Clusters, Sub systems, Side Systems and Layers
This carrd serves as a simple resource to explain some system terms that may not be well known such as clusters, sub-systems, layers and side systems.Accessibility will be the main focus, aesthetics take second priority. Please keep this fact in mind as it will explain some choices that are made.
Clusters
Clusters are groups of alters who may behave as a sub-system in the sense they front together and are essentially always together and may experience occasionally limited communication with the rest of the system. What sets them apart from a sub-system is they often will be part of the main system and live within the same general area along side they are not exclusive to one type of system unlike a sub-system which is exclusive to polyfragmented systems.
Think of it as a classroom, the "class would be the system, specific groups assigned to assignments would be something like a subsystem but the friends who aren't specifically set apart from the rest of the class and dont have the communication barrier with the class, but still like primarily interacting with each other."
*Quoted text taken from a friend
Sub-Systems
A sub-system can be one of two things, either an alter with alters of their own who may or may not share a body innerworld and present the same, or it can be a group of alters in their own area completely and separated from the rest of the system leading to very poor communication. Often the only alters who can easily access sub-systems are Gatekeepers*. Sub-systems are exclusive to polyfragmented did systems due to higher amnesia barriers and often higher levels of dissociation [though not always.]
Think of it as a group of islands surrounding one larger island, the large island is the main-system [should there be one] and the smaller surrounding islands are the sub-systems and the only people who can access these smaller islands are ones with the correct "permissions".
*Some have also used "system hopper" in place of gatekeeper, however a system hopper is exclusive to programmed systems.
LayersA layer is a totally separate part of ones innerworld, they may have their own collective identity, sub-systems, hosts, so on. Layers can have sub-systems but a sub-system cannot have a layer. These are exclusive to polyfragmented systems due to the higher amnesia barries and often higher dissociation [not always]. Often only gatekeepers* can access these other layers where needed however there may also be other roles with such capabilities, however alters who can travel between layers may be rare depending on the system. Layers do have lower to no communication with the rest of the system similarly to sub-systems, this can lead them to not being known of for days to years.
Think of it as multiple countries with each being their own "layer" in such case and the only ones who can move between each country being those with the proper passports. Those 'countries' are separated from the rest of the system while still being a part of it and being able to communicate often needing a lot more effort to do so outside of their layer.
*Some have also used "system hopper" in place of gatekeeper, however a system hopper is exclusive to programmed systems.
Side Systems
"Side systems are specific to programmed systems and are often on an entire different level of amnesia walls when it comes to being known by the "main" system. They are usually created for a very specific purposes and if they need more info they should seek out other resources."
Please remember to take care while researching such a heavy topic and only do so with a trusted person as this can be incredibly triggering.
*Quoted text taken from a friend