| Reality Skimming |
a.k.a. rel-skimming. Faster than light
drive in Okal Rel Universe. No fuel required, ships draw on the energy
that binds the ten dimensions of the universe, only four of which
are normally experienced. Energy required to "splice-in"
is stored and re-charged during flight. |
| Trans-dimensional Phase Strobing |
a.k.a. TDPS. What the Reetions call rel-skimming
in space science classe. Reetion pilots tend to use the Gelack term. |
| Skim Factor |
a.k.a. skim'fac. Measurement of net displacement per
unit time. Not called "velocity" because Out-Phase jumps
extend net displacement beyond what is exprienced subjectively during
In-Phase. |
| Mix |
Combination of shimmer and gap used to achieve skim'fac. |
| Shimmer |
Measure of frequency in stiches per (subjective) second. |
| Gap |
Measure of Out-Phase exposure to non-temporal
dimensions. Erodes pilot's grip. |
| Grip |
Pilot's ability to resist gap. Loss of grip results
in (potentially infinite) time slip or uncontrolled spatial displacement.
Grip is proportional to a pilot's will and motivation for staying
in the universe. |
| In-Phase |
Part of "stitch" during which ship is in normal
space |
| Out-Phase |
Part of "stitch" during which ship is exposed
to non-temporal dimensions |
| Manifestation |
Instant of intrusion back into physical universe (normal
space), Intrusion field attempts to sweep vicinity to reduce shimmer
wear on pilot and ship. |
| Subjective Acceleration |
a.k.a. subjective g's. The g stress experienced by ship
and pilot as a consequence of subjective velocity. Sudden changes
in subjective velocity, usually motivated by combat situations, account
for the high-g adaptations of Sevolites. |
| Subjective Velocity |
Since Out-Phase (gap exposure) cannot be consciously
experienced, the direction and magnitude of flight that is experienced
is not absolute in terms of the external universe but subjective to
the reality skimming pilot. The directional and acceleration/deceleration
components of subject velocity dictate the direction and magnitude
of net displacement, scaled up by the strength of the skim factor. |
| Stitch |
One "strobe" cycle, from manifestation to
manifestation. Typically, ships strobe many times a second. |
