Astral allod or Astral reflection.

Fluctuations in the Astral sometimes concentrate into particle vortexes, forming masses of unstable matter known as Reflections.

Reflections are characterized by unpredictable and improbable natural laws that are difficult to explain. A Reflection might be, in fact, a reflection of an existing allod or its part, inhabited with the same creatures and objects that may present in the original place; however, the key differences almost always emerge, often on a massive scale.

Reflections are inherently unstable, capable of vanishing sporadically and sometimes reappearing at entirely different coordinates in the Astral. Monitoring and studying such anomalies is the core mission of UIRAS and its related commissions.

A proximity of 2 explored allods at a distance of no less than 15 IAD from one another.

A proximity of at least 3 explored allods, shielded from the Astral by the same protective source.

A proximity of at least two Reflections at a distance of no less than 168 IAD from one another.

Because time and space behave unpredictably in the Astral, distance is calculated through complex mathemagical formulae, which include the quantity of mana expended for travel, the complexity of traversing Astral Wormholes (colloquially - the "thickness" of the void between hubs or shards), and so forth, as explicated in the Astral Navigator Manual (GOST-718/16.)

The result of these calculations is expressed as a relative value: Interastral Distance (IAD.)

The largest taxon in Astral topology (Astrology). Layers are distinguished by such characteristics as their demonic ecosystem, specifics of Anomaly Zones, and mineral mapping.

Layers are divided into lesser taxa called sectors, which are accumulations of hub clusters.

A proximity of explored hubs.

The smallest macro-taxon, Hub is a zone of the Astral, delineated by conventional boundaries. These boundaries may be the astral buoys of a faction, or an astral storm blocking the safe passage of an astral ship.

Also known as a Home Hub. It’s the central point in a Cluster, allowing efficient travel to four or more neighboring hubs.

A hub with incomplete or insufficient data, per ICS standard 1741/2.

A hub that has been sufficiently surveyed and documented, per ICS standard 1741/2.

A close accumulation of explored hubs (per ICS 331/3: a minimum of 5 hubs within a maximum of 78.4 IAD of each other).

A close accumulation of peripheral hubs (per ICS 331/3: a minimum of 4 peripheral hubs within a maximum of 78.4 IAD of each other).

The most stable and direct astral route through a Cluster. It typically cuts through multiple hubs, either via a continuous wormhole or a seamless astral corridor.

Defined by the ICS as a Class-IV Astral Anomaly, a wormhole enables instantaneous transition between fixed astral coordinates.

A Class-IVa anomaly subtype. These exhibit unpredictable behavior: sudden closures, unpredictable exit coordinates, damaging of shielding systems, and other anomalies, catalogued in Astral Anomalies Registry (GOST-631/16.)

A stable Reflection, created by a being of Sarnout (or a being of a plane of Sarnout) by means of a magic, and possessing small dimensions and finitude on two spatial axes. Possession of a pocket reflection not registered in the UIRAS by a citizen of the Empire is considered a violation of the law and is strictly prosecuted.

A poorly studied Astral shard. According to ICS 1741/3, a shard is designated as "Borderlands" if at least one of the following conditions is met:

1. 61.3% of flora and fauna are not described.

2. A terrain map is absent (or a map of terrain transformation, in the case that the shard's terrain is geographically unstable) for a minimum of 500 terrestrial miles or 300 nautical miles.

An optimally studied Astral shard, which satisfies all parameters for exploration status (i.e., does not meet the conditions for Borderlands).

An Astral shard for which visitation, as well as its borders, by means of astral travel, teleports located within Imperial territories, or by means of teleportation spells; and correspondingly, travel FROM this shard TO Imperial territory by any known means, may be tracked by the IOIT, and all biometric data (excluding memory) are transmitted to the IC. By law, the concealment of biometric data is a most grievous violation of the law and is punishable by life imprisonment.

Reflections are unsuitable for colonization; therefore, developed land is always an allod, colonized by the IMCA and located within an Explored Cluster. Such allods are always thoroughly researched beyond the borders of existing colonies (per ICS 1744/3: a minimum of 435 terrestrial or 320 nautical miles around the colony) and are described on a map. Such allods are considered a safe and stable place of residence for Imperial citizens and for their conduct of economic activity. Colonies are equipped with developed and maintained infrastructure (per ICS 1744/3: at least one teleport, at least one reserve teleport, at least one general education school, at least one kindergarten, at least one chapel, at least one water supply system, at least one tower with specialist mages, at least one alchemist, at least one hospital), as well as an armed garrison, consisting of a minimum of one company of the Imperial Guard. Within the colonies of these allods, the rules and policies determined by Imperial law are always in effect.

A Reflection, a course to which exists only within another Astral shard. It is created from the potential astral energy of the parent shard. Due to the limit of fillable energies, such a Reflection is usually limited in size on at least one axis.

A Reflection consisting of two or more united Reflections. Travel between such Reflections can occur without the use of teleportation magic.

A shard, travel to which is possible exclusively via teleportation magic.

A Reflection that partially adjoins another Reflection, and which can be manipulated without visiting the aforementioned Reflection directly. Typically, access to these Reflections is through permanently open and spacious portals (not to be confused with teleporters). Various methods exist for the manipulation of such Reflections, as described in standard 1742/3.

A shard that exists/opens in a specific, approximately known, limited time interval (also applies to Isolated Shards that may open at specific time intervals).

A Pulsar that exists/opens in an undefined time interval.

A shard that can change its geographical structure or natural laws depending on specific factors. For example, a shard that takes the form of a labyrinth when someone attempts to pass through it.

A shard that can change its geographical structure or natural laws under the influence of unknown factors.

A shard that is prohibited for visitation or research for various reasons, and visitation of which is punishable by Imperial law.

A shard used as a proving ground for conducting magical tests and scientific research.

Also commonly called "Complete." This is a Reflection strikingly similar to any other known shard to one degree or another. Per ICS 1741/3, the similarity of primary attributes must coincide by at least 98.2% for the Reflection to be considered "Complete."

A shard consisting predominantly of water (Per ICS 1741/3, at least 95%).