REALITY LEVELS
THE LEVELS OF REALITY
One of the main outstanding features of Meridian, that characters will soon find out about, is that the city is actually functioning on multiple dimensions at once. Likened to layers of reality over one another, they have since gained the slang 'Levels' from all residents naturally from the city. During their stay, most characters will only become acquainted with the first two levels of Meridian, though the residents say there is a third. The three layers are split up into the following:
First Level
Essentially, it is the city itself. The 'First Level' is reality, in the basest sense of the word. The area your character wakes up in - be it in a building, in a tree, in a shower with someone else, what have you - will be on the first level. All powers are kept intact, for the most part, though when characters start destroying things bigger than cars they become exhausted much faster.
Of note is that, on this level, there are limitations to characters speaking together.
- If, in canon, both characters speak the same language, they will understand one another.
- If both characters share the same mark, they will understand each other regardless of language. By default, conversations would be translated into the language the character thinks in.
- Unmarked characters understand and are understood by everyone, regardless of both language and marks.
Another relevant note to unmarked characters is that the impassable wall dividing the city is nonexistent. In its place are a series of well-kept metal bridges, spanning over a ravine with water flowing through the base. It averages at an eight-foot drop (four during heavy rain), but the river is shallow at parts, so jumping in is not recommended when drunk, sober, or any variation thereof.
Second Level
The Second Level is the reality of the mind, reached only by thought and concentration. Or by complete accident in an emotional outburst. It's akin to daydreaming, and letting your thoughts wander enough will result in arriving there. Of note is that not every thought is unconsciously sent to the second level. If you want your character to be silly and send all their thoughts, then feel free. However, for the most part it will be triggered by a conscious thought, or one really strong unconscious one.
At the lowest levels of focus, there is no visible difference between levels. However, with deeper submersion, a landscape takes form. There is a 'ground' and a 'ceiling', made up entirely of glass cubes and rectangular prisms. The ground is not one large expanse though, with paths and large sections being cut out against bottomless pits. Occasionally a glass cube will fall from the ceiling into these holes. If one of the cubes land on the glass, the entire section shatters and collapses, but this is rare when the area is in active use.
Through the ground, the glass reflects the city, with the section you're in underneath you. At deeper submersion, the ground becomes more and more clouded. Until it disappears completely. At around this time, characters will get the feeling that something big and goddamn pissed is right behind them. Whether or not they try to look, they will see nothing, and be immediately shoved back to the first level. The next two-to-three days will be spent unable to access the Second Level, and probably nauseous as hell.
Through the ceiling, the glass shows only a deep black void. Who knows if it'll stay that way?
Submersion Effect
The Second Level varies in intensity depending on how much concentration is put into being here. Depending on how deep in focus you are depends on how the reality manifests, which is termed the Submersion Effect. At the most minimal of focus, the second level is invisible. Then gradually, it becomes more visible until the first reality disappears. At approximately 50% submersion, the city disappears.
Many variables tie into how the submersion works. Those who find it easier to concentrate will be able to remain on the second level with less effort, or to submerge to deeper levels easier when less-focused people will have a harder time or need more practice. Of note is no matter the case, practice will be needed to stay on the Second Level longer, as longer periods of time will tire out their physical body.
Over time, the more your character gets used to the second level, the easier they can use both realities. Such as seeing through both levels at once (though that would take its' own deal of practice), hiding yourself from others, afterimages, or seeing things that only appear in deeper submersion.
As of right now, the deepest any character can submerge is 50%. The longest they can remain is two days. If either case is violated, the character will be forced off of the level in the manner mentioned above.
On Filtered Posts and Hacking
Filtered posts are possible on the second level, and are one of the higher-level skills your character will learn with practice. By thinking it, they can hide themselves and others they choose from being sensed from anyone submerged less than the creator. To anyone submerged deeper than the creator, the conversation appears to take place inside a larger glass cube. How easy it is to break in is shown by how blurry the image is.
For example, let's say Character A is submerged at 25%. They think, focus pointedly on only speaking to Character B. In this case, the message is only viewable to Characters A and B. However, if Character C submerges to 40%, they can see the area where A and B are conversing, closed off in one of the glass cubes. This means all Player C has to do is go near the glass and focus. Then it's up to them whether they eavesdrop or simply break in.
Note for eavesdropping: while it is possible for a character to do this on weaker filters, be sure to ask your fellow players if it's okay! Not everyone likes creepers spying on their love confessions.
Third Level
Characters have no proof this level even exists, really. Called the realm of the gods by residents, the only way to reach it is by allowing your mind to reach nirvana. Or, taking out the religious subtext, becoming fully immersed in the second level - leaving your body behind in the process. Only in this fashion can lesser beings encounter the gods.
Keeping in mind that it takes a large expanse of time to reach this point of mastery of the second level, please contact a mod if you think a character is getting to the point they can access the Third Level. Then you can find out what shenanigans ensue from there.