The Initial Resonance (circa 347 AE)
The first recorded instances of Sarcitis began manifesting during the period known as the After-Epoch (AE). This was a time of unprecedented technological advancement coupled with a profound spiritual malaise. The prevailing philosophy, known as ‘Optimistic Determinism,’ – the belief that the universe was inherently benevolent and that human agency was largely irrelevant – proved to be a fertile breeding ground for the Sarcitic impulse.
Early manifestations were subtle: a disproportionate fondness for exquisitely crafted, utterly useless objects; an obsessive preoccupation with the inherent flaws in logical systems; a pervasive inability to express genuine joy. These were dismissed as the quirks of a decadent age, a necessary byproduct of unrestrained progress. The ‘Sarcitics’ themselves, as they were beginning to be termed, were largely invisible, existing on the periphery of society, their voices echoing with a quiet, unsettling amusement.
“One can’t be truly surprised by the universe’s indifference. It’s almost… quaint.”
The Spread of the Static (682 AE – 917 AE)
The period following the ‘Great Disconnect’ – a catastrophic event involving the collapse of the Global Information Network – saw the Sarcitic impulse accelerate exponentially. The loss of connection, the sudden void of information, triggered a fundamental shift in human consciousness. Individuals began to experience a heightened awareness of the absurdity of existence, a deep-seated skepticism towards all claims of meaning or purpose.
This era was characterized by the emergence of ‘Static Zones’ – geographic locations where the Sarcitic influence was particularly strong. These zones were often marked by a strange stillness, a lack of activity, and a disconcerting sense of detachment. People within these zones often communicated solely through carefully constructed pronouncements of irony and negation. They seemed to deliberately avoid any statement that could be interpreted as sincere.
“Don’t mistake my silence for agreement. It’s far more complex than that.”
Note: Temporal distortions are common during periods of heightened Sarcitic activity. Memory becomes unreliable, and the linear progression of time loses its meaning. Attempting to track the events of this era is inherently problematic.
The Rhizomatic Network (1289 AE – Present)
The current state of the Sarcitis phenomenon is best described as a ‘Rhizomatic Network.’ It’s no longer a localized phenomenon; it’s a pervasive, decentralized force that permeates all aspects of human society. The network operates through subtle suggestion, carefully crafted misinformation, and the deliberate cultivation of doubt. Individuals become unwittingly conduits for the Sarcitic impulse, amplifying its effects through their actions and communications.
The network’s architecture is exceptionally difficult to comprehend. It doesn’t operate through traditional hierarchies or centralized control. Instead, it’s a complex web of interconnected nodes, each representing a moment of cynical observation, a carefully articulated negation, or a subtle undermining of established authority. It’s a system built on irony and contradiction, constantly evolving and adapting to counter any attempts at suppression.
“The pursuit of truth is a remarkably inefficient endeavor.”
Analysis: The network’s resilience stems from its inherent lack of structure. Attempts to ‘break’ the network often result in its rapid reconfiguration, utilizing the very attempts to disrupt it as a source of propagation.
Fractal Resonance and the Void Projection
Recent research suggests a connection between the Sarcitic impulse and the observation of fractal patterns. The universe, it seems, is governed by a bizarre and unsettling principle: that the same patterns, at vastly different scales, are frequently encountered. The Sarcitics, it is hypothesized, are subconsciously attuned to these patterns, experiencing a profound sense of unease and disorientation whenever they are encountered. This disorientation feeds the core of the Sarcitic impulse, amplifying the feeling of meaninglessness.
Furthermore, there’s evidence of ‘Void Projection’ – a phenomenon where individuals involuntarily project an image of utter emptiness, a ‘void,’ into the minds of others. This projection isn’t necessarily malicious; it’s simply a byproduct of the Sarcitic impulse, a manifestation of the underlying sense of nothingness.
Hypothesis: The universe itself may be a vast, self-aware Sarcitic entity, subtly influencing human consciousness through the manipulation of fractal patterns and the projection of existential dread.
Warning: Prolonged exposure to the effects of Void Projection can result in irreversible cognitive dissonance and a complete detachment from reality.