Multiversal Theory

This is an Unofficial Player-Created Theory of the Multiverses

Introduction

Welcome, traveler, to a journey beyond the confines of your familiar world into the vast and intricate tapestry of the multiverse. This treatise will explore the fundamental nature of reality, delving into the concepts of the Aether -- a timeless and infinite plane of non-being, and the Origin Point -- the initial event from which all dimensions sprung. We will navigate the myriad scales that define the characteristics of each unique dimension. We will also examine dimensions as distinct planes of existence, such as Primal Earth, Praetoria, and the realms of the Shadow Shard, each with their own history, laws, and potential. Through this exploration, we aim to clarify the intricate web of connections and divergences that make up the multiverse, providing a foundation for understanding the diverse and often perilous realities beyond our own.

Much of what we understand about the multiverse and its many dimensions and timelines has been reverse understood fromt he technology we have acquired instead of having been derived from first principles. Therefore, readers are cautioned that there are significant gaps and unclarities in our understanding.

Overview

Timelines

In the context of the multiverse, or Aether, a Timeline refers to the progression of events within a specific dimension, from the Origin Point all timelines spring out from, to its future at Timelike Infinity. A timeline is not merely a line in time; it encompasses the infinite three-dimensional space of a plane of existence, representing the reality accessible to an inhabitant through normal movement and means of travel. A timeline has a direction sense of time, and while time travel is possible, the directionality of time within a timeline is consistent, and encompasses all the natural senses of identity, continuity, and shared being of its residents.

Dimensional Uncertainty Principle

Timelines exhibit a degree of quantum consistency such that successor points on a timeline are generally consistent with predecessor points, governed by physical or magical laws, which maintains a degree of stability. One should not think of a timeline as an infinitely precise path or line, but rather as a fuzzy region of possibilities about a central core of maximum probability. The region of fuzziness has been quantified via *Webb's Dimensional Uncertainty Principle*, and in practical terms represents the likelihood of a transit gate locking onto the timeline with coordinates which are displaced by some distance epislon.

This uncertainy zone also permits the possibility of reflection or fracture; splitting a timeline into more than one. While a dimension's timeline can split into branching dimensions due to quantum events, it is within this stable fuzzy core of the timeline that the normal sense of reality exists. A timeline, therefore, represents the entirety of a universe, and all the space within it, as it exists at any particular moment, and through time.

An individual dimension's timeline can split, yielding a new branching dimension. There is usually an event or coupled set of events, at the vertex of the split, which at a quantum level occured one way in the main dimension, and a different way in the branching dimension. After a time, due to the butterfly effect, the dimensions may differ at a macro level. Alternatively, the branching dimension may stay infintesimally close to the original dimension, and never show a detectable diffference at the macro level. If they do differ at a macro level, they may "orbit" in promximity, with day to day events and persons being different, but with a similar large scale evolution of history. Or, they may diverge, with ever increasingly different histories and events as time goes on. As a branching universe (or cluster) drifts, it may drift into a substantially different part of the Aether where the underlaying laws governing timelines alter subtly; such as when Primal Dimension left the First Age of Heroes, and entereda more mundane period, and then regained magical origin creatures, villains, and heroes in the eighteenth century. Understanding why different dimensions take on different properties requires us to consider the Aether they exists in.

The Aether

We speak of timeslines and coordinates and splitting and branching, but where do they locate and over what spans do they split or branch? The multiverse of timelines is spanned by the Aether -- a plane of non-being comprising infintite meta-dimensions of possibility. Timelines and their planes of three dimensional realities exist as points tracing along paths within this infinitely high dimensioned manifold. The Aether is spanned by an infinite number of meta-dimensions, of which a few are *characteristic* and the remainder are *stochastic*. Characteristic dimensions impose a flavor of fundamental laws onto timelines which locate along them, based on subtle variations in the values of universal constants. Stochastic dimensions represent scales for how groups of quantum events resolve randomly, yet consistently, from moment to moment; and thus how histories play out with increasing differences as timelines are separated further from each other. Much of the Aether is empty possibility, but within this vast manifold space the timelines pass through. Imagine the Aether as a "lake" in which the various dimensional timelines are like islands. Most of the lake is empty, but a skilled swimmer or sailor might be able to traverse it from one island to another.

The Origin Point

The Origin Point is the initial event from which the multiverse and all dimensions began. It is considered a kind of "Platonic Ideal" where all existence originated, and it is thought to be the source from which all dimensions are reflected. Theory suggests that events at the Origin Point have had consequences throughout the entire multiverse. Each dimension has its own timeline that stretches from the Origin Point to its Timelike Infinity. Timelike Infinity represents the theoretical end point of a dimension's timeline, the furthest point in the future that the dimension extends, and marks the furthest extent of that dimension's existence in the future

Unstable Rifts & Shards

Shards are characterized by their inherent instability and transient nature. Unlike stable, permanent dimensions, Shards are temporary reflections or echoes of other dimensions. They are often described as ripples or branches in the fabric of the Aether, arising from significant temporal or dimensional disturbances.

Shards are frequently born from major temporal events or other disruptions within a stable dimension, leading to the creation of unstable dimensional spaces. A ripple in the manifold Aether propogates and trhough the quantum creation operator, manifest as a new, unqiue dimension, with no direct connect to the Origin Point, and often very little spatial or temporal continuity. These events can be natural or the result of advanced technology. Shards may often carry a reflections or echo from the temporal event that spawned them, suggesting they are not entirely new dimensions, but rather, distorted and temporary copies of existing realities

Shards are fundamentally unstable, decaying at a molecular level, and they have a finite lifespan, often disappearing within a matter of months. They are not a fixed or permanent part of the dimensional landscape. The Timeline of a shard has a distint local origin, and a distinct local terminus which does not reach Timelike Infinity. The Aether surrounding a shard will often have resonant chaotic disturbances which can manifest as unpredictable or dangerous conditions. Shard often spring from major dimensional branches, and can undergo catastrophic reconnection, which can lead to early termination of a branch, or cause branch re-attachment syndrome, which can corrupt the original timeline.

Shards can have their own unique properties and rules, distinct from the original dimensions they reflect. They may appear a considerable distance across characteristic metaspace and host unusual phenomena or exhibit different physical laws.

As a notable example of a Shard, the Shadow Shard is a bizarre, alternate dimension composed of floating islands. It is a place where discarded attempts at remaking things have been organized into a unique landscape, and populated by reflections from consumed dimensions.

Shards highlight the dynamic nature of the multiverse, and offer opportunities for research into alternate timelines and realities. The unique properties of Shards make them distinct from stable dimensions and provide a glimpse into the nature of the Aether and its interconnectedness, but also highlight the dangers and extreme risks of multidimensional travel and temporal intervention.

Terms and Usage

These terms are often used loosely, especially by the lay public, but in each case there is context for interpreation. Dimensions, timelne, planes of existence, may all refer to the same thing, or occassionally to other things. Readers are cautioned appropriately.

Meta Dimensions

From the Origin Point, the Platonic Ideal plane of existence soon split, resolving into a myriad of separate planes of existence in a uncountable infinity of possibilities. The vast majority of these have no Earth, no Stars, no Galaxies, only truly unformed chaos. Another great number have Galaxies, Stars, and endless worlds that are not Earth. However, there remains a tiny infinity of planes which include an Earth here at our location in the Universe, and another even smaller inifnity of possibilites has recognizably intelligent life on an analogue of our Earth, at the present day, on planes which are reachable via portals or magics. These are the subjects of study of Portal Corporation.

Through exploration and review of hundreds of extra-dimensional planes of existence, Portal Corporation has prepared a summary analysis and taxonomy of the higher meta-dimensional spaces of the Aether, determined the four key attributes of the *characteristic* meta-dimensions and identified four major principle components of the *stochastic* meta-dimensions, which together span the space of Earth-Like planes of existence. Together, these eight dimensional scalars provide information for our Gate Machines to gain stable lock-on and transit capability for cross-dimensional travel.

Characteristic Meta-Dimensions

Characteristic meta-dimensions largely determine the balance of a plane of existence between mundane laws of phsyics and extraordinary effects of magic, between unthinking simplicty and self-aware and even transcendant complexity, between rigid orderliness and relentless chaos, and finally, between intense self-interest and cooperative magnamity. Before we progress onto the stochastic dimensions, we will discuss

Mundanity

This scale measures the degree of magical or extraordinary phenomena in a dimension. A dimension can range from totally mundane, with no magic or superpowers, to highly magical, where such things are commonplace.

Naturality

This scale measures the balance between natural and technological elements in a dimension. Dimensions range from those with no intelligence or complex biology to those dominated by advanced technology.

Entropicity

This scale measures the orientation of a dimension towards law or chaos. Dimensions range from those with extreme chaos to those with strict order.

Altruisity

This scale measures the degree of concern for the well-being of others within a dimension. Dimensions range from those with extreme self-interest to those with extreme selflessness.

Stochastic Meta-Dimensions

In addition, there are stochastic metadimensions. We have determined that four such metadimensional coordinates are sufficient to uniquely specify planes of existence with potentially inhabitable Earth-like planets in a solar system like ours in this Galaxy's location in the Hubble-sphere relative to six Pulsar remnants from the Origin Point Platonic Ideal. These four Metadimensions have no human interperability are arbitrarily named Happenstance, Serendipity, Peculiarity, and Weirdness. Given the Dimensional Uncertainty Principle, specifying these four coordinates to three decimals of precision is sufficient to assure a unique lock on a timeline.

Stochastic metadimensionality arises from the uncertainty of events at quantum levels within any timeline. A particle might decay in one instant, or it might not; and no physical law explaining why ir does or does not has been found, or even has been proven can exist. Pure random chance, coupled with the probability wave density functions for what might have happened, what is, and what migh thappen next, determines how a timeline progresses from the Origin Point further forward towards Timelike Infinity. However, across the possibilities of inhabited Earth-Likes, those possibilities are constrained. What would have been impossibly ininfite and intractible problem is reduced to the four Stochastic dimensions. Mathematically, these empiracally determined axes are Principle components of a four-dimensional sub-manifold of the stochastic Aether which accounts for all timelines which contain even marginally inhabitable Earth-Like planets near the locations where ours is in the Galaxy. In conjuction with the four orthagonal characteristic dimensions, we are able to specify intrinsic field flux parameters, such as density, rotation, isospin, shear, and their complex conjugates, to establish gate destinations.

There are no intrinsic units of measurement for these dimensions, but they are identifiably scalar. At Portal Corp, we have proposed a zero to one scale for each, such that a dimension, once fully identified and indexed, can be locked on to for safe and repeatable two-way transit by our portal generators.

Meta Time

A controversial concept in Multiversal Dynamics is 'Meta Time', a hypothesized additional time axis along which changes to the Aether itself occurs, independant of experienced time flows within dimensional timelines. While no example of such as event has been comprehensively documented, the existence of doppelgangers, contradictory historical events within single timelines, and paradoxical statements by both members of the Midnight Squad and self-claimed Menders have implied the existence of at least one Meta Time dimension.

Efforts to fold meta time into Huntington's Incomplete Field Equations have to date failed to yield any consistent reults. It may well be that our current level of understanding of Differential Topology and Manifold Category theories are insufficient for the task.

Dimensional Taxonomy

Portal Corps has endeavored to produce a descriptive understanding of dimensions based on reports of dimensional travelers and debriefs of dimensional refugees. As noted above, the position of a Timeline's plane of existance at a set of coordinates within the characteristic dimensions has a great effects on the nature of the inhabitants we may encounter there. Here are more estensive summaries and examples of how caracteristic metacoordinates affect their realities.

Mundanity

Mundanity serves as a crucial axis that defines the presence or absence of extraordinary phenomena, such as superheroes, supervillains, and magical creatures. Here’s a more detailed exploration of how this scale operates:

Total Mundanity

In dimensions characterized by total Mundanity, the laws of physics and reality operate without exception. These realms are devoid of any supernatural elements, meaning there are no superheroes, supervillains, or magical creatures. Life in these dimensions follows a strictly natural course, governed by conventional science and societal norms. Extraordinary events are virtually non-existent, and any deviation from the norm is either dismissed as myth or considered an anomaly.

High Mundanity

As we move slightly away from total Mundanity, dimensions begin to allow for extraordinary occurrences. Here, we might witness improbable high-sigma outliers in natural abilities, such as individuals exhibiting exceptional intelligence, speed, strength, or agility. Genetic mutations may arise, leading to the emergence of superpowers that, while appearing magical, can often be explained through advanced biological or scientific principles. These dimensions may still feel grounded in reality but introduce elements that challenge the ordinary.

Moderate Mundanity

Further along the scale, dimensions may feature full practitioners of arcane spells and inherently magical beings. In these realms, magic is a recognized and integral part of life, coexisting with technology and natural phenomena. Superheroes and supervillains may exist, often operating within a framework of laws and ethics that govern their powers and actions. The presence of magical creatures adds depth to the ecosystem, creating a rich tapestry of interactions between the mundane and the extraordinary.

Low and Extremely Low Mundanity

At the extreme end of the Mundanity scale, we encounter dimensions where magic dominates reality. In these, even simple machines may fail to function reliably due to the overwhelming presence of magical forces. Supernatural creatures thrive, and the very fabric of reality is shaped by magical principles rather than scientific laws. The inhabitants of these dimensions may possess abilities that defy conventional understanding, leading to a reality where the impossible becomes commonplace, and reality bends to the whims of magical beings and magical forces.

Some beings from these extreme, or outer, dimensions often appear in mythology and religious traditions as Gods, Angels, Demons, Devils, Celestials, and etc.; as the inhabitants of these dimensions often are able to travel dimensions without technological means, and even with little effort; and once in a more mundane magical or technological dimension, often are very powerful compared to mundane inhabitants such as humans. Most often when such a beings appears in a religious context, it is with a subversive or covert motivation, and not a statement itself on the truth oe falseness of any specific religion. Most benign outer dimensional inhabitants do not willingly travel across dimensions unless summonned. Beings from outer dimensions may be incorporeal or phantom, and may also be composed of raw soulforces, and when so, may attempt to commandeer a host body from a mundane dimension in order to anchor there. Comandeering a host body may sometimes be fatal to the soul of the host. Due to the often high quantum instability from travelling across distant dimensions, such beings can possibly be banished (in their native forms) or excorcized (if commandeering a native host), if the dimension has at least minimal magic presense.

Naturality

Total Naturality

In dimensions characterized by total naturality, the environment is devoid of any form of intelligence or complex biological systems. Here, intelligence is impossible, even among biological organisms. The neural systems of animals do not develop beyond basic reflexes, and there is no capacity for self-awareness, sentience, or complex thought. As a result, there are no tool-using species or societies. Visitors from other dimensions may experience mental fog, and their technological devices may fail due to the absence of cognitive processes that underpin their functionality. This creates a stark and unchanging environment, where life exists in its most primitive form.

High Naturality

As we move slightly away from total naturality, dimensions allow for the development of biological organisms with basic cognitive abilities. Here, organisms can perform observation, analysis, and decision-making, but higher-order thought and self-awareness remain limited. While computers and computational systems can exist, their capabilities are rudimentary, lacking the complexity needed for advanced reasoning or emotional understanding. This dimension may feature simple societies that rely on instinct and basic communication, with technology serving only as a tool rather than a transformative force.

Moderate Naturality

In dimensions with moderate naturality, organisms readily develop self-awareness and higher intelligence. Societies may form around these intelligent beings, leading to the emergence of cultures, languages, and social structures. Technological systems can exist alongside biological life, but they are not yet fully autonomous. Here, computing systems may begin to exhibit some level of self-improvement, but they remain dependent on their creators. The balance between nature and technology is evident, with inhabitants striving to harmonize their advancements with the natural world.

Low Naturalities

As we approach the extreme low naturalities, the boundaries between biological and technological life blur significantly. Organisms not only become self-aware early but also exhibit high intelligence, leading to complex societies and cultures. In this realm, relatively simple computing systems can achieve self-awareness and self-improvement, rapidly advancing toward technological singularities. The inhabitants may engage in advanced scientific exploration, pushing the limits of both biological and artificial intelligence. This dimension may feature a dynamic interplay between organic and synthetic life, with both forms of intelligence collaborating and competing for dominance.

Zero Naturality

At the extreme end of the Naturality scale, we encounter dimensions dominated by technology, where natural laws are often overridden by technological intervention. In these realms, intelligent machines and synthetic life forms may exist as the primary inhabitants. The concept of nature as understood in more natural dimensions may be virtually absent, leading to societies structured around artificial intelligence and technological advancement. Here, the inhabitants prioritize efficiency and productivity, often at the expense of traditional notions of organic life. The implications of such a reality raise ethical questions about the nature of existence, consciousness, and the role of technology in shaping life.

Entropicity

Highly Negative Entropicity

These dimensions are marked by extreme chaos and unpredictability. In these realms, the absence of structure leads to rampant disorder, where entities operate without rules or constraints. Relationships are often volatile and transient, as alliances can shift in an instant, and the environment is in a constant state of flux. This chaotic nature fosters creativity and innovation but also breeds conflict and instability. Entities existing in these dimensions may prioritize personal freedom and self-expression over community or collective harmony, often resulting in a struggle for survival amidst the chaos.

Medium Negative Entropicity

These dimensions present a more balanced approach to chaos and order. While they maintain elements of unpredictability, there is some level of structure and organization present that allows for cooperation among entities. These realms may experience fluctuating stability, where occasional chaos disrupts the norm, but established systems still provide a foundation for interaction. Entities in these dimensions may navigate a blend of individualism and collective responsibility, often adapting their behaviors based on situational demands. This balance allows for creativity to thrive while still enabling some form of societal cohesion.

Neutral Entropicity

These embody a state of equilibrium between order and chaos. In these realms, neither extreme is dominant, resulting in a dynamic interplay of structure and spontaneity. Entities within neutral dimensions can act based on context, shifting between lawful and chaotic behaviors as circumstances dictate. This fluidity encourages adaptability and resilience, allowing for diverse expressions of morality and ethics. Relationships and interactions are marked by a pragmatic approach, where entities weigh the benefits of order against the allure of chaos, leading to a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives

Positive Entropicity

These dimensions lean towards order and structure, promoting a sense of stability and predictability. In these realms, entities adhere to established laws and norms, prioritizing cooperation, community well-being, and collective goals. The environment is characterized by clear guidelines and a sense of security, allowing for flourishing societies based on trust and mutual respect. While creativity and individual expression are still valued, they often align with the overarching principles of order. Entities in these dimensions may find purpose in contributing to the greater good, seeking harmony and balance within their structured existence.

Highly Positive Entropicity

There are defined by strict adherence to laws and an overwhelming sense of order. In these realms, the environment is meticulously organized, with clearly defined rules governing every aspect of existence. Entities prioritize collective harmony, stability, and predictability, often sacrificing personal freedoms for the sake of maintaining societal structure. While creativity exists, it is typically channeled within the bounds of established norms, leading to innovation that aligns with the overarching order. Relationships are characterized by duty, responsibility, and a strong sense of community, creating a harmonious yet potentially restrictive atmosphere where conformity is valued above individual expression.

Altruicity

High Altruicity

Dimensions with extremely positive levels of Altruisity exude a sense of beauty and harmony, often to the point of being overwhelming or stifling. Intelligent inhabitants display angelic dispositions, willingly bearing significant burdens to assist others, even in seemingly trivial matters. Such environments foster a culture where self-sacrifice and compassion are the highest ideals, leading to societies that may lack personal boundaries or the ability to say "no." Conflicts are nearly nonexistent, as empathy and understanding permeate every interaction.

Positive Altruisity

Dimensions characterized by positive Altruisity emphasize collective well-being and mutual support. Intelligent beings prioritize the needs of others over their own, resulting in highly cooperative societies. These dimensions often resemble utopias, where altruism is a core value, and societal norms promote collaboration and kindness. Conflicts are rare, as individuals work together harmoniously, guided by a shared commitment to the common good and a deep sense of empathy for one another.

Zero Altruisity

In dimensions with neutral Altruisity, a balance exists between self-interest and concern for others. Societies exhibit a mix of altruistic and selfish behaviors, with individuals acting based on context, personal values, or situational demands. These dimensions mirror real-world societies, where cooperation and competition coexist. People may choose to help others, but self-interest also plays a significant role in decision-making. This balance allows for a dynamic social landscape, where both altruism and individualism have their place.

Negative Altruisity

Dimensions exhibiting low Altruisity are dominated by self-interest, with little regard for the welfare of others. Societies in these dimensions tend to be highly individualistic, competitive, or even hostile, prioritizing personal gain over collective well-being. Dystopian elements are prevalent, as survival instincts override empathy, leading to a culture where trust is scarce and exploitation is common. Relationships are transactional, and cooperation often yields to conflict, as individuals focus on their own needs at the expense of others.

Extreme Negative Altruisity

Dimensions with extreme negative Altruisity are characterized by an active disdain for the well-being of others. Societies in these realms are founded on principles of terror, exploitation, and violence, where harm and suffering are indulged as sources of entertainment or power. Care or concern for others is not only disregarded but actively despised, viewed as a sign of weakness. In these environments, cruelty may be celebrated, and survival is governed by ruthless competition, with individuals or factions thriving at the expense of others. Such dimensions may resemble nightmarish dystopias, where the absence of empathy leads to pervasive fear and suffering.

Dimensional Clustering

Standard Earth-like dimensions with similar Mundanity/Naturality/Directionality levels tend to flow in clusters together. These clusters form super-clusters, and super clusters form mega-clusters.

The Portal Corporation Naming Standard for Dimensions specifies a base four component system of nomeclatrue. Major Megaclusters of Dimensional Timelines are classified by an initial Greek letter, followed by another Greek Letter to specify the component Supercluter. A following number identitifes the Cluster, with the final number referencing the specific timeline within the Cluster. Variations on this nomeclature are permitted by special exception from the Department of Survey Records.

Listing of Common Transit Destination Dimensions

(TBR)

Dimension	Mundanity	Naturality	Entropicity	Altruisity	Summary
Primal Earth	High	High	Neutral	Neutral	The native home dimension of the Portal Corporation, as well as Paragon City and the Rogue Isles, considered a nexus of power with connections to other dimensions.
Beta 9-6 (Praetorian Earth)	High	High	Negative	Negative	A dimension conquered by Hamidon and ruled by Emperor Cole, known for its alternate versions of Primal Earth's heroes and villains and its shades of grey morality.
Black Shroud Dimension	Low	Low	Negative	Negative	A dimension accessed by Nightstar, which is implied to be a source of power, and possibly related to the Netherworld, indicating an extremely chaotic and selfish realm.
Delta Zeta 24-10 (Axis America)	High	High	Negative	Negative	A militaristic and hostile dimension where the Axis powers won World War II, with its own metahuman champions.
Epsilon Tau 27-2	Low	Low	Negative	Negative	A dimension where the Clockwork King realized his full potential and destroyed all heroes and humanity, solely inhabited by Psychic Clockwork.
Gamma Upsilon 28-3 (Nemesis World)	Low	Low	Negative	Negative	A dimension where Lord Nemesis has conquered the world, sometimes with all human life annihilated and replaced by Nemesis Automatons, highlighting its chaotic and selfish nature.
Lamda Rho 57-20 (Werewolf World)	Low	Low	Negative	Negative	A perpetually dark world ruled by the Requiem, where a Nictus invasion has occurred, and the inhabitants are monstrous werewolves, highlighting its chaotic and selfish nature.
Sigma Psi 20-7 (Revenant Hero World)	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Revenant Hero World. Crey's Revenant Hero Project developed a hive mind here, and wiped out anything not in the collective.
The Council Empire	Low	Low	High	Low	A dimension where the Council has seized control, with short, overweight soldiers, starkly contrasting the Primal Earth Council and indicating a focus on order at the expense of individual excellence.
The Hydra Dimension	Low	Unknown	Negative	Negative	A dimension of unknown naturality, and the origin of the Hydra, discovered by the Rikti and also under investigation by Arachnos, indicating a chaotic and self-serving nature.
Warrior Earth	Low	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Home of Battle Maiden, and the origin of Valkyrie's spear, a world with unique history and powerful warriors, but details on its overall characteristics remain unknown.

Less Common Transit Destination Dimensions

Dimension	Mundanity	Naturality	Entropicity	Altruisity	Summary
Dimension Delta Zeta 17-46	High	High	Negative	Negative	Alternate reality where the US and Great Britain fought a two hundred year war and destroyed their world with nuclear weapons. Origin dimension of Samantha Grey.
Dimension Chi Zeta 98-77-I	Low	Low	Highly Negative	Highly Negative	Infernal/Hellish dimension with extreme heat, magic, and aggressive inhabitants. Planar Source of Samantha Grey's infernal side. |
Abyssal Dimensions	Low	Varies	Highly Negative	Highly Negative
Hellish Dimensions	Low	Varies	Highly Positive	Highly Negative
Beautific Dimensions	Low	Varies	Highly Negative	Highly Positive	Realms of extreme selflessness where good intentions are often carried out in chaotic, disorganized, and unpredictable ways, with no details about the dimension's natural or technological elements.
'Celestial Dimension's	Low	Varies	Highly Positive	Highly Positive	Realms of absolute order and profound altruism, often inhabited by god-like beings who can travel between dimensions without technological means.

Entangled Dimensions

Some dimensions have a mutual entanglement. This effect is not well understood, but several examples exist. Foremost is the so called "Evil Goatee Earth" dimension of Praetoria, which in some respects forms an balanced, opposed Altruisity Entangled Pair with Primal Earth. Many of the same persons exist within both dimensions, but may be clones, doppelgangers, or even mirroedimages (in some sense) of each other. Other Entangled Pairings may exist.

Branching Dimensions

An individual dimension's timeline can split, or reflect, yielding a new branching dimension. There is usually an event at the vertex of the split, which at a quantum level occured one way in the main dimension, and a different way in the branching dimension. After a time, due to the butterfly effect, the dimensions may differ at a macro level. Alternatively, the branching dimension may stay infintesimally close to the original dimension, and never show a detectable diffference at the macro level. If they do differ at a macro level, they may "orbit" in promximity, with day to day events and persons being different, but with a similar large scale evolution of history. Or, they may diverge, with ever increasingly different histories and events as time goes on. As a branching universe (or cluster) drifts, it may drift into a substantially different part of the characteristic metacoordinate manifold; such as when Primal Dimension left the First Age of Heroes as the Naturality increased in the late Ancient period, and then regained magical origin creatures, villains, and heroes in the eighteenth century.

"Ouroboros" Ever-Now Dimension

The Menders operate out of a pocket dimension which exists in a closed timeline loop near the Primal Dimension's traversal towards Timelike Infinity. Because of the qunique *Ever-Now* condition such closed timelike curves possess, it great simplifies time-travel via the Aether to desired points on Primal dimensions timeline. This suits the Menders' purpose to ensure that Dimensional Uncertainty of the Primal Timeline does not cause its course to be altered; and to ensure that external actors to the timeline do not cause it to be significantly altered. Often these is done via Flashback missions, where the Menders send Heroes or VIllains back to earlier points on the Tiemline where anomalies have been detected, such as an emergence of a branching timeline which threatens to create a new course for the Prime Timeline, and then through their actions, rejjoin the branched timeline to the main trunk of the Primal Timeline, thus preserving the progress of history preferred by the Menders.

Outer Dimensions

The Outer Dimensions all share low to moderate Naturality and low to no Naturality. These are realsm of powerful and potent magic, often dedicated to purpose depending on their degrees of Altruisity and Entropicity. Beings and entities from these dimensions are often self-capable of dimensional travel across the Aether, and may be easily mistaken for mythological or religiously inspired creatures.

Celestial Dimensions

Realms of absolute order and profound altruism, oriented towards law and structure, promoting stability and predictability. They are characterized by a high degree of cooperation and community well-being, where entities adhere to established laws and norms, prioritizing collective goals. Creativity and individual expression align with the overarching principles of order. The beings in these dimensions are motivated by selflessness and concern for the well-being of others. Inhabitants of the Celestial Dimensions are often viewed as gods, angels, or other benevolent celestial beings, possessing the ability to travel between dimensions without technological means and wielding significant power in more mundane dimensions.

Abyssal Dimensions

Realms defined by extremely low altruism and highly negative entropicity, making them places of intense self-interest and disorder. They are substantially low in mundanity, indicating that magic and extraordinary phenomena are commonplace, with physics as we know it taking a secondary position to the forces of magic. These dimension ire inhabited by demons and other powerful beings engaged in constant infighting and destructive behavior, reflecting the dimension’s inherent chaos. These entities are characterized by extreme self-interest and a complete lack of concern for others.

Beautific Dimensions

Realms characterized by high altruism and high negative entropicity, such that good intentions are often carried out in chaotic, disorganized, and unpredictable ways. These dimensions are filled with unique and often bizarre entities, each driven by desires to help others. However, their methods are often disorganized and unconventional, and they have a tendency to create chaos while pursuing their altruistic goals. The inhabitants of this dimension can be described as well-meaning but often clumsy or ill-planned, and their attempts to bring aid to others can be as disruptive as helpful.

Hellish Dimensions

Realms defined by extremely low altruism and high positive entropicity, resulting in a regime of strict order where all actions are dictated by self-serving motives. These dimensions are characterized by rigid, lawful structures where beings adhere to strict hierarchies or guidelines but primarily for their own benefit rather than for any collective good. Inhabitants are driven by self-interest and prioritize their own goals, making them less interested in the well-being or progress of others.

Dimensions and the Devouring Effect

Excerpts from the Portal Corp Official Transdimensional Survey, Peregrine Press, 2019.

Among primarily high-Mundanity, high-Naturality dimensions across the Multiverse, one finds variant Earths which develop something like Humanity have a high probability of sudden onset biogenetic plague, similar to Primal Earth's "Devouring." In fact, the chance is so high, they can split Megaclusters and Superclusters of dimensions into two new mega/superclusters: Those which don't produce a Humanity analog, and those which do. And of those which do, then whether they undergo the Devouring or not. Among those which have biogenetic plagues, there are those which are naturally emergent from the process of evolutionary mutation, and those from which the cause is Humanity itself. For dimensions where Humanity is scientifically and technologically oriented (as opposed to scientific but non-technological, or magical and technological, or even magical and non-technological) the likelihood of anthropogenic devouring plague is over 90%.

These may further be classified on two sub-levels: the degree of virulence of the biogenetic plague, and on the sentience of the plague's central nexus. In some dimensions, this plague is exceptionally virulent and also highly sentient and intelligent; almost Godlike in its power and purpose. The Praetorian dimension unfortunately had such a plague. Yet in others, such as Primal dimension, the plague was much less virulent, even to the point of containment to small regions; and its controlling intelligence weak enough to countered by tactics and stratagems Human heroes would be able to provide.

However, there are other possibilities. In Dimension Eta-Gamma-6-B, their Devouring was neither particularly virulent nor intelligent; the majority of the biosphere and human population quickly gained herd immunity to this plague (which they quaintly titled "The Freckling", and a cottage industry has developed creating 'Freckled' pets for children. The opposite can happen as well, such as to Dimension Delta Zeta 17-46, where the plague which developed was completely unintelligent and absent any shred of higher purpose, yet incredibly virulent and destructive of normal life -- which their leaders quickly dubbed "The Ravaging". After losing a nuclear war against the mindless assaults of ravaged populations that dimension's humanity went extinct; and the entire biosphere degraded into unicellular life. Portal Corp has received only a few refugees from that dimension, and has issued it a category Red-5 dimensional travel ban.

Distant Omicron branches which diverged from the main primates-top-species groups Alpha-through-Iota timelines. Curiously, Felidae-dominated timelines almost never undergo "Devouring" mass extinction events.

Footnote in the Portal Corp Official Transdimensional Survey of the Devouring, (August, 2019; pg 2186):

The particular combination of dark-energy magic applied to genetic transformation which causes 86% of Devouring-like emergent biogenetic plagues in the known Multiverse (13% being purely technological/scientific) interacts with the Lambert Formation present in all Feline derived sentient species' brains. This formation is responsible for the universal feline 'sixth-sense' and is temporally active via high concentrations of thiotimoline. Feline scientists consistently reported an overwhelming feeling of impending apocalyptic doom and always turned back before the critical recombinant stage of the plague generating experiment. Primates lack this structure of the brain and rarely halt the experiment before it is irreversible. Subsequent Hamidon-like transformation of the primate scientist is inevitable, with unpredictably severe consequences. See page 874 for discussion of the branching structure of multispace conditional on devouring experiment outcome variability. See pages 1955-1960 for discussion of devouring in Avian and Reptiloid species. See pages 3044-3899 for discussion of impacts on Insectoid sentient species.