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The Archives => Campaign Elements and Design (Archived) => Topic started by: SilvercatMoonpaw on August 28, 2009, 05:49:28 PM

Title: Having trouble coming up with a simple way to refer to a complex idea.
Post by: SilvercatMoonpaw on August 28, 2009, 05:49:28 PM
In brief the paragraph reads like this:
[ic]The technological level of the setting varies considerably on two axis: relative advancement compared to Earth, and whether their technology is based on matter or energy parts.  Some regions still do not have gunpowder, and if they do have a form of technology it functions by energy rather than material.  Others are in a full-on Information Age that includes holographic displays and personal energy weapons but running off material pieces.[/ic]

The idea is that in this setting the flow of energy through a material body, whether it be the kinetics of gears or electricity through wires or both through a living body, can continue to flow without the material body in certain circumstances.  Additionally these flows can exist without matter creating them.  And if you allow for the flow not always being visible you have a good "magic" that's still very science-y.

"Energy parts" is the best term I can come up with at this point without inventing new words.  "Spirit" won't do: I'd worry too much people would make the wrong association.  If someone can give any advice or direct me to any existing terms I could twist that would be greatly appreciated.

While I created this thread primarily for my own informing purposes I'd have no problem discussing the idea if anyone feels like that.
Title: Having trouble coming up with a simple way to refer to a complex idea.
Post by: Steerpike on August 28, 2009, 06:17:30 PM
"Thaumaturgons"
Title: Having trouble coming up with a simple way to refer to a complex idea.
Post by: SilvercatMoonpaw on August 28, 2009, 06:37:51 PM
That might have too many magical connotations.
Title: Having trouble coming up with a simple way to refer to a complex idea.
Post by: Steerpike on August 28, 2009, 06:53:50 PM
Good point.
Title: Having trouble coming up with a simple way to refer to a complex idea.
Post by: Snargash Moonclaw on August 28, 2009, 07:07:17 PM
flux
Title: Having trouble coming up with a simple way to refer to a complex idea.
Post by: SilvercatMoonpaw on August 28, 2009, 08:00:39 PM
Ah, some miscommunication: I'm trying to name the parts, not the energy.
Title: Having trouble coming up with a simple way to refer to a complex idea.
Post by: Tillumni on August 28, 2009, 08:50:03 PM
aether or ether components perhaps?
Title: Having trouble coming up with a simple way to refer to a complex idea.
Post by: SilvercatMoonpaw on August 28, 2009, 09:46:56 PM
Quote from: Tillumnicomponents
Oh, that's good!  That's a good one!

Really, I guess I need better words for "part" (as in devices) as much as I need a weird name for the pseudo-science aspect.

EDIT: I guess it is kind of stupid, asking a question out loud like this and what I really need is a thesaurus. :hammer:
Title: Having trouble coming up with a simple way to refer to a complex idea.
Post by: arkham618 on August 29, 2009, 09:43:57 AM
Orgone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orgone). One could attach the suffix -ule (from Latin -ulus/-ula/-ulum, a common diminutive ending) to produce orgonule, meaning a unit of orgone.
Title: Having trouble coming up with a simple way to refer to a complex idea.
Post by: SilvercatMoonpaw on August 29, 2009, 11:41:19 AM
Thanks, that's another inspiring article.