(no subject)

[claudiometer]

So, about that color scheme.

Thing one, it's been a while since I did a lightcycle pitch, so: Anyone want a shiny light-up bikebaton to call their own before we looks-like head back to the Grid? First three takers, I still wanna eat and sleep this Liminal. If it is the Grid there'll probably be plenty of the things around, and if not, you have a cool fold-up bike.

Thing two, if anyone wants some Grid 101 I'll do my best, but since I think the only more Arcanapalooza jaunt we've had was whatever the hell they were all doing in Questing Country... it's a bit of a trip. Also my overlay managed to miss most of the action, so I'd be up for other people filling the gaps.

Thing three... by process of elimination Mei's almost certainly up this round, and I'd at least like to know what the crap's going on. In the quite likely event I end up not myself, could someone do me a solid and de-infiltrate me? [She knows this is hard to arrange beforehand, but she'd rather try - then it's at least out there that she wants the thing done.]

Comments

[loyalrebel]

I have written a guide on the more basic cultural aspects of The Grid if anyone wishes to browse it.

Most importantly, because people are... sensitive about it: interface between people is socially acceptable, and in enough situations expected in the same way as shaking hands might be.

For those who do not know what it is, interface is the ability to essentially mentally connect to something in a similar way that Merge was used in Questing Country.

[claudiometer]

I wouldn't know from personal experience, but I got the impression the Questing Country variation was more intense. Not that a regular interface can't be, depending on what you're downloading.

[loyalrebel]

They are different, but the main gist of them is similar enough to make the comparison.

I simply hope that nobody decides to go on some crusade about how morally abhorent a culture that is not theirs is.

[claudiometer]

I don't think interface is the problem so much as how you use it, and most of he belligerent stuff's likely to come from Automata in that department. Otherwise the combat was pretty much external, I remember that much.

[loyalrebel]

That may depend on the Automata, some are or were people.

[claudiometer]

And whatever happened to 'em after the fact.

[loyalrebel]

Exactly.

I actually...enjoyed being one.

[claudiometer]

I think I'm contractually obligated to boggle at that thought, but you do you.

[No doubt Malik has his reasons.]

[youandyoualone]

Wonderful.

[How much sarcasm can you put into a single word over the network? Delaunay is going to try. Possibly the slanted letters will aid him.]

[loyalrebel]

There will likely be methods of avoidance available.

You may not necessarily blend in with the native population, but if any of the people we met are around they will expect strangeness from those of us who remain ourselves.

[youandyoualone]

I will take them--and hope that the Programs use it for better purposes than the Travelers.

[loyalrebel]

They view it very differently than most Travelers seem to.

[youandyoualone]

Oh? They do not use it to overwhelm their enemies?

[loyalrebel]

Information can be overwhelming no matter the source, intent, or opinion of the people involved.

They have other means of causing harm to one another.

[youandyoualone]

Oh, but if that information is there to convey what a monstrous villain you are in the eyes of the man who hates you, that is a different sort of overwhelming altogether.

[tonant]

Yeah, I'd like ta see that.

[ There's a pause, then ]

So- what's that mean fer those of us who weren't at- 'Questing Country'.

[claudiometer]

Quick and dirty information download. How intense it is depends on how long you maintain the connection, usually.

Also I think interfaces pass on Priority, which is a whole nother kettle of fish.

[tonant]

[ This means nothing to him. ]

U-huh.

[claudiometer]

The Grid's inside a computer. Priority determines the order shit gets done.

[tonant]

So like- who's in charge?

[ This sounds more and more complex by the second. ]

[claudiometer]

Whoever has the lowest number. They go first.

[loyalrebel]

Stop by the library when you have a chance.

It is a mental connection between yourself and another, though it is not strictly speaking psychic in nature.

The people of the Grid are the programs that live inside computers.

[tonant]

I've got no idea where that is, or what mosta the shit you said means. You mean, like- AIs?

[ That's said almost cheerfully ]

[loyalrebel]

Essentially, yes.

Though they are as much people as anyone else.

[tonant]

Well, yeah.

Duh. If they ain't people, they ain't AIs, they're just- programs and shit.