Layers of Space

There are 13 divisions of the Astrolium universe, known as *"Layers of Space"* or "Fractions of Reality".

These divisions exist far apart from one another and are separated each by a *Hypospace*; a space in between a layer and a larger layer that sees time moving slower for observers from the former but faster for those in the latter. This is caused by the universe being coiled in on itself from a 4th-dimensional perspective.
The Hypospace of the "0th layer" is referred to as the *Hyperspace*, as it is an in-between-lands that moves faster than the observer universally, allowing for great distances. It is to be distinguished from the Godly Domain, or "primordial chaos", which is an-between-lands for the multiverse, rather than our own. Sigton lies in a static state in the Hyperspace of our universe specifically, but in a metaphysical way. He needs a vessel to inhabit if he is to try and escape, which is possible at any time really, but ending the universe would cause him boredom (he may do this out of self-pity).

In order to traverse smoothly from layer to layer, one must utilize the dimensional Gates. one must be in possession of a Silver Key. Due to Silver Keys being consumed upon two uses, in order to reach the final gate one must possess 13 keys; of which can be obtained in various ways(again, see the page Silver Key). The only beings that can traverse between the layers are those who exist outside of the Layers of Space; those who live within the Tandem Chaos, such as the Primordials (Sigton, Gan, Azathoth, Yog-Sothoth, etc.)

## The Layers

#### 13

An area that holds Tartarus, some lore stuff and some little easter eggs within an endless pulsating void.
Going past this gate would kill you, so instead the 13th key is used as a mechanism where if you collect it you are targeted by the Crimson King, who actually has a use for it; to free himself of his shackles in Tartarus by simply phasing out of that reality. You can solve this problem by killing him in Tartarus in the Crimson King(boss) fight, or if you die and are in possession of all 13 keys you will initiate Ragnarok, where the king will free himself and awaken the god of destruction, Sigton.

#### 8 to 12

Just areas where you need to unlock a gate. It's more of an experience gameplay-wise, like the endless staircase from Mario 64.

#### 6

The Abyss; a lack of anything. Being in here too long will start to warp you and distribute your existence across all realities in the multiverse. This is because no matter what universe one is in, the definition of "nothing" must be the same. It is impossible to inhabit this realm, and the movement is so slow that one day would last a year.

#### 5

Where the scope of our own observable universe ends.

#### 4

"The last horizon". Here, only the astronomers reside. Or rather, they did before the infection took over everything outside of our own galaxy within the first layer.

#### 3

"Deep Space". Though a Silver Key is needed to travel here conventionally, it is very possible that the most patient of travellers may make their way to our own galaxy from here "by foot"(or rather via floating); as long as they have reality-warping magic on their side. Known examples are Ghroth and the Great Old Ones; both of which are very much hostile. It therefore goes without saying that maybe you should avoid lifeforms that come from here. **You are not safe from the infection here.**

#### 2

Far away, outside of the observable universe, where the remnants of the war reside. There is much past this point, but it will be difficult to get there without the use of a Silver Key.

#### 1

The scope of the observable universe. It is finite, just very very vast. That vastness can be reduced, however, via the utilization of the Hyperspace.

#### 0

Doesn't really exist. Or does it? It is all but also nothing. It is the origin point of what we call reality.
This layer lies in between Hyperspace and the Alpha Realm. It cannot be travelled to via gate; has no entrance or exit method that those from our universe can comprehend. The only ones able to cross through have been the Elder Things, but that was using a physics system that doesn't apply to our own.