Law of Perception
You are what you think... don't think "dead"
Reality bends to fit one's own perception, but may only effect internal factors. Put simply, everything will twist to fit your own personal worldview, but it can't actually change anything outside of your person. For example, if you were to think "I'd die if I did that", you would die while completing that activity, but believing the world is made of cotton candy would do nothing more than make you see cotton candy everywhere. Naturally, there are some restrictions and exceptions.
Manifestation
Perception is key. If someone were to see a rock and think it to be nothing more, then it would be (to them) nothing but a rock. However, another person might hold that rock and see a potential power, giving them a mighty ability. For example, Flying Flux has no atmosphere and everyone who figured out how impossible that was promptly exploded due to the sudden change of air pressure. More accurately, the magical restraints that allow their existence are removed. This is because Chazos simply gave up on reason and forced reality to fit in his own perception, making intelligence and the potential for power very dangerous. This is what keeps the inhabitants of Flux alive.
Essentially, life continues to exist under the assumption that living is allowed by this chaotic world's function... because, why wouldn't it be? Almost every being accepts the logical explanation that, because life exists, living is possible. As explained in the Law of Magic, only a god is capable of directly wielding magic. However, magic is so intricately weaved into the Flying Flux's natural laws that an indirect manipulation is possible for mortals to achieve if their actions directly affect a natural law. From this, stupidity, ignorance, power, and other magic-based diseases are created.
Becoming aware of this law is (obviously) dangerous for mortal beings, and will either result in death or immense power. One notable Fluxer with the latter condition is Linn Ennim, the Mournful Queen of Lippit and one of Flux's most brilliant minds.
Localization
Naturally, the only person directly affected by a change in perspective is the one perceiving it, and its primary effects are usually referred to as a "Backlash", while the secondary affect is "magic".
For example, exploding after recognizing the importance of an atmosphere is a primary effect or "Backlash", while the energy that feeds and restrains it would be magic. The modified reality which ensues afterward is often included in magicians' mystical speculations and is known as "Chaos". However, that is another law entirely.
World
Races
Manuscripts/Stories
Who are we? What are we? Think too hard, and dead is what we'll be.
Type
Metaphysical, Psychic
That is... lovely! Its such a wonderful idea. I have a thought though: "Flying Flux has no atmosphere and everyone who figured out how impossible that was promptly exploded due to the sudden change of air pressure" Is it the impossibility or the realization? like I could see how some one would be like "Oh... we dont have an atmosphere... thats impossib-" POOF but what if "oh... its impossible, but we have an atmosphere... how curious the world is..." does person B explode because they realize its impossible?
Possibly. Just thinking something is safe, so if someone heard it, then they probably wouldn't explode. It's when you believe it. If a researcher (or mage) came to the conclusion that existence was impossible without an atmosphere, but thought people would implode, then he would implode, not explode. I kind of separated the Flying Flux into three realities: The largest is the gods, who wield magic and create worlds. They're outside of time and immortal. The second largest is the Law of Constancy, which holds the world itself together. The third is on an individual level--the Law of Perception. By changing one's own perception, only that individual reality is affected, and a change in perception only occurs when information becomes a belief. So, put simply, it is the realization, not the impossibility itself. If it wasn't for the Law of Perception, everything would die. The only reason there is life on Flux is because they believe it is possible to live. If they stop believing that, then they die. If a Fluxer believes he/she/it should die, even if the world itself wouldn't kill them in that specific way, then the magic which keeps that being alive would turn against them and kill that one being in the way they believe is fitting. Does that help, or should I rephrase it? Reading over it now, it's pretty confusing to explain. However, it's really a very simple concept after you figure it out.
oh no i completely understand. sorry, usually when I encounter stuff like this in worldbuilding, I immediately wanna break it and test its limits.i definitely understand that its hard to explain. its incredibly abstract. A better way of asking my question is: Someone who realizes it is impossible to live, but recognizes that life does indeed live. it goes into how one defines perception. Is perception in this context a matter of thought (the mind and what the mind defines) or experience (the senses and how the mind and the senses interact.) The way you seem to define it based on my understanding is perception is about the mind. the realization that its impossible is enough regardless of memories or experiences and sensations. My question assumed the opposite. the whole bumblebees shouldn't be able to fly myth. If it was true that bees shouldnt fly, but they do, and the person knows they fly, and also knows they shouldnt be able to, what happens? do bees fly cause he knows and therefore believes they fly, or do they stop being able to fly for the individual simply because he thinks the myth is true, regardless of his memories. i could be missing a key piece of the puzzle here, but i tried my best to explain. i apologize for my confusion. you explain it just fine and do it with excellent word choices and everything. im just looking for the loopholes cause my brain likes to mess around.
In other words, what if you believe in both outcomes?
That was a very good question, and it actually was taken into consideration while designing these laws. There are certain pieces that I'm still working on, but (in most cases) this revelation kills the "host". If, like you said, someone were to realize that everything still functions before accepting a reality that would kill them... they would likely continue to live normally (perhaps with a slightly stronger control over the Law of Perception). If the rules of this reality are figured out, then that person would be afflicted with a condition known as "power". Those with power tend to be dangerously intelligent, since they can actually step into a different "realm" of individual reality. This would make them incredible manipulators of magic... I probably shouldn't say too much more on this particular subject, though, since it's supposed to have some degree of mystery ;) I have already made a separate article explaining "power" if you'd like to see it in action(Races>Diseases/Plagues). You can also check out Linn Ennim in Main>Races>Influential Figures>Political/Professional. I hope this helped answer your question. Please ask more if you're still confused/curious.
Ooooo you saw it coming beforehand?! Nice. I'll take a look at power here soon. im liking your work.
Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying it. I put a ridiculous amount of thought into the exact design and function behind this world, but there still might be some mistakes, so it's nice to have a responsive reader.
Absolutely! Having responsive readers help in so many ways. It's rare to find a world so bizarre but well thought out so its my pleasure!
Speaking of which, you're the creator of Expedition Demeter? I've seen it among the most liked/viewed worlds, but my odd fascination with... unconventional concepts has led me to pass over most of the more famous worlds. However, one did catch my eye (about two weeks ago, I think), and I thought it was really well done, especially considering how there was only one listed author (you). In fact, it was your world layout that inspired me to add an "introduction" article to my main page (I know others do it, but the thought just hadn't yet occurred to me). I'm not one to compliment something just because it's popular, either. Your world is genuinely interesting, and I'll probably read through it sometime (I spend most of my free time writing, so reading outside of research has become decently rare).
Thanks so much! wow, most liked/viewed? it always feel like a Twilight Zone episode when someone knows about it XD hmmm... may have been the one got featured... universal vengeance? I love unconventional ideas, and pass over some worlds because of it as well. I'm a fan of weirdness and my worlds tend to express it. Im the same way with reading and writing. usually find time every now and again but its rough. The layout has been a labor of love, it likes to misbehave alot but i love its look so thank you for saying that. i appreciate it so much. ill take a look at your intro, i have to redo mine a bit for all of my worlds so itd be nice to get inspired.
I hope it helps :) It's the original version though, so don't expect too much. If you really like weird/unconventional, check out Terry Pratchett. He's one of my primary inspirations, but of a much higher quality. "Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life." -Terry Pratchett “It is said that your life flashes before your eyes just before you die. That is true, it's called Life.” -Terry Pratchett (The Last Continent) “Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.” -Still Terry Pratchett If you're looking for an original inspiration, I would definitely recommend him.
Ooooof terry pratchet is fantastic! Discworld is amazing! I read your introduction. It was quite nice. iron away is on my reading list as well XD loving the changes to your layout too
Thank you. It was approximately 12% design, 80% luck and 8% divine interference on behalf of my poor reader's eyes. In other words: it's my first go at heavily relying on CSS. I'm glad you like it. I will probably change it completely by the end of tomorrow.