The Syndicate Paradigm Page

By Anders Sandberg

The Paradigm

The Market. The Market encompasses everything, even things others regard as outside economics. The laws of nature are built upon the transactions between different forces and the flows of capital (energy) between processes. Everything that exists exists because it is economical in some sense for it to do, and anything which is not efficient enough will sooner or later be out-competed from reality. In this way the Market stabilises itself and moves towards perfection. It is our duty to guide the economic forces to avoid sudden changes or undesirable developments, eventually to move the economy towards optimality.

Magick

Business. By understanding the rules of the Market and with a keen feeling of its behaviour, it is possible for us to use it for our own (and others) profit, or to subtly manipulate it to become more optimal. The rules are fairly loose, but they can be very unforgiving if you mess things up. In general the Market works best when nobody interferes at all, but sometimes changes may be necessary.

Spheres

Correspondence: Transport and Communications. The Market ties everything together, and wherever there is a profit to be made people will get there regardless of where it is. The stronger the economy, the closer things are brought together.
Entropy: Fluctuations. It is an unfortunate fact that the Market currently isnpt totally stable, and often fluctuate in unpredictable manners. At the same time its a great way to make profits. By understanding the subtle patterns underlying market-fluctuations, a shrewd businessman can exploit them to his purposes.
Forces: Power. Energy is required to produce goods, to transport them and to use them. This makes it a most valuable resource, which can be sold at high prices to those loyal to you and withheld from your enemies.
Life: Health. The Market naturally influences the health of all living beings. They can become stressed or calmed in response to its movements, it can nourish them or starve them, and its effects can both kill them and give them life. Just like everything else living organisms are miniature markets, where different organs supply and consume various chemicals, sometimes in competition, sometimes co-operatively. By applying your knowledge of the laws of the Market, this internal market can easily be altered.
Matter: Goods . Goods are produced and sold, and this drives much of the Market. If there is a market for a commodity, then it will surely come into existence. Almost anything can appear if the Market demands it. On the other hand, if the demands change the goods have to change too, or be out-competed.
Mind: Manipulation. It is of vital importance for the businessman to learn how to read the behaviour of others, and how to manipulate them if it is needed. The first step is of course to learn how to control yourself, never revealing your inner thoughts and weaknesses. Later you may learn how to manipulate others through body language, speech, subliminals and advertising.
Prime: Economy. Economy is the study of the Market and the application of this knowledge. By understanding the Market we can understand practically all of existence, and by controlling it we can control everything. Although the movements of money are the most visible form of the Market, there are many other aspects which we seek to include in the economic system.
Spirit: The Ghost in the Machine. Although most are loath to admit it, even stockbrokers are a bit superstitious. The movements of the Market sometimes exhibit surprisingly complex and flexible behaviors, almost like living beings. These patterns can be controlled, analysed or eliminated by applying correct business procedures against them.
Time: Speed and Statistics. Time is literally money. All truly successful businessmen have been quick to act and good at foreseeing future events. To achieve this we use statistics to find the patterns in past events and extrapolate future trends. We also study means to work faster and more efficient and to speed up (or slow down) the changes on the Market.

Arete

Business Sense. To fully be able to understand the Market, one has to have an intuitive business acumen. Successful businessmen all seem to know almost directly what the Market will do in a certain situation, and can manipulate it at will. The most successful are so close to it that they always acts in the best way possible, and skilfully avoid any imperfections.

Avatar

The Invisible Hand. Just like the Market balances and guides itself towards optimality, all people also moves towards perfection. This phenomenon, usually called the Invisible Hand, can be more or less effective depending on various factors like market interference, intuition and person.

Quintessence

Capital. Everything that exists must have capital to exist, and most processes require a steady inflow to survive. It is naturally vitally important for us to keep track of these flows to keep the market stable, and through them we can control everything else if needed. Surplus capital should naturally be invested in profitable ventures.

Paradox

Market Imperfections. When someone interferes with the workings of the Market, this can result in Market Imperfections, where the normal rules break down. Such instabilities breed insecurity and confusion, and are usually destructive.

Mage-specific Backgrounds

Arcane: Untraceability. Information is power, and the less information anybody has about you and your investments, the less power they have over you or your transactions.
Destiny: Trainee Promise. There are some trainees who rise meteorically towards the top, overcoming all hinders and challenges. Others just plod along with no hope for advancement.
Dream: Information. To be able to work efficiently, many people in the business have assistants, staff or information networks providing them with relevant information and advice. In fact, many are so well-informed that they seem to know virtually anything.
Node: Income. There are many sources of Capital, but some income sources seems to produce much more than others. These should of course be carefully managed, and it is best to make sure the source grows by investing in it.