The Codex: Fantastical Computer Science in Star Warden.
What is a Computer? A machine that calculates numbers faster than a human mind can. Thanks to various technological advancements a computer is more than just a glorified calculator. But it is still limited in various ways. So, I present a thought experiment if you would not mind indulging me. What if computers could be perceived as magical? What if Cyberspace was not just an abstract concept? What if through data once could become a wizard?
Welcome to the Codex.
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| (Moon Cell from Fate/Extra. One of the Codex's inspirations.) |
The Codex is the name given to the computer network left behind by the Tuatha De Dannan, an advanced civilization that once ruled the known universe. It was intended to be the ultimate repository of knowledge and given the name "The" Codex to represent that position. In the modern age, the Codex is known as the Third Magic to those who know of its existence. But it is not magic in the true sense of the word, but that is an entirely separate subject. However, given its capabilities, it is not hard to see why individuals in the modern-day consider the Codex a form of magic.
The Nuts and Bolts
The Codex is a universal system of interconnected computer networks created from advanced quantum computers forged with dark matter and hyper-dimensional communication technology. These computers transmit tachyon particles on quantum stings to serve as the foundational networks which communicate with each other to form the greater network of the Codex. All computers are powered by dark energy known as Bifrost energy when translated from the Tuatha tongue.
The Codex's physical hardware exists in a hyper-dimensional state and was installed into the foundation of the universe itself. Making them immune to the ravages of time or physical damage. Despite it being a networked system there is a centralized core known as the Grail Kernal. The Grail serves as the host operating system for the physical hardware. Providing security and maintenance alongside ensuring all devices can communicate with each other on the greater network.
In addition, the Grail Kernal creates virtual machines that emulate the necessary hardware needed for the network to function. Servers, hard drives, browsers, data centers, and many others. This allows the physical hardware to focus on providing the necessary foundations and prevent them from being overtaxed.
A Parallel Reality
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| (The Grid from Tron another of the Codex's inspirations) |
Cyberspace is normally an abstract representation of electronic communication between computers. In the Codex, Cyberspace is a true virtual reality existing in parallel with the physical universe. Unlike more primitive means of virtual reality, an individual can enter the Codex as their full physical self. No specialized equipment is needed for direct interaction. A digital avatar option does exist however.
To enter the artifcial space one must simply open a gateway into it. The gateway can be cosmetically altered to fit one's personal preference. This can be done either through a stationary terminal or through the use of a Talisman. Talismans will be furthered detailed in the Augmented Reality section. Of course one can interface with the Codex through more common devices such as keyboards, mice, or toutchscreen.
In this virtual environment areas are divided into servers, one type of sever are PSNs or Personal sever networks. PSNs are equvliant to personal computers with a built in personalized web browser, essentially granting an individual a personal pocket dimension with the freedom to customize it on a large scale. If one is skilled at coding this expands the customization options immensely. Items from the physical world can also be brought in, but many have chosen to convert them to data, via their Talisman, for convenience sake. A PSN can be connected to the greater Codex or be shielded from outside acesss.
Memory limitations will restrict the size of a PSN's environment. However the smallest PSN would still be able to simulate one of Earth's major metropoli alongside NPCs without any performance issues. Some might wonder why the Codex would have memory limitation issues? The problem is not within the Codex but in the personal devices of the user. Not every computer is desinged to interact with all the network's functions. Hardware limitations may prevent them from using the virtual reality functions and extremely restrict the use of the augmented reality functions.
In the modern age the Codex is mostly a mystery even in the most learned of academic circles. Some consider it a myth of the ancient age. Very few know what is needed to take advantage of the full breath of the universal network. Any devices that can enter the Codex and use both its AR and VR functions fully are treated as prized artifacts.
A second type of server are Echo Servers, these are echos of locations in realspace. To keep random clusters of data from crashing the network the Grail Kernal created the Echo severs as means of organizing the vast data of the universe. Alterations of these echos will results in tangible effects in the physical world. This was used by the Tuatha to turn dead worlds into living ones. Further details on the subject of reality alteration can be found in the Augmented Reality section.
The third and most common type of server are Forum servers. These servers are designed to exist for public use and normally have already set enviorments chosen by the Grail or through the owner of the server. In the time of the Tuatha they served as areas for interaction when one did not wish to use a PSN. These days they are empty lands populated only by specialized virtual intelligences. All Forum servers have a supervisory VI to ensure the sever remains functional and to enforce the rules on those who enter their space.
But be warned while the virtual reality of the Codex is extremely immerse one can not live in it forever. Yes, it is possible to sustain your life inside cyberspace for years at a time. As food and drink created inside of it or stored in it will not loose its nutritional value. The soul will know the truth that the reality you are in is not real and never can be. There are horror stories concerning those who stay far too long and are lost in the Codex forever.
The most common use of Cyberspace today is through Bifrost Gateways, or more commonly known as Celestial Mirrors. These devices allow for interstellar faster than light travel. By converting an individual or rocket craft into data they can be transmitted across the network and exit out back into realspace side stepping the problem of relativity. Bifrost Drives have the power to open their own gateways, but they are incredibly resource insensitive and thus are reserved for larger ships, mainly military ones.
Third Magic
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| (Keytool from ReBoot the inspiration for Talismans) |
Augmented Reality is by definition the enhcanment of physical reality through computer generated information. As stated earlier physical items could be converted and stored as data, for augmented reality one must apply that principal in reverse. By converting data into physical matter the laws of reality can be manipulated producing effects many would describe as magic. Thus where the term Third Magic originates from.
This is done mainly through a device known as a Talsiman. Talismans are portable Codex terminals and software libraries. They come in any form the individual desires but most commonly are designed to be small, sleek and are worn on the wrist, finger, or around the neck. Many Talismans came with a Familiar, a pixelated life form or pixie for short, that acts as a user's virtual assistant. They are considered a more advanced form of user interface and can give advantages to a user in both combat and non-combat applications.
Talismans are powered by a Bifrost energy battery that can be re-charged by converting ambient particles into Bifrost ones. Though this is a slow and time consuming method and quicker alternatives exist in the form of drawing power from a stationary physical terminal or charging it inside a Personal Sever Network.
There is a large variety of applications for the augmented reality functions for those with the proper programs or skills to code their own. Ranging from generating fireballs to altering weather patterns in the combat sphere. While in non-combat a Talisman can repair or modify physical objects, alter one's personal environment, manipulate gravity, communicate over vast distances and project holograms in various different forms.
This is not an exhaustive list of Augmented Reality applications and their are few limits to it. Memory allocation, programing competency, and imagination. Of course, memory problems for Codex users and for regular computers are vaster than the distance between star systems, but no machine is without limits.
Know your limitations.
Despite the fanciful and fantastical powers of the Codex it is not magic. True magic is an action of divine, or demonic, on the physical plane. It is spiritual not material in nature and while the Codex can replicate a facsmile of "magic" it will never be true. A reminder the word "magic" is not used in theological circles, magic is a term for the laity.
The Codex is also bound by three known limitations. It can not raise the dead, go backward or forward in time, or create sapient life. These limitations do not exist in true magic making the Codex a material creation rather than a spiritual one. In addition to that Bifrost energy while powerful is not the true energy of creation. It is a diluted form of creation which allows it to be easily manipulated through mortal means.
There is one more point of separation between the Codex and actual magic, it has no moral dimension. The will of the Heavens can not be used for evil and the Abyss provides no power for good use. The Codex has no such restrictions and can be used for good or ill like any creation brought about through scientific discovery. It can also be used by anyone where magic is limited to said angels and demons and specific mortals such as the Celestial Emissary, Preists, Sprites, and Saints.
In Conclusion
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| (Mountain Sector from Code Lyoko. A major influence on Star Warden) |
The Codex in the end is Star Warden's equvliant to the arcane magic systems seen in fantasy tales. Replacing the source of power from a supernatural one to a technological one so advanced that it can be percived as supernatural. Admittely the idea came about to rectify Daimos's existence without breaking the original lore of the series. But despite that origin, it has become one, if not my favorite topic in the Star Warden setting.
I do hope you have enjoyed reading this and if you have any further questions do not be afraid to ask me.
