Say, is there any way Reclaimer could get some armor upgrades or repairs off of the Mercyhoard?
What species can transmute itself into data? AI? Or were the Forerunner so advanced that they simply ported their memories/conscious into the Mercyhoard? But the Machine mentions "spreading their infection," which doesn't bring to mind Forerunner. Is there some significant species in this Haloverse's past which we don't know about, which would encompass Ferial and the Calvacada?
Also, I'd like to point out the possibility of other Mercyhoardes. The Machine says "such an archive," which suggests that there may be others.
Miriax
can you prove that forerunner tech is dead? Guilty spark was "alive" till the end of halo 3, in this haloverse the Calvaclade (forerunner tech also) are "alive"
But dead in this case, dead means inactive, no purpose or "lost". Guilty Spark was alive because it had a purpose and wasn't "dead" however the tech that The Machine monitors is dead. Does that make sense?
A common science fiction trope is a super-advanced race going "post-physical," leaving behind flechy bodies to become energy-beings or something like that. I'd guess MH's makers moving into a computer archive is thier way of doing that.
Are you saying that the data that made up their physical bodies was stored, kind of like DNA?
Or were they never 'alive,' in terms of a beating heart and such?
Yep! I'm reading Peter F Hamilton's Void trilogy at the moment, and in that there are literally dozens of these races floating around the galaxy, most of them too busy in thier higher plane of existance to give a damn about what us physical being are up to
Ah ok, that makes more sense then it did, about how it's creators is the dead technology. And it's more likely that they transferred their consciousness, not their whole body, that's just not logical. And Jim has already told us that the Calvacada are Forerunner and all advanced technology being Forerunner is something that most readers take for granted. It is likely that when the Machine says "They are an ancient race, long dead, but highly advanced" that it means the Forerunners, but the Machine may not have that term that RC has given them. The Precursors are rarely mentioned in the Halo universe.
Sounds a lot like how the dragons have a heart of hearts in the Eragon series. If the consciousness of the creators are here, that would be vast knowledge to tap into, i bet Ferial would give up part of his dinosaur body for it!
Loving it, very explanitory (if that's how you spell it…)
Was wandering around snowbound yesterday to see what it does look like and it is a few kinds of awesome. Now you have the blue room involved too =]
I just noticed, for the last couple of "episodes" the reclaimer is in them, but we haven't heard a peep from the clavacade, first time I think since we met them.
Forget Microsoft Cortana, Microsoft Graveyard with Bonus Microsoft Gravekeeper Antivirus System. Complete with any edition of Windows Vistaxp7 9598200 With NT… CONFUSE MUCH!? Anyway, for everyone about the purple comment i made, i meant the the text/font colour. My point was purple was main colour, so let's spice it up a lil' and use like… PINK!! Guess its too late, but maybe Reclaimer will get the girl? Huh!? HUH!?
I choose my font colors based on what I think will be most representative for that character. In this case, the Machine is purple, so I chose a font color that closely mirrors that shade.
All the UNSC "smart" AIs (cortana, etc) are acquired from a human brain and has the memories of the original person.
As for the "significant species" the forerunners took up "the mantle" (protecting the galaxy and her species), from the species before them, the precursors, but the forerunners seem more likely in this situation.
All smart Ai's were created not taken from a human brain. They are designed to be able to think in ways like a human would and their personality is something they develop.
A human brain is the base, and one is needed for every AI; is that to say that an AI is identical to the brain and hasn't been modified to allow more capabilities, no most definitely not, but it is (possibly) how the mercy hoard's creators transferred themselves to it.
Can I ask where you got that from? I had always heard that smart AI's are created from scratch and they develop their own personalities by themselves. I never thought that they used a human brain as a base for them. Some scientists have postulated that if a computer could recognise the way human thought patters work, then the consciousness could be copied or downloaded into that said computer. Remeber that the Forerunner were highly advanced and had already perfected thid technique. Just my thoughts anyway…
AI
And to save anyone from the trouble of writing about the fact that anyone can edit it, from the halo 3 level Cortana "A collection of lies; that's all I am! Stolen thoughts and memories!" later in the level many of her comments (if they can be called that) are memories from Dr. Halsey (her "mother")
Yeah, in one of the early Halo novels, it's mentioned that Cortana was built by using Dr. Halsey's mind as the base. Cortana developed her own personality from that, but she is very similar to Catherine Halsey because it was her mind that served as the core for Cortana's creation.
Hey, Jim, this might be a good time to use a screenshot of the misty, forerunner-machine-filled chasm underneath the glass floor on Snowbound. It certainly looks like it could be a huge archive of dead alien personalities
They're listening. Remember, this is all new to them, too, and the Reclaimer is asking plenty of questions. Besides, you don't think, do you, that they're really just sitting there doing nothing, do you?
Hey Jim, I've been a little busy lately and haven't been able to check and keep up on the comments, but I have to say that this Mercyhoard character sounds a lot like Vigil from Mass Effect. This comic just sealed that deal. If you haven't played the game, I think you would love it, as a lot of similar themes are popping up here that are in that game.
I started Mass Effect but got bored with it pretty quick, so I never got far enough in to learn about Vigil. One of these days I'll probably go back and finish it, but I just don't have the time for it right now.
I would suggest sticking to the story then, if you got bored. Just do the main missions and ignore the side quests if exploring isn't your thing. The storyline is exceptional, even if it does take a little while to get moving. I tend to follow this pattern: Artemis Tau (to get Liara), Noveria, Feros, Virmire, and then the rest is pseudo-linear.
Personally, I love exploring the Mass Effect universe, I got "completionist", "Soldier Ally", and "Asari Ally" on the first playthrough without any guides, but I know scouring the universe and filling out the codex isn't for everybody.
Yeah, I'll get back to it at some point. I just have very little time to game, and what time I do get is generally devoted to Halo 3 and my fellow Gunslingers.
I'd love an explanation of how to do that. I have a film on my Xbox that someone gave me a while back to get down under the central chamber, but I have no idea how it's done.
Jim, why be obvious, i need to be confused like i've been all this time i've been reading your webcomics, now i know what's happening, where is my amnesia jim, CAN I HAS MY AMNESIA BACK?
:`(
i cant get under snowbound either! its too damn hard! love to know how aswell. Deeper into mystery…again nice screenshots Jim! I think there should be a RC comic book made (with your pics of course) and it could even be a great game! Boy i love Reclaimer!
Hey Jim, Im a new reader and i love reclaimer! Its a very well written and illustrated web comic. Ive read 1-141 and i love it. Its just a suggestion but why dont you try to make a Machinima out of this? It would be very interesting, but more than one page would be one video (obviously). I cant wait till the next part!
For starters, i am ever mistified by the way you craft the reclaimer, and i can bear it no longer to thank you for your never ending efforts to bring to us such a wonderful story!
just curious, this dead technology the machine is looking after, i presume that they are technology that are so called forgotten, hence dead? And since RC is standing right on them, wouldnt it be possible for the cavalcada to transfer from RC to the mercy hoard to dig for information, since seeing how the mercyhoard is so advanced.
Could ferial also be sprouting here soon in one of his many forms, to find that skull archimedes, or to further develop it from these dead technology?
All good questions – but I'm afraid I'm going to have to make you wait on the answers, since most of them should be answered over the next few installments.
You should keep a tally of everyone who says that. Besides when Jim does explosions, they're always interesting and important to the story. He just doesn't blow s*** up for no reason! Thats whats makes the comic so interesting. It's not just BOOM CRASH SMASH BASH!. There is a plot, even if we can't see it.
yeah they're pretty good at telling him just what he needs to know to do the task and only half of why, and they don't try to hide the fact that it's only half.
so I don't think they are plotting that, philosophical discussions of cheese? yeah, the insane one probably started it too.
Hey Jim, you said that you change font and color based on who's speaking. So when the Reclaimer said "Ferial" and the font was all distorted, did that mean that he's had it it up to HERE with Ferial, or something else?
Say, is there any way Reclaimer could get some armor upgrades or repairs off of the Mercyhoard?
What species can transmute itself into data? AI? Or were the Forerunner so advanced that they simply ported their memories/conscious into the Mercyhoard? But the Machine mentions "spreading their infection," which doesn't bring to mind Forerunner. Is there some significant species in this Haloverse's past which we don't know about, which would encompass Ferial and the Calvacada?
Also, I'd like to point out the possibility of other Mercyhoardes. The Machine says "such an archive," which suggests that there may be others.
Miriax
It doesn't look like Mercy Hoard will give him repairs, because it monitors Forerunner technology. Its not a repair bot.
It monitors and protects dead technology. Note the difference.
Hmmm, dead tech, not just forerunner; isn't the reclaimer project "dead"? scraped for viper? with the reclaimer unfinished? hmmmm.
The use of the term 'dead' is very specific here. It will become very clear just what that means to the Machine.
can you prove that forerunner tech is dead? Guilty spark was "alive" till the end of halo 3, in this haloverse the Calvaclade (forerunner tech also) are "alive"
But dead in this case, dead means inactive, no purpose or "lost". Guilty Spark was alive because it had a purpose and wasn't "dead" however the tech that The Machine monitors is dead. Does that make sense?
excuse me Mercyhourd, i can haz recon?
Also not dead tech.
i can haz forerunner?
In ur base
Stealin ur technologeez.
Oh my god, it’s TF2 all over again…
A common science fiction trope is a super-advanced race going "post-physical," leaving behind flechy bodies to become energy-beings or something like that. I'd guess MH's makers moving into a computer archive is thier way of doing that.
Exactly so. The difference here, though, is that the Makers are not technically living as digital beings. They have merely been stored as inert data.
so less like an A.I. and more as informative data? But less like a self-thinking and constructive piece of data, more like useless data?
Um…. something like that. I guess…
Are you saying that the data that made up their physical bodies was stored, kind of like DNA?
Or were they never 'alive,' in terms of a beating heart and such?
They were alive, and they transferred themselves into the Mercyhoard archive as inert data. How they did that is a matter of some speculation.
Is it relevant to the story?
Not… directly.
Like the Ancients in Stargate!
I really need to finish watching that show. I've gotten through the first two seasons.
Yeah, it's pretty good. I have all ten seasons and the 3 movies. Sad I know
But it's really good if you're into that stuff.
Yep! I'm reading Peter F Hamilton's Void trilogy at the moment, and in that there are literally dozens of these races floating around the galaxy, most of them too busy in thier higher plane of existance to give a damn about what us physical being are up to
I read Hamilton's Night's Dawn trilogy a while back. Very beefy series, that one, but a lot of fun.
I've read that series too. They were a fun read, but the ending was dissapointing. Talk about deus ex machina >:-/
Ah ok, that makes more sense then it did, about how it's creators is the dead technology. And it's more likely that they transferred their consciousness, not their whole body, that's just not logical. And Jim has already told us that the Calvacada are Forerunner and all advanced technology being Forerunner is something that most readers take for granted. It is likely that when the Machine says "They are an ancient race, long dead, but highly advanced" that it means the Forerunners, but the Machine may not have that term that RC has given them. The Precursors are rarely mentioned in the Halo universe.
Sounds a lot like how the dragons have a heart of hearts in the Eragon series. If the consciousness of the creators are here, that would be vast knowledge to tap into, i bet Ferial would give up part of his dinosaur body for it!
You have no idea – yet.
Do you have an idea yet?
Oh, yes. Things are about to get really interesting.
Thats what youi always say
That's because it's always true.
Loving it, very explanitory (if that's how you spell it…)
Was wandering around snowbound yesterday to see what it does look like and it is a few kinds of awesome. Now you have the blue room involved too =]
There's a lot of really neat stuff under that map. I just wish it was more accessible.
I just noticed, for the last couple of "episodes" the reclaimer is in them, but we haven't heard a peep from the clavacade, first time I think since we met them.
It happens occasionally. They'll speak again when it's their time.
You're standing on dead people! Ew! Squelchy!
technically the digital remains of dead people (and other technologies); so squelchy in a much shinier and numeric way.
In Soviet Russia, bodies stand on you!
"In Siberian winters, we stack bodies like cordwood, burn them to keep warm in bitter cold."
Forget Microsoft Cortana, Microsoft Graveyard with Bonus Microsoft Gravekeeper Antivirus System. Complete with any edition of Windows Vistaxp7 9598200 With NT… CONFUSE MUCH!? Anyway, for everyone about the purple comment i made, i meant the the text/font colour. My point was purple was main colour, so let's spice it up a lil' and use like… PINK!! Guess its too late, but maybe Reclaimer will get the girl? Huh!? HUH!?
I choose my font colors based on what I think will be most representative for that character. In this case, the Machine is purple, so I chose a font color that closely mirrors that shade.
The font colors IMO help quite a bit, there are a couple rough spots (usually transitions from viper to the reclaimer, etc), thanks Jim
I try to change colors and/or font type when changing characters, just as kind of a quick visual cue of who's speaking.
All the UNSC "smart" AIs (cortana, etc) are acquired from a human brain and has the memories of the original person.
As for the "significant species" the forerunners took up "the mantle" (protecting the galaxy and her species), from the species before them, the precursors, but the forerunners seem more likely in this situation.
All smart Ai's were created not taken from a human brain. They are designed to be able to think in ways like a human would and their personality is something they develop.
A human brain is the base, and one is needed for every AI; is that to say that an AI is identical to the brain and hasn't been modified to allow more capabilities, no most definitely not, but it is (possibly) how the mercy hoard's creators transferred themselves to it.
Can I ask where you got that from? I had always heard that smart AI's are created from scratch and they develop their own personalities by themselves. I never thought that they used a human brain as a base for them. Some scientists have postulated that if a computer could recognise the way human thought patters work, then the consciousness could be copied or downloaded into that said computer. Remeber that the Forerunner were highly advanced and had already perfected thid technique. Just my thoughts anyway…
AI
And to save anyone from the trouble of writing about the fact that anyone can edit it, from the halo 3 level Cortana "A collection of lies; that's all I am! Stolen thoughts and memories!" later in the level many of her comments (if they can be called that) are memories from Dr. Halsey (her "mother")
Yeah, in one of the early Halo novels, it's mentioned that Cortana was built by using Dr. Halsey's mind as the base. Cortana developed her own personality from that, but she is very similar to Catherine Halsey because it was her mind that served as the core for Cortana's creation.
So, did they flash clone her brain? or did they actually get it "from" her brain
flash cloned, made twenty brains, got two working AIs, cortana and her predecessor kalmiya
this is slowly getting worse and worse for RC…i am sensing epic battle between RC and the Great Protector.
RC: "I gotta blow stuff up"
GP: "Too bad"
RC: "Not up for discussion"
GP: "Your life isn't up for discussion"
o and where are the cavalcade?
Who's the Great Protector?
The Machine, Mercy Hoard (unsure if the mercy hoard is the archive or the keeper); the great protector of the dead tech
Ah, I see..
'The Machine' is the name. Mercyhoard is a more general definition of it.
Hey, Jim, this might be a good time to use a screenshot of the misty, forerunner-machine-filled chasm underneath the glass floor on Snowbound. It certainly looks like it could be a huge archive of dead alien personalities
I already have – in #79 (Price of Purchase).
They're listening. Remember, this is all new to them, too, and the Reclaimer is asking plenty of questions. Besides, you don't think, do you, that they're really just sitting there doing nothing, do you?
They're probably having deep philosophical discussions about the nature of cheese and all it's affiliated substances and uses.
They're probably having deep philosophical discussions about the nature of cheese and all it's affiliated substances and uses.
now following your twitter by the way. am on as adambearD
Yup, I saw that.
Hey Jim, I've been a little busy lately and haven't been able to check and keep up on the comments, but I have to say that this Mercyhoard character sounds a lot like Vigil from Mass Effect. This comic just sealed that deal. If you haven't played the game, I think you would love it, as a lot of similar themes are popping up here that are in that game.
I started Mass Effect but got bored with it pretty quick, so I never got far enough in to learn about Vigil. One of these days I'll probably go back and finish it, but I just don't have the time for it right now.
I would suggest sticking to the story then, if you got bored. Just do the main missions and ignore the side quests if exploring isn't your thing. The storyline is exceptional, even if it does take a little while to get moving. I tend to follow this pattern: Artemis Tau (to get Liara), Noveria, Feros, Virmire, and then the rest is pseudo-linear.
Personally, I love exploring the Mass Effect universe, I got "completionist", "Soldier Ally", and "Asari Ally" on the first playthrough without any guides, but I know scouring the universe and filling out the codex isn't for everybody.
Yeah, I'll get back to it at some point. I just have very little time to game, and what time I do get is generally devoted to Halo 3 and my fellow Gunslingers.
Understandable, took me a long time to finish out the Mass Effect Achievements due to Left 4 Dead (I got ME relatively recently).
You can get down there, I'm not sure about right down there but I know how to get under the other bits.
I'd love an explanation of how to do that. I have a film on my Xbox that someone gave me a while back to get down under the central chamber, but I have no idea how it's done.
I could show you how..i think. Add Deryl32, if it doesnt work you can just unadd me
Jim, why be obvious, i need to be confused like i've been all this time i've been reading your webcomics, now i know what's happening, where is my amnesia jim, CAN I HAS MY AMNESIA BACK?
:`(
Tosses Board of Education to ME.
*Tosses Board of Education to ME.
Just use this and you can have your Amnesia.
Oh, but there are questions to be answered that haven't even been asked yet.
"You have to ask the right question." Cookie to anyone who can guess the reference.
iRobot
What flavour would you like? Nice work on that.
"That is the right question. Program terminate." I'm thinkin' peanut butter.
i cant get under snowbound either! its too damn hard! love to know how aswell. Deeper into mystery…again nice screenshots Jim! I think there should be a RC comic book made (with your pics of course) and it could even be a great game! Boy i love Reclaimer!
Snaps fingers Looks like the darn thing was under our noses the whole time. Who woulda guessed?
Also: Note to self, update will to request being stored in Mercyboard.
The Mercyhoard archive would be a great place to rest.
Somehow that smile at the end of the sentence made me instantly regret my decision…
o.o
Look out, Jim's a brain ninja.
Ninja vanish!
I thought you said ninja varnish for a little there
The book option isn't likely, unless Microsoft grants me the license I keep requesting. That likelihood is probably less than nothing, though.
Hey Jim, Im a new reader and i love reclaimer! Its a very well written and illustrated web comic. Ive read 1-141 and i love it. Its just a suggestion but why dont you try to make a Machinima out of this? It would be very interesting, but more than one page would be one video (obviously). I cant wait till the next part!
Oh, the machinima angle gets suggested once or twice a week.
It's on my list, believe me.
It just wouldn't have the same suspense but!
jeez, these posts filled up fast….good comic btw!
The wonders of ID are never ending.
Yeah, this is a pretty self-sustaining community now.
Again with that endless gaping hole that is The Machine's mouth.
I love it!
For starters, i am ever mistified by the way you craft the reclaimer, and i can bear it no longer to thank you for your never ending efforts to bring to us such a wonderful story!
just curious, this dead technology the machine is looking after, i presume that they are technology that are so called forgotten, hence dead? And since RC is standing right on them, wouldnt it be possible for the cavalcada to transfer from RC to the mercy hoard to dig for information, since seeing how the mercyhoard is so advanced.
Could ferial also be sprouting here soon in one of his many forms, to find that skull archimedes, or to further develop it from these dead technology?
All good questions – but I'm afraid I'm going to have to make you wait on the answers, since most of them should be answered over the next few installments.
Sure on that Jim, i am certain that they will blow me away, just like how 141 pages before has =)
I can hope.
I can hope.
(And don't forget to login to IntenseDebate at the top of the comments section here.)
Nice comic. everything's awesome but it needs moar sploshions . xD
You're not the first to think so.
You should keep a tally of everyone who says that. Besides when Jim does explosions, they're always interesting and important to the story. He just doesn't blow s*** up for no reason! Thats whats makes the comic so interesting. It's not just BOOM CRASH SMASH BASH!. There is a plot, even if we can't see it.
I'm a big fan of good, purposeful exposition.
Or maybe how to best annoy the living daylight out of Reclaimer.
yeah they're pretty good at telling him just what he needs to know to do the task and only half of why, and they don't try to hide the fact that it's only half.
so I don't think they are plotting that, philosophical discussions of cheese? yeah, the insane one probably started it too.
New martial arts training technique…
Shhh, a little of that in you're eyes and you can't see for a while.
That could be effective…
Note to self: Look into bottled varnish.
And bread.
That reminds me of the save system in Marathon. The backstory was that it stored specific data on your DNA so that it could "recreate" you if needed.
Sounds interesting.
Hey Jim, you said that you change font and color based on who's speaking. So when the Reclaimer said "Ferial" and the font was all distorted, did that mean that he's had it it up to HERE with Ferial, or something else?
The former. It's not a hard and fast rule, so I have problems breaking that rule occasionally.