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This topic has moved here: Subject: Q/A with Karen Traviss on Halo Glasslands
  • Subject: Q/A with Karen Traviss on Halo Glasslands
Subject: Q/A with Karen Traviss on Halo Glasslands


Posted by: grey101

Posted by: Wolverfrog

I don't think humans are that much smarter than Sangheili, even an academic like Phillips.


We are since we actually took the time to understand the Space around us and develop technology accordingly.

The Sangheili Have spent eons with technology they do not understand have haven't even tried to. You can't honestly say that wouldn't have a major impact on them.

A perfect example would be them currently driving around in wrecked revenant's and ghosts. Even the most average adult would have some knowledge to repair a car or atleast jerry rig it for a bit they don't even have that.


AS for the Arums don't think too much about it not every little thing is forerunner related. It is no more than an alien rubex cube.


I'm going to go with Wolverfrog on this one, Grey, humans are not inherently smarter than the Elites, we may know more about the universe around us, but that doesn't mean we're automatically and innately smarter than the Elites. They did have their own advanced technology long before they joined the Covenant remember, advanced enough to beat everything the Prophets had except for the Dreadnaught.

Humans are simply more knowledgeable about the way the universe works than the Sangheili right now because Humanity wasn't stagnated, the Elites can become advanced just as easily as Humanity did. It's like comparing a country in the western world a third world country. The people in the third world country aren't innately stupid because they don't have the same amount or level of technology as one of the western ones. Likewise it doesn't mean the Elites are dumber than humans because they haven't re-learned how to work with or create their own technology yet.

  • 11.22.2011 9:08 AM PDT

Wolver, I'll simply point out that while Grey might not be the best person ever, you are simply starting to attack him outright.

  • 11.22.2011 9:15 AM PDT


Posted by: Cmdr DaeFaron
Wolver, I'll simply point out that while Grey might not be the best person ever, you are simply starting to attack him outright.


I like to think I've done it in a fairly roundabout way, actually.

  • 11.22.2011 9:21 AM PDT

@accordingto343

Your one stop shop for all of 343's fabulous errors and ridiculous notions in the Halo lore.

Either way to slice it, it's rather sad that you've stooped to that level.

  • 11.22.2011 10:23 AM PDT


Posted by: Wolverfrog

Posted by: grey101
"standard English" (Which should be Basic English)


I study English Language at an advanced level and I'm bloody good at it, not to blow my own trumpet. My knowledge of this language and its intricacies obviously far outstrips yours, so I'd climb down from that non-existential high horse you're trying to get comfy on.



English Language is a very fun topic and a interesting topic. I've recently been revisiting the differences of powerless, co-operative or 'feminine' speech in comparison to the more 'powerful' speech that is commonly used by men. I really do find the topic interesting because of the vast amount conflicting opinions and because of how culture has affected it over time.
The best thing is when you start picking up people using various things like tag questions and pointing them out to them.

Just to join in the argument... I may not agree with everything your saying but you just that was a hell of a par.

Now back onto grasslands, I re-read it and I still dislike it at the moment but that's just my opinion.

[Edited on 11.22.2011 12:38 PM PST]

  • 11.22.2011 12:37 PM PDT
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Do not waste your tears, I was not born to watch the world grow dim. Life is not measured in years, but by the deeds of men.

Posted by: goldhawk
We should know better, because we are better.

In an effort to create an option that does not involve insulting someone's intelligence or grasp of the English language, I once more put forth my idea:

A puzzle is a puzzle no matter what species you are from. Perhaps Arums are extremely hard to solve (Osman, IIRC, fiddles around with the Arum and doesn't seem to get anywhere), and perhaps Phillips is a super genius. He is one of only three humans who is interested in Elites in a way that doesn't involve blowing their heads off, so perhaps he got his hands on some Arums before the story. A Rubix cube has some strategies that allow you to beat it in just around 20 moves. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a strategy to Arums as well. Phillips could have found that strategy, or he could have an IQ of 150 and Arums are no more difficult for him then a morning crossword puzzle.

  • 11.22.2011 12:43 PM PDT


Posted by: DecepticonCobra
Either way to slice it, it's rather sad that you've stooped to that level.


I find it amusing. Anyone else here is just a name on a page. I think I've presented my argument quite well to be honest; it took time and effort to type out these responses. Oh, and I agree; gender and its relation to language is a fascinating topic.

Back on topic before I got side-tracked by triviality, I'm surprised this all exploded out from my innocent little conjecture-based suggestion that the Arum was of Forerunner derivation. I also think Master Chief and several other key humans (perhaps all Spartan IIs) are operating under a lifeworker's geas. Not much proof for it, but that's just an idea of mine and I'm entitled to it just as much as grey is entitled to his personality disorder.

  • 11.22.2011 1:09 PM PDT

yas334229812


Posted by: Wolverfrog

Posted by: DecepticonCobra
Either way to slice it, it's rather sad that you've stooped to that level.


I find it amusing. Anyone else here is just a name on a page. I think I've presented my argument quite well to be honest; it took time and effort to type out these responses. Oh, and I agree; gender and its relation to language is a fascinating topic.

Back on topic before I got side-tracked by triviality, I'm surprised this all exploded out from my innocent little conjecture-based suggestion that the Arum was of Forerunner derivation. I also think Master Chief and several other key humans (perhaps all Spartan IIs) are operating under a lifeworker's geas. Not much proof for it, but that's just an idea of mine and I'm entitled to it just as much as grey is entitled to his personality disorder.


Maybe or that the geas has just not disappeared and it still is in them, will take centuries for it to disappear. Overall i believe the librarian left some clues in us so that we can solve the problems, but not alot so that we are using it as a cane.

  • 11.22.2011 1:13 PM PDT

"Find where the liar hides, so that I may place my boot between his gums!" - Rtas 'Vadum

Posted by: Wolverfrog
Unlike a dog or a cat, humans and Sangheili are truly sentient; that is to say, aware of self. More than just urges and instincts and doctrines.

It's an interesting thought but I don't think it'd hold true. Dogs are inherently pack-orientated creatures too; they deviate to whoever they perceive as their leader, which in the case of domesticated animals is their owner.

Plus, the 5000 years of suppression by the Covenant isn't enough to genetically affect the species; and that's assuming that immediately the Sangheili bent to the Covenant's will, which we know not to be so from The Duel.

It probably took at least the better part of a thousand years for them to truly settle into their role as protector, and even then there wasn't enough time for evolution to actually adapt to that role and change their physiology and psychology as a species.

I'm not saying the Covenant haven't had an impact on Sangheili culture and mindset, but I do believe that to suggest their intelligence as a species has been lessened by but a few thousand years of suppression is to go too far with one's asseveration.

Sentience does not grant you control over how a gene will behave in a host. Sentience itself is a subject of your genes, relying on things to do with the relative proportion of the brain to the body, its structure, efficiency and complexity which is all dictated by your genetics.

I think it would come down to how widespread the practice is, and to a lesser extent how long it has been going on for. It is not known if it is either their own initiative or a Covenant inspired one so we do not really know how long it has been going on for, nor do we really know if every state did it. If they did though then it could potentially produce measurable effects within a few centuries, perhaps less. This probably is not something that 343i would explore though.

  • 11.22.2011 1:39 PM PDT

It'd be nice if they did.

  • 11.22.2011 1:57 PM PDT

"Find where the liar hides, so that I may place my boot between his gums!" - Rtas 'Vadum

Yeah. Also, throwing an expansion of the idea left by CotU would be nice to see also, which is why I did not feel for Glasslands as much as I would have like to tbh.

  • 11.22.2011 2:15 PM PDT
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Deva Path


Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?


Posted by: Wolverfrog

Posted by: DecepticonCobra
Either way to slice it, it's rather sad that you've stooped to that level.


I find it amusing. Anyone else here is just a name on a page. I think I've presented my argument quite well to be honest; it took time and effort to type out these responses. Oh, and I agree; gender and its relation to language is a fascinating topic.

Back on topic before I got side-tracked by triviality, I'm surprised this all exploded out from my innocent little conjecture-based suggestion that the Arum was of Forerunner derivation. I also think Master Chief and several other key humans (perhaps all Spartan IIs) are operating under a lifeworker's geas. Not much proof for it, but that's just an idea of mine and I'm entitled to it just as much as grey is entitled to his personality disorder.


There was no "argument" all you said was " i think this could be true because it has no support for it".

There is far more proof that spartans have an active Gea than what you randomly guessed with no basis.


i love how when i stop and try to be civil you still try to attack me. your a pretty big hypocrite especially how your breaking the same rules you were whining about.

  • 11.22.2011 2:21 PM PDT

Hypocrites was the stem for the term hypocrisy; didn't mean he wasn't brilliant.

My assertion that the Spartans and other humans are under gea isn't just pure conjecture; you think I really randomly guessed it? I've read all the same stuff as you, I've compiled all the same facts as you, I reach my own conclusions based on that. I've actually got a rather large theory planned in my head, and if I ever find the time or inclination I'll type it up and back myself up with quotes, evidence supported by my own knowledge and conjecture.

You're not Jesus -blam!- Christ. Again, drop the arrogance.

[Edited on 11.22.2011 2:28 PM PST]

  • 11.22.2011 2:27 PM PDT
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Deva Path


Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?


Posted by: Wolverfrog
Hypocrites was the founder of hypocrisy; didn't mean he wasn't brilliant.

My assertion that the Spartans and other humans are under gea isn't just pure conjecture; you think I really randomly guessed it? I've read all the same stuff as you, I've compiled all the same facts as you, I reach my own conclusions based on that. I've actually got a rather large theory planned in my head, and if I ever find the time or inclination I'll type it up and back myself up with quotes, evidence supported by my own knowledge and conjecture.

You're not Jesus -blam!- Christ. Again, drop the arrogance.


you do understand that when i was talking about the guessing i was referring to the forerunner arum crap? I clearly said there is more proof for the spartans having an active Gea.

I don't like Christianity so thank you for not comparing me to it; im not being arrogant your just looking for a bad guy and labeling me. Make the Label purple please.

  • 11.22.2011 2:29 PM PDT

Don't bring religion into this, it's against the rules. And no, I didn't understand; like I said, you're not a very good writer. Look at your sentence once more and you'll see how ambiguously it can be interpreted.

I'm not looking for a bad guy, I don't think you're a bad guy -- you're merely a bit arrogant/narcissistic and that's not a terrible thing, it's just something you should work on.

  • 11.22.2011 2:32 PM PDT

Waypoint Moderators aren't really Moderators, just power hungry and its goal is defend their beloved Halo at all costs. (Meaning that they wank Halo too much.)

BS Angel is alleged foe so, be wary of Waypoint and its moderators! Do not attempt to move to Waypoint. Enter your own risk.

*WARNING* IT IS MY OPINION.

Wolverfrog, attacking a member of Bungie isn't a great idea. I'd suggest you to back down and calm down. This is forums, designed for civil discussion of Halo storyline.

Sorry for you, I agree with grey. Humans are noticeably smarter than Elites. Prime examples: The Flood where UNSC Marines adapted the environment in Halo and defeated numerous Covenant groups.


[Edited on 11.22.2011 2:37 PM PST]

  • 11.22.2011 2:33 PM PDT
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Deva Path


Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?


Posted by: Wolverfrog
Don't bring religion into this, it's against the rules. And no, I didn't understand; like I said, you're not a very good writer. Look at your sentence once more and you'll see how ambiguously it can be interpreted.

I'm not looking for a bad guy, I don't think you're a bad guy -- you're merely a bit arrogant/narcissistic and that's not a terrible thing, it's just something you should work on.


LMAO your such a bad troll. so you bring up the reference yet tell me not to reply off it since "it is against the rules"? Yet you try attacking me yet complained about my conduct because "it is against the rules"?

I personally don't care what your view on me is. but if you seriously think just because you read some large book your inherently smarter than you are the one with the issue not me.

  • 11.22.2011 2:38 PM PDT

He's not a member of Bungie. I'm not attacking him. I haven't read The Flood in years so I won't argue with you on that, but I will say being adaptive doesn't mean you're more intelligent.

Grey, I don't know what this fixation you have with me reading a large book is. Yes I can read and write well, but I'm also intelligent in other ways. My grades show that well and truly.

You're just too arrogant to concede that. And yes, to be honest I am trolling you a little but that's only because you act like a bit of a twat and you're an easy rise due to your jumped up self-importance.

I knew as soon as I started that you'd be easy to get a rise out of. What does that tell you?

[Edited on 11.22.2011 2:44 PM PST]

  • 11.22.2011 2:39 PM PDT

Waypoint Moderators aren't really Moderators, just power hungry and its goal is defend their beloved Halo at all costs. (Meaning that they wank Halo too much.)

BS Angel is alleged foe so, be wary of Waypoint and its moderators! Do not attempt to move to Waypoint. Enter your own risk.

*WARNING* IT IS MY OPINION.


Posted by: Wolverfrog
He's not a member of Bungie. I'm not attacking him. I haven't read The Flood in years so I won't argue with you on that, but I will say being adaptive doesn't mean you're more intelligent.

Grey, I don't know what this fixation you have with me reading a large book is. Yes I can read and write well, but I'm also intelligent in other ways.

You're just too arrogant to concede that. And yes, to be honest I am trolling you a little but that's only because you act like a bit of a twat and you're an easy rise due to your jumped up self-importance.

I knew as soon as I started that you'd be easy to get a rise out of. What does that tell you?


*facepalm* Did you ever used your common sense at all? Bungie as in forums. He is member of this forums managed by Bungie. And Yes, you're attacking him. Calling him arrogance, narcissist and poor English skills is considered as attacking on him.

  • 11.22.2011 2:45 PM PDT

That frankly, you are the worse person as you are purposefully trying to anger/annoy another member of these forums.

  • 11.22.2011 2:45 PM PDT
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Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?

your only getting a rise out of me because im purposely doing it incase i feel like reporting you for misconduct. another reason why i have been civil and purposely writing worse.


Don't try out smarting me; especially if your not even going to be clever.

  • 11.22.2011 2:47 PM PDT


Posted by: Elder Bias

Posted by: Wolverfrog
He's not a member of Bungie. I'm not attacking him. I haven't read The Flood in years so I won't argue with you on that, but I will say being adaptive doesn't mean you're more intelligent.

Grey, I don't know what this fixation you have with me reading a large book is. Yes I can read and write well, but I'm also intelligent in other ways.

You're just too arrogant to concede that. And yes, to be honest I am trolling you a little but that's only because you act like a bit of a twat and you're an easy rise due to your jumped up self-importance.

I knew as soon as I started that you'd be easy to get a rise out of. What does that tell you?


*facepalm* Did you ever used your common sense at all? Bungie as in forums. He is member of this forums managed by Bungie.


Thanks, I never realised that. Glad there are blokes like you about. I'm only calling it like I see it by the way; the poor English skills is even opinion really, it's pretty much fact and anyone would agree so. I perceive him as narcissistic and arrogant because I've seen replies by him in threads where he's actually called himself 'the most intelligent person on the forum,' to paraphrase.

Sadly grey, I wish that were so. But your grammar is consistently terrible no matter where I see it, and your logic is flawed. To be honest I don't care if I'm banned for a few days for challenging the ubiquitous authority you think you hold around here; it's just the colour of a title bar and I've got more going on in my life. But I haven't said anything overly-abrasive or rude, and you're the one who has called many people idiots in the past. I've reported you for that and it's had no effect, so I can only conclude the moderators don't really care.

[Edited on 11.22.2011 2:52 PM PST]

  • 11.22.2011 2:49 PM PDT
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Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?

Can i get a quote on that? because i always say that the lack of intelligence is why i act out now.

  • 11.22.2011 2:50 PM PDT

Waypoint Moderators aren't really Moderators, just power hungry and its goal is defend their beloved Halo at all costs. (Meaning that they wank Halo too much.)

BS Angel is alleged foe so, be wary of Waypoint and its moderators! Do not attempt to move to Waypoint. Enter your own risk.

*WARNING* IT IS MY OPINION.


Posted by: Wolverfrog


Thanks, I never realised that. Glad there are blokes like you about. I'm only calling it like I see it by the way; the poor English skills is even opinion really, it's pretty much fact and anyone would agree so. I perceive him as narcissistic and arrogant because I've seen replies by him in threads where he's actually called himself 'the most intelligent person on the forum,' to paraphrase.

Sadly grey, I wish that were so. But your grammar is consistently terrible no matter where I see it, and your logic is flawed. To be honest I don't care if I'm banned for a few days for challenging the ubiquitous authority you think you hold around here; it's just the colour of a title bar and I've got more going on in my life. But I haven't said anything overly-abrasive or rude, and you're the one who has called many people idiots in the past. I've reported you for that and it's had no effect, so I can only conclude the moderators don't really care.


Notice I bolded that statement for you, is attacking.

And, sometimes I call idiots to people depending on situation such as being stubborn that their idea or theory is correct despite a lot of evidence is against them. Or, making pointless threads such as Reach gameplay or Vs. Threads.

So there, everyone is not perfect.

[Edited on 11.22.2011 2:54 PM PST]

  • 11.22.2011 2:54 PM PDT

Wolver, this is off-topic but I will note in another topic, Grey called the video in question crap, and then you and another barged in and outright started attacking him.

He might've been slightly rude, but you opened up with the insults.

  • 11.22.2011 2:54 PM PDT