Warp



The Warp is a dimension parallel to real space. It is known by many names: Warpspace, the Immaterium, the Abyss, the Aethyr, the Sea of Souls, and also as the Realm of Chaos.

Overview
Warpspace is a mirror dimension of random energy known as Chaos. Existing as a mirror in parallel to our own reality, it is the domain of the Gods of the Warp. The Warp's existence is fueled by the emotions and souls of all sentient beings in reality. Warpspace is without form and the laws of time and space do not apply there, for both size and time are simultaneously infinite and irrelevant within The Warp. Its energies are in constant turmoil, subject to endless disturbances.

The common analogy used to describe Warpspace compares the Warp to a vast sea of energy, which is subject to constant movement, currents, undertows, etc. Although with its own reality, Warp and real space do bear a relationship as dimensions parallel to each other. The fact they share this relationship allows a Warp-capable craft to enter the Warp, carried for a time along the Warp flows, until reemerging into real space a distance away from its starting point. The common metaphor used for Warp-jumping compares the Warp to a fast flowing stream. Its motionless banks represent real space. A leaf dropped into the water upstream will be carried along by the currents. This is a useful metaphor in understanding Warpspace, although the Warp is far more complex in its movements than a linear stream. The Warp moves in endlessly unpredictable and convoluted patterns.

Warp Disturbances
The Warp is an extremely volatile medium. At times, disturbances can turn areas of the Warp into raging storms of incomprehensibly destructive fury. These storms can last for days, months, or even centuries. Even more devastating are Warp Rifts, which are tears in reality that link the Warp to real space. These rifts are highly dangerous and allow the Realm of Chaos to spill into our own.

Warp Entities
The Warp, though utterly hostile to creatures of the material realm, is home to its own forms of life. These are often voracious entities which are drawn to the spiritual emanations of mortals of real space - these creatures include the Vampsych, Psychneuin, Warp Spectre, Warp Hound, Enslavers, and most terrifying and numerous of all, the Daemons.

Ships traveling in the Warp are shielded against attacks from these creatures. Without these shields, travelers through the Warp would be consumed by daemons.

The Warp is also the realm of the Gods of the Warp. Though the Warp and the Gods are formed of the same energy and are practically synonymous, each god has a form that embodies their personalities and dwells at the heart of their realms.

Related Articles

 * Real Space
 * Warp Storms
 * Warp Rifts
 * List of Warp Entities