Science demands an inquiring mind and innovative tools to understand the universe. Some work in laboratories to understand the world, and others go forth and explore that universe. Quintin Ace is one of the latter. He believes that finding new horizons defines human nature at its best. And there are many frontiers as of yet not fully explored. The depths of the earth just happen to be Quinn’s medium. After all, he argues, it is the most important horizon since it’s where humanity lives!
While an inquiring mind and innovative tools do well for common science, much more is needed for Enlightened Science. It demands a mind open to both logic and wonder. The Technocrat must be in awe of the world at large and respect it as surely as he seeks to unravel all of its mysteries. With learning and wisdom, Quinn believes his gifts are made most manifest. When the world is not respected, and mankind (at least Enlightened people) pushes its scientific pursuits too far, Paradox falls and puts humanity’s pace back to the common rate.
Luckily, Quinn’s specialty, Correspondence, does not invite Paradox too often with his applications of its relation to time-space theories. With calculated coordinates and advanced cartography, the Ground Hog can cut travel time and locate specific goals easily. One day, Quinn knows he’ll discover how to “fold space” as easily as he can fold his maps. But like folding one’s maps, he knows folding space would leave undesirable…wrinkles. For now, he sticks to his “lesser” cartography and his division and calculation of coordinates.
However, the science of Forces is more Paradox-prone. High-powered physics are all possible with the right sort of advanced equations and technology that applies them. The base force of Primal Energy lies behind all of these physical energy equations, as it does all Patterns. Failing to understand this science truly invites great risk that can destroy the agent; Quinn wouldn’t dare tarry with technological marvels that employ Forces if he didn’t understand them. Perhaps it’s because the jet pack, a futuristic device common science has yet to design safely, is such a pinnacle of Enlightened Science that Quinn focuses his use of Forces on that device. It could also be that the special fuel used to power the jet pack can be diverted to a many other practical uses with the right knowledge.
The Sphere of Matter works the same way for Quinn. Instead of physics, however, he approaches this science from the perspective of hyper-chemistry. Combining chemical equations with Primal Energy’s mathematical calculations is what affects Procedures of Matter, which he often employs to alter the earth he explores with acids and elemental compounds.
At the base of all Pattern sciences lies the Sphere of Prime, the study of Primal Energy itself. That energy is part of the world, its cornerstone building force in fact. The nature of that energy cannot be measured by minds unwilling to wonder and employ technology that is based on theories mundane scientists dismiss. Quinn finds Primal Energy to be akin to almost plasmic quality, but soon scattered it’s like trying to find tiny diamonds on a beach. He finds that the best samples of tangible Primal Energy are taken from the deepest pits of the earth, for there they are the richest and easiest to analyze (and perhaps when he learns more about this Sphere, divert and control).
Genius
Quintin Ace views himself as a great explorer of current times. He fancies himself like a modern-day Daniel Boone or Lewis & Clark rolled up into one. These inspirational dreams constantly push Quinn forward, encouraging him to explore new places without fear. When his courage starts to falter in the face of something terrible, he feels his inspiration return with full glory and wonder. It is these ideals that he lives up to that help him keep such an open mind and grasp the truths of Enlightened Science…and grow closer to fulfilling his Destiny as one of the SEC’s most important explorers ever. The Great Cave of the Midwest is his for the taking.
Resonance
Dynamic (Courageous)
Quinn comes off as a calm and fearless youth at all times. This makes it easier for him to impress and lead others even into the heart of danger. But this trailblazing demeanor also makes it harder for him to convince others that he’s a man of practical wisdom, of prudence and caution. He suffers a +3 difficulty on all Social rolls where he must be the voice of wisdom and caution. But he gains a –3 difficulty bonus on Social rolls where he must take the reins and lead the team to victory in the face of unfavorable odds and danger.
Scientifically, Quinn finds it harder to execute Procedures that first demand a lot of time to analyze the environment or things in general. In other words, if he spends too much time preparing, he actually suffers a +1 difficulty on Enlightenment rolls. But when he pulls off Procedures that involve risk to life and limb and plenty of daring-do, Quinn finds it easier, gaining a –1 difficulty on Enlightenment rolls.
