The Internet

Although Chronicle is not set in our world, it possesses an internet system fulfilling some of the same functions as our own.

Originally developed by the Archive to facilitate quick access certain documents without digging through archives, it soon took on a much larger role within the Archive. Soon, Mayton Greynes took over the production and design of the networking equipment and protocols, eventually surpassing the Archive as the primary user of the internet.

The internet is available to some extent all over the world, but in general, it is only used for messaging and storage.

In the Archive, the internet holds two main uses. First, storing and searching for documents and digitized sources. Second, the internet is used for connecting the vast network of VAAs around the world to each other and the main archive building. Beyond the Archive’s forums, primary source records are everything. Secondary and tertiary interpretative sites summarising information (like Wikipedia) are much less common, although some — often with the stated aim of conveying information to children in a clear and comprehensible way — do exist. Researchers sometimes happen across links to records not yet digitised, or even unable to be easily digitised (such as three-dimensional objects). In such cases, researchers are very welcome to come to the Archive to view the record for themselves.

In Mayton Greynes, the internet is primarily a messaging and entertainment service. Most people (except at the university) cannot or do not care to access the archive’s sources, and are more focused on networking and making deals without having to go places. Mayton Greynes is also the most advertising-heavy region, due to increased tolerance for adverts (ensuring increased profits for corporations).

Outside of Dyzia, the internet is a more contentious topic. Mayton Greynes has been exercising their monopoly over networking equipment production (even the machines to make the equipment) as a form of geopolitical power.

The Nemean internet is mostly run by P.O.R.T (a Mayton Greynes company) and was mostly set up in trade for Nemean goods. As a result, the coverage is rather unbalanced, with islands (such as Xheech) that maintain closer relations with Mayton Greynes better connected. Their internet is largely dominated by the Greynesian paradigm, although the island of Alaxus is a notable exception.

Endringians are the most vocal critics of the Mayton Greynes monopoly, though they understand the importance of staying connected to the internet. Some large temples have networks resembling intranets. These represent attempts to synthesise knowledge, stringing together primary sources and explanatory comments on their meaning which more closely resemble a site like Wikipedia. The songs of divine correspondence that connect like to like are reflected in the endless chains of hyperlinks. The god Itztepex brokered an agreement between Endring and Mayton Greynes to gain limited access to Greynesian internet infrastructure while heavily limiting advertisements and tracking in Endring. However, a few temples have recently begun experimenting with Endringian-made equipment, including Liria’s Temple of the Blessed Air and the island of Alaxus.