Dimension Chi Zeta 98-77-I

PORTAL CORPORATION MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

A Hellish Scene of Earth 98-77-I

TO: Dimensional Research and Analysis Division

FROM: Interdimensional Threat Assessment Team

DATE: July 25, 2024

SUBJECT: Preliminary Assessment of Infernal Dimension Designation: Chi Zeta 98-77-I

This memorandum summarizes preliminary findings regarding a specific infernal dimension, designated Chi Zeta 98-77-I, based on analysis of recovered data and extrapolations from related dimensions. This dimension should be considered a potential high-threat environment, requiring further investigation and stringent safety protocols for any future research or interaction.

Physical Characteristics

• Temperature: Dimension Chi Zeta 98-77-I exhibits extremely high temperatures throughout its environment. The persistent presence of fire, flames, and brimstone, as well as the nature of infernal entities associated with this dimension, suggests that heat is a fundamental characteristic of the environment. Any exploration or interaction must take this into consideration.

• Atmosphere: The atmosphere of Chi Zeta 98-77-I's Earth-Analogue (Infernal Earth-98-77-I) is significantly denser than that of Primal Dimension, with higher surface atmospheric pressure, prevalence of heavy gasses, and lower partial pressures of both oxygen and fluorine.

• Gravity: The gravity is 57% higher (15.4 m/s^2) than that of Primal Dimension, based on the observed density and perceived pressure from the dimension. Further remote research into this is recommended.

• Magic: The dimension has a strong connection to magical forces, likely surpassing any scientific or technological advancements. This is confirmed by the nature of beings, artifacts, and activities associated with the dimension's quantum signatures.

Biochemistry and Biology

• Carbon-Oxygen Basis: The fundamental biochemistry of these creatures is based on carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, similar to life in the Primal Dimension. However, the harsh conditions of their home dimension require significant adaptations.

• High-Temperature Proteins and Enzymes: Given the extreme heat of Chi Zeta 98-77-I, the native creatures possess proteins and enzymes that are stable and functional at high temperatures. These proteins have evolved to maintain their structural integrity and catalytic activity despite intense heat, unlike the proteins of creatures in Primal Dimension.

• Specialized Solvents: Pure water-based solvents are not viable in Chi Zeta 98-77-I. The inhabitants use water mixed with specialized solvents that have a higher boiling point and are able to remain liquid and functional at high temperatures. These solvents facilitate biochemical reactions essential for survival in such extreme heat.

• Adaptations for Dense Atmosphere: The denser atmosphere of Chi Zeta 98-77-I, with lower partial pressures of oxygen and fluorine, means that the creatures' respiratory systems are far more efficient at extracting oxygen from their environment. Their blood or other circulatory fluids are highly efficient at carrying oxygen to tissues, and have more efficient methods of eliminating waste gases such as carbon dioxide.

• Heat Resistance: In addition to specialized proteins and enzymes, the creatures of Chi Zeta 98-77-I have adaptations at a cellular and tissue level to protect against damage from intense heat and fire. This includes highly specialized cell membranes that don't degrade as easily and structural proteins that can withstand high temperatures.

• Magical Energy Interaction: Given the dimension’s strong connection to magical forces, their biochemistry is intertwined with magical energy flows. This operates at a cellular level, where their biochemical reactions are fueled and influenced by magical energies. This interaction is unique part of their metabolism, leading to the manifestation of magical abilities and also indicates why creatures of this dimension often display abilities related to fire and infernal energy.

• Enhanced Physical Resilience: The inhabitants of Chi Zeta 98-77-I demonstrate enhanced physical abilities and resilience. This could be linked to their biochemistry, with stronger muscle tissues and quicker healing processes, enabled by the high-temperature functionality of their proteins and enzymes. The increased gravity of the dimension likely contributes to their physical strength and resilience as well, with more dense skeletal and muscular systems.

• Infernal Energy: The magical powers of the inhabitants are often related to fire and infernal energy. Their biochemistry involves unique pathways to channel, generate, and manipulate this infernal energy, meaning that their cells and tissues have mechanisms to produce and handle magical power safely. This could involve specialized organelles or energy storage methods not found in Primal Dimension life. Samples required for further research.

• Survival Mechanisms: The high level of survival competition in the dimension likely means their biochemistry includes adaptations to enhance survival, such as a stronger immune systems, faster wound healing, and potent defensive capabilities such as claws, talons, and enhanced strength. Their biochemistry likely supports these aspects.

Inhabitants and Culture

• Nature: The intelligent inhabitants of Earth-98-77-I are typically characterized by magical powers, often related to fire and infernal energy. They demonstrate enhanced physical abilities and resilience, and have the appearance of Devils with wings, horns, tails, claws, and talons. A medieval technological level of physical civilization appears to be present. Magical potential may be significantly higher. Basic biochemistry is Carbon-Oxygen with variations for high temperature proteins, enzymes, and solvents.

• Survival: The culture of Earth-98-77-I appears to be driven by a strong survival instinct and intense competition. Power structures are based on ruthlessness and the pursuit of dominance, with the strongest individuals wielding the most influence. This suggests a culture of brutal and hierarchical coercive systems.

• Alignment: The prevailing alignment within this dimension is therefore theorized to be "Lawful Evil" (Ref: Portal Corp Ethical/Moral Assessment Standard for Dimensions 821-J). There is evidence of hierarchical structure and rigid rules and enforcement, but they are often used to exploit and control others, as is often demonstrated by a 'might makes right' philosophy, widespread presence of slavery, torture, and other coercive means of non-affirmation of life, liberty, and free thought.

Infernal Society

The culture of Earth-98-77-I is characterized by a strong survival instinct and intense competition, with power structures based on ruthlessness and the pursuit of dominance. A "might makes right" philosophy prevails, and where the strongest individuals wield the most influence. This hierarchical and brutal system is deeply ingrained in their social structure, with rigid rules and harsh enforcement used to exploit and control others. This manifests in several ways:

• Slavery and Coercion: The widespread presence of slavery and torture indicates a society where the strong dominate the weak and where physical force is the primary means of maintaining control. Inferior individuals likely have few, if any, rights, and are used as resources by those in power.
• Lack of Empathy: The culture likely does not value empathy or compassion. Their worldview is likely centered on self-interest, power, and the ruthless pursuit of personal goals, regardless of the suffering it causes to others.
• Military Focus: Given the emphasis on power, the society may be highly militarized. The constant struggle for dominance may lead to frequent conflicts, with military prowess being a key factor in gaining and maintaining status.

There are rules and a clear social order, but they are geared towards maintaining an oppressive system. The upper echelons of society believe they have a right to rule, and those of lower social strata, and other races, are to be subjugated. The hierarchical social order aspects are used to legitimize cruelty and exploitation, rather than providing any semblance of justice or fairness. The order is maintained by brutal efficiency, fear, and a sense of inescapable fate.

The inhabitants typically have magical powers related to fire and infernal energy, which they use for personal power. Magical abilities are not merely a talent, but also a way to climb the social ladder. Those with more potent powers likely enjoy a higher social standing, leading to a constant struggle for magical supremacy.

In this society, infernal powers are viewed as a sign of strength, superiority, and even divine favor. This could lead to a culture where those with infernal powers see themselves as inherently better than those without. This may also lead to intense religious devotion to entities or beings of great infernal power, similar to that seen among the Hellions in Primal Dimension.

While the sources describe a medieval level of technology, the emphasis is more on magical development. The inhabitants have invested heavily in mastering magic, rather than in scientific advancements. This has led to a society where technological progress is stagnant, but magical capabilities are very high. Anticipate:

• Magical Artifacts: The importance of magic may result in the creation of powerful artifacts which might amplify magical abilities or act as symbols of power and status. This could lead to the development of a class of specialists who focus on the creation and maintenance of these objects.
• Magical Education: Those with innate magical abilities are likely identified early, and given instruction and training to hone those skills to their utmost. This instruction is likely hierarchical, with the best teachers reserved for the most powerful students.

Intelligent and Semi-Intelligent Species

Based on the information available about Dimension Chi Zeta 98-77-I, here is a listing of intelligent and semi-intelligent devil-kin in this dimension:

• Balrogs and Behemoths:
  • Description: Balrogs are among the most formidable beings of this dimension. They are towering figures, larger and more imposing than other creatures from their dimension. They are wreathed in flames and have a terrifying presence. They have large wings, horns, and tails. Their bodies are able to withstand extremely high temperatures and physical damage. They are among the most powerful beings, and would be difficult for even other powerful devils to control.
  • Abilities: They possess immense physical strength and wield weapons made of fire or infused with infernal energy. Their mastery over fire is unparalleled, capable of generating massive conflagrations and manipulating flames with precision. They possess a form of invulnerability against most conventional attacks. They may also be capable of flight and manipulating magical energies to a great extent.
  • Role in Society: Balrogs are high-ranking members of the ruling class, possibly even leading armies or holding positions of great authority. They serve as generals, warlords, or even demon-kings in their own right. Their immense power and ferocity makes them figures of both fear and respect.

• Devil Lords:
  • Description: Devil Lords are powerful leaders within the infernal hierarchy, possessing a combination of magical prowess, strategic intelligence, and physical strength. They have more elaborate horns, wings, and tails than other devil-kin, and even possess other infernal features, such as multiple limbs, faces, or eyes. They are a class above the Fire Devils and below the Balrogs and Behemoths in the hierarchy.
  • Abilities: They command significant infernal power, able to summon or manipulate other devils. They also have powerful magical abilities, which might include necromancy, mind control, or manipulating other types of infernal energies in addition to fire. Their physical abilities are also significantly enhanced.
  • Role in Society: Devil Lords rule over territories, command armies, and oversee important magical rituals. They hold significant positions in the dimension's power structure. They are the primary authorities responsible for maintaining order, exploiting resources, and expanding their influence.

• Fire Devils:
  • Description: Fire Devils are a common type of intelligent devil-kin in this dimension, exhibiting a variety of forms with different infernal traits. They commonly have wings, horns, tails, claws, and talons. It has been speculated that Hellion 'Girlfriends from Hell' may be from this species. Their bodies are adapted to high temperatures and able to withstand a fair amount of physical trauma. They are varied in their individual capabilities than Balrogs.
  • Abilities: Fire Devils possess a variety of fire-based abilities such as generating fire, manipulating flames, and breathing fire, or projecting fire as blasts. They may employ weapons such as swords or whips, and may have lesser devils at their instant command. They also have enhanced physical strength, agility, and durability. Some may wield weapons of pure fire or infernal magic. They might also possess a limited form of flight and might be able to teleport short distances.
  • Role in Society: They are soldiers, enforcers, or functionaries within the dimension's hierarchical structure. Some might be powerful enough to lead groups of devils, or to be given more authority within a particular locale. Some may also serve in other roles, such as sorcerers or priests.

• Erinyes:
  • Description: Erinyes are swift, agile, and winged devils, smaller and slighter in stature than Fire Devils, with an appearance humans from Primal Dimensions might find less unsettling, or even attractive. They have a greater focus on athletic speed and maneuverability rather than raw power. They have more bat-like or bird-like wings, sharpened claws and teeth designed for close-quarters combat.
  • Abilities: They are highly mobile in the air, with enhanced agility and flight capabilities. They possess the ability to create localized high temperature zones, or to generate fire blasts, or to control other magical energies, such as kinetics. The may have inherent tactical sense and situational awareness. They may be masters of stealth and infiltration, and be able to move silently. They may be adept with bladed weapons.
  • Role in Society: Erinyes are often scouts, assassins, or messengers, employed to quickly deliver messages and information, infiltrate enemy positions, or strike swiftly in battle. They would also function as spies and gather intelligence. They are commonly used as specialized enforcers and assassins. Their adherence to social order is very strong, and they often cannot engage in deceit.

• Succubi and Incubi:
  • Description: Succubi and Incubi are devils with a focus on manipulation and influence. They often appear very beautiful or handsome to those of other dimensions, or to other devils, or terrifying depending on the individual. They possess many infernal traits, such as horns, tails, and wings, which may be used to entice and manipulate. They have the capacity to shapeshift to mimic beings from other dimensions. They tend to be charming, subtle, and deceptive rather than physically intimidating.
  • Abilities: They are masters of deception and manipulation, capable of influencing emotions, desires, and even thoughts through magical means. They may have the ability to drain life force or magical energy, and to inspire strong emotions, such as fear, lust, or rage. The often have intense psychic and/or psionic powers.
  • Role in Society: They function as spies, diplomats, or agents of influence for the ruling classes. They also act as temptors, coercing individuals into entering into deals or agreements favorable to the devils, or to undermine their opponents. They also hold a high status in social interactions among other devils.

• Imps:
  • Description: Imps are among the smallest and least powerful of the devil-kin, often dog-sized or smaller. They have rudimentary wings and horns and are relatively weak. They are mischievous and cruel, but lack the power and intelligence of larger devils. Imps may appear in a variety of forms, but do not possess as many infernal characteristics as the others.
  • Abilities: They possess very limited magical abilities, such as small fire attacks or the ability to cause minor annoyances. They tend to be physically weak and vulnerable but might have some aptitude for stealth or trickery.
  • Role in Society: Imps are servants, messengers, or scouts, and generally lower-status beings. They are often used as cannon fodder in wars, or as disposable agents in dangerous situations. They may also be found as familiars or servants of more powerful devils.

• Fire Sprites:
  • Description: Fire Sprites are semi-intelligent beings that are manifestations of raw infernal energies. They resemble animated flames, embers, or small fire elementals. They lack the more physical characteristics of other devils but still possess a will and a limited form of sentience.
  • Abilities: They are able to manipulate fire and heat, able to set things ablaze, generate small explosions, or create walls of flame. They are very fast and agile, able to flit through the air and move in unpredictable ways. They may sometimes not have a physical form and exist only as mobile flames.
  • Role in Society: They do not have any real place in the societies of the devils, and may act more as natural forces. They may, however, be used as living weapons, or employed in rituals requiring the manipulation of fire or heat. They also serve as scouts, as they are able to move through the environment quickly and with little risk of being physically harmed.

This bestiary is somewhat speculative, but it is based on available descriptions of the dimension and interrogations of infernal creatures in Primal Dimension. The information provides a basis for understanding what kinds of beings might be encountered in Dimension Chi Zeta 98-77-I.

Potential Threats and Considerations

• Hostile Environment: The combination of extreme heat, a dense atmosphere, toxic gasses, dangerous chemicals, and high gravity makes this a dangerous environment for unprotected personnel. Environmental control suits with powered exoskeletons recommended. In such protective gear is unavailable, limit exposure durations to one hour or less.

• Magical Energies: This dimension's strong magical forces may pose unpredictable threats. There are also likely to be powerful magical artifacts, beings, and locations that should be avoided or treated with extreme caution. Consult MAGI representatives for protective wards.

• Aggressive Inhabitants: The strong survival instinct of the inhabitants, and their emphasis on personal power, indicate a high probability of hostility toward any outside presence. Potential for outside technological weapons and tools to fail due to high arcanic flux and quantum instability.

Final Recommendation

It is recommended that any further research into Dimension XZ-987-B be conducted remotely, and with the strictest possible protocols to ensure the safety of PortalCorp personnel and Primal Dimension. Direct exploration is not recommended at this time. There is evidence Circle of Thorns use this dimension as one of several source dimensions for infernal spirits and/or beings. This is not a dimension that should be targeted for resource acquisition, or resettlement. Its potential for chaos and hostile intervention is high, and does not justify any plausible value.