Zenobia-2

[Ramidel]

Doing a writeup of my reality seed...

Zenobia-2, 700 AD (Olympiad 369.4)

Current Affairs
Mystic orders quietly struggle for control of the Palmyrene Empire, as a fragile peace with Persia begins to unravel and sinister powers lurk in the shadows.

Divergence Point
Prehistoric, with the development of psi powers by early animists, but historical deviation first clearly appears in 580 BC, when Zhou Jian Wang defeated the Wu state and re-established the central authority of the Zhou.

Major Civilizations
Hellenic (empire with rivals); Iranic (empire with satellite states); Indic (empire with rivals); Chinese (empire); Steppe (diffuse); Western (diffuse)

Great Powers
Palmyrene Republic (magocracy, CR3); Persian Empire (feudal dictatorship, CR4); Aryavarta (theocracy, CR6); Qi Empire (bureaucratic dictatorship, CR5); Kingdom of Septimania (feudal dictatorship, CR2)

Worldline Data
TL: 3^ Mana level: None
Quantum: 6 Infinity Class: Z1 Centrum Zone: Red

World Info and Mechanics
The mystic abilities available on Zenobia-2 are psi powers. The words "mystic," "psychic" and "magus" are all used to describe psionic individuals, and calling the powers "magic" is perfectly normal. Nonetheless, they use the Psi modifier. The basic modifier is -5%, as no psychotronics exist in this setting, but it is normal for psi abilities to have a Pact modifier related to a Discipline of Faith - most commonly Contemplation, Mysticism, Monasticism or Asceticism, depending on the sect and the psychic's level of devotion, but some practices employ Ritualism (this is the norm for Zoroastrian magi). Psychic ability and psi talents are usually developed through initiation and teaching (which is where the Pact modifier is adopted) though a rare few develop psi abilities naturally (and are seen as touched or chosen by God/the gods). Teaching usually involves joining a monastic community or mystery cult that unlocks the power of the mind through years of meditation and training; Patrons, Duties and Enemies can easily result from this. Psychic Healing is split into Biokinesis ("Healing") and Psychometabolism; the latter discipline creates mystic warriors of superhuman ability.

Heroic Archer, Trained By A Master and Weapon Master are available with the Psi modifier, and the skills Body Control and Mental Strength are available to any psychic. Esoteric Medicine (Galenic, Ayurvedic and Taoist) all count as Physician/TL3, plus anaesthesia and the equivalent of antibiotics, in this setting. Unlike Chinese medical practitioners, Galenists are very much okay with surgical interventions (though many psychic healers don't bother), and a surgeon with Esoteric Medicine does not suffer the penalty to non-trauma surgery without Physician skill. (This applies to Chinese surgeons as well - but again, Chinese medical practice discourages surgical methods.)

Notes
Locally, the most worrying conflict is the decline of Persia. Though the two empires have been at peace since their alliance against the Mohammedan invasion and the destruction of the Caliphate, they had been at war only a few years before that and have since gone back to a relatively peaceful "business as usual. However, the Sassanid Empire may have been fatally wounded with the invasion. Many governors are slow to pay their taxes, dasturs have begun establishing their own psychic fiefdoms, the Brahmins of Aryavarta have begun nibbling at Persia's eastern frontier, and several Palmyrene mystics are seeking advantage in the fall of their ancient rival. The current consensus among Palmyra's leading psychics is against expansionism and the thought of trying to replace Persia's existing religious system gives many nightmares, but some more militant orders want to test their members against the Immortals and the Magi, and if Persia collapses any further, a Palmyrene takeover may be in the cards.

Infinity and Centrum have both penetrated this worldline, but are being extremely careful to step lightly. They have come to the conclusion that this world has the ability to unlock psi powers purely through mental disciplines, and both are eager to learn the secret - but it's a world where the police can read your mind, and where developing world-jumping abilities is not out of the question. Worryingly, there's indications that the Cabal's psionic lodges are already there, using local mystic orders to train their members.

Nexus Oversight are also concerned about a portal in Chera Nadu in southern India that leads to Friedrich, where Reich-5 is out in force, and Infinity does not want to see what would happen if the Nazis came through and tried to contact the local "Aryans." The Reich won't get an ally out of their bungling, but the Brahmins are among the cruelest and most oppressive rulers on this worldline, employing pervasive mind control and working their people to death for their own wealth and power, and Infinity really doesn't want ambitious younger priests trying to make use of outworld technology.