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Spoiler WarningQ: What is 'Synodic' technology?
A: Synodic entities are not built; they are grown using Wuxing Causality (the Chinese 5-element theory). This aetheric nanotechnology allows machines to evolve independently and replicate biological growth patterns.
Q: Are the Gorgons hostile?
A: Contrary to Hive City propaganda, Gorgons (or 'Builders') are naturally benign industrial workers. They only become aggressive when their thermal energy sources are threatened or their construction paths are obstructed.
Q: What makes Lem's return unique?
A: While other Vessels require Core-managed 'Cradles' to reincarnate, Lem possesses 'Sovereign Reincarnation.' He can take root in any compatible material and reconstitute his presence almost instantly without an embryo cycle.
Q: What is a 'White Forest'?
A: These are vast mechanical ecosystems that act as natural signal-voids. Within a White Forest, all Core remote-control frequencies and surveillance links are severed, providing a literal sanctuary for survivors.
Q: What are the three competing calendars?
A: Humanity is divided by three distinct timelines: 'After Time' (AT) used by survivors starting from the Cataclysm (Year 0); the 'New Chronology' used by the Core which uses historical revisionism to claim over 1,000 years have passed; and the 'True Timeline' preserved in the Lunar Pyramid, which confirms the Cataclysm occurred only ~15 years ago.
Q: Where is Anton Drexler based?
A: Core leadership, including Anton Drexler, moved from the Lunar Pyramid (Cradle Prime) to the desert base (Cradle Zero) following Lem's second mission.
Q: Did Rahu's memory survive?
A: Rahu underwent a 'slow-burn' reset by the Core to sanitize his memories of the 202X Truth before he was redeployed for the Northern Shield campaign.
Q: Is Arlo the Water Vessel?
A: Arlo is the reincarnation of the original Water Vessel spirit (Maya), though he explicitly rejects this name and identity, choosing to remain a village leader.
Q: What is the 'King of the Gorgons'?
A: It is a propaganda title created by the Core to frame Lem as a bogeyman, justifying the Archivists' 'democratic' control over Synodic technology.
Q: Are the Monoliths really Tripods?
A: No. This is a common public misconception in the After Time. Monoliths are four-pointed industrial units (2 arms, 2 legs). True 'Striders' built by the Gorgons are smaller and closer to the classical tripod design.
Q: What actually happened to Lynn?
A: Lynn dissolved into the Lunar Capacitor to initiate a system reset. While her physical form is gone, her software legacy exists as an AI presence within Lem's Aether-Drive.