Some thoughts on the Ether

[Greg H]

So, a few thoughts on this ether here...

First. Does information stored in etherspace degrade or get
corrupted in any manner. For that matter, can it be deleted as one
would eliminate computer data? Not just as information that a hacker can delete either, can information in etherspace (in theory at least), exist indefinately... perhaps (as in the case of Lemuria), outliving not just the user that put it there but the civilization itself?


Given the technologies and apparent experimentation in AI (or
something close to it), is there any known projects attempting to
imprint a human avatar permeantely into Etherspace (to make a quite
literal "ghost in the machine" so to speak).


If you can put an inorganic object into etherspace, can you send an
inorganic object into one gate and have it emerge from another?
(effectively using etherspace as a means to teleport from one
opening to another)... or can only avatars (at least, denizens of
this world) freely navigate in etherspace?


And finally, is Lemuria the only known example of a previous
civilization that discovered the use of the ether? Or is there some
evidence of other civilizations that toyed with it? I got the
impression from the information so far that perhaps Lemuria wasn't
the only example out there... just the most "popular" one.


And given this "Etheric Veil" thing in regards to conscousness, has anyone tried to exploit this to create detection/targeting/security devices that can pinpoint someone in Prime Reality just by the impression they make in the ether?

Thanks. Looking forward to seeing this book!

Greg H

[Guest]

First. Does information stored in etherspace degrade or get corrupted in any manner. For that matter, can it be deleted as one
would eliminate computer data? Not just as information that a hacker can delete either, can information in etherspace (in theory at least), exist indefinately... perhaps (as in the case of Lemuria), outliving not just the user that put it there but the civilization itself?

Yes, The Scope Use skills (both Remote and Immersed) allow you to
degrade programming in the same manner as the Computer Use skill in
D20 Modern. Plus the Scope Rider advanced class has abilities that
make them better at this, too.

Given the technologies and apparent experimentation in AI (or
something close to it), is there any known projects attempting to
imprint a human avatar permeantely into Etherspace (to make a quite
literal "ghost in the machine" so to speak).

Yes, drones and (if you have enough levels in the Program Crafter
advenced class) Gremlins. These are little robot-like programs.
Drones are simple and will only perform pre-programmed tasks,
whereas Gremlins are seeded with part of the character's spirit and
have a certain level of sentience. However, this is granted at the
cost of your Avatar's Con score.

If you can put an inorganic object into etherspace, can you send an
inorganic object into one gate and have it emerge from another?
(effectively using etherspace as a means to teleport from one
opening to another)... or can only avatars (at least, denizens of
this world) freely navigate in etherspace?

It is generally very difficult to send anything in to etherspace
other than those with a magnetic charge. It is even harder to get
things out the other end. Etherium is the only process where any
material is sent fully through Etherspace. The ethergas flue system
which is used to filter coal gas involves passing teh gas through a
series of specialised vents, and the gas does nt actually pass fully
through etherspace.

And finally, is Lemuria the only known example of a previous
civilization that discovered the use of the ether? Or is there some
evidence of other civilizations that toyed with it? I got the
impression from the information so far that perhaps Lemuria wasn't
the only example out there... just the most "popular" one.

Much of "Lemuria" is still ideas at the moment and there is much
detail that has yet to be decided on. There'll be more of that later
on as the metaplot develops, and who knows, maybe a spin-off techno-
fantasy world

And given this "Etheric Veil" thing in regards to conscousness, has anyone tried to exploit this to create detection/targeting/security devices that can pinpoint someone in Prime Reality just by the impression they make in the ether?

Its not an idea we've considered. We try and keep the scientific understanding of the Ether veil to a minimum so that it enables the spiritualists to continue to push their non-scientific beliefs. But that said, a psychic might be able to develop a technique that allows them to pinpoint people in this manner...

Cheerio,

Ben