Iteration X Paradigm

By Anders Sandberg

The Paradigm

The System: The System encompasses everything that exists. The different parts and subsystems interact in complex ways, sometimes clashing or degrading in unpredictable ways which increases Entropy. Our duty is to redesign the System, remove inefficient or faulty parts and replace them with more appropriate systems according to the Program. In the end this will make the System both stable and optimal. No resources, no time and no energy will be wasted, and Ascension will occur.

Magick

Design and Application. The System can be modified by the design of new subsystems or the removal of old subsystems. This requires expertise and planning. It is often easier to change the System by introducing carefully designed subsystems (especially technology) which change it, than to try to change the System directly.

Spheres

Correspondence: Geometry. By studying the proper use of space and distance, a unit can learn to use it optimally. Designs can be designed which conform better to the local geometry or take advantage of it and distances and shapes can be accurately analyzed. At higher levels the application of General Relativity allows manipulations of Space-Time on a macroscopic scale.
Entropy: Statistics. Many processes in the System are so complex and chaotic they can only be described in a statistic form. Since any system will move to states of higher probability, which equals Entropy, statistics also deal (in the form of Thermodynamics) with the dynamics of Entropy and randomness. Statisticians are able to use their knowledge of such processes to influence them or even halt the increase of Entropy.
Forces: Physics. Physicists study what effects applications of different types of energy has on systems, and how these can be employed in an optimal fashion. By using the tools of physics, all forms of energy can be studied, transformed into each other and modulated.
Life: Biology and Medicine. Biology is the general science which deals with the structure and function of living beings, while Medicine studies the human anatomy in detail. The knowledge from these studies can then be used to modify these structures for various purposes (most notably biomechanics).
Matter: Materials Science and Chemistry. These sciences deal with the properties of different materials and chemicals, and how they can be changed. By designing a certain manufacturing method virtually any possible material or chemical can be produced.
Mind: Psychology. Complex systems, most notably humans and Artificial Intelligences, exhibit complex internal states which process information. These states can be studied and modified with the proper application of psychology, which leads to subsequent changes in behavior.
Prime: Energy. Everything in the System is composed of interacting structures of energy. In most cases these structures can be controlled and changed without having to deal with the underlying energy, but such operations tend to loose energy and increase Entropy. By controlling the energy directly, such inefficiencies can be removed.
Time: Special Relativity. Causal processes can be simulated by applying statistics to the known laws of causal relations. By using the more advanced technologies of Special Relativity and Chronological Engineering the subjective or objective flow of time can be controlled.

Arete

Expertise. To be able to understand and apply the sciences, an unit must have the necessary expertise beforehand. This includes previous experiences, the correct education and the correct mental states to properly integrate knowledge with the current situation. First when all these factors are linked the unit will be able to design and apply his skills.

Quintessence

Pure Energy. Normally energy is bound in different forms of matter or energy (e.g. chemical energy, electromagnetic energy, thermic energy). It can however be transformed from these states into pure energy, or stored and transported as bound energy (which is safety-efficient). By activating a system with energy, it will become more active and productive.

Paradox

Errors. Errors occur when a design or an application did not fit properly in the system, causing a dissonance. Such errors must be immediately corrected before their unpredictable and often destructive effects spread. Often random side-effects occur, which has to be neutralized.

Awakening

Initialization. Before an unit can be employed in changing the System, it has to be initialized. This involves training and education in relevant skills and sciences, loyalty and ideological conditioning, and integration of the different mental subsystems into an efficient whole.

Mage-specific Backgrounds

Arcane: Stealth. To be able to change or study systems more efficiently and without causing undue disturbances, many units attempt to minimize their side-effects on systems.
Avatar: Mental Integration. Certain units have greater grasp of how to apply the sciences or handle energy due to their particular neurological structure.
Destiny: Criticality. Certain units have high significance for the Program, either due to their expertise or skills, or due to unknown factors decided by Autocthonia Central Core 0000.
Dream: Associative Abilities. Some units exhibit above-average associative abilities, giving them greater flexibility at the expense of stability. Such units are carefully conditioned and used in data-processing.