An Educated Guess: Module II, The Spread

Overview

After the initial event, various rifts opened across the globe. Over time, scientists were able to classify these events and even predict them to some degree. Though humanity is constantly learning more and adjusting the current models, the following module will give an overview of what we think we know so far.

Zone Classifications

Zones are sorted into four major categories - safe, frontier, rift, and singularity.

Safe zones are non anomalous and stable. These are areas that have shown no sign of dimensional collision and the rules of Earth physics still apply. Using the Chaudhari Model, these areas are predicted to remain stable for the foreseeable future.

Frontier zones are mostly stable areas where there is a higher chance of anomalies. These areas can be unpredictable but are largely considered inhabitable with caution. Many of these zones are home to small towns and commercial business for corporations capitalizing on the unique properties of these zones. Frontiers are also more likely to be the site of new rifts, though the Chaudhari Model is adept at predicting when and where this will happen.

Rift zones are areas of the world that are confirmed anomalous and are inhabitable for humans. The laws of physics do not apply. There is not much information known beyond that as research within rift zones is largely impossible.

Rift zones are further broken down into subcategories used to predict the size of the surrounding frontier and spread of the anomalous environment.

Ruptures are highly active rift zones with a large frontier and high liklihood of spread. Fissures are largely dormant rift zones with a small frontier and low liklihood of spread

Rift borders are also subclassified. Shadowed borders are more difficult to identify and oftentimes blend into the frontier. These borders are more common in rupture zones.

Alternatively, a fissure barrier is much more clear cut and easily mapped. Fissure barriers are more common along fissures.

Singularities are the least understood of all the zones. These are exact points where the fabric between dimensions is torn and then sewn back together. Though uncertain, it is predicted that life within the singularity is instantly obliterated.

Zone Mapping

Every singularity is designated by the letter “R” and the order in which it opened. For example, the fourth singularity to open is referred to as “R4”. The subsequent rupture and frontier zones are named similarly. The frontier zone around the fourth singularity is referred to as “R4 Frontier Zone”. However, as rupture and frontier zones expand and combine, these designations become less defined. Many larger zones take on colloquial names such as “The Arctic Cluster” and “Rift of Bengal.”

Smaller land areas are named after the inhabitants (former or current) or the owner of the land. Many government owned zones retain the names of the Old World, though privately owned sectors can be named anything from the owning corporation to a made up name.

Safe zones are, for the most part, set and easy to map. Rupture zones are rarely mapped beyond their designation, but Frontiers can be tricky as the land continuously changes hands and becomes more anomalous. As such, most Frontier maps are vague and only local maps are current and accurate.

Seasonal Frontiers

While rift zones remain anomalous, frontier zones ebb and flow like seasons. These “seasons” can be predicted and thus travel and industry can adapt accordingly. For unknown reasons, anomalies spread further and faster in cold areas, so in the warmer months, frontiers recede. The exact recession and spread isn’t entirely predictable, but using previous years’ patterns, a rough estimate can be determined. This is used by research and industry alike to predict the best times for frontier work and travel.

Unfortunately due the anomalous nature of anomalies, Earth seasons aren’t as predictable as they’ve been in the past. Particularly near the tropics of cancer and capricorn, scientists have noticed irregular seasonal shifts with more frequent heat waves and cold snaps.

As a result, the ebb and flow of frontiers is getting harder to predict.

Rift Storms and Surges

Rift storms are sudden bursts of anomalous activity - mostly noted in frontier zones. These sudden bursts come with an increase in anomalous creatures and physics fluctuations that can present different dangers. For example, a relatively stable frontier experiencing a rift storm might suddenly host multiple chimera that were never seen in the area. Or it might be subject to a sudden uptick in abrupt changes to weather or gravity. Rift storms are predictable using the Chaudhari model, however as stated above, the Chaudhari Model is not faultless, and rift storms can occur at random.

Surrounding a rift storm is typically a rift surge. This is the area in which the sudden uptick in anomalies bleeds out into. Though not a part of the storm itself, these areas are likely to experience the effects of the storm — ie displaced flora and fauna, the environmental backlash from acid rain, etc. The surge is considered less dangerous than the storm, though due to its unpredictable nature, it’s advised to avoid it.

Rift storms occur most commonly in spring and fall Earth seasons.

Chaudhari's Model for Anomalous Spread

The Three Assumptions

The Chaudhari Model operates under three assumptions:

1. A rift zone will remain anomalous.

2. Rifts are more likely to open near other rifts.

3. Older rifts are more stable than newer rifts.

Using these assumptions, physicists are able to use existing rift data and create predictions for new rifts as well as growing zones. No unpredicted rifts have opened since 2025 thanks to advancements in the Chaudhari Model.