Pentrinsic code, as explained in the Glossary, is a programming language similar to binary and unbound trinary (UTC). Unlike them, however, pentrinsic coding uses a three dimensional interface. In other words, reality. It is this use of reality as an interface that has most people calling pentrinsic coding magic.

Although pentrinsic code is universal (Except on Earth and other inner planets of the Sol system.), it is approached in two different ways, each according to race.

Homo Sapiens programmers (called musers) use spectral-anchored pentrinsic. The potency of any given program is relative to the amount of physical mass the code can be attached to. A Haven spell, for instance, has greater effect and scope when used on a planet as opposed to an asteroid.

Homo Magicus musers use ireality-anchored pentrinsic. To a normal human, they appear to have limitless access to unending sources of invisible mass to attach their codes. To an extent, this is true. Effort must still be used by the homo Magicus muser, however, because the code must be exported from ireality into spectral reality.

The difference in the resulting power of program, variety of program and even result of program is vast. This difference is further magnified by the fact that while any human person can learn pentrinsic coding with enough years study in higher mathematics, all homo Magicus people know pentrinsic coding inherently. A four year old Marks child, for instance, would be comparable to the most powerful homo Sapiens muser.

New: Apr 23, 2004: There is a third hybrid "race". It has no species designation, but rather is the result of a union between both homo Sapiens and homo Magicus. (The mother is invariably human, the father Marks.) Although the child inherits traits from both parents, the self-imposed trait of servitude is never present. Additionally, although the evidence is at this point merely anecdotal, these offspring appear to retain the vast majority of their Marks' traits of inherent mathematics and pentrinsic coding.

Sadly, the majority of these people find themselves excluded from both societies. Humans to not trust them and Marks fear they will not be able to control their inherent abilities as they grow more aware of them. It is speculated, though not proven, that the period of galactic unrest that occurred during the 150 years between 3190 and 3340 - known as Centaur's Gambit - are a result of the Marks race's efforts to contain what they perceived as the growing threat to peace brought on by the existence of these hybrids. End of addition.

There is one major "weakness" that is common to both races; pentrinsic code can only be used for altering reality (and ireality) in a non-aggressive way. Aggressive spells do exist, but the price paid to code and run an aggressive pentrinsic program is steep. Very steep. Most of the known aggressive spells were used only during the Six Planets War and only by human musers who had been trained by General Kerri Marks, the first homo Magicus person. A table of aggressive spells is located here:

Aggressive Pentrinsic Programs

New: Apr 23, 2004: There is mounting evidence that while the hybrids are also adversely affected by the use of aggressive spells. There is, however, also mounting evidence that hybrids can use some aggressive spells in creative ways so as to avoid negative impact on themselves. End of addition.

It should be noted that although the table below list only common pentrinsic programs. There are infinitely more programs and variations that can and are used. Indeed, the only real restriction on coding and running any pentrinsic program is the absence of a stable long range chronological interface (addressed by Septuagint Mercy) and the  imagination and skill of the muser.