DYNAMICS

By TCSHAN (tcshan@aol.com)

Description

The members of this Tradition are a cross between "superhero wannabes" and philosophers, constantly pondering such questions as "What is reality, anyway?", "How did the many different planes (the Umbra, the Fae realms, Shadowlands, etc.) came into existence?" and "Why does Paradox exist?" The Dynamics had their genesis when Dr. Julian Schneider, a Son of Ether, encountered early comic books. Like his fellow Etherites of the day, Dr. Schneider was heavily influenced by the pulp novels; in his case, comics seemed like the next logical step. Many superheroes, like the Human Torch, the Sub-Mariner, and especially a certain blue hero in blue tights and a red cape had powers that to Schneider could only be another form of magick. Dr. Schneider defied Paradox, Technomancer-dominated reality, and even the Etherites' paradigm by creating a "super-costume" Talisman. Unfortunately, Julian soon realized that his costume, which granted "super" (magickal) powers to the wearer, only worked without witnesses. This seemed unfair to the Dr., since the superbeings in the comics used their powers in plain view of others. He hid the costume away in his secret laboratory, and devoted himself to searching for a way to conquer Paradox. He studied reality more intensely than ever, conducting most in his experiments in the Deep Umbra. He discovered other realities like the Shadowlands and the Fae realms, which led to such burning questions as "How are realities 'born'?" He engaged in many philosophical questions with his fellow mages (some of whom weren't even Etherites!), but nobody had any real answers. Dissatisfied, Dr. Schneider broke off from the Sons (who thought he was going Marauder anyway) and started his own Tradition: the Dynamics (named, like Schneider's failed alter-ego Dyna-Man, after "dynamic" magick). The Dynamics' goal is the elimination of Paradox, or failing that, the creation of a Paradox-less reality, where mages may perform their magicks without fear of backlashes, flaws, or Paradox spirits. To this end they have conducted many experiments, testing their theories in virtual reality.

Philosophy

Simple, yet complex: We wish to understand reality in ways no other Tradition has before: how the many layers of it were created, why Paradox exists, and so on. Once we know all these things, we'll create our own reality, one free of the Technocracy and Paradox, free of the coincidences that blind Sleepers and confound the Traditions. After that...then the real fun will start.

Organization

Created out of Orphans, as well as those mages who, like Schneider, felt their Tradition didn't have all the answers, the group is organized somewhat like a club, with charters, group leaders and even treasurers.

Meetings

Monthly board meetings are held at Chantries at about 8:00 p.m. Less formal meetings (two Dynamics meeting in a coffee shop, for example) are disguised as normal conversation, spoken in hushed tones, or (if one has Mind magick) take place telepathically.

Initiation

Dynamics members usually hang around comic book stores or sci-fi and comic book conventions. Anyone who discusses how so-called "magic" or "super-powers" can exist in reality and has a good idea how, is suggested to join the club. Anyone who says "yes" (don't worry, the Dynamics do take "no" for an answer) is indoctrinated into the group.

Chantry

Usually in meeting halls, but comic shops (and even regular bookstores) double as Chantries.

Acolytes

Comic fans, sci-fi/fantasy buffs, dissatisfied mages

Sphere/Foci

Sphere and Foci are "tailored" to the mage's individual tastes. Comic book superhero fans often use their costumes as foci, but others focus through bizarre make-believe substances as "kryptonite," "gamma radiation", or "power cosmic." (Don't ask how those fit into reality...) Fantasy/sci-fi buffs prefer such items as "magic" wands, swords, medallions, etc., power armor, and proton blasters. Some ex-Traditionals prefer their old foci, others conform to the new paradigm, and some even use both. The most serious use coincidental effects, or rely solely on "mental power". Often, they incur Paradox on purpose (the wise ones keep their flaws as low-level as possible), just to study its nature or gain some insight.

Concepts

Sci-fi/fantasy/superhero buff, philosopher, scientist

Quotes

"If we can't liberate this reality from Paradox, we'll have to recreate our own, won't we?"

"Whoever coined the term 'playing God' never knew just what hard work it really is."

Stereotypes

Because Dynamic mages tend to be from other Traditions, it's very hard to stereotype them. Here's what some converts had to say (and what their former Traditions say about Dynamics):

Akashic Brotherhood: The Akashics seemed too much like a kung-fu group or a bad video game. I prefer philosophical debates, and think Zen-type stuff and Dynamic philosophy make an interesting combo.

-- Suli Chen

"They tend to prance around in idiotic costumes, but their spirits are noble, and they bring up interesting questions."

Celestial Chorus: With all due respect to religion, the Choristers didn't seem to know the answers, or even show interest in them.

-- Mary Hepford

"The One works in mysterious ways. How can we explain Her grand design to atheists?"

Cult of Ecstasy: I almost joined the Cult, but I don't wanna ruin my health with drugs and illicit sex, you know? The Dynamics seem cool, though.

-- P.J. Stevens

"When they sit down and talk, yawn city. But when the costume party starts, it gets cool."

Dreamspeakers: I get the Gaia thing, but what about, you know, the rest of the universe?

--Jerome Walden

"They are willing to listen to us, but ask questions for which we have no answer."

Euthanatos: Too creepy! I'd rather find my answers on this side of the Shadowlands, know what I mean?

-- Richard Langtree

"Like their parent Tradition, they have interesting ideas about exploring reality."

Hollow Ones: This is one Orphan who's found a home, guys! But don't worry; once we've got our own reality, we'll share it with you guys at the Way Down.

-- Simon Wilcox

"Don't get me started, OK? Buncha dorks in stupid costumes..."

Order of Hermes: I agree with the belief that magic should benefit mankind, but I'm not into that New Age stuff.

"Which is really quite sad; I've been working on this mathematical model of the universe..."

-- Tess Doringsley

Sons of Ether: Like a lot of parents, the Sons of Ether mean well, but don't seem to approve of their offspring's decisions. But like any child, the Dynamics just need some proper nurturing.

-- Jessica Walken

"Hmm, yes, wait just a second . . ." [Walks out, hysterical laughter] "What was that silly Schneider thinking?!"

Verbena: There is a power in nature, but how does it work?

-- Gertrude Morninglade

"Grown men and women running around in ridiculous costumes! How foolish. Are they even mages?"

Virtual Adepts: The Adepts should see our VR experiments! If this reality doesn't want them, they can have ours.

-- Joshua "Feedback" Ventner

"They trust us enough to use VR. They seem pretty wary of the other Techno-Traditions, though..."

Kindred: Long as they don't suck us, we don't get mad. Their undeath's worth studying, though . . .

"They're dangerous bastards, you hear? One of them was a walking sunbeam! Called himself Solarman or some shit. I almost got killed just being in the same area."

Garou: They share the same belief in Gaia as the Dreamspeakers! Interesting.

"You wanna know how it all works? Three words: Wyrm, Wyld, Weaver. Simple as that."

Wraiths: We've got some members who're able to enter the Shadowlands in a near-death state. They hang around for a few minutes, then 'resurrect'. Interesting place for theories, but hazardous.

"Some of them have spent some time here. They call themselves the Shadow Force. One of them managed to rip off a piece from a Spectre before 'going back'! I hope he suffered no ill effects..."

Changelings: OK folks. Just don't strike up a conversation with a nocker or get too near a pooka.

"So far, we've learned more from them than they from us. They seem to reduce Banality just by existing!"