Reduction Virus - Guidebook to Terrans

An in-universe guidebook to Terran society in the Reduction Virus Setting.

NITGUAR GUIDEBOOK – GLOSSARY OF USEFUL TERMS FOR DEALING WITH TERRANS – 2189 TC


INTRODUCTIONARY TERMINOLOGY

Anomalous Viral Reducer (AVR): Also known as the R-Virus. An artificial virus created by Vixmites and deployed against the Terran population of Terra-Prime. Resulted in the reduction of roughly half of the Terran population and developed multiple variants through both mutation and manipulation. Remains present throughout the Terran population despite multiple unsuccessful inoculation efforts. Fortunately, AVR has not shown a tendency or capacity to spread to Humans of non-Terran origin.

Human: Originally a word that exclusively referred to Terrans, under the Ethical Interdimensional Contact Commission Ordinance on Human Rights and Interdimensional Coexistence (EICC-OHRIC), the UTC has now defined the term Human to include any species confirmed to be genetically descended from Homo Habilis (a Terra-Prime ancestral species), although with Vixmites specifically excluded from this definition. At present, the term includes twenty-seven species encountered by the TEF. Note that some Terrans continue to use Human to refer to Terrans only due to their personal beliefs.

Intersize: General Terran term with the meaning of ‘existing or occurring between Size Categories’.

Terran: Modern term for Terra-Prime Humans, having replaced Human as the official term of address for this species. The term Terran includes persons of mixed ancestry where at least one parent is also a Terran, though such individuals may also be colloquially referred to as half-Terrans or part-Terrans. Although Terran cultural identities is diverse, they are connected by their mutual experiences of the AVR Outbreak and the Vixmite Invasion, and are collectively governed by the United Terran Coalition.

Terran Calendar (TC): Standard calendar used on Terra-Prime. This calendar is based on a common calendar used on Terra-Prime prior to the Vixmite Invasion, and represents a change in terminology only. For conversion to the Standard Daithian Calendar, the year 0 SDC is equivalent to year 724 TC.

Terra-Prime: Home world/dimension of Terrans, more commonly referred to by Terrans as Earth or by other culture/language-specific terms. Suffered significant ecological damage during the Vixmite Invasion. The restoration of Terra-Prime’s ecosphere is one of the key ongoing goals of the UTC. Has been posited by Terrans as the original cradle world of the now widely dispersed Human species.

R-Virus: Colloquial shorthand for the Anomalous Viral Reducer or AVR. Commonly used by Terrans.


RECENT TERRAN HISTORY

AVR Outbreak: Period during which AVR first spread throughout the Terran population, generally considered to be from 2147 to 2149 TC, though the first AVR cases were reported in late-2146 TC. After 2149 TC AVR is considered to have infected 100% of the Terran population. Secondary impacts of AVR infection resulted in widespread economic and societal collapses across Terra-Prime, as well as an increased death rate due both to the vulnerability of many Reduced and internecine conflicts.

Operation Backstop: Final battles of Vixmite Invasion. Involved a final assault on Vixmite ITG sites by Victory Pact forces and cumulated in a concerted nuclear bombardment of key Vixmite facilities as well as the insertion of several high-yield nuclear devices through key ITGs before they were closed. The overall impact of Operation Backstop on future Vixmite aggression/expansion remains unknown.

Pre-Outbreak: General term used to refer to aspects of Terran society, history and/or biology prior to 2147 TC and the spread of AVR within the Terran population. Often reflected on in nostalgic manner which minimises or overlooks the less-appealing aspects of Terran society prior to the AVR Outbreak.

Pre-War: General term used in most circumstances to refer to Terran society from 2147 to 2151 TC, encompassing both the AVR Outbreak and the period between the AVR Outbreak and the Vixmite Invasion. The Pre-War period is usually considered to be epitomised by widespread societal collapses and subsequent fractured attempts to rebuild societies to accommodate the Reduced populations.

Sakha Incident, The: Dimensional incident occurring on Terra-Prime, circa 2165 TC, during initial attempts to reverse-engineer Vixmite ITG technology. Resulted in the test site’s surrounding area being dimensionally displaced, after which all further tests were moved to the planet’s south pole.

Victory Day: Historically referring to a number of different days in the Terran Calendar marking the end of various historical conflicts, in contemporary use this term ordinarily refers to a celebratory day marking the end of the Vixmite Invasion following Operation Backstop. Public holiday for all Terrans.

Vixmite Invasion: Invasion of Terra-Prime by Vixmite forces between 2151 and 2163 TC. Preceded by AVR Outbreak and involved both a physical invasion utilising drones and Vixmite soldiers, as well as the releasing of multiple pathogens and parasites into Terra-Prime’s biosphere. Occurred over three distinct waves and resulted in the deaths of a large proportion of Terra-Prime’s Terran population and the extinction of many native lifeforms. Eventual Terran victory after Operation Backstop drove the remaining Vixmite forces from Terra-Prime, though Terrans consider the war itself to be ongoing.


CATEGORISATION AND TERMS OF ADDRESS

Affected: Any Terran whose biology differs from Pre-Outbreak Terrans due to exposure to an AVR or AVE variant, either directly or through ancestral viral exposure. Colloquially used as a synonym for Reduced, though it officially differs in that Titans are also considered to be among the Affected.

Dollman: Terrans affected by the so-called ‘Dollman’ variants of AVR, including both Tiny Dollmen and Micro Dollmen. Distinguishable from Mants by their greatly heightened levels of strength and durability, as well as the malleable nature of their bodies when exposed to significant force, though the degree of malleability and subsequent reformation speed varies greatly by individual. Dollmen are frequently referred to merely as Reduced or Males, and less frequently Armstrongs or Shapers.

Female: As with most Human species, Terrans have two main biological sexes, within which the vast majority of their population falls. Terran Females produce eggs and carry and give birth to live young. Presently, Females are considered dominate in Terran society due to their generally larger size and notably higher population. Presently, approximately 92.5% of Terran Females are Unaffected, with smaller populations of Tiny Dollmen (~7.5%), Micro Dollmen (~0.013%) and Titans (~0.007%).

Genomic Profile: Categorisation of Terrans based on specific combinations of Physiology Type and Size Category. Recognised Genomic Profiles include Unaffected, Tiny Dollmen, Tiny Mants, Micro Dollmen, Micro Mants, Nanos and Titans. This is the most common Terran categorisation system for formal reports due to its connection with Hazard Rating systems and other important safeguards.

Male: As with most Human species, Terrans have two main biological sexes, within which the vast majority of their population falls. Terran Males produce sperm cells and inseminate females. While traditionally in a position of dominance, this has changed following the AVR Outbreak, with all Males being Reduced. A majority of Terran Males are classified as Tiny Dollmen (~85%), with smaller extant populations of Micro Mants (~11%), Micro Dollmen (~2.5%), Tiny Mants (~1.3%) and Nanos (~0.16%).

Mant: Terrans affected by the so-called ‘Mant’ variants of AVR, including Tiny Mants, Micro Mants and Nanos. Categorised by much lower levels of durability and strength as compared to Dollmen, together with no inherent malleability in their tissue structures. Due to these traits Mants have a high level of vulnerability to most external hazards, and are often confined to Sanctuary Cities.

Mant [Colloquial]: Common shortening of Micro Mants, generally used in everyday conversation.

Micro: Middle Size Category of Reduced Terrans, standing between 2.43mm and 3.65mm in height.

Micro [Colloquial]: Common shortening of Micro Dollmen, generally used in everyday conversation.

Micro Dollmen: Terrans affected by the Micro Dollmen variant of AVR. The Size Category of Micro Dollmen is Micro, and they are of the Dollmen Physiology Type. As of January 2189, the official Micro Dollmen population is 30,608,519, with over 99% of the Micro Dollmen population being Male.

Micro Mants: Terrans affected by the Micro Mant variant of AVR. The Size Category of Micro Mants is Micro, and they are of the Mant Physiology Type. All Micro Mants are Male. As of January 2189, the official Micro Mant population is 132,322,855, the vast majority now living within Sanctuary Cities.

Minun: Official term used to refer to Reduced in some scientific, medical and administrative records. This term however is not in common use and is now seldom used in any day-to-day communications.

Nano: Smallest Size Category of Reduced Terrans, standing between 0.11mm and 0.15mm in height.

Nanos: Terrans affected by the Nano variant of AVR. The Size Category of Nanos is Nano, and they are of the Mant Physiology Type. Also known as Nano Mants. All Nanos are Male. As of January 2189, the official Nano population is 1,917,723, all of which are required to live within Sanctuary Cities.

Physiology Type: Categorisation of Terrans based on key physical proprieties, including their strength and overall durability. Recognised Physiology Types include Unaffected, Dollmen, Mants and Titans.

Reduced: Any Terran who exhibits a scale below that of Pre-Outbreak Terrans due to exposure to an AVR variant, either directly or through ancestral viral exposure. Although colloquial use varies, term is officially defined to refer to all Tiny Dollmen, Tiny Mants, Micro Dollmen, Micro Mants and Nanos.

Size Category: Categorisation of Terrans based on relative scale. Recognised Size Categories include Unaffected, Tinies, Micros, Nanos and Titans. Colloquially includes Reduced, but not official category.

Squishy: Primarily pejorative term for Dollmen, though also sometimes used as a term of affection.

Tiny: Largest Size Category of Reduced Terrans, standing between 5.83cm and 8.75cm in height. Tinies are also sometimes referred to as Millies, but this term is not in common use among Terrans.

Tiny [Colloquial]: Common shortening of Tiny Dollman, generally used in everyday conversation.

Tiny Dollmen: Terrans affected by the Tiny Dollmen variant of AVR. Tiny Dollmen are both the most common of Reduced, and the Genomic Profile most associated with Terran Males. The Size Category of Tiny Dollmen is Tiny, and they are of the Dollmen Physiology Type. As of January 2189, the official Tiny Dollmen population is 1,175,215,236, with over 85% of the Tiny Dollmen population being Male.

Tiny Mants: Terrans affected by the Tiny Mant variant of AVR. The Size Category of Tiny Mants is Tiny, and they are of the Mant Physiology Type. All Tiny Mants are Male. As of January 2189, the official Tiny Mant population is 15,694,641, a significant majority of which now live within Sanctuary Cities.

Titans: Terrans affected by AVE. Not directly related to the Reduced due to origins of AVE infection. Considered both a Size Category and Physiology Type, Titans are distinguishable by their tremendous size, with an average height between 33.6m and 46.1m, as well as by their great physical strength and durability. As of 2189, the official Titan population is 156,075, with all Titans being Female. Titans are also sometimes referred to as Kilos, but this term is not in common usage within Terran society.

Unaffected: Any Terran who exhibits no traits consistent with the impacts of AVR or AVE. Although often erroneously referred to as being uninfected, all Unaffected Terrans are passive carriers of AVR. As of 2189, the official Unaffected population is 1,936,877,765, with all Unaffected being Female.

Unreduced: Any Terran who exhibits a scale equal to or exceeding that of Pre-Outbreak Terrans, i.e., any Terran who does not fall within the definition of Reduced. Not used in common parlance. Differs from the term Unaffected, in that the Titans would also fall within the definition of Unreduced.


INTERSIZE RELATIONS

FaithfulEncounter: Popular Terran dating app, notable for allowing its users to search against specific Genomic Profiles, but also ensuring optional anonymity for all users. Has recently been the subject of several controversies concerning user vetting, and specifically incidents of falsified Genomic Profiles.

Genomic Discrimination: Any form of discrimination against a Terran or a group of Terrans based on their Genomic Profile. Although officially outlawed by the UTC, low-level Genomic Discrimination is common within Terran society, with particular issues concerning discrimination by the Unaffected.

Guardians: Unaffected who have taken on the care of a Reduced under a Guardianship Contract. Most Terrans treat Guardians as being in the equivalent position of a parent to the relevant Reduced and will usually defer to the Guardian over the Reduced if the opinions of the two are found to differ.

Guardianship Contracts: Contracts entered into by Reduced and Unaffected for the protection of the relevant Reduced. Under the terms of the contract, the Unaffected is responsible for the protection and wellbeing of the Reduced, and the Reduced agrees to abide by reasonable directions given by the Guardian for the purpose of their protection or wellbeing. Guardianship Contracts are mandatory for all Mants living outside of Sanctuary Cities unless they are under the age of 18 and living with a legally recognised Unaffected parent. Guardianship Contracts are also mandatory for young Dollmen living outside of Sanctuary Cities who are under the age of 18 unless they are living with a legally recognised Unaffected parent, and are optional for other Dollmen living outside of Sanctuary Cities.

Intersize Relationships: Romantic or sexual relations between Terrans of different Size Categories. The vast majority of heterosexual couples in Terran society are Intersize, with the Female being the larger individual. Intersize Relationships can occur between Terrans of any Size Category, with relative population sizes meaning that relationships between Tiny Dollmen and Unaffected are common, though such coupling is much less common in relation to Mants due to the inherent risks involved.

Mant Recognition Day: Public holiday on Terra-Prime on which ostensibly special consideration is given to the difficulties, past and ongoing, faced by Mants. While widely observed by Mants, this day has been observed with decreasing attentiveness by other Terrans as the Mant population decreases.

Reduced Adoption Centres: Despite general social discouragement, it remains reasonably common for Unaffected mothers to wish to have any Reduced children adopted out, particularly when they do not have a Reduced partner. Dedication adoption centres are responsible for managing this influx.

Size Fetish: General Terran term for the condition of being specifically attracted to Terrans in a Size Category or Size Categories other than one’s own, exclusively or otherwise. Distinct from general Intersize Relationships in that individuals with a Size Fetish are attracted to others specifically due to the size difference, whereas others may enter into an Intersize Relationship without size preference.

Titan Appreciation Day: Public holiday on Terra-Prime on which the contribution of Titans to ending the Vixmite Invasion is recognised, as well as the difficulties faced by modern Titans as a result of the wartime release of AVE. Continues to see widespread observance despite relative scarcity of Titans, with parades of visiting Titans being a common sight in major Terran cities during this public holiday.

Xenophilia: General Terran term for attraction, either exclusively or predominantly, to non-Terran Humans. A large number of Terrans display the capacity for attraction to other Humans, though in most instances this is secondary to attraction to other Terrans. Some Terrans, however, display a specific attraction to non-Terran Humans, either in general or towards a particular Human species.


GOVERNANCE AND THE LAW

Daily Reduced Awareness Training (D.R.A.T.): Educational program officially endorsed by the UTC, administered through both independent agencies and UTC departments. Aims to improve awareness among the Terran population of the inherent risks involved in Intersize interactions, encouraging both Unaffected and Reduced to take care when interacting with those of different Size Categories, and to exercise compassion towards all other Terrans. Includes educational videos and programs, as well as live classes and demonstrations. Most Terran children complete a D.R.A.T. program yearly as part of their general education, and it is also common for those undertaking the care of Reduced.

Department of Reduced Affairs (DRA): Department responsible for management of UTC policies and programs concerning Reduced Terrans. Primarily acts as a central advocacy and enforcement body for Reduced rights, attempting to ensure their rights and choices are upheld at all times. Both the GAA and the SSC operate under the auspices of the DRA. While traditionally the majority of DRA staff are Reduced, elected positions in the senior executive are often still held by Unaffected Terrans.

Earth Restoration Agency (ERA): Subordinate agency of the UTC charged with overseeing efforts to repair the damaged ecosystem of Terra-Prime. Increasingly carrying out interdimensional operations to recover compatible animal and plant specimens and directing the construction of Torus Prime.

Ethical Interdimensional Contact Commission: Commission established by the UTC after the initial testing of ITGs by Terrans indicated the potential for contact with extradimensional sapients of non-Vixmite origin. Established first contact protocols and has subsequently governed the interaction of Terrans with other Humans contacted through the continued use of ITGs. Works closely with the TEF.

Guardianship Administration Agency (GAA): UTC authority responsible for the implementation and monitoring of Guardianship Contracts. In addition to vetting Guardians and matching Guardians to relevant Reduced, the GAA is also responsible for carrying out assessments of Guardians to ensure they are carrying out their duties effectively. This includes both interviews and spot inspections. In rare instances, the GAA may also require Reduced to enter into Guardianship Contracts where the current living arrangements of the Reduced are found to be inconsistent with relevant regulations.

Hazard Ratings: Terran classification system for determining the hazard (or risk) posed by a particular location or environment to the safety and wellbeing of Terrans, particularly to Reduced Terrans. This rating system assigns a numerical value between one and 13, taking into account the presence and extent of any external hazards, as well as any access restrictions in place limiting the Genomic Profile of persons who may attend the location. Reduced may be excluded from locations with high ratings.

Illicit Human Material: Terran term for any ostensibly inanimate object constructed using Humans or Human body-parts. The creation, sale and ownership of Illicit Human Material is strictly outlawed by the UTC, except in limited circumstances under a Temporary Usage Agreement. Illicit Human Material most commonly involves the exploitation of a Terran Dollman’s malleability to morph their bodies into objects and sealing them in place through either the continuous application of pressure or the use of various illicit chemical agents. In most instances the transformation is not fatal to the subject Dollman but can cause significant trauma due to accumulated physical and psychological stress.

Mant Preservation and Protection Act: Broad ranging piece of Terran legislation enforced by the UTC through the PPB and DRA. Provides for the protection of Mants through the urgent establishment of a Hazard Rating system and the construction of Sanctuary Cities for the housing of Terran Mants, as well as the imposition of Guardianship Contracts for Mants unable to be housed in Sanctuary Cities.

Manticide: The crime of killing a Mant. In most instances, the crime of Manticide is treated the same as any other homicide case, however there is a stronger onus placed on the prosecution to prove that the death was not accidental and/or that the victim was not themselves negligent. The existence of the crime of Manticide has been criticised by some groups, who claim that it minimises the fates of Mants, while proponents argue it is necessary to prevent injustices being levied against accused.

Minun Custodial Rehabilitation Program (MCRP): Rehabilitation program for Reduced who have committed crimes, utilised by the UTC where it is considered that confining the offender to a penal institute may lead to increased re-offending post-release, or where a previously imprisoned Reduced has been transferred to the program pre-release to complete their rehabilitation. Offenders under the MCRP program are entrusted to the care of a Rehabilitation Officer, usually an Unaffected Terran, who is thereafter responsible for their care and rehabilitation into a law-abiding member of society. The Rehabilitation Officer is required to sign off on completion of the program prior to its conclusion.

Public Protection Bureau (PPB): Law enforcement and public safety arm of the UTC. Charged mainly with the enforcement of UTC law on Terra-Prime and in other UTC-administered locations. Includes branches devoted to the strict enforcement of laws for the protection of Reduced Terrans, as well as investigation units dealing with other emerging issues around inter-category and inter-species crime.

Records Integrity Commission (RIC): UTC department charged with the review of existing and new records concerning Terran history and society to ensure that the information provided is accurate and consistent. Allegations of propaganda and historical revisionism are strictly denied by the UTC.

Reduced Smuggling: General term referring to a number of separate crimes involving transporting a Reduced individual between locations in circumstances where one or more laws have been violated. This can include transporting an individual with their consent in order to avoid travel costs or border controls, but also includes the illegal abduction of a Reduced for the purpose of another criminal act.

Safe Standards Compliance (SSC): UTC safety assessment and enforcement agency. Responsible for the assessment of potential safety hazards, and the implementation and enforcement of Hazard Ratings. Authorised to carry out both routine and emergency audits of organisations and locations, in order to identify potential breaches of safety standards and take steps to address such breaches.

Temporary Usage Agreement (TUA): Contractual agreement between an Unaffected Terran and a Terran Dollman, or two Terran Dollmen of differing Size Categories, permitting the larger Terran to use their smaller partner in a manner that would otherwise be seen as a violation of the smaller Terran’s rights. TUA’s are strictly regulated by the DRA, and require multiple layers of proof regarding consent, with the maximum effective period of any individual TUA limited to two standard months.

Terran Expeditionary Force (TEF): Dimensional exploration and defence arm of the UTC. Charged with the mapping of new dimensions and first-contact operations with any indigenous Humans. In the event of contact with hostile lifeforms, TEF forces are authorised to employ deadly force. Have several key facilities attached to colonies outside of Terra-Prime and make frequent use of ITGs.

United Terran Coalition (UTC): Terran governing body on Terra-Prime. Representative democracy. Formed following the end of the Vixmite Invasion and dissolution of the Victory Pact. Has expanded to include a number of colonies outside of Terra-Prime subject to federal executive oversight.

UTC Armed Services: Primary military forces of the UTC, including both naval, aerial and terrestrial sub-divisions. Differs from TEF in usually not being deployed outside of Terra-Prime or key colonies.

Victory Pact: The unifying body for Terrans during the Vixmite Invasion. Military-based government focused on the liberation of Terra-Prime from Vixmite forces and preservation of Terran life. Officially dissolved following the success of Operation Backstop and the formal establishment of the UTC, although rumour persists that the essential frameworks of the Victory Pact still remain in force.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Agency (WRA): A sub-agency of the ERA maintaining multiple wilderness reserves for the protection and repopulation of Terra-Prime’s surviving fauna. Much of the WRA’s work involves isolating and treating the various pathogens remaining from the Vixmite Invasion.

Zoning Ordinance: UTC ordinance governing the zoning of settled areas of Terra-Prime and Terran colonies. Establishes the distinctions between Unrestricted Housing, Reduced Neighbourhoods and Titan Reserves, as well as noting zones which are not considered suitable for Terran habitation.


NAVIGATING TERRAN SETTLEMENTS

Mass Conveyance Systems: Automated systems usually located underneath Terran settlements, which transfer needed material between structures and districts. Larger networks also operate between Terran settlements. Generally off limits to the public, due to significant safety concerns.

Micro Jewellery: A specific form of Wearable Transporters taking the form of jewellery and designed for Unaffected Terrans to transfer Micro Dollmen. Although Micro Dollmen advocate groups have decried the use of Micro Jewellery as demeaning and dehumanising, it remains a popular option.

Microvilles: Catch-all term for sections of Sanctuary Cities or Reduced Neighbourhoods set aside for Micro habitation. Though not truly separate, these sub-neighbourhoods have their own protections.

Nano Capsules: A specialised version of Tiny Carriers designed specifically for the use of Nanos. Due to the particular difficulties faced by Nanos outside of Sanctuary Cities, Nano Capsules are designed to be practically indestructible. Shaped similar to an elongated lozenge with multiple decks and rows of seating. Most Nano Capsules can hold upwards of 100 Nanos with reasonable levels of comfort.

Omniboots: A popular form of Wearable Transporters taking the form of platform shoes, with the relevant transport facilities built into the soles. Commonly used by Unaffected Terrans looking to earn additional funds by providing paid transport to Reduced through various ridesharing apps.

Reduced Neighbourhoods: Residential zones in Terran settlements allocated for the use of Reduced, though usually excluding any Mants. Differ from Sanctuary Cities in that Unaffected are able to enter parts of the Reduced Neighbourhoods either to transit to other locations or to visit local residents.

Reduced Transit Systems: Generic term for public transit systems utilised by most Reduced on Terra-Prime, particularly by Dollmen. Consists primarily of railed transportation vehicles (trains) contained within protective tubing and located either underground or on fully enclosed elevated passageways.

Sanctuary Cities: Terran cities designed to accommodate millions of Reduced without the presence of Unaffected or other threats to Reduced safety. Primarily intended for the use of Mants, though some Sanctuary Cities are instead designated for the use of Dollmen. The majority of the current Mant population on Terra-Prime is accommodated within Sanctuary Cities for their protection.

Tiny Carriers: Various forms of bags and containers, designed for the safe and secure transportation of Reduced by either Unaffected or vehicles. The interior of a Tiny Carrier resembles other forms of mass transit, although usually with additional padding to account for more erratic movement. Most commonly used to transport Dollmen, though sufficiently secure versions may also transport Mants.

Titan Reserves: Regions set aside by the UTC for Titan habitation and recreation. Nominally provide areas in which Titans can live without the fear of causing harm to others. All Reduced are generally prohibited from entering Titan Reserves for safety reasons, and Unaffected are often also restricted.

Unrestricted Housing: Residential zones in Terran settlements allowing for unrestricted residency, though in practice inhabited mostly by Unaffected households, with Reduced residents usually co-habiting with one or more Unaffected. Reduced-only households do exist in these zones, though they are usually situated in clusters resembling smaller versions of Reduced Neighbourhoods. In some locations, Unrestricted Housing may also include limited Titan domiciles built along the periphery.

Vactrains: Also known as a Vacuum Train. The primary means of mass transit between settlements on Terra-Prime. Operate at hypersonic speeds using magnetic suspension and acceleration, as well as partial atmospheric evacuation of the surrounding transport tube. Available to all Size Categories.

VIP Pods: Originally known as Viral Isolation Pods, VIP Pods were designed during the AVR Outbreak as a means of quarantining Reduced to prevent the spread of AVR. Following the end of the outbreak they were rebranded and relaunched as a secure and reliable means to transport Reduced over long distances. Each pod is shaped similarly to an egg and contains all the needed comforts to keep the Reduced occupant healthy during transit. Hundreds of VIP Pods can then be stored in a single crate.

Wearable Transporters: Terran clothing or accessories designed to carry Terrans or other Humans of a smaller Size Category. Most commonly worn by Unaffected Terrans and designed to transport Tiny or Micro Dollmen, though variants for other combinations also exist. In Reduced Neighbourhoods Wearable Transporters are utilised as a form of public transport through the use of ridesharing apps.


ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION

Beat the Feet: Popular Terran party game involving several Reduced and Unaffected Terran players. Reduced start within a small circle drawn at the centre of a room, while Unaffected stand in a wider circle surrounding the Reduced starting zone. Once gameplay commences Unaffected players begin moving around the central circle, preferably in an erratic fashion and Reduced players attempt to navigate safely to the outer edge of the wider circle. Usually Unaffected players are not allowed to watch their feet and the Reduced players, though in harder versions they may be permitted to do so.

BosomBuddies: Extremely popular toy on Terra-Prime, originally designed as a means to introduce young Unaffected Terrans to the concept of Dollmen and teach safe handling practices. For safety purposes BosomBuddies generally squish more easily than actual Dollmen but are otherwise highly durable. Available in Tiny and Micro sizes, BosomBuddies are predominantly modelled as Female, and have become increasingly popular as companions among both children and adult Unaffected.

Mant Horror: Entertainment genre, mostly seen in visual media, including film and gaming. Depicts various circumstances involving Mants being placed in dangerous or lethal situations due to their high vulnerability, for the purpose of inducing fear and/or revulsion in the audience. Considered to be a taboo topic in polite Terran society, such material is usually subject to strict age restrictions.

Mixed Size Wrestling: Modern Terran sport usually involving teams composed of a single Unaffected Terran and four Tiny Dollmen. Unaffected players will attempt to pin the opposing team’s Unaffected player to score points within a set time period. Meanwhile Tiny Dollmen will attempt to retrieve flags worn by the opposing Unaffected, placed around their bust and waist, to earn additional points.

Model Rampages: Recreational activity for Unaffected Terrans involving the destruction of model cities built at a smaller scale (usually but not always built at either Tiny-scale or Micro-scale), and inhabited by various simulacra of Reduced. Models are usually constructed via 3D printing to reduce costs and provided by dedicated businesses. Such simulated rampages are often frowned upon in Terran society, but are also seen as a useful and mostly harmless outlet for frustrations and desires.

Nature Hikes: Despite the devastation of Terra-Prime’s ecosystem following the Vixmite Invasion, exploring nature is still a popular pastime for Terrans. Due to the dangers involved, most hikes are either supervised by officers of the Earth Restoration Agency or other licensed guides. Hikes are available to both Unaffected and Reduced, though Reduced hikes are subject to more restrictions.

Rouge Lux Entertainment (RougeLUX): Private corporation within the adult entertainment industry focusing on the provision of services to Reduced clientele, with a workforce composed primarily of Unaffected. First incorporated in 2164 TC, RougeLUX initially focused only on provision of safe sexual experiences for Reduced clientele, though has since expanded to the production of adult material.

Slapsquish: Entertainment genre, prominent in both visual media and performance art. Focuses on the inherent humour involved in the malleable nature of Dollmen being exploited in non-traumatic ways, usually involving purportedly unaware or accidental encounters with many Unaffected Terrans. Though most popular among Unaffected Terrans, has a growing fanbase across all Genomic Profiles.

Squishball: Modern Terran team sport played with mixed teams of Unaffected and Tiny Dollmen. Unaffected compose each team’s primary offensive component, while Reduced players both provide supportive play and serve as the titular ball. Teams can only score using Reduced from the opposing team and are not allowed to deliberately hide their own Reduced to prevent opponents scoring. Both professional and amateur leagues are strictly regulated to ensure the consent of all Reduced players.

Squish Pranks: Common short-form video content produced by Terrans. Involves setting up situations in which an Unaffected Terran accidentally squishes one or more Dollmen. Some videos end at this point, while others include the reaction of the Unaffected upon discovering or being informed of the truth. The Terran Dollmen being squished may or may not be willing participants in these pranks.

Starlight Theatre: Travelling theatre troupe famous for putting on performances across Terra-Prime and at many major Terran colonies. Employs a varied performance cast including both Dollmen and Unaffected. Noted for its original productions, frequently structured around Intersize relations, as well as its reimagining of classic productions to include Intersize relations and Intersize conflicts.

Switch or Squish: Popular Terran game show for mixed-sized couples. Games are generally physical in nature, with the central theme involving the smaller individual being out of view of their partner who must navigate an obstacle course with the risk of accidentally squishing their partner. Both must complete their tasks within a set time limit to advance to the next round or to win the relevant prize. Special episodes occasionally feature other relationships between the contestants, such as mothers and sons, daughters and fathers, or sisters and brothers, though rules and prizes remain the same.

Toy Land: One of several amusement parks on Terra-Prime. Notable for possessing a wide range of attractions catering to both Unaffected and Dollmen, as well as several Intersize group attractions. Faced some criticism on opening for its name choice, but has since been accepted by most Reduced, thanks in large part to significant efforts made by Toy Land to improve safety for Dollmen at the park. New branches of Toy Land are now under construction in several key locations across Terra-Prime.

Three-Way Relay: Popular athletic activity for encouraging Intersize relations both during schooling and at company team-building events. Involves teams consisting of an Unaffected, a Tiny Dollman, and a Micro Dollman, who must each complete a lap of running tracks customised to their specific size and cross the finish line as close to simultaneously as possible, requiring careful communication. Can be turned into a race by the inclusion of additional teams competing for the fastest finish time.

Virtual Reality Experience: Terran technology allowing individuals to enter a simulated reality in which they can experience a life-like environment without real-world limitations or consequences. Notable for allowing individuals of varying Size Categories to interact on a face-to-face basis, though has also been used to create expansive fictional worlds differing significantly from baseline reality.


TERRAN TECHNOLOGY

Acoustic Boosters: Common Terran technology first developed during the Pre-War period to help Reduced Terrans to communicate with their Unaffected family members and friends. Consists of a neckband worn by Reduced which detects the vibrations of speech and amplifies said speech at a volume above that the Reduced can achieve. Can be programmed to match the voice and intonation of the Reduced as closely as possible. Though resilient, unable to match the durability of Dollmen.

Android: General term for Terran household assistants modelled on biological Terrans but built from mechanical parts, and controlled by advanced heuristic algorithms. Come in a variety of base forms and are often also customisable by the end user. Generally less intelligence than Virtual Assistants.

Anomalous Viral Enhancer (AVE): Artificial alteration of AVR, designed by Terrans as a counter-virus to AVR intended to return Reduced to Unaffected status. Proved unable to affect Reduced, though caused some Unaffected to become Titans following aerial dissemination during Vixmite Invasion.

Artificial Reproductive Technology: General term for Terran technologies allowing for reproduction between individuals where traditional reproduction is not possible. First developed in Pre-Outbreak societies to assist those experiencing medical complications or in same-sex relationships. Now also widely used in modern Terran society to facilitate reproduction between different Size Categories. This technology has been shared with Daithia, and is the basis of the ongoing Nitguar restoration.

CharmUP: Popular medication from Archon Pharmaceuticals which is claimed to boost the ‘natural allure and charm’ of Reduced making it easier for them to woe Unaffected. Although the producer insists that CharmUP works by managing stress and allowing Reduced to be their best selves, some groups have alleged the medication relies instead on the use of untraceable artificial pheromones.

Cybernetics: Terran technology involving the integration of synthetic material into a living body in order to replace damaged, missing or defective tissue. Presently Terran cybernetics do not integrate well with Dollmen physiology, but are usually effective when used by Unaffected, Mants and Titans.

ExoSuits: Terran technology commonly used by TEF units during operations in unexplored or high-risk environments. Consists of an armoured outer shell mounted on a mechanical exoskeleton with a hermetically sealed PlugSuit serving as the underlayer. ExoSuits are primarily intended to provide protection from environmental threats, though may be used in combat in limited circumstances. Most models of ExoSuits are designed for Unaffected Terrans, though some Reduced variants exist.

FindMyTiny: Popular app used by Terrans to keep track of their Reduced family members or friends. Functions by picking up the signal of the relevant Reduced’s IDC (if installed) and correlating that signal to geo-positioning data provided by the SkyWardenNetwork. Parents may link their children to the app at their discretion, while adult Reduced must provide their permission in order to be linked.

Heuristic Translation Interface (HTI): Heuristic learning system/algorithm developed by Victory Pact forces during Vixmite Invasion to translate and decrypt any intercepted Vixmite communications. Has subsequently been utilised by the TEF to assist with full translations during first contact operations. Operates by being provided with as much source material as feasible, including live samples of both written text and audible speech, together with all available context clues. Cross-references inputted data and compares to known language structures to produce a translation of reasonable quality.

Identity Chip (IDC): Technology developed by the IAS to facilitate the tracking of Reduced Terrans for their safety and protection. Consists of a miniscule chip inserted under the subject’s skin, containing identifying particulars, as well as a transmitter communicating with local network towers. The use of IDC’s is not mandatory for Terrans but may be required for certain positions or in certain locations.

Infonet: The primary communication network and public data source of Terrans on Terra-Prime. A similar global network existed prior to the Vixmite Invasion but was taken offline during the war.

J-Type Android: Latest model of Terran household assistance hardware, closely resembling an adult Unaffected Terran, though with visible joints and sensor equipment identifying its mechanical nature. Able to perform most manual tasks that could otherwise be done by an Unaffected Terran, though has somewhat more limited cognitive functions and is generally unable to innovate on programming. Lately some potential issues have been noted regarding recognition software and Reduced persons.

Minunfibre: Composite fibre created by Terrans through merging Reduced DNA into various fibre producing plants and synthesising the results. Possesses similar levels of malleability, resilience and absorbency as Dollmen, and is commonly used to make high-end sports clothing and accessories. Additional chemical treatment post-moulding allows Minunfibre products to maintain their shape.

Personalised Stand-In: Tiny Stand-Ins constructed to resemble a specific Tiny Dollman (or in rarer instances a Tiny Mant). Require the documented consent of the relevant Tiny to their construction.

PlugSuit: General term for a number of related pieces of Terran equipment, consisting of a bodysuit and, sometimes, accompanying headgear that seals tightly to the wearer’s body and allows for the plugging in of external systems through integrated access ports. Commonly used to assist Terrans in the operation of other Terran technology, including ExoSuits and advanced virtual reality systems.

Pre-Fab Homes: Terran technology allowing domiciles to be mass-produced in the form of modular components that can later be combined on site into ready-made homes. Though pre-fab homes can be produced for all Size Categories, they are most commonly produced at Tiny and Micro scales.

Reduced Detection Device (RDD): Terran technology designed to detect the presence of Reduced, particularly Dollmen, even after being concealed on/within or attached to another object or person. Portable hand-held variants are designed to detect the presence of IDCs and are usually ineffective at locating Reduced who do not have an active IDC. Larger RDDs consist of single-occupant booths in public locations which used electrical and acoustic signals to detect the presence of even concealed Reduced, with a reported 98.5% success rate. Variants for scanning of inanimate objects also exist.

SkyWardenNetwork (SWN): Satellite surveillance and communications network utilised by the UTC on Terra-Prime, with smaller networks set-up at some colonies. Able to carry out surveillance at any point on Terra-Prime, as well as providing signal boosting and general communication capabilities.

Tiny Stand-In: Inanimate simulations of Tiny Dollmen used for a variety of purposes, including the testing of equipment for Reduced safety, as well as to appear in training or entertainment media which may otherwise cause harm to Tiny Dollmen or Tiny Mants. Tiny Stand-Ins are noted as being nearly as durable as real Tiny Dollmen, though they may still be worn down after long-term use.

ToughUP: Medication recently developed by Archon Pharmaceuticals for Dollmen use. Temporarily reduces malleability of Dollmen bodies, allowing greater force to be exerted without malleability triggering. Used for workouts and intense physical activity, though its use outside of private settings and safe locations is generally strictly controlled due to the inherent risks associated with lower levels of malleability. Overdosing on ToughUP allegedly results in a Dollman’s body becoming rigid.

Undercurrent: Also known as the Dark Web. A separate information and communication network maintained by unknown individuals on Terra-Prime, hosting information in relation to organised criminal activities on Terra-Prime. The PPB are actively seeking to shut down the Undercurrent.

Universal Translator Tool (UTT): Popular translation software used on Terra-Prime, usually installed into handheld devices or wearable tech. Pre-loaded with all currently known Terran languages, as well as optionally with other known Human languages. Able to carry out real-time translations of written text or spoken words and communicate translations in either text or aloud. Though largely reliable, UTTs are known to struggle with subtleties, and may fail to express key cultural nuances.

Virtual Assistant: Catch-all term for Terran computing technologies involving advanced learning algorithms that can mimic the thought-processes of a Terran while providing high-end computing assistance. Virtual Assistants are usually loaded with personality constructs which can be changed at the discretion of the user. The creation of new personality constructs is a popular Terran pastime.


BUSINESSES AND INSTITUTIONS

Archon Pharmaceuticals: Relatively recent Terran pharmaceutical company, focused on development of pharmaceutical products marketed primarily towards Dollmen and taking account of their unique physiological properties. Though their products have been seen as highly effective, they have faced criticism from some sectors over the alleged use of Dollmen test subjects in their product testing.

Draganov Heavy Industries: Technological development and engineering company focusing on the development of devices to assist Reduced to integrate into Unaffected society more fully. Founded in 2150 by Alexi Draganov, often referred to as the World’s Most Powerful Mant, its most prominent project involves the development of Unaffected-sized suits able to be piloted by Reduced Terrans.

Excelsion Academy: Prominent educational institute operating several campuses across Terra-Prime and accepting both day and boarding students. Notable for fully integrating students in senior years regardless of Genomic Profile. Junior years remain segregated in accordance with UTC ordinances.

Helping Hand Inc: The most prominent of several institutions on Terra-Prime offering the services of live-in Unaffected assistants for Reduced clients. Assistants generally provide cleaning, maintenance, protection and transit for their clients, as well as performing errands. Though expensive, assistants are a popular option for independent Reduced who also seek to live fully within Unaffected society.

Institute of Advanced Sciences (IAS): Research and higher education institute associated with the UTC and operating several branch offices across Terra-Prime. Responsible for reverse-engineering of ITGs based on recovered Vixmite equipment. Currently involved in ongoing research concerning improvement of interdimensional traversal, as well as efforts to reverse the effects of AVR infection.

LootBox Entertainment: Entertainment company focused on the streaming of various media as well as providing a platform for online and off-line video gaming (other than Virtual Reality Experiences). Notable for running adult-only services for genres such as Mant Horror and other restricted material. Recently the subject of some controversy regarding the vetting of content provided on their service.

Munchkin Cereal Co: Terran food manufacturing company, which first rose to prominence with the creation of Munchkin Cereal, a popular Terran food stuff consisting of cereal pieces modelled on cartoonish representations of Reduced Terrans. While extremely popular among Unaffected Terrans, Munchkin Cereal has been the subject of harsh criticism, particularly by the Reduced Normalisation Collective. Despite this, Munchkin Cereal Co has since diversified into many other similar products.

New Age Designs: Popular Terran fashion brand. Famous for utilising exotic materials and fashions from other dimensions in their designs. Allegations of intentional use of Illicit Human Material have marred the brands’ reputation in recent years, though have not been confirmed by PPB inquiries.

Nightingale Collective: Non-government organisation that seeks to provide effective healthcare to all Terrans, beyond the already reasonably generous allowances offered by the UTC. Primarily staffed by Unaffected, the Nightingale Collective is known largely for its work with Sanctuary Cities, involving a member of the collective making camp at the edge of the Sanctuary City and offering their services.

Pathfinder Construction: Prominent construction and renovation company, founded by veterans of the engineering cores of Victory Pact forces. Secured the primary UTC contract for the construction and maintenance of most current Sanctuary Cities. Primarily employs Unaffected labourers, though also employs Reduced in both administrative roles and to assist with detailed construction works.

Penny’s Family Diners: Popular fast-food chain on Terra-Prime, offering both takeaway and dine-in experiences. Nominally open to all Genomic Profiles, though presently operates only in Unrestricted Housing zones. Previously operated in Reduced Neighbourhoods, though following a corporate split in 2185 all previous locations in Reduced Neighbourhoods have been rebranded as SamBurgers.

SamBurgers: Popular fast-food chain on Terra-Prime, offering takeaway and dine-in experiences. Operates primarily in Reduced Neighbourhoods, though recently expanded into Sanctuary Cities, with plans to open up further Sanctuary City branches. Split from Penny’s Family Diners in 2185.

Spotless Cleaning: A successful cleaning company with offices across Terra-Prima, primarily providing cleaning services for Unaffected homes and businesses. Spotless Cleaning pride themselves on being thorough in their cleaning and promise not to miss a single bug or speck of dust in their cleaning.

UltraGym: Terra-Prime’s leading fitness corporation, operating nearly nine hundred locations across Terra-Prime. UltraGym locations are open to all Size Categories, but subject to internal segregation. Recently, a series of reported accidents has resulted in UltraGym tightening safety requirements.


LANDMARKS AND NOTABLE LOCATIONS

Arrival Station: Central hub station on Terra-Prime to which most civilian-travel ITGs are connected, allowing travel to and from Terra-Prime and other worlds determined to pose no immediate risk to the UTC. Security at the station is maintained by the TEF, and all arrivals are required to undergo security screening as well as vaccination and decontamination procedures. Most contacted species maintain at least one active ITG connection to Arrival Station, with a corresponding Gate Defence Installation built on the recipient world to manage the flow of visitors/migrants and defend the ITG.

Gate Defence Installations: Fortified military outposts built and manned by the UTC around each ITG linked directly to Terra-Prime. Most Gate Defence Installations are of modest size and staffed by a small TEF force, with their primary intent being to check for travel permits and ensure orderly travel. In the event of significant hostile action, the stationed forces will shut-down the local gate to prevent unauthorised travel, with the connection only to be reestablished following cessation of hostilities.

Haven: Large Sanctuary City constructed on Terra-Prime for the use of Nitguar refugees. Haven is intended as temporary accommodation for a majority of the Nitguar population while restoration efforts are undertaken on Daithia, though it is expected to take several generations until the process is complete. While officially sovereign territory of the Nitguar people, in practice Haven is operated in conjunction between the UTC and the Daithia Protectorate and is funded entirely by the UTC. Haven remains the only non-ambassadorial sovereign territory of a foreign power on Terra-Prime.

Jotunheim Gate Defence Installation: Constructed by the UTC at the South Pole of Inaccessibility on Terra-Prime in order to safely carry out ITG experimentation following the Vixmite Invasion. The first ITG opened by Terrans, connecting to Terra-Nexus, is located in the sub-levels of Jotunheim. Due to the primitive nature of its construction, this ITG is currently unable to be voluntary closed. Manned by the UTC Armed Services, most of Jotunheim’s defences face inwards, including an orbital failsafe.

Luna: Natural satellite of Terra-Prime, similar to parallel natural satellites found in orbit of most other dimensional home worlds. Several scientific outposts have been constructed on its surface, together with limited mining operations to assist with gathering the raw material necessary for Torus Prime. Plans to open a more permanent civilian settlement on Luna are ongoing, though considered a low priority given the capacity of the Terran population to expand to unpopulated dimensions via ITGs.

Memoria: Memorial constructed by the UTC to commemorate the lives lost during the conflict with the Vixmites, including those lost during the initial AVR Outbreak. Includes an underground complex containing both burial plots and columbariums, as well as extensive memorials for individuals whose remains could not be recovered. Memoria’s above-ground complex is styled to match ancient tomb architecture, in a deliberate effort to harken back to Terra-Prime’s past prior to the AVR Outbreak.

Nyx: Natural satellite of Terra-Prime, smaller than Luna. The existence of a second natural satellite is a notable distinction between Terra-Prime and all other parallel dimensional home worlds. Nyx is not presently inhabited, though a research satellite has been placed in orbit for ongoing observations.

Quarantine Zones: Areas of Terra-Prime that are off-limits to travellers due to the heavy presence of Vixmite pathogens/parasites, radiation hazards from Terran weaponry, or dimensional anomalies. Many Quarantine Zones centre around former population centres lost during the Vixmite Invasion.

Sakha Quarantine Zone: Quarantine Zone constructed around the location of The Sakha Incident. Due to its inherent hazards, the entire Quarantine Zone is encased within an iron dome. The Sakha Quarantine Zone’s dome is the largest structure on Terra-Prime and is clearly visible from space.

Terra-Arbor: Also known as Terra-Eta and Terra-008. Seventh dimension accessed by Terrans using ITG technology. No known sapient species but possesses ecosystem similar to, but notably exceeding in diversity, Terra-Prime’s prior to its current state of severe ecological collapse. Presently serves as a research outpost primarily utilised to assist with ongoing restoration of Terra-Prime’s biosphere.

Terra-Nexus: Also known as Terra-Beta and Terra-002. First dimension accessed by Terrans using ITG technology. Inhabitable but possessing no native life. Subsequently used as a nexus point for future ITG development, with all subsequent ITGs opened initially on Terra-Nexus. The currently unclosable ITG between Terra-Prime and Terra-Nexus is located within Jotunheim on Terra-Prime and Yggdrasil on Terra-Nexus, providing significant security. Travel to Terra-Nexus is strictly regulated by the UTC.

Torus Prime: Orbital ring under construction in equatorial orbit of Terra-Prime. Uses active support systems to remain aloft during construction phases. Intended to assist in the restoration of Terra-Prime’s ecosphere and to provide a bulwark and fallback point in the event of a future dimensional invasion of Terra-Prime. Currently slated for initial spin-up in 2194 TC and completion in 2227 TC.

Unity City: Capital city of Terra-Prime and administrative centre of the UTC, constructed on top of one of the few remaining major cities outside of the Quarantine Zones following Vixmite Invasion. Travel to Unity City is highly restricted for inter-dimensional travellers, with special permits required.

Unity City Central Hospital (UCCH): Largest hospital in Unity City, with a successful track record of providing quality care to Terrans of all Genomic Profiles. Although UCCH aims to provide in-person care to all patients by individuals matching their Genomic Profiles, demographic staffing shortages mean that nursing continues to be provided by Unaffected medical staff in a majority of instances.

Unity City Space Elevator: One of several tether structures constructed or under-construction for travel between Terra-Prime and Torus Prime. Pending the completion of Torus Prime, the Unity City Space Elevator remains the only of these structures accessible to the public, though at a high cost.

Yggdrasil Gate Defence Installation: Constructed on Terra-Nexus following the successful opening of the ITG from Terra-Prime, surrounding the ITG on the Terra-Nexus side. Noted to be one of the few installations outside of Terra-Prime jointly staffed by both the UTC Armed Services and the TEF due to its strategic significance in defending the only permanent ITG linking Terra-Prime to another world.


SOCIAL AND POLITICAL MOVEMENTS

H.U.M.A.N. (Human Union for Minimising Alien Nefariousness): A Terran terrorist organisation who reject the definition of Human established by the UTC and hold that Vixmites should be considered a precedent for interactions with other sapients. Most H.U.M.A.N. activity is limited to Terra-Prime and consists primarily of protests and mild property damage, though physical assaults have occurred. At present, the UTC have directed a strategic unit of the PPB to contain and curtail H.U.M.A.N. activity.

Informed Guardianship: Concept espoused by a small sub-section of Terran society, arguing that it is unnecessarily restrictive to require all Guardianship Contracts to involve an Unaffected Terran as the Guardian. Proponents argue Guardianship Contracts for Mants or Micro Dollmen should be able to be formed with the appointed Guardian being a Tiny Dollman. Argued that these individuals would be better placed to attend to needs of the contracted Reduced due to being more proximate in size.

Luminous: An advocacy group and minor political party in Terran society, with stated goal of uniting all Humans under guiding principles relating to basic rights and protection from harm. Non-violently opposes the activities of other groups such as H.U.M.A.N., the MLM and the WNSU, and advocates for intervention in Human societies where equality and protections for all are not guaranteed.

Mant Liberation Movement (MLM): Protest movement within Terran society concerning alleged unjust restrictions placed on the freedoms of Mants under the Mant Preservation and Protection Act and related legislation and regulations. Stated goal is to have all current restrictions on Mants lifted to allow for the full integration of Mants into Terran society, irrespective of the risks involved.

Mothers For Caring (MFC): Growing political movement in Terran society arguing for the protection and nurturing of Reduced above all other considerations, including any necessary curtailment of the individual liberties of Reduced. Most MFC members advocate for Reduced to be perpetually assigned to the care of their Unaffected mothers and, in the absence of a mother, to an appropriate Guardian.

Reduced Normalisation Collective (RNC): Significant political movement in Terran society arguing that current measures designed for Reduced protection go too far, and marginalise Reduced within Terran society, especially those who are confined to Sanctuary Cities. Lobby for a re-examination of Reduced management with a focus on fully integrating all Reduced into everyday society. The RNC are strong proponents of Universal Guardianship and the complete abolishment of Sanctuary Cities.

Right to Use Movement: Protest movement within Terran society advocating for right to own and use Illicit Human Material, outside of the limited usage allowed by Temporary Usage Agreements. Most advocates insist they are only interested in owning material where the subject Human (usually a Terran Dollman) has consented to a permanent transition process, though differ on the controls to be placed around the documentation of such consent, such as external validation. Middling support among Unaffected Terran population, with minority support from Reduced special-interest groups.

Social Restoration Union (SRU): Middling political movement within Terran society, advocating for changes to social institutions and legal frameworks to restore the ‘natural’ societal structure of having Males hold all senior positions, including being the heads of family units. Argue this is the natural form of Terran society and that any and all societal issues are a result of society moving away from this paradigm. Though popular among a sub-section of Reduced, the views of the SRU appear unlikely to gain significant traction among Terran society as a whole and are currently in decline.

Universal Guardianship: Concept espoused by a sub-section of Terran society, arguing that most, if not all, Reduced should be subject to Guardianship Contracts, and that Sanctuary Cities should be abolished. Proponents generally argue that Sanctuary Cities unnecessarily divide Terrans, and that Guardianship Contracts are the preferable form of protection. Opinions differ as to which Genomic Profiles should be contracted, though most suggest that all Reduced should be subject to contracts.

Women’s New Social Union (WNSU): Middling political movement within Terran society, advocating for changes to legal frameworks to solidify the dominate position of Terran Females, such as holding exclusive voting rights. Sub-factions within the movement differ as to the specifics of the changes sought, with some advocating for the dominance of Unaffected Females only, with Reduced Females to be treated the same as Males, while others consider that all Females should be treated equally. At present the WNSU does not enjoy majority support but are experiencing ongoing numbers growth.


INTERDIMENSIONAL TRAVEL

Convergent Human Evolution Theory: Theory posited by Terrans during their early inter-dimensional explorations, that the inherent similarities in encountered sentient lifeforms were due to an innate property of biological life that compelled evolution to a Human form for the purpose of achieving higher intelligence. Now considered disproved by subsequent genetic analysis of Human specimens and consideration of paleontological, archaeological, and archival records from other dimensions.

Harmonic Dissonance Generator (HDG): Hypothesised device capable of cancelling out generation of any incoming gateway to its home dimension through distortion of medium’s resonance patterns. Hypothesised to have been activated by Vixmites following their final retreat from Terra-Prime.

Harmonic Resonance Generators (HRGs): Necessary component of Interdimensional Transference Gateways. Acquire lock on foreign dimensional space through resonance with the interdimensional medium. Able to be programmed with known dimensional resonance coordinates for consistent use. Loss of dimensional lock may result in gateway being redirected into the interdimensional medium.

Harmonic Restabilisation Array (HRA): Theoretical device capable of countering effects of a HDG, allowing for gateways to be established to a dimension possessing an active HDG. Test model under construction on Terra-Prime with intent of being directed towards the Vixmite home dimension.

Human Abduction Theory: Theory that the presence of Humans in other dimensions indicates that an unknown species or entity abducted early Humans from Terra-Prime and transferred them to other dimensions, as well as subjecting the transferred Humans to genetic manipulation. Has gained widespread support following the confirmation of close genetic ties between Human species, and the consideration of paleontological, archaeological, and archival records from other dimensions.

Interdimensional Transference Gateways (ITGs): Artificial gateways between two dimensions to provide instantaneous transit between them. Can be either permanent or temporary depending on the equipment used. Requires Harmonic Resonance Generators and a Primary Entanglement Matrix.

Original Earth Theory: Fringe theory advocated by some Terran academics that Terra-Prime is not the original homeworld of Humans but instead merely an early example of a dimension artificially populated with Humans and other lifeforms taken from a still older ‘Earth’. Proponents of this theory point to certain anomalies in paleontological and archaeological records to support this theory, as well as the existence of the satellite Nyx. The UTC’s official policy is that this theory is inaccurate.

Primary Entanglement Matrix (PEM): Necessary component of Interdimensional Transference Gateways. Once dimension locked by HRGs, PEM forces dimensional entanglement between the target and origin dimensions within a limited area, resulting in generation of temporary gateway. Destabilisation of matrix may result in transferred material being lost to interdimensional medium.

Resonance Interlock Anchors (RIAs): Optional component for use in Interdimensional Transference Gateways. Stabilise temporary gateways by generating a continuous resonance pattern between anchors placed at both sides of gateway. Must be powered down before gateway can be closed.


MISCELLANEOUS TERMS

Ant Farm: Pejorative term for Sanctuary Cities exclusively or primarily accommodating Mants. Used mostly by Dollmen and Unaffected Terrans. Sometimes used by Mants, particularly MLM activists, in opposition to the continuance of Sanctuary Cities, arguing that they sacrifice freedom for security.

Christmas: Popular Terran holiday occurring during the winter equinox of the northern hemisphere on Terra-Prime. Involves the giving of gifts between friends and family as well as the receipt of gifts by Terran children from an individual known as ‘Miss Christmas’ with purported mystical powers.

Department of Anomalies: Rumoured clandestine department of the UTC, not recorded on any public government documents and alleged to be deliberately obscured by the work of the Records Integrity Commission. Supposedly is responsible for handling any matters concerning entities or events that contradict the ordinary Terran understanding of natural forces and cause and effect.

Giga, The: Alleged individual standing at over 24km in height, said to have been a member of the TEF who was transformed by The Outsider into a colossus far larger than any other Terran. Allegedly confined to a quarantined dimension. Both the UTC and the TEF deny the existence of The Giga.

Halloween: Popular Terran holiday occurring at the end of the summer months of the northern hemisphere on Terra-Prime. Most notable involves Terrans dressing up as various monsters or other fictional characters and attempting to scare or prank each other, as well as the gathering of treats.

Megas: Commonly attributed Terrans purportedly standing between 806m and 1.11km. Believed by many to be the result of continued experimentation with AVE by the UTC, though the UTC itself states that Megas do not currently exist and are a theoretical possibility not being actively pursued.

Nomads: An urban legend among the Terran populace. Concerns the alleged existence of Reduced populations outside of UTC monitored areas on Terra-Prime, surviving either by scavenging scarce resources available in such areas, or entering Unrestricted Housing areas or UTC storage facilities in order to obtain necessary supplies. Often blamed for unexplained losses of food and/or equipment.

Outsider, The: Entity allegedly encountered by TEF forces in an uninhabited dimension, responsible for abduction of several Terrans. The TEF officially denies any such encounter, attributing the loss of personnel to environmental hazards, and has quarantined the dimension due to those same hazards.

Picos: An urban legend among the Terran populace. Picos are a proposed variant of Reduced that are even smaller than Nanos, purportedly being between 4.58µm and 6.33µm. Although the small scale would theoretically make them quite discreet, UTC authorities dispute the actual existence of Picos.

Shifters: An urban legend among the Terran populace. Shifters are said to be able to change or ‘shift’ between the different Size Categories and Physiology Types found among Terrans. UTC authorities have confirmed that any rumours of the actual existence of Shifters are not to be taken seriously.

Toy Box: Pejorative term for Sanctuary Cities exclusively or primarily accommodating Dollmen. Most often used by Mants. Occasionally used by other Dollmen or Unaffected Terrans to insult residents.

Vixmites: Terran term for the Scourge, derived from the translation of intercepted messages during the Vixmite Invasion of Terra-Prime. Responsible for the genocide or attempted genocide of several Human species, including both Terrans and Nitguar. After their defeat during Operation Backstop, the Vixmites have apparently retreated to their home dimension, and have not been encountered since.