Measurements of the Faerzress Barrier on Temporal Passage By Dr. Vasna Malproktur Published on 1 Flamerule 128 AR

Part 1: Introduction And Findings

Time is finicky, and while we may not be able to perceive it naturally, it often varies in its apparent passing speed depending on where we are in cosmological relation. For instance, different Planes of Existence have slightly varying measurements. This research project was undertaken to determine if the Faerzress, the magical radiation that permeates the Underdark and causes many Arcane anomalies, also effected the passing of time. To cut to the end, no major deviations were found between the passage of time in the Underdark and the Surface. All areas, regardless of the Faerzress Arcane Flux (Mazlikeri, 1372-128AR) were relatively unaffected. What was observed, however, is that areas of higher Arcane Flux contained more 'Spikes' of temporal anomalies and disturbances, which lasted for mere fractions of a second before resetting themselves. It appears as though these were simply alterations aligning with the common affect of the Faerzress - to disrupt magic.

Part 2: The Experiment

Purpose: Determine whether Faerzress radiation affected the passage of time. Independent Variable: Arcane Flux levels 1-4 (Mazikeri, 1372-128AR) with Surface time passage as the constant. Dependent Variable: Time passage in each Arcane Flux Level.

Part 2a: Arcane Flux Iphriam Mazlikeri measures the affect of Faerzress radiation in his 128 document, "Arcane Flux: Quantification and Glassification in the field" into four catagories, ranging based on the effect each has on the magic. Below are excerpts or summarizations of each level. Level 1: No flux present/minimal Flux: does not impede spellcasting in any measurable way. Level 2: Low Flux/Underdark Standard: High enough to affect local intelligent life, flora, fauna and geography. Not enough to drastically impede Spellcasting. Level 3: High Flux/Partial Obstruction: Elevated levels of radiation. Spontaneous Arcane anomalies of a minor scale, spellcasting impaired/uncertain. Level 4: Extreme Flux/Full Obstruction: Extreme Arcane Anomalies. Spellcasting near impossible with any accuracy.

Part 3: Deviations Results Findings based on Arcane Flux Level: 1) No variations from the norm. 2) Mean of 7.83 anomalies per hour. 1.37 deviations from the man; not anomalous (8.5% expectation.) 3) Mean of 9.36 anomalies per hour. 2.03 deviations from the mean; anomalous (2.1 expectation). 4: Mean of 44.57 anomalies per hour. 17.07 deviations from the mean; anomalous (0.0(e#17)21% expectation.

Part 4: Conclusion What does this mean? It means that time passes at the same rate in Faerzress radiation as it does on the Surface, however temporal anomalic spikes occur far more frequently as the Arcane Flux levels increase. In other words, any Time Magic brought to higher levels of Arcane Flux may be prone to malfunction (as most Magic brought there is). On a more individual level, it means that the sporadicy of the affects of Faerzress radiation may cause minor aging differences between individuals on an extremely short-term level. (Under one second). However, the effects seem to be self-reversing, meaning that no lasting temporal difference occurs. In essence there is no difference between Surface time passage and Underdark time passage, only the number of anomalies that occur.

References: Malproktur, Vasna: "Independent Temporal Statis, Containment and Measurement Theory (ITSCMT)" 1372DR, Halruaa Arcane Socieity

Mazlikeri, Iphriam. "Arcane Flux: Quantification and Classification in the Field." 1372DR-128AR, Arcane Tower, Arelith.