Median

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A median system (also called midcontinuum) is a system where members are not as distinct or separate from each other. It can be considered being somewhere between multiple and singlet.

Some median systems are dependent on a single individual, or the dependence can be mutual in that there is no central individual. Some median systems feel more blurred between themselves. Others may also be based around a shared identity or kin.

The members of a median system are often described as aspects or facets. Some median systems may identify as different archetypes. Despite being more fluid and similar, median systems can be very diverse.

Median systems are often opposed to multiple systems, with multiple systems experiencing more distinction between headmates. Some may also oppose it to partitionary systems, but in fact, median systems can be either partitionary or blurian, as variance in identity and presence or absence of memory sharing do not necessarily go hand-in-hand.

History
Originally, median systems were referred to as midcontinuum. It was coined in 1997 by Vickis, describing an experience of not explicitly multiple, but not a singlet either. Encompassing the gray area across the dissociative spectrum, it amassed a large community. However, there was some concern with framing dissociation and plurality as a simple straight line (and the assumption that dissociation & plurality were one and the same). In 2002, the term median was coined to replace it by Blackbirds on Pavilion Hall. It has stuck around since.

Related Terms
See Category:Terms specific to median systems for terms that (may) refer to median experiences.

Since some median systems prefer "facet" over term like "headmate" or alter, some labels may be modified to refer to median systems (like polyfaceted as a median-analogue to polyfragmented or polyplural). Others may use terms like medianmate, especially but not exclusively if they feel more separate or fully-fledged as individuals.

OSDD-1a, BPD, and (complex) PTSD are may include or describe some disordered median experiences.

Some median systems (orbital) have a core, while others (webbed) do not.

Some medians may describe themselves as systems but not plural, and use plural non-system or plurallet.