We answer a question of Woodin [3] by showing that “$\mathrm {NS}_{\omega _1}$ is $\omega _1$-dense” holds in a stationary set preserving extension of any universe with a cardinal $\kappa $ which is a limit of ${<}\kappa $-supercompact cardinals. We introduce a new forcing axiom $\mathrm {Q}$-Maximum, prove it consistent from a supercompact limit of supercompact cardinals, and show that it implies the version of Woodin’s $(*)$-axiom for $\mathbb Q_{\mathrm {max}}$. It follows that $\mathrm {Q}$-Maximum implies “$\mathrm {NS}_{\omega _1}$ is $\omega _1$-dense.” Along the way we produce a number of other new instances of Asperó–Schindler’s $\mathrm {MM}^{++}\Rightarrow (*)$ (see [1]).

To force $\mathrm {Q}$-Maximum, we develop a method which allows for iterating $\omega _1$-preserving forcings which may destroy stationary sets, without collapsing $\omega _1$. We isolate a new regularity property for $\omega _1$-preserving forcings called respectfulness which lies at the heart of the resulting iteration theorem.

In the second part, we show that the $\kappa $-mantle, i.e., the intersection of all grounds which extend to V via forcing of size ${<}\kappa $, may fail to be a model of $\mathrm {AC}$ for various types of $\kappa $. Most importantly, it can be arranged that $\kappa $ is a Mahlo cardinal. This answers a question of Usuba [2].

Abstract prepared by Andreas Lietz

E-mail: [email protected].

URL: https://andreas-lietz.github.io/resources/PDFs/AJourneyGuidedByThe Stars.pdf.