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.

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.