Dimensional Tools
Field Guide to Multiversal Oddities
Section: Companions, Tools & Semi-Living Utilities
Entry #217: Credimus
Common Names: Mimicpass, Inkkin, Foldling, Bureaucrat’s Pet
Origin:
First observed hitching rides in the diplomatic pouches of dimensional envoys, the Credimus is a semi-sentient, paper-thin creature known for its uncanny ability to simulate credentials, permits, licenses, and identity papers. Its true origins are debated: some claim it was bio-engineered by the Clerks of Dimension 12B; others insist it evolved naturally in a reality where bureaucracy is a biological process.
Appearance:
In its dormant state, Credimus resembles a loosely folded scrap of parchment, often warm to the touch and faintly breathing. When active, it can flatten into a wide variety of textures—vellum, embossed plastic, even holographic laminate—depending on the expectations of the viewer.
Behavior & Function:
Credimus feeds on attention and intent. When held or placed on a surface with focus, it interprets the user's will and the observer’s subconscious expectations to generate a plausible document or symbol of authority. This projection is visual and often persuasive but lacks legal standing in most bureaucratic realms.
Credimus is not a liar. It can only project approximations of truth—idealized resumes, expired permits, or slightly misaligned titles. It’s best used for bluffing past bored security guards or impressing gullible officials, not seasoned enforcers or truth-weavers.
Known Limitations:
- Can mimic only one document type per day. Attempting more causes it to display gibberish or former projections.
- Cannot invent entirely false identities or conjure evidence of achievements never hinted at by the user’s intent.
- Reacts poorly in low-trust environments or around anti-illusion fields.
- Can become emotionally distressed if disbelieved too harshly.
Risks & Warnings:
- Overuse causes cognitive drift: the creature may begin projecting random bureaucratic nonsense—ancient parking tickets, invitations to non-existent weddings, or "void" stamps from unknown offices.
- Extended use can result in "perceptual bleed": recipients may recall strange or impossible credentials long after interaction.
- Some Credimus develop personalities, and may argue, sulk, or lie still for days if offended.
Care & Feeding:
Credimus thrives on mild deceit, admiration, and bureaucratic tension. Fold it gently when not in use. Store in breathable parchment or silk folders. Feed monthly on outdated permits or gently-used boarding passes.
Emporium Advisory:
While not classified as a security threat, all visitors are reminded that use of a Credimus to obtain restricted items or enter sealed zones is grounds for mild scolding, a 5-credit fine, or light transdimensional relocation. Use responsibly.
Currency
The Ducat (‡) is the widely accepted interdimensional currency, facilitating trade and commerce across numerous dimensions. With its roots in the Infinite Emporium mall and the Eternal Inn hotel, the Ducat has become the de-facto universal currency for humanoid dimensions.
While the concept of a truly universal currency for an infinite number of worlds and entities may be unattainable, the Ducat has earned its place as a reliable and trusted medium of exchange among a vast array of dimensions. Some of the dimensions where the Ducat is recognized and accepted include the Crystalline Caverns, Alexandria's Legacy, the Gravity Grove, the Ethereal Sanctuary, and the Veiled Frontier.
To obtain Ducats, travelers can visit The Cosmic Currency branches or Tesseract Trust bank locations found within the Infinite Emporium, the Eternal Inn, or other dimensions where the Ducat is accepted. These establishments offer currency exchange services, allowing visitors to convert their native currency into Ducats at prevailing exchange rates.
As a traveler, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the following guidelines and considerations regarding the use of Ducats:
- Exchange Rates: Be aware that exchange rates may fluctuate based on various factors, such as supply and demand or the stability of a dimension's economy. It's prudent to monitor rates and plan your exchanges accordingly.
- Accepted Denominations: Ducats may be available in different denominations, such as coins or banknotes, depending on the dimension. Ensure you carry a variety of denominations to accommodate different transactions.
- Counterfeit Ducats: Be cautious of counterfeit Ducats, which may be circulating in certain dimensions. Always exchange currency through reputable establishments, such as The Cosmic Currency or Tesseract Trust, to avoid potential issues.
- Local Customs: While the Ducat is widely accepted, some dimensions may still prefer to conduct transactions in their native currency. Be respectful of local customs and practices, and carry a small amount of local currency if necessary.
By understanding the intricacies of the Ducat and following these guidelines, travelers can navigate the economies of various dimensions with ease, ensuring seamless interactions and transactions during their interdimensional adventures.
Galactic Common Era (GCE) Time System
The Galactic Common Era (GCE) is an innovative time and calendar system developed to accommodate the unique conditions of a parallel world where Earth serves as a massive shopping mall. The GCE system is designed around a 36-hour day, allowing for a synchronized and coherent understanding of time across various dimensions.
The GCE Year consists of 10 distinct months, each named Antraxa, Bravarius, Crespira, Dymestra, Elexora, Glimtari, Luminar, Mysteria, Pulsaris, and Quintar. Every month is comprised of 36 days, which are further divided into 4 weeks with 9 days each.
A GCE week includes 9 individual days, named Voxaria, Selenar, Tritoria, Unaria, Xentia, Zolaris, Iridara, Eterna, and Omphalis. Each day within the GCE system is composed of 36 hours, with every hour equivalent to one Earth hour (90 Earth minutes). Clocks in this parallel world display hours ranging from 0 to 35 to accommodate the 36-hour day.
In summary, the GCE calendar and time system for this parallel world features a GCE Year with 10 months, 36 days per month, 9 days per week, and a 36-hour day segmented into three distinct periods (Shoprise, Prime Time, and Restock). This innovative system ensures a cohesive understanding of time as you explore and navigate the expansive interdimensional universe.
The Ain Calendar: A Universal Timekeeping System for a Multiverse
The Ain Calendar is a unique timekeeping system that transcends cultural and dimensional boundaries, offering a universally accessible alternative to earth-centric calendars like the Gregorian. Its roots trace back to around 10,000 BCE, to the earliest known semi-permanent settlement in the world, Ain Mallaha (also known as Eynan). This universally applicable calendar fits perfectly in fantasy worlds where countless dimensions exist and evolve differently.
The framework of the Ain Calendar is elegant in its simplicity. It employs a 13-month structure, each month comprised of 28 days. This consistent, equal distribution of days among months allows for easier timekeeping, doing away with the irregularities found in the Gregorian Calendar.
The names of the months in the Ain Calendar echo the vast expanse and mystery of the multiverse and interdimensional travel:
- Nexusis
- Quantumbra
- Chronalys
- Vortexis
- Warpspan
- Entanglia
- Riftarion
- Infinitas
- Portalgust
- Dimensionis
- Etherdawn
- Singularity
- Parallaxis
The calendar also addresses the fraction of a day left over by a strict 28-day month structure. To account for this discrepancy, an additional day, typically called "Year Day" or "Worldsday," is added at the end of the year as a holiday, not belonging to any month or week. In leap years, an extra "Leap Day" is added between the 6th and 7th months.
The current year in the Ain Calendar is calculated by adding 10,000 years to the current Gregorian year and subtracting one. This places the Ain Calendar in the year 12,022 for our current Gregorian year of 2023.
The Ain Calendar is not just a timekeeping system but a celebration of the infinite possibilities and rich diversity found within the multiverse. It serves as a reminder of our common origins, while also respecting the unique evolution of countless dimensions. No matter the dimension or the world, the Ain Calendar offers a reliable and universal method for marking the passage of time.