civilizations. The reason for this is because contact with higher civilizations often greatly influences the path of history of underdeveloped worlds. All citizens and groups belonging to the Pangalactic Federation are required to adhere to this treaty, unless there is a clear and present danger to a person's life. This treaty is one of the most important sets of rules in the Pangalactic Federation, and delineates how citizens must act in emergency situations. Of course, in certain quarters, this treaty is thought to exist in name only.
V
Volume Resistivity
A measurement of the difficulty of running a current through a certain substance. The larger the value, the more difficult it is to run electricity through the substance.
W
Warp Speed
One method of expressing faster-than-light speeds. This unit represents the relative distance traveled in normal space during a set amount of time. This unit does not refer to actual speed at all, but rather to the distance between the measured start coordinate and measured end coordinate in normal space. When the actual distance an object has moved at warp speed is measured, it is always 2N-1 times the distance traveled by light in normal space.
X
Y
Z
