38,021
edits
Changes
From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
Warp
,no edit summary
The '''Warp''' is a psychic dimension parallel to [[Real Space|real space]]. It is known by many names: '''Warpspace''', the '''Immaterium''', the '''Empyrean''', the '''Ether''', the '''Sea of Souls''', and also as the '''Realm of Chaos'''.{{Fn|4}}
Warpspace is a dimension of random energy known as [[Chaos]]. It is the domain of the [[Gods of Chaos]]. {{cite this}} The Warp is without form and with its own fluid laws of time and space. Its energies are in constant turmoil, subject to endless disturbances.{{cite thisFn|3}}
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.{{Fn|3}}
The Warp is an important factor in the survival of the human race. Spacecraft, capable of voyaging thousands of light-years in a matter of days, travel across the Warp. By such fragile means, humanity is bound together in a single Imperium. The Emperor's will may be mighty, but his reach is long only because Warpspace may be crossed by his fleets.{{Fn|1}}
A spaceship may enter the Warp through the use of [[Warp drive]]s. This is the means by which spacecraft effectively travel faster than the speed of light. This is achieved because Warpspace is a domain of pure energy, where spacecraft can navigate between streams, as in an ocean. Imperium use [[Navigators]] - special sub-race of humans - for this purpose. Time also proceeds a great deal slower in the Warp than in the material universe, creating a form of stasis. While this solution is effective, it is far from perfect.{{cite thisFn|3}}
Long-distance journeys take months or even years, and the timing itself is unpredictable due to the very nature of the Warp.{{cite thisFn|3}}
==Warp Storms==
{{main|List of Warp Entities}}
The Warp, though utterly hostile to creatures of the material realm, is home to its own form of life. {{Fn|3}} These are often voracious entities which are drawn to the psychic emanations of mortals of real space - these creatures include the [[Vampyre]], [[Psychneuein]], [[Astral Spectre]], [[Astral Hound]], {{cite this}} [[Enslaver]] {{Fn|3}} and most terrifying and numerous of all, the [[daemon|Daemons of Chaos]].{{cite this}}
Ships traveling in the Warp are shielded against attacks from these creatures. Without these [[Warp drive#Gellar Field|shields]], travelers through the Warp would be consumed by daemons.{{cite this}}
**{{Endn|2d}}: pg. 25
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]] (1987), pgs. 130-132
*{{Endn|4}}: [[White Dwarf 72 (2015)]], ''The This Week in White Dwarf'' - ''Perils of the Warp''
{{Chaos Main}}
