The Branch Phenomenon

This dissociative phenomenon is the side effect of the overwhelming influx of vitiumglomerorum (VG) emitted when a Vice attempts the expansion of its core or network. The term “Branch” encompasses all three stages and presents the Host with three options: suspending, committing or rescinding the Branch. During production, a Host temporarily loses contact with their body, and their consciousness is transported to the Branch Domain, a metaphysical—but finite and limited—environment where the Vice’s exhibition can be fought and the core can be damaged. This out-of-body experience is often described as a hallucination or dream, though actions taken in the Branch Domain can have very real consequences.

As explored in Vice Biology, Vices feed on our hormones, most commonly indulging in those released during high-stress situations such as cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. They often wait for particularly triggering situations where these hormone levels are elevated. Once the Vice detects the sharp increase in hormones, it performs an environmental check, then releases VG from its core to sedate the Host and begin to expand its core or network undeterred.

Branches are comprised of three phases: initiation, staging, and production, each explored in detail in Branch Phases. Collectively, the details of these phases are part of a Vice’s Branch Policy, a relatively static set of criteria and behaviors that can help a Host prepare for and even avoid future Branches. The Branch Policy includes the environmental Branch trigger(s), the Branch Domain blueprint, exhibition presentation and attack strategy, as well as the priorities outside of the Branch Domain.

A Host is likely to experience anywhere from 10 to 30 Branches in a single Vice’s life cycle. Larval Vices are less likely to initiate Branches, if at all, while adolescent Vices tend to be quite impulsive and initiate the majority of Branches in a Vice’s life cycle. Mature Vices tend to exhibit more discernment and are more thoughtful before initiating Branches.

Branch Mechanics

Branches are an incredibly complex phenomenon with many aspects that are still under rigorous observation by our Branch Analysts and Exposure Analysts. The mechanics outlined below can help provide a clearer understanding of what to expect if one finds themself in a Branch.