Black State
Refers to Orphans in their "normal state" i.e. when not manifesting.
The Brotherhood
A society of Orphans organized into small cells. They believe the existence of Orphans is a mistake and blight upon mankind. Their immediate goals include contacting Orphans, restraining particularly aggressive Orphans and Orphan groups, and learning to hold back their shadows. Their ultimate goal is the mass ritual suicide of every Orphan on Earth.
Changelings
Ordinary children who have been transformed into Orphans by Pipers.
The Daemonborn
A large group of Orphans centered in the northeastern United States. They believe Orphans are the next stage in evolution, and should rise up to dominate the Earth.
Dioxydeninevacinine (DDV)
A sedative developed by Canadian researchers that places Orphans in a deep coma where they are unable manifest. Over time most individuals build up an immunity to the drug.
Dreamers aka Angels
Extremely rare form of E.P.P.S. Dreamers project "avatars" of their unconscious mind while sleeping instead of physiologically manifesting. Unlike other Seattle victims, Dreamers do not develop shadows, and their manifestations are not usually driven by dark desires; they tend to be more controlled and benign.
Environmental Manifestations (E.M.s)
Manifestations that affect reality (but not the subject's body). Can alter, move, and disrupt matter and energy to a seemingly unlimited extent.
External Psyche Projection Syndrome (E.P.P.S. or epps)
Name given to the phenomenon by the CIA. Refers to the generally accepted theory that an individual's implicit and explicit drives, personality, and emotions are somehow "projected" into reality.
Freddies
Slang term for individuals possessing E.P.P.S., especially the more violent ones. Refers to the popular movie horror fiend Freddie Kroger, who attacked his victims through their dreams.
Gnosticists
Orphans who have come to terms with their shadows. They possess god-like power and insight.
Gray State
Refers to non-hostile Orphans manifesting.
Key Phobia
Refers to the stimulus that triggers a manifestational response in an Orphan.
Lucid Dreaming
Dreaming and being aware of it. Orphans who practice lucid dreaming are, curiously, much better at controlling themselves while manifesting.
Manifestations
A catchall term for the paranormal events that surround the Orphans.
The Nightmare League
A loose organization of Reaver gangs that promotes anarchy and destruction across the U.S.
Nightshade
A complex, artificial analog of the neurotransmitter serotonin that increases the likelihood of manifesting in 80% of all Orphans. A private research team based in Washington State developed Nightshade to help control government Orphans, but the drug was later stolen by the Daemonborn and distributed among its membership. It is highly addictive, and side effects include increased aggression and sleep disorders.
Orphan
Anybody with E.P.P.S.
Orphans of Seattle (The O.S.)
The first coherent secret society of Orphans. Most other groups were a part of the O.S. until they split off.
Partial External Psyche Projection Syndrome (P.E.P.P.S., or peps)
Name given to the rare syndrome where, although unable to manifest, the subject can still sense the presence of other individuals possessing E.P.P.S. and P.E.P.P.S. (more precisely, the subject can only produce limited projected psychological manifestations)
Physiological Manifestations (P.M.s)
Manifestation where the subject changes shape, usually assuming their so-called "Nightmare Forms," which are reflections of their greatest fear or dark side.
Pipers
Orphans who can inflict E.P.P.S. in young children. CIA wetwork teams coined the term. Makes reference to the children's story, The Pied Piper of Hameln, where the Piper leads children astray.
Projected Psychological Manifestations (Double-P. M.s)
Refers to any manifestations that create false sensatory input or alter the mind, including the ability to sense other Orphans, often confused with E.M.
Reavers
Small, unaligned gangs of Orphans that go around terrorizing people for fun.
Redhaven Syndrome
Name given to the phenomenon by Warden Phillips Ph.D. of Neurobiology before it was determined E.P.P.S. was found in teenagers outside Redhaven as well.
Relational Focus
A technique of controlling the shadow whereby the Orphan focuses on protecting an immediate other i.e. a sibling, parent, close friend, intimidate friend, etc.
The Schr�dinger Effect
Refers to the blurred images that surround especially powerful Orphans when they are fully manifesting. The fact the figments appear to be �after-images� of the Orphans performing various actions leads researchers to believe the Orphans are somehow �compressing� various possible realities into their own. The Schr�dinger Effect, for instance, may show an Orphan running, dodging to the left, dodging to the right, punching, kicking, and screaming, all at the same time; they may indeed be doing so.
Shadow
The "split personality" that commonly develops in Orphans when they begin to manifest. They are thought to be the conscious mind's interpretation of the supernatural drives present in all Orphans.
White State
Refers to hostile Orphans manifesting.
Wild Manifestations aka Shadowbeasts
Supernatural entities created by Orphans that have become autonomous. They are extremely unpredictable, dangerous beings.