Altered Lore

The Gestalt

4 min read

The Gestalt

Overview

The Gestalt is a network formed by Ordis followers through Coalescence, linking their minds together. It is a space that is more than the sum of its parts, where knowledge is constantly accessible and the exchange of information reaches unstoppable velocity.

Nature and Function

The Gestalt operates as a pooled consciousness network that connects all Ordis members who bear the Glyph. Through this network:

  • Knowledge is perpetually accessible to all connected members
  • Information exchange occurs at extraordinary speed
  • Minds can link to converse or see through another’s eyes
  • Emotions can be transmitted to reassure, support, encourage, or soothe

Requirements and Limitations

The Gestalt connection:

  • Requires the Glyph tattoo as an interface
  • Is limited by physical distance between individuals
  • Requires authorization from linked minds to prevent unwanted intrusion
  • Functions as a voluntary connection, not an involuntary hive mind

Benefits

Through perpetual connection to the Gestalt, Ordis followers:

  • Are rarely alone, as they remain connected to others
  • Can share perceptions, knowledge, and emotions
  • Can pool their abilities for enhanced Heka applications
  • Maintain constant access to collective wisdom

The Cost of Disconnection

Being cut off from the Gestalt constitutes a terrible tear for Ordis members, compounded by an exacerbated sense of longing. The Ordis readily sacrifice some degree of individuality for the many advantages offered by this pooling of consciousness.

Limitations and Ethical Boundaries

393 AC - Belisenki Communication Debate

During Rediscovery Endeavor operations at Storhvit in February 393 AC, Ordis hierarchy faced ethical dilemma regarding potential expansion of The Gestalt. Belisenki exhibited swarm intelligence and eusocial behavior similar to termites or bees, prompting debate whether Ordis could use Coalescence to link minds with Belisenki and establish communication or understanding.

Ordis hierarchy proved reluctant to welcome alien psyche into The Gestalt. This hesitation considered understandable and prudent by expedition leadership, demonstrating Ordis recognition of potential risks in connecting non-human intelligence to collective consciousness network. Decision reflected careful consideration of The Gestalt’s integrity and safety of connected minds.

Current Development

As some Ordis prepare to accompany the Expeditionary Corps on the Rediscovery Endeavor, they work alongside the Yzmir and Axiom in fabricating Espars—beacons that will allow Ordis Alterers to continue communicating through the Gestalt with their counterparts remaining in Asgartha.

These antennas are essential prerequisites for the expedition’s launch, enabling the Corps to transmit discoveries and requests for assistance. For explorers, maintaining this connection will allow them to indirectly converse with loved ones and alleviate isolation.

The Rhombus of the Gestalt

The Rhombus of the Gestalt is a specific Glyph that enables remote psychic data connection. When inscribed on an object, it allows the bearer to absorb and transmit information through the Gestalt network.

In 393 AC, Waru Toowoom used Heka to create a simulacrum cube inscribed with the Rhombus of the Gestalt among other Glyphs. He pushed this cube into the Tesseracts network in the City of Scholars, programming it to seek references to the Source of The Tumult. Through the Rhombus, Waru connected to the cube and absorbed the data it gleaned—a flood of impressions that he strove to commit to memory. The information revealed the location of the Phoenix Shrine where Rune’s scroll was hidden.

The connection was severed when the tesseracts destroyed the cube, but not before the critical data was transmitted.

Relationships

  • Ordis: Faction whose members form the network
  • Coalescence: Process by which minds link to form the Gestalt
  • Ordis Glyph: Tattoo required to interface with the network
  • The Heka: Abilities enhanced through pooled Gestalt power
  • Belisenki: Species whose potential integration was debated (393 AC)
  • Nosk: Communications officer who broadcast BLISS! concert through the Gestalt (393 AC)
  • BLISS!: Band whose concert was broadcast to Coalescence audiences through the network (393 AC)
  • Waru Toowoom: Ordis Exalt who used the Rhombus of the Gestalt to probe Tesseracts (393 AC)
  • Tesseracts: Network probed using a Rhombus-inscribed cube (393 AC)
  • City of Scholars: Location where Gestalt was used to locate Phoenix Shrine (393 AC)
  • Yanna: Qorgan operative who uses secret Gestalt frequency for surveillance (393 AC)
  • Ariadne: Eidolon with hidden Rhombus enabling Qorgan surveillance of expeditions (393 AC)

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