| LUMINARY a.k.a. Lawrence Sage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The SUPERLUMINAL UNIVERSE There are many theories about the nature and variety of other universes. A research physicist studying the most minute variations in the darkness of a great void recognized what his peers denied – rich imagery derived from those variations was actually leaking through from another universe! In a parallel reality a menagerie of intense light sources were governed by wildly different laws of physics. Coherent phenomena shone so brightly as to be visible to observers looking where there was little light indigenous to our "normal" universe. Lawrence Sage would abandon his pursuit of a doctorate, but not his study of this Superluminal Universe. In results derived from methods others were quick to discredit, the curious dropout not only documented evidence of this parallel universe, but patterns of activity consistent with some organizing principles. Its fundamental forces support many different varieties of photons. These energetic particles participate in complex interactions producing stable formations. Even by inference there is little that can be said about the life of the Superluminal Universe. It might not even qualify as life. Much mystery remains despite endless observation of recursive structures that seem to grow by absorbing other phenomena. While Lawrence was developing an instrument meant to dramatically enhance remote viewing of this other universe, a finger-sized crystal spontaneously appeared in the palm of his hand. Over the next few hours, he rigorously documented and studied the image it projected into thin air. Just as he was about to take a microscope to that crystal, both it and that image flickered out of existence. It would not be long before he developed a theory about this data set. Lawrence suspected the frequencies and harmonics encoded in the image could be used to extract resources from the Superluminal Universe. Years of work derided by his peers unlocked many techniques for these extractions. It is unclear if tapping Superluminal resources eliminates unwanted detritus, harvests natural phenomena, or demands precious offerings. Observations suggest all relevant energies approach limitless abundance relative to the scale of any personal use. Yet the Superluminal Universe appears to lack significant concentrations of baryonic matter. It may also lack spacetime continuity. Phenomena containing as much apparent energy as a galactic supercluster may vanish or appear with no perceivable transition. Recurring patterns suggest vast entities moving through space and time in ways our universe simply does not allow. |
| SUPERLUMINAL EXTRACTS Conventional scientific interpretations of Lawrence Sage's findings concede only that remarkable structures have been observed. Competing theories suggest the images depict a previously unknown form of cosmic background radiation, abundant dark matter behaving atypically, or patterns of interference generated within our own galaxy. Mr. Sage no longer publishes on this topic, though his continued inquiries have produced a robust body of confirmations. He can reliably extract a variety of resources from the Superluminal Universe. ◊ Ordinary Light — With the correct parameters, ordinary light is easy to project in any mix of frequencies and patterns. It seems to be a ubiquitous resource throughout the Superluminal Universe. ◊ Coherent Light — Laser beams are available in every frequency on every vector, but firm control over vast destructive potential is required to prevent a runaway breach between universes. ◊ Holograms — These effects produced by convergent lasers may render three dimensional animations, complete with acoustic vibrations and neural signals in some projection formats. ◊ Holographic Crystals — Possessing some of the visual properties of minerals, these forms of solidified light lack significant mass, but they can be programmed to emit complex holograms. ◊ Power Crystals — Elaborate programming allows for simple operation of these intensely energized crystals, temporarily conveying a superhuman ability to one attuned recipient. ◊ Structural Crystals — with both visual and physical similarities to minerals, these forms of solidified light can be used to build short-lived but otherwise resilient objects and shelters. |
| CRYSTALLIZED LIGHT Most apertures to the Superluminal Universe admit a pulse or torrent of light energy. Yet some connect with a form of light that emerges into this universe as a structure more analagous to a crystal than a beam of light. These crystals have negligible mass, though they cling firmly to solid surfaces or remain motionless relative to their surroundings on arrival in this universe. Many are little more than a collection of energy and information, able to produce specific holograms under the control of a capable user. Others are tools with the ability to move under their own power and apply physical force. By default they are as easily damaged as a stout wooden door, though "purified" crystals are durable enough endure rifle fire without a scratch. The largest formations of these crystals can provide effective cover in battle or effective detention for several human-sized subjects. Extensive laboratory analysis reveals that crystallized light contains no baryonic matter at all. Instead it is bound together by several classes of exotic particles known as superphotons. These particles consistently decay into ordinary photons after roughly three hours in our universe. Crystals not already depleted or destroyed will naturally disperse as harmless motes of light. Different crystals are derived from different mixtures of energy extracted from the Superluminal Universe. It is also possible to return it from whence it came, complete with any sights, sounds, and thoughts recorded in it. Any information archived in this way can be recalled in duplicate at will. Luminary exploits this phenomenon to accumulate files on characters, costumes, scripts, props, and backdrops for use in his illusions. Sometimes he suspects that information filed away on the other side serves as compensation for the light he takes from across the rift between universes. |
| REMOTE VIEWING Lawrence's first great breakthrough came after reading a colleague's wildly speculative paper on the idea of tunneling through another universe to reduce the distances involved in astronomical observations. Though that author disputed the existence of the Superluminal Universe, Lawrence integrated his own theories to develop a novel quantum tunneling effect. This enabled him to collect observations as if his instruments were located on a platform in a distant part of our universe. From there it was much easier to sort out the proper contrasts for bringing small leaks of Superluminal energy into plain view. His findings made Lawrence reconsider his model of this other universe. Orbs, arcs, and rays of cosmic proportions would suddenly appear with no prior notice only to later vanish in another instantaneous event. Similar objects in different locations could well be the same object occupying multiple places at the same time. Whatever passes for space and time over there, it must be nothing like the fabric of this universe. Given that observed leaks had to be many orders of magnitude much less intense than the phenomena that produced them, it followed that this alternate reality was saturated with ordinary photons and populated by vast concentrations of exotic photons. Yet study of the Superluminal Universe taught Lawrence a few things about conventional space and time. Without benefit of any special equipment he can "stitch" together locations hundreds of meters apart. Though initiated with a holographic crystal, these remote viewing connections can be maintained indefinitely with no special risks. Their minor alterations to the fabric of our universe appear to have no lasting aftereffects. Through them, it becomes possible for Luminary to simultaneously project live images from multiple perspectives or eavesdrop on a location blocks away. |
| HOLOGRAPHIC HANDOUTS Luminary can furnish allies with a small assortment of crystals containing energy enough to sustain each through hours of heavy use. These gifts are simplified variants of his own powers. All controls are self-evident and do not require any special knowledge. These crystals can be abandoned at any time. No known method prevents them from decomposing into a swarm of harmless little lights three hours after appearing in this universe. (All items OIF and 0 END.) ◊ Salutary Bandolier: Healing STUN 3d6, 120m; ◊ Salvation Periapt: Healing BODY 3d6, 120m; ◊ Scintillating Badge: Normal Sight Flash 6d6, ◊ Seeker Gauntlets: RKA 2d6, ◊ Servitor Harness: Telekinesis (26 STR), ◊ Skystrider Boots: Flight 25m, Usable As Running ◊ Striker Bracers: RKA 2d6, ◊ Soaring Cape: Flight 15m, ◊ Sparkling Coat: Resistant Defense (15 PD/15 ED) ◊ Spyglass Helm: Clairsentience (Normal Hearing and Sight), 900m Accepting any of these handouts conveys Distinctive Feature: Brilliant |
| Photonic Forces Though lasers and holograms contain negligible mass, they can apply pressure to propel physical objects. Crystallized light is capable of even stronger interactions. Some forms are only a little more substantial than holograms, effectively weightless yet able cling to solid objects after being joined with a little pressure. Though crystallized light is never truly heavy, sometimes it features tremendous inertia paired with solid substance. Large platforms and walls of the stuff may resist tremendous physical forces while sitting motionless for hours. Luminary's operators are of particular note for their ability to apply force. |
| REMOTE VIEWING Lawrence's first great breakthrough came after reading a colleague's wildly speculative paper on the idea of tunneling through another universe to reduce the distances involved in astronomical observations. Though that author disputed the existence of the Superluminal Universe, Lawrence integrated his own theories to develop a novel quantum tunneling effect. This enabled him to collect observations as if his instruments were located on a platform in a distant part of our universe. From there it was much easier to sort out the proper contrasts for bringing small leaks of Superluminal energy into plain view. His findings made Lawrence reconsider his model of this other universe. Orbs, arcs, and rays of cosmic proportions would suddenly appear with no prior notice only to later vanish in another instantaneous event. Similar objects in different locations could well be the same object occupying multiple places at the same time. Whatever passes for space and time over there, it must be nothing like the fabric of this universe. Given that observed leaks had to be many orders of magnitude much less intense than the phenomena that produced them, it followed that this alternate reality was saturated with ordinary photons and populated by vast concentrations of exotic photons. Yet study of the Superluminal Universe taught Lawrence a few things about conventional space and time. Without benefit of any special equipment he can "stitch" together locations hundreds of meters apart. Though initiated with a holographic crystal, these remote viewing connections can be maintained indefinitely with no special risks. Their minor alterations to the fabric of our universe appear to have no lasting aftereffects. Through them, it becomes possible for Luminary to simultaneously project live images from multiple perspectives or eavesdrop on a location blocks away. |