Void Engineers (Convention: Mage the Ascension)

The Technocracy Within: The

The Technocracy Within: The Thirteenth Hour Crossover

Thirteenth Hour Crossover

~*~ Void Engineers ~*~

~*~ Void Engineers ~*~

“To Boldly go where no man has gone before…”

“To Boldly go where no man has gone before…”

This s ConvConventention has, ion has, witwithouhout t a a doudoubt, bt, the bestthe best re

repuputatatition on amamonongsgst t TrTradadititioion n mamageges. s. ThThis is isis primarily because the Void Engineers have little to primarily because the Void Engineers have little to do with the pogrom, and therefore rarely come into do with the pogrom, and therefore rarely come into co

confnflilict ct wiwith th ththe e TrTradadititioionsns. . BeBecacaususe e of of ththeieirr pr

pragagmamatitismsm, , ththey ey hahave ve eveven en cocoopopereratated ed wiwithth Tradition mages in the Deep Umbra on occasional, Tradition mages in the Deep Umbra on occasional, and they are generally viewed as harmless. Indeed, and they are generally viewed as harmless. Indeed, many of their goals seem to satisfy the goals of the many of their goals seem to satisfy the goals of the Tradition Magus…but were the true goals of the Tradition Magus…but were the true goals of the Co

Convnvenentition on knknowown, n, ththis is opopininioion n wowoululd d lilikekelyly change.

change.

During their explorations of the Umbra, the Void Engineers developed a desire to reincorporate the spirit During their explorations of the Umbra, the Void Engineers developed a desire to reincorporate the spirit world with the physical world. There were simply too many wonders to ignore. The Voiders supported the world with the physical world. There were simply too many wonders to ignore. The Voiders supported the Technomancer paradigm, however. They resolve this conflict by trying to expanding the Technocratic Technomancer paradigm, however. They resolve this conflict by trying to expanding the Technocratic paradigm into the Umbra, converting it into deep space. To date, they have had little to no support from paradigm into the Umbra, converting it into deep space. To date, they have had little to no support from other Technomancers, who find their goals frivolous. The Voiders have, at various times, considered other Technomancers, who find their goals frivolous. The Voiders have, at various times, considered defecting, but consider it unlikely the

defecting, but consider it unlikely the Traditions will support their goal either.Traditions will support their goal either.

The earliest inception of the Convention is as the Seekers of the Void. They were dedicated to map the The earliest inception of the Convention is as the Seekers of the Void. They were dedicated to map the world, and seek out information on each of the corners so that understanding and reason could be brought world, and seek out information on each of the corners so that understanding and reason could be brought to the common man. They dedicated themselves to the exploration of the earth, the sea, and eventually the to the common man. They dedicated themselves to the exploration of the earth, the sea, and eventually the heavens and spiritual

heavens and spiritual spaces. spaces. The convention claims that they’The convention claims that they’re the oldest of the conventions, older thanre the oldest of the conventions, older than the Tradition

the Traditions, s, becabecause before use before there were Traditionthere were Traditions s or Conventions, Exploreor Conventions, Explorers rs existexisted; men ed; men and womenand women who left their homes to find new ones. These men and women never stopped moving; they had no who left their homes to find new ones. These men and women never stopped moving; they had no intention of living in the places they discovered, only to rest for a while before seeking out adventure in the intention of living in the places they discovered, only to rest for a while before seeking out adventure in the great unknown. This drive and wanderlust is what formed and shaped the world that we live in, making great unknown. This drive and wanderlust is what formed and shaped the world that we live in, making civilizations and bringing cultures to spread across the face of the earth. Their thought were not on civilizations and bringing cultures to spread across the face of the earth. Their thought were not on material gains, but on the wonderment of the distant lands that glimmer in the night sky. Curiosity fueled material gains, but on the wonderment of the distant lands that glimmer in the night sky. Curiosity fueled their desire to explore where the great waters of the seas went when they flowed past the rivers; where the their desire to explore where the great waters of the seas went when they flowed past the rivers; where the

essence of their people went when they died; on what lies in the between and how to bridge the gap essence of their people went when they died; on what lies in the between and how to bridge the gap between the two places.

between the two places. They became dediThey became dedicated to the idea of exploration acated to the idea of exploration and knowledge.nd knowledge.

In the cities were kindred spirits to the wanderers, but they dealt with machines and calculations. They In the cities were kindred spirits to the wanderers, but they dealt with machines and calculations. They were the Celestial Masters, and they used math to measure the stars, to weigh the human soul, and to put were the Celestial Masters, and they used math to measure the stars, to weigh the human soul, and to put reason to the world of spirit.

reason to the world of spirit. The CelestiThe Celestial Masters sponsal Masters sponsored the Seekerored the Seekers, made sense of their findings, made sense of their findings,s, and together they pushed back the creatures o the darkness and gave humanity room to grow. In time, the and together they pushed back the creatures o the darkness and gave humanity room to grow. In time, the end result was a man who called himself Tychoides, who took all math and all the discoveries and put it end result was a man who called himself Tychoides, who took all math and all the discoveries and put it into one over-arching theory

into one over-arching theory and called it Dimensional Science.and called it Dimensional Science. The 19

The 19thth century saw the Order of Reason and it’s evolution into Control. The Seeker and the Masterscentury saw the Order of Reason and it’s evolution into Control. The Seeker and the Masters  joined to become, first, th

 joined to become, first, the Explorers and finally the Void Engineers.e Explorers and finally the Void Engineers. Th

The e VoVoid id EnEngigineneer er ararosose e to to fifill ll a a spspececifific ic neneed ed in in ththee Technocracy. To close off the gateways to the Umbra, they Technocracy. To close off the gateways to the Umbra, they needed Technomancers familiar with the world of spirits. The needed Technomancers familiar with the world of spirits. The V

Voioid d EEngngiineneerers s fufulflfilillled ed ththiis s neneed ed neneatatlyly, , nonot t ononlyly st

strerengngthethenining ng the the GaGaununtltletet, , bubut t sesettitting ng up up nenetwtwororks ks ofof Tec

Technohno-sp-spiriirits ts to to monmonitoitor r its its bouboundandarieries. s. The The VoiVoiderders s maymay have learned too much in their journey however, for they have learned too much in their journey however, for they could not lea

could not leave the Umbra welve the Umbra well enough alonel enough alone. . They workThey workeded closely with the Electrodyne Engineers until that Convention closely with the Electrodyne Engineers until that Convention left the Order of Reason to become the Sons of Ether, an act left the Order of Reason to become the Sons of Ether, an act wh

whicich h ththe e VoVoid id EnEngigineneerers s cocompmparare e to to hahaviving ng yoyour ur onlonlyy brothe

brother betray your dr betray your darkest secarkest secret to your worst enret to your worst enemy. emy. TheThe Etherites that did not want to abandon the Order of Reason Etherites that did not want to abandon the Order of Reason  join

 joined the ed the Void EngineeVoid Engineers, rs, and proceedeand proceeded d with their with their sciencscienceses in different ways, creating Starships and labs on the sea floor. in different ways, creating Starships and labs on the sea floor. Most notable were the Starships, which were competing with Most notable were the Starships, which were competing with those of the Etherites in space. They have continued into the those of the Etherites in space. They have continued into the present day, with only one small glitch: when the Diffusion present day, with only one small glitch: when the Diffusion Engineers joined the Traditions at the Virtual Adepts.

Engineers joined the Traditions at the Virtual Adepts. Th

The e CoConvnvenentition on hahas s ththe e rerepuputatatition on for for bebeining g ththe e momost st ststrarange nge ouout t of of alall l of of ththe e ConConveventintionons. s. ThThee com

combinbinatiation on of of scisciencence e witwith h “ot“otherher” ” tentends ds to to unbunbalaalance nce thethem, m, or or so so the the TecTechnochnocracracy y claclaimsims. . VoiVoidd Engineers have the most contact with the supernatural’s and they’re almost always under suspicion and Engineers have the most contact with the supernatural’s and they’re almost always under suspicion and inspection by the Ivory Tower or Technocracy to ensure that what they are doing it “status quo”. Yet they inspection by the Ivory Tower or Technocracy to ensure that what they are doing it “status quo”. Yet they continue, fighting the Syndicate budget cuts and NOW investigations, because they can still find solace continue, fighting the Syndicate budget cuts and NOW investigations, because they can still find solace “Out There”… despite some Engineers believing that the Technocracy is no place for them anymore. Such “Out There”… despite some Engineers believing that the Technocracy is no place for them anymore. Such mutterings stay private, because if the Void Engineers left, who else would let them do what they do? mutterings stay private, because if the Void Engineers left, who else would let them do what they do?

Philosophy

Philosophy: "A : "A study of history shows that study of history shows that a civiliza civilization maintaation maintains its vigor ins its vigor is throughis through expansion and exploration. Yet on the limited sphere of the earth, this invariably leads expansion and exploration. Yet on the limited sphere of the earth, this invariably leads to war and death. Only the limitless bounds of space allow the expansion needed to to war and death. Only the limitless bounds of space allow the expansion needed to maintain civilization without the accompanying destruction. When we are ready, we maintain civilization without the accompanying destruction. When we are ready, we must reopen the gates to the Void, not to allow others to enter, but to sweep out and must reopen the gates to the Void, not to allow others to enter, but to sweep out and claim the universe as our own."

Organization

Organization: Void Engineers have two distinct divisions: Ground Control and the: Void Engineers have two distinct divisions: Ground Control and the Explorers. Ground Control maintains the gauntlet and monitoring network, while the Explorers. Ground Control maintains the gauntlet and monitoring network, while the Explorers probe the Deep Umbra. Ground C

Explorers probe the Deep Umbra. Ground Control has a complex hierarchy to ontrol has a complex hierarchy to regulate isregulate is technical developments, while the explorers spend too much time in the field to have technical developments, while the explorers spend too much time in the field to have any real organization beyond the Cabal level. They have several different divisions any real organization beyond the Cabal level. They have several different divisions among the groups:

among the groups: Border Corps

Border Corps DivisionDivision Earth Frontier

Earth FrontierDivisionDivision

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 Aquatic Exploration TeamsAquatic Exploration Teams

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 Cryogenic SpecialistsCryogenic Specialists

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 Hydrothermal Botanical Mosaic AnalystsHydrothermal Botanical Mosaic Analysts

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 Inaccessible High Elevation Exploration TeamsInaccessible High Elevation Exploration Teams

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 Subterranean Exploration CorpsSubterranean Exploration Corps Neutralization Specialist

Neutralization Specialist CorpsCorps

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 Enforcement Training and Conditioning AgencyEnforcement Training and Conditioning Agency

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 Department of Psychological Evaluation and MaintenanceDepartment of Psychological Evaluation and Maintenance Pan-Dimensional

Pan-Dimensional CorpsCorps Research & Execution Research & Execution Meetings

Meetings: : Due the Due the ConConvenventiontions s looloose se orgaorganiznizatiation, they on, they havhave e litlittle in tle in the way the way ofof meetings beyond the practical level, though Voiders do have a penchant for attending meetings beyond the practical level, though Voiders do have a penchant for attending Science Fiction Conventions.

Science Fiction Conventions. Initiation

Initiation: The Void Engineers recruit primarily from two fields: space agencies and: The Void Engineers recruit primarily from two fields: space agencies and science fiction writers. Oddly enough, it is the second group who commonly make up science fiction writers. Oddly enough, it is the second group who commonly make up Voider Explorers, while recruits from NASA tend to fill out Ground Control.

Voider Explorers, while recruits from NASA tend to fill out Ground Control. Chantry

Chantry: : ThThe e VoVoididerers s grgreaeatetest st ChaChantrntry y isis Cape Kennedy, though they have diversified Cape Kennedy, though they have diversified cons

consideiderabrably ly in in recrecent ent yeayears, rs, espespecieciallally y inin Eu

Euroropepe. . ThThey ey arare e grgreaeatltly y didiststururbebed d at at thethe re

rececent nt dedevevelolopmpmenents ts in in RuRussssia ia anand d ththee col

collaplapse se of of its its spaspace ce proprogragram, m, and suspecand suspectt there is more to what is going on than a there is more to what is going on than a simple NWO/Syndicate squabble. If there is simple NWO/Syndicate squabble. If there is an

an aeraeronaonautiutical cal divdivisiision on in in a a govgovernernmenment,t, th

theerre e iis s a a VVooiid d EEnnggiinneeeer r lleeaaddiinng g iitt’’ss ex

explploraoratition on anand d dedevevelolopmpmenent; t; ununleless ss itit’s’s going nowhere.

going nowhere. Acolytes

Acolytes: Space Technicians, Air Force Officers, Sci-Fi Fans: Space Technicians, Air Force Officers, Sci-Fi Fans Sphere

Sphere: The Voiders are the only Convention to fully explore the Spirit sphere. They: The Voiders are the only Convention to fully explore the Spirit sphere. They eventually desire to quantify the Umbra as Deep Space, but have yet to come up with eventually desire to quantify the Umbra as Deep Space, but have yet to come up with any unified theory to do so. As a result, they still use many outdated Rotes to deal with any unified theory to do so. As a result, they still use many outdated Rotes to deal with spirits, drawing heavily from the Hermetics. This does not help their reputation with spirits, drawing heavily from the Hermetics. This does not help their reputation with other Technomancers.

Foci

Foci: : SpiSpiritrit/Cor/Corresresponpondendence/ce/MinMind: d: RadRadar, ar, LifLife/Ee/Entrntropy: opy: SeSensornsors, s, TimTime: e: WatWatch,ch, Forces/Matter/Prime: Electricity

Forces/Matter/Prime: Electricity

Concepts: Bold Explorer, Stalwart Guardian of the

Concepts: Bold Explorer, Stalwart Guardian of the GauntletGauntlet Quote: "To go boldly where no one has gone before ..." Quote: "To go boldly where no one has gone before ..."

Iteration-X: "While their technical support is useful, their blind ignorance of the spirit world is astounding. Iteration-X: "While their technical support is useful, their blind ignorance of the spirit world is astounding. Spirits may not mesh well with the scientific paradigm, but that sort of denial is not healthy."

Spirits may not mesh well with the scientific paradigm, but that sort of denial is not healthy."

New World Order: "They are perfectly happy to use our spy satellite, but are unwilling to give us the New World Order: "They are perfectly happy to use our spy satellite, but are unwilling to give us the support we need."

support we need."

Progenitors: "The Progenitors gives us the least problems, primarily because they are too absorbed in their Progenitors: "The Progenitors gives us the least problems, primarily because they are too absorbed in their own research."

own research."

Syndicate: "Where the hell is the funding they keep promising? A sky full of communication satellites is Syndicate: "Where the hell is the funding they keep promising? A sky full of communication satellites is not exactly what we had in

not exactly what we had in mind."mind."

~*~

~*~

The Paradigm

The Paradigm

The Continuum: All reality is encompassed in the : All reality is encompassed in the space-time continuum, following strict relativistic rules.space-time continuum, following strict relativistic rules. ~*~

~*~

Magick

Magick

Technology, Research and Exploration : Unexplored reality is a blank slate upon which exploration writes: Unexplored reality is a blank slate upon which exploration writes the rules and expectations of future colonists. Clearly, technology is the most useful tool of these explorers. the rules and expectations of future colonists. Clearly, technology is the most useful tool of these explorers. New research also reveals new areas of exploration or technological development (which is usually passed New research also reveals new areas of exploration or technological development (which is usually passed on to Iteration X, which is better suited to development).

on to Iteration X, which is better suited to development). ~*~

~*~

Spheres

Spheres

Correspondence: Space -- the relativistic measurement of distance between events in the continuum;: Space -- the relativistic measurement of distance between events in the continuum; Propulsion -- movement through space via increased vectors (although these vectors still cannot exceed the Propulsion -- movement through space via increased vectors (although these vectors still cannot exceed the speed of light, unless utilizing experimental FTL drives). Transmission/ reception

speed of light, unless utilizing experimental FTL drives). Transmission/ reception -- techniques for s-- techniques for sendingending and receiving signals across great distances.

and receiving signals across great distances. Time

Time: Time -- the other half of the time-space continuum, Time speeds or slows relative to movement: Time -- the other half of the time-space continuum, Time speeds or slows relative to movement through the continuum.

through the continuum. Pattern Magicks

Pattern Magicks: Patterns -- Everything that exists can be scanned as a pattern. While Iteration X creates: Patterns -- Everything that exists can be scanned as a pattern. While Iteration X creates new technologies, the Void Engineers are most interested in gathering information about new Patterns new technologies, the Void Engineers are most interested in gathering information about new Patterns discovered in the Infosphere, Ectoplasmic Regions

discovered in the Infosphere, Ectoplasmic Regions and the Metareality. Under this paradigm, Matter,and the Metareality. Under this paradigm, Matter, Forces, Life and Mind are all considered patterns.

Forces, Life and Mind are all considered patterns.

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 Scanning Scanning  -- the most active application of Patterns. Using advanced Transmission technologies,-- the most active application of Patterns. Using advanced Transmission technologies, scanners can reach great distances.

scanners can reach great distances.

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 ForcesForces: : EnEnerergy gy -- -- ininclclududes es vavaririouous s apapplplicicatatioions ns of of EnEnerergygy, , ininclclududining g weweapaponons, s, shishieleldsds,, audio/video/holographics, etc.

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 LifeLife: Biology, Medicine, Pharmacology -- The VEs use the Progenitor Life paradigm entirely.: Biology, Medicine, Pharmacology -- The VEs use the Progenitor Life paradigm entirely. How

Howeveever, r, thetheir ir gregreateatest st empemphashasis is is is on on ideidentintificficatiation on of of new patternew patterns ns (th(this is is is thetheir ir mosmostt common coincidence when exploring deep space in search of

common coincidence when exploring deep space in search of life).life).



 MatterMatter: Elements and Composites -- one area of great interest to the Void Engineers is the: Elements and Composites -- one area of great interest to the Void Engineers is the "discovery" of new elements and composites from the three realms. Thus, new elements may "discovery" of new elements and composites from the three realms. Thus, new elements may come from the Infosphere, t

come from the Infosphere, the Metareality/Deep Space or the Ectoplasmic Regions.he Metareality/Deep Space or the Ectoplasmic Regions.



 MindMind: Brainwaves -- the mind acts as a rather powerful transmitter of brainwaves. These waves: Brainwaves -- the mind acts as a rather powerful transmitter of brainwaves. These waves can

can be be scascannenned d as as a a patpattertern n (he(hence nce thetheir ir reoreorgarganiznizatiation on undunder er PatPatterterns)ns), , reprepliclicateated d witwithh technology, and altered with energy or

technology, and altered with energy or pharmaceuticals.pharmaceuticals. Entropy

Entropy: Chaos/Pattern Recognition -- research into chaos theory suggests that patterns exist even within: Chaos/Pattern Recognition -- research into chaos theory suggests that patterns exist even within apparently chaotic sets.

apparently chaotic sets. Prime

Prime: This sphere does not : This sphere does not exist in the Void Engineer Paradigm.exist in the Void Engineer Paradigm. Spirit

Spirit:: WARNIWARNING NG -- -- TOP TOP SECRESECRET T CLASSICLASSIFICATFICATION. ION. CLEARACLEARANCENCE OMEGA ONLY 

OMEGA ONLY ..

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 InfosphereInfosphere: the "High Umbra" of the Void Engineers, this realm: the "High Umbra" of the Void Engineers, this realm encompasses all accumulated knowledge, artificial intelligence encompasses all accumulated knowledge, artificial intelligence and data storage and manipulation. Accessible via virt

and data storage and manipulation. Accessible via virtual realityual reality and other immersive technologies. Void Engineer research into and other immersive technologies. Void Engineer research into lucid dreaming has also proven effective in this area, allowing lucid dreaming has also proven effective in this area, allowing the subject to tap into this realm of pure information.

the subject to tap into this realm of pure information.



 MetarealityMetareality: the "Middle Umbra" of the Void Engineers, this: the "Middle Umbra" of the Void Engineers, this realm is the most secret area of research for the Void Engineers. realm is the most secret area of research for the Void Engineers. The Metareality appears, to the Void Engineers, to be the "back The Metareality appears, to the Void Engineers, to be the "back

stage" of reality, the source of all Patterns (see below). This dimension is highly unstable. Also, stage" of reality, the source of all Patterns (see below). This dimension is highly unstable. Also, other alternate dimensions are accessible through the Metareality. These other Continua are simply other alternate dimensions are accessible through the Metareality. These other Continua are simply dif

differferent ent arrarrangangemeements nts of of all all the the samsame e patpatterterns ns foufound nd in in the the MetMetarearealiality. ty. The The MetMetarearealiality ty isis partially synonymous to Deep Space, the most common and public paradigm. For now, Deep Space partially synonymous to Deep Space, the most common and public paradigm. For now, Deep Space is mostly a vacuum until the

is mostly a vacuum until the Void Engineers can decide what to find in Void Engineers can decide what to find in it.it.

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 EctoplasmicEctoplasmic RegRegionions: s: the the "Lo"Low w UmbUmbra" ra" of of the the VoiVoid d EngEngineineersers, , expexplorloratiation on intinto o thithis s pospost-lt-lifeife netherworld is nearly as secretive as the Metareality. VE research into the Ectoplasmic Regions netherworld is nearly as secretive as the Metareality. VE research into the Ectoplasmic Regions involves the controlled reduction of the explorer's life patterns, allowing the explorer's mind to involves the controlled reduction of the explorer's life patterns, allowing the explorer's mind to enter the region while still being able to return to its body.

enter the region while still being able to return to its body. ~*~

~*~

Arete

Arete

Discovery -- the more a VE has discovered, the greater her understanding of the Continuum.-- the more a VE has discovered, the greater her understanding of the Continuum. ~*~

~*~

Quintessence

Quintessence

Research/Exploration -- quite literally, research makes the subject at hand more real. Void Engineers-- quite literally, research makes the subject at hand more real. Void Engineers "accumulate" research in terms of time spent performing said research or exploration, then converting "accumulate" research in terms of time spent performing said research or exploration, then converting those hours into "findings."

~*~

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Paradox

Paradox

Unexpected Findings -- this is the most vexing problem to the Void-- this is the most vexing problem to the Void Engineers, who seek only to "discover" entirely expected findings. An Engineers, who seek only to "discover" entirely expected findings. An Unexpected Finding means the entire continuum is in danger, until Unexpected Finding means the entire continuum is in danger, until addition research time

addition research time can be allotted can be allotted to disproving the finding. to disproving the finding. And,And, let’s face it: the Engineers aren’t exactly on the “high list” of the let’s face it: the Engineers aren’t exactly on the “high list” of the Tec

Technochnocracracy, y, so so witwith h budbudget get cutcuts s and and rouroutintine e invinvestiestigatgationion, , thethe capacity to discern what happens to create an Unexpected Finding, capacity to discern what happens to create an Unexpected Finding, and how to quantify the capacity is running a little low.

and how to quantify the capacity is running a little low.

~*~

~*~

Mage-specific Backgrounds

Mage-specific Backgrounds

Arcane: Security Clearance -- the highest levels of Void Engineer research occur at the strictest security: Security Clearance -- the highest levels of Void Engineer research occur at the strictest security clearance levels. This tends to insulate the engineers from the rest of the population. The higher the Arcane, clearance levels. This tends to insulate the engineers from the rest of the population. The higher the Arcane, the higher the security clearance and thus the higher amount of insulation.

the higher the security clearance and thus the higher amount of insulation. Avatar

Avatar: Brillianc: Brilliance -- e -- this allows the engineer to this allows the engineer to accumaccumulate greateulate greater research time and r research time and thus generate morethus generate more complete findings.

complete findings. Destiny

Destiny: Focus -- Scientists with intense focus can work miracles and never stray from their research.: Focus -- Scientists with intense focus can work miracles and never stray from their research. Those with this much focus are invariably brilliant and arrogant. Highly focused scientists are not above Those with this much focus are invariably brilliant and arrogant. Highly focused scientists are not above stealing other scientist's work and some have made their names solely by this method.

stealing other scientist's work and some have made their names solely by this method. Dream

Dream: Lucid Dreaming -- the VEs apply this meditative technique as a method of accessing the so-called: Lucid Dreaming -- the VEs apply this meditative technique as a method of accessing the so-called Infosphere (see Spirit, above). Those not trained in this technique need virtual reality equipment to search Infosphere (see Spirit, above). Those not trained in this technique need virtual reality equipment to search the Infosphere for information.

the Infosphere for information. Node