- Bungie2
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- Intrepid Mythic Member
We believe that the universe is unbounded: this is not the same as infinite: the 2-D surface of a sphere, wrapped around a 3rd dimension, has a finite size, but has no end. If you start off in a given direction on the surface of a sphere, you could return to your start point without having to turn around -- you simply go all the way around. But wouldn't that mean the universe has an escape velocity like the earth?
Posted by: dibbs089
Posted by: DethMerchant
well cortana is dying by thinking herself to death, i just figured rampancy would be a much better phrase then severe system error. though that is the one part i struggled on the most. i guess i could reword her to be corrupt, and the ships power failure to have a hand in itFrom what I gather, you're using Cortana's rampancy as an explanation for there actually being an enemy in the game to fight (besides the standard enemy- the Flood). It's an attempt at something new, which is nice, but you're using a plot element really for the sake of gameplay as opposed to making a unique and relevant addition to the story. I think that's a mistake a lot of video game writers make (it's really difficult to balance story with gameplay) but you should strive to overcome it; not fall victim to it.
It's your story, but I'd ask you to trust me when I say rampancy is overdone. Cortana is a special A.I; special in a way that has yet to be reveled. If you're going to relegate her to rampancy, there needs to be a point for it - a way for her to grow as a character and to introduce a new plot element or elaborate on an old one (For example, a explanation as to what rampancy is and why she specifically can overcome it; her rampancy being due to her merging with Mendicant Bias and a unique version of the two forming after it is over). Think of something original (what a good writer must do) and always keep thinking (about every decision) "What's is the point of this; does it advance the story and does it connect to everything else or not?"
To not note that the reader has crudely left out the 4th stage of Rampancy known as Metastability on Reach, to her extensive knowledge on the Haloverse. To use rampancy and ignore this fact is a critical issue. Metastability is when an AI recovers from rampancy, but rather than going back to be a normal AI, surpasses that and some would then consider an AI to be a true person. There are no AIs confirmed to be metastable, however this is subject to change if required, with Mendicant Bias and Cortana as the most likely potential candidates.
Of course, there is her 7 year lifespan. That is not a hard limit as we know. Emotion, as i remember from an AI is one way to cut matrices and extend lifespan to an extent. Origins, although a lower form of canon also depicts Cortana falling into rampancy, this is where we see her at her 7th year, in the year 2556, 6-7 years from her original creation date on November 7th, 2549. The reason I bring this up, is because I need to show why 343s new story arc is so important, Halo 4. this is where the test of her 7 year lifespan is done, should H4 be set in 2556, coinciding with the end of Origins.
Almost forgot, the Case of Kalmiya. Beginning service in 2536-37? (cite source), and ending service in 2552, after the fail-safe on Kalmiya was activated by Halsey, much like she did with Ackersons AI, Araquiel. She was Cortanas sibling, her "older sister".
~B2
P.S. feel free to correct me, im tired as heck xD.
[Edited on 07.03.2011 1:56 AM PDT]