rip RELIGION AND BELIEF, GEOGRAPHY — Rips are portals through which a person may jump to another point in space. Rips are largely anchored; meaning, two rips always connect to each other in the same geographical spaces. Rips are believed to be caused by a thinning of the veil which allows a link to a similarly thinned area in another location. Most times, the move from one anchor point to the next is instantaneous. However, some rips include space between the anchor points, and this space varies in size and type and can even change, depending on what causes the rip. It has been conjectured these in-between spaces exist in another realm, but because these spaces are always contained—finite in size—the prevailing theory is that these are third anchor points, or in the case of shifting spaces, a selection of anchor points, that are linked in some way to one or both points on either end of the rip. The cause for such thinning that creates rips varies. As a result, rips can be very dangerous if the thinning was caused by low or malicious means, or as a result of violence or trauma—both of which can create temporary and unsteady rips. The rip itself is not often a threat, but the energy inhabiting the area may be. So may be the shades and/or malevolent creatures often drawn to it. Rips should not be confused with → slips, a different type of portal providing similar movement not only between points in space but also time.