AN INTRODUCTION TO MULTIVERSES

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A universe, to put it briefly, is a unique set of spacetime and its contents. Within that set, physics and matter manipulation occur uniquely to that of any other universe. The size and shape of a universe is typically dictated by the velocity of its fastest moving wavicle (examples: light, ticks, sound, dendron), although the way in which this dictation is enacted can take a variety of forms. This in turn is dependent on the universe’s spacetime, physics and matter manipulation. Almost all universes are natural, although synthetic universes do exist - one need only look to the infamous Ban Eylen’s Dimensions or the lauded Fediverse.

In the most layperson of terms, a group of universes that have the same or similar set of spacetime properties is called a multiverse; a group of multiverses is called a megaverse; and encompassing this endless group of verses is a theoretical body named the Omniverse, dubbed the Omni. In this theoretical body, all possible universes that could possibly exist in any way, shape, form or thought is contained within the Omni, and by that logic Nothing is contained outside it. Our Organisation draws its name from the Omniverse, and our whimsical goal is to some day in some age map out and categorise the Omniverse in its entirety.

[INFORMATION NITPICK]: The Organisation finds the above paragraph, particularly the final sentence, disparaging. We also propose removing all instances of ‘theoretical’ from this and future text, to avoid readers from thinking our Organisation’s legitimacy is misplaced. ~ CHIEF INSPECTOR OO6

[AUTHOR RESPONSE]: But it is misplaced. ~ Xzav Renderson

[INFORMATION NITPICK]: Do as proposed, Head Author. ~ CHIEF INSPECTOR OO6

Universes, and by extension all verses, come about in a similarly infinite number of ways (examples: brane collision, heat inflation, cosmic fertilizer, quantum branching) - this is the subject of intense theory and research. Accepted theories about the Omniverse consistently contradict each other. Some observe that universes grow and shrink in rhythmic lifecycles not dissimilar to an organic’s; others conclude that universes multipy only through the constant diverging of timelines; many believe in the Great Creator, a hotly disputed yet seemingly-proven religion; and yet more theories besides.

To attempt to resolve them all into a single, bounded theory quickly proves useless as one realises that many theories are objectively and obviously true - and yet remain contradictory. This is the core understanding one must have when exploring the infinity and myriadacy of the Omni. It is common policy among sapients out here to ensure each individual resolves these logical contradictions in whatever method possible (examples: compartmentalisation, ignorance, just-another-anthill-ism, pseudolobotomisation). Those who do not do so risk succumbing to cosmic horror.

Transversal travel - the transportation of matter between and across verses - is the crux of all life and existence outside of a universe. But such travel is confusing and difficult. Difficulty typically increases the more nested the verse, so leaving one’s own universe is often the biggest barrier to entry. Movement within a multiverse can be just as dangerous, for a host of other reasons - creatures of a universe are ill-suited for the inorganic and organic facets of a multiverse. But with certain conditions and the right adaptations, such transport of matter can come to be. There are two main modes of transversal travel; there are specialised doorways built to connect universes, that are usually quick and convenient but energy-hungry and costly; and there are the more contemporary ‘transversal vehicles’ that boast ease of mobility and sense of normalcy at the cost of longer travel times and a touch more risk.

Nevertheless, all forms of transversal travel are expensive to the highest degree - little else compares in all The Multiverses. This is where entities such as the Omniverse Organisation may come in, using their powers and monopolies to develop and distribute transversal travel to the masses. Some fortunate universes may have a unique set of spacetime and physics that make them perfect for facilitating transversal travel between important locations. We sustain and maintain these universes through careful administration, so that they may provide vast benefits to the wider Omni. Under our masterful jurisdiction, these multiverse outposts can house trillions and trillions of sapients, and are usually the only way for those navigating The Multiverses to receive respite from its grueling environment. These are where the true fruits of our labour are grown.

While portals and transversal vehicles are the predominant modes of travel, there are an infinite number of solutions to the transversal travel problem - the catch being that they can only be used in very niche circumstances. There are a small number of ancient relics from ages past that allow transportation without any considerable energy or danger, and these are being studied with great interest. One of the most famous relics was the Tablet of 4612, a plaque of stone that was once housed in the Temple of the Multiverses before

[INFORMATION REDACTED]: RENDERSON, WE WILL NOT TOLERATE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING 4612 OTHER THAN IT’S OWN EXISTENCE. IF WE FIND ANY OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS INFORMATION IN YOUR DRAFTS, YOU WILL BE DEMOTED FROM YOUR POSITION AS HEAD AUTHOR. ~ CHIEF INSPECTOR OO6

This is the Basic Introduction to multiverses and their many circles of intrigue in the Omniverse Organisation. The Detailed Introduction follows for the next 2212 pages, and the rest of this book will go into detail the precise anatomy of a standard multiverse and other key information. The appendices of this book begin on page 2331094, and the index is available in the companion manual.

~ extracted from ‘On the Subject of the Anatomy of Multiverses’ by Xzav Renderson, former Head Author of the Omniverse Organisation, from the Temple of the Multiverses

I originally wrote this on November 24th 2020 for what can only be described as a Minecraft fanfiction. This piece has undergone various revisions, but this is the latest and most extensive revision I’ve done in a while.