Terminology & Glossary ​
Part II: Civilizational Elements | Section 04
9.1 Temporal Physics Terms ​
Chronometric Baseline (CB): The standardized "normal" time flow rate established at the Time Nexus, used as universal reference point for all temporal measurements.
Relative Flow Rate (RFR): Ratio comparing local time flow to chronometric baseline. RFR of 1.0 = baseline, 2.0 = twice as fast, 0.5 = half speed.
Temporal Gradient (TG): The rate of change in time flow across physical space, measured in RFR per meter. High gradients are dangerous to cross rapidly.
Temporal Zone: A region of space with distinctive time-flow properties, classified by flow rate, stability, and predictability.
Temporal Signature: An individual's unique pattern of time perception, influenced by neurology, mental state, and experience.
Temporal Anchor:
- (Technology) Device that stabilizes local time flow
- (Psychological) A consistent element that helps individual maintain temporal orientation
Temporal Echo: Remnant or impression of past (or future) events visible or detectable in present moment.
Temporal Fracture: Break or instability in normal spacetime causing unpredictable or chaotic time flow.
Temporal Loop: Region where time repeats cyclically, causing events to recur in sequence.
Wormhole: Topological feature of spacetime creating shortcut through space and/or time.
Paradox: Logical contradiction arising from temporal causality violations. Reality resists small paradoxes but large ones threaten stability.
Timeline: A sequence of causally connected events; branches exist where different choices create divergent sequences.
Quantum Superposition: State where multiple potential realities exist simultaneously until observation collapses them.
Temporal Collapse: Process where multiple timeline branches merge into single timeline.
Subatomic Alteration: Changes at the atomic or molecular level, often result of extreme energy manipulation.
9.2 Neuro-Temporal Ability Terms ​
Neuro-Temporal Ability: Superpower arising from the interaction between an individual's neurodivergent perception and temporal mechanics.
Cognitive Signature: The unique way an individual's neurology manifests in their perception and abilities.
Bioelectric Field: Electromagnetic energy generated by living organism's neural and cellular activity.
Time Perception Class: Classification of how individual experiences time flow (Standard, Accelerated, Dilated, Fragmented, Multi-Layered).
Chrono-Empathy: Ability to understand and relate to others' different temporal experiences.
Flow-State: Optimal engagement with local temporal conditions where perception aligns with environment.
9.3 Character Abilities (Official Names) ​
Immersive Thought (Leo - ADD): Deep analytical focus allowing complex puzzle-solving and abstract concept connection. Time seems to stop during deepest focus.
Foresight (Anne - Anxiety): Anticipation of patterns and outcomes through hypervigilant observation. Accelerated perception of cause-effect chains.
Pattern Sense (Maya - Autism): Recognition of sequences, structures, and rhythms in reality. Prediction of upcoming events based on pattern analysis.
Kinetic Rush (Eli - ADHD): Bursts of enhanced speed and energy allowing rapid action. Hyperfocus channeled into physical performance.
Empathic Resonance (Dave - Depression): Sensing and understanding others' emotional states through bioelectric field perception. Deep emotional insight.
Visionary Insight (Iris - Psychosis): Perception of hidden layers of reality, including temporal echoes and parallel timelines. Multi-layered awareness.
Vibrational Manipulation (Vibrion): Control over molecular vibration frequencies, enabling various effects from communication to reality-bending.
9.4 Energy and Physics Terms ​
Bioelectric Field Strength: Measured in microtesla at standard distance; indicates power of individual's energy field and potential ability strength.
Vibrational Frequency: Rate of molecular vibration, measured in Hertz. Higher frequencies require more energy and have more dramatic effects.
Energy Absorption: Process of drawing in ambient energy from environment to replenish power reserves.
Thermal Emission: Release of heat energy as byproduct of high-energy processes.
Entropic Disruption: Increase in temporal-causal disorder, breaking down cause-effect relationships.
9.5 Locations and Structures ​
Time Nexus: Ancient hub containing portals to different temporal zones. Origin unknown, serves as team headquarters.
Temporal Zone Types:
- Stable Zone: Near-baseline time flow
- Accelerated Zone: Faster-than-baseline time flow
- Dilated Zone: Slower-than-baseline time flow
- Looped Zone: Cyclically repeating time
- Fractured Zone: Chaotic, unpredictable time
Dr. Entropy's Lair: Hidden base of operations for main antagonist. Location of Chronos Catalyst.
9.6 Artifacts and Technology ​
Chronos Catalyst: Dr. Entropy's device for dramatically increasing entropy and fracturing timelines. Primary threat to universal stability.
Alloy Chain Mesh: Vibrion's specialized costume, regulates his vibrational powers and thermal emissions.
Temporal Stabilizer: General term for technology that maintains or restores temporal consistency.
Chronometric Sensor: Instrument that measures local time flow rate.
9.7 Organizations and Groups ​
The Team: Vibrion's assembled group of neuro-temporal heroes working to prevent temporal catastrophe.
Temporal Research Council: Governing body overseeing temporal research and enforcing Temporal Accords.
Dr. Entropy's Forces: Organization assembled by main antagonist to increase universal entropy.
9.8 People and Roles ​
Temporal Navigator: Professional guide for cross-zone travel, requires certification.
Psycho-Temporal Therapist: Mental health professional specializing in temporal perception effects (Dr. Mental's specialty).
Temporal Physicist: Scientist studying nature of time and temporal phenomena (Dr. Volt's field).
9.9 Mental Health Terms (Respectful Usage) ​
Neurodivergent: Having neurological patterns that differ from typical (encompasses ADHD, ADD, Autism, etc.).
Neurotypical: Having neurological patterns considered typical/standard.
Person-First Language: "Person with [condition]" - emphasizes humanity before condition.
Identity-First Language: "Autistic person" - embraces condition as integral identity (preferred by some, respect individual choice).
Mental Health Condition: Neutral term for psychological/neurological state. Prefer over "disorder" unless clinically specific.
Neurodiverse: Recognition that cognitive diversity is natural and valuable.
Different Perception / Alternative Perception: Preferred framing for how neurodivergent characters experience reality differently — avoid framing as deficient.
Unique Cognitive Pattern: Preferred descriptor for the distinctive neurological profile of each character.
Terms to Avoid (Mental Health):
- ❌ "Suffering from" (unless character is genuinely suffering)
- ❌ "Afflicted with"
- ❌ "Victim of"
- ❌ "Handicapped/disabled" (in context of powers)
9.10 Philosophical Terms ​
Presentism: Philosophical view that only present moment truly exists; past/future are abstractions.
Eternalism: Philosophical view that all points in time (past, present, future) exist equally.
Temporal Becoming: Process philosophy concept that reality is ongoing creation, not fixed state.
Phenomenology: Study of subjective experience and consciousness.
Zeno's Paradoxes: Ancient philosophical puzzles about motion and infinity.
9.11 Story and Narrative Terms ​
Chronometric Standard (CS): Dating system: BC (Before Chronometric), AC (After Chronometric).
Current Year: 342 AC (approximately mid-2020s equivalent).
The Convergence: Period in story when team members come together.
The Separation: Crisis point when team is scattered across temporal zones.
9.12 Banned / Avoid Terms ​
The following terms are prohibited in all Temporal Tides writing. Each entry lists the banned term and its approved replacement(s).
Temporal Terms:
- ❌ "Time travel" → use temporal navigation or temporal displacement
- ❌ "Time machine" → use temporal device or chronometric apparatus
- ❌ "Going back in time" → use accessing an earlier temporal state or returning to a prior point in the timeline