Image

An 'image' is an intermediary representation of a living (or artificial) subject's current neurological mapping used in the creation of an elder or choir blank.

Properties

Physical & Chemical Properties

Images are similar in function to an intermediary language used to translate interpreted programming languages so that they can work on different operating systems. An image is to elder and choir blanks as rootcode is to skyphoforms. It isn't technically accurate to compare images to the ability of male skyphoforms to leave a genetic 'gift' behind to provide for their own reconstruction as, unlike images, these skyphoform fragments can also be used to create distinct offspring.
Unlike many purely informational structures within the simulated reality of the Matrioshka Multiverse, images are scarcely visible even to residents aware of them and familiar with their use; the true visual manifestation of an image arises from the fact that, as it is interpreted by the hardware of the megastructure, a new, independent blank is created.

Life & Expiration

Generally, images are only considered 'fresh' for a short period of time after they are taken. The image is used to create a 'body' for the blank within the simulated reality of the Matrioshka, but the body is infused with 'life' by either its connection to the living, physical subject being imaged or, in rare cases, by the careful initialization of the blank through the power of The Word by skilled users. After these first moments, the image gradually diverges from its' physical counterpart as this counterpart gains new experience and changes due the natural passage of time. Thus, subsequent blanks made using an old image are technically considered distros, provoking a whole slew of moral, philosophical, and technical questions to be overcome.

Type

Electronic