|
Post by imaginaryfriend on Nov 26, 2010 7:01:06 GMT
He has to interact with objects to create order, like the throwing of the deck of cards and the throwing of the blinker stone (which rises an interesting point, to which I'll get later). Yet, in the simulation, the Rod is there, lying on the floor. That would mean that the simulation was programmed wrongly, yes? ...No actual interaction happened. His reaction implies he didn't want this, so he subconsciously creates order, be it un-willingly or willingly. I think that inside the interactive computer simulation that the definition of "interact" we need to use changes. Smitty's actions and position relative to the other players is being read by the machine(s) and converted into input. The end result we saw could have been a forced glitch or a back-door. With the glitch, the cycle of Smit's inputs and the machine's remaking of the interactive environs in response somehow caused the computer to either skip ahead to the end of the game or add the object early which amounts to the same thing. With a back-door, Dr. Randy (or whoever developed it) may have added some code to force the completion of the game as an aid to design/debug it and Smitty triggered it somehow. It might have been as subtle as a movement "cheat code" he unwittingly entered, or something direct like stepping on a sequence of pebbles in the proper order. Either way, judging from the previous game in Ch. 10 the goal of this game was for the students to have fun completing the quest together. I think the program is designed to guide the player to that end, even if it has to force things in a cheesy way, so NOT getting the object would be a program failure and may normally be impossible. True, Smitty defeated the purpose of the program (that being the fun and teamwork involved in the playing) but the program concluded successfully just like the game announced. Maybe instead of physics, you should try thinking in terms of mathematics? If Smitty's ability is rooted in probability, then isn't math a more relevant science? The way that I always thought it worked was: "If the odds of this happening are 100/1, then his power changes the odds to 1/1." Not so much that he influences the outcome, so much as he changes the rules to fit an expected outcome. I have no objection to using statistics as a starting point but I think that doing so just rephrases the philosophical question of what order Smitty's power appeals to via the assumption built into how you choose the "correct" answer from the set of possible events. Once that's done the statistics become a binary solution set: Yes the requirements have been met for the solution to be possible therefore with Smitface in the mix it is certain to happen or No the requirements haven't been met. Though if you do approach it that way you don't need to know how Smitty's power works, just the order to which it appeals. Also, I think that Smitty's ability works in a way so that it always appears to be Luck more than anything. So far, all of the times we've seen his power, it would appear that he is really (really) lucky! After all, how could the manipulation of atoms and particles "make" a bird fly into the path of the blinker stone? If he could simply alter the properties of the stone, he would have made it super-dense mid-flight correct? I think we can differentiate Smitface's superpower from simple luck because of that needed interaction; if he is changing constants like gravity, strong/weak forces or speed of light to force the correct outcomes that is even more impressive, but why then interact with his body? I can explain Smitty's power without those things changing: From what we've seen so far the manipulation of atoms/particles can take place entirely within Smitty's interaction. Smitty subconsciously supplies the needed energy in the precise exact motion for the event to reach the correct conclusion even if he is unaware of all the variables in the process! By The Way: If Mr. Siddell needs an idea for a comic after GC is over I think a redux of The Avengers starring George and Smitty would be awesome. They teleport into wherever they need to be, Smitty snipes the target or hacks the computer instantly, and they teleport out again almost too fast to see.
|
|
|
Post by Mylian on Nov 26, 2010 16:24:20 GMT
...a redux of The Avengers starring George and Smitty... This is one of the greatest things ever said on this forum, and now that it has been said we have only to watch the fanart thread for its inevitable appearance.
|
|
|
Post by jayne on Nov 26, 2010 21:45:33 GMT
...a redux of The Avengers starring George and Smitty... This is one of the greatest things ever said on this forum, and now that it has been said we have only to watch the fanart thread for its inevitable appearance. I second this!
|
|
Spike
Junior Member
Posts: 67
|
Post by Spike on Nov 26, 2010 22:13:48 GMT
Actually, it could be said that being in the simulation is interacting with it, so I suppose that point has become invalid.
|
|
|
Post by basser on Nov 27, 2010 4:09:33 GMT
In reference to probabilities: with all the chemical reactions going on in your body at any one moment, there's always a low probability of your head spontaneously exploding. Does this mean that if Smitty touches you while wishing you'd burst into flames, it happens? Or, speaking more erm.. romantically.. what happens when Smitface and George get busy? Is George going to get pregnant every single time due to probability-enhanced sperm pathing? Or is it more like they'll never need any kind of birth control, since they'll only ever concieve when both of them want to?
Damn it, Smitface, stop breaking reality.
Edited-in random aside: so I printed off the wikipedia article on Spontaneous Human Combustion to read while I weighed up samples, but accidentally sent it to the wrong printer. Someone in mill operations is going to either be very confused, or seriously freaked out.
|
|
|
Post by imaginaryfriend on Nov 27, 2010 14:44:47 GMT
...and now that it has been said we have only to watch the fanart thread for its inevitable appearance. I'd do it but I haven't been able to do any significant fanart for this forum for a loooong time (I've got a huge backlog of ideas for more GC Thug parody comics)... [edit] Hope is alive for a canon version, according to Formspring! [/edit] In reference to probabilities: with all the chemical reactions going on in your body at any one moment, there's always a low probability of your head spontaneously exploding. Does this mean that if Smitty touches you while wishing you'd burst into flames, it happens? Heads aren't supposed to explode, though, so I don't think just Smitty wanting someone's head to explode and giving it a tap would work. He'd have to use the right tools/inputs. I bet he could put a throwing knife into someone's vital organs from fifty paces if he wanted to, or a bullet from a mile out without a scope (three miles with a scope). And George would be awesome with a gentleman's sword-cane. And when not on missions or lounging around in formal wear they'd drive around in an etheric-powered tricked-out Bentley. ;D Or, speaking more erm.. romantically.. what happens when Smitface and George get busy? Is George going to get pregnant every single time due to probability-enhanced sperm pathing? Or is it more like they'll never need any kind of birth control, since they'll only ever concieve when both of them want to? I guess the answer to that question comes down to whether the author of the comic believes that humanity has succeeded in its ancient quest to separate sex from reproduction or not. However if they want to have kids I know they wouldn't need more than one try.
|
|
snuggly
New Member
The last man on earth sat in a room. There was a knock upon the door.
Posts: 28
|
Post by snuggly on Aug 21, 2014 6:35:41 GMT
Hmm, time to revisit this thread?
I think the original question I was trying to post was what does Smitty's power do?
We all agree that it affects probability, the question was just how far can it go? There is a macroscopic form of reducing entropy that has been demonstrated in the comic. This example is him throwing the cards into the air and having them all pile up in order.
It was theorized by Jones that Smitty helped Parley activate her powers, at least the first few times. This is an interesting example as the only analog to teleportation in the real world is quantum teleportation. Quantum teleportation is when a particle will borrow energy from it's surroundings to get to escape a classically impenetrable potential well. This quantum tunneling is governed by probabilistic laws. Was Smitty's abilities helping push her along the first few times? Does parley just impact probability on a more macroscopic, but less flexible way than Smitty does?
There are a lot of implications if he does have the ability to help order something macroscopic quantum tunnel. would Smitty not want to get rich quick? He is a teenager after all. Lead naturally decays into gold, albeit at a very slow rate which is also probabilistically described. Does Smitty have the ability to either consciously or unconsciously affect a macroscopic object (a lead brick) probability on a nuclear scale(turn it into gold)? Does he have the fine control to do that? If not, how was he able to manipulate the cards (macroscopic objects) into order? Was there some concept of order that Smitty has to have?
This led to my previous idea of Smitty being able to manipulate things on a chemical level. All emotions and processes in the brain are controlled by serotonin and dopamine. There are other neurologically active chemicals, but they impact the uptake of these two most important chemicals. Does Smitty have the fine control to affect how these interact in someones brain? Can that impact extend to an expected outcome of his, such as having someone feel anger or despair?
There is one big question, and that is does Smitty's power allow him "fine" control of probability. I suggest an exaple above that could indicate evidence to suggest one that he does. The rest is speculation on if that fine control is confirmed.
There is a different aspect of Smitty's power that we have seen now. He has the ability to have the right object at hand (the party in the forest.) Does this mean that he affects more than just objects in his immediate vicinity? If so, will he have a pseudo invincibilty/unnaturally good health/precognition? Are there limits on the range of his powers?
More food for thought.
Cheers, Snuggly
|
|
|
Post by jda on Aug 21, 2014 16:51:58 GMT
Yes, time to visit it and maybe grab some popcorn while I read it first time.
While not exactly explaining in atomic level PowerfullEyebrows power, I think it could be more related to reality changing/adjusting. Think it on the cue of two science fiction movies: The Matrix and Next(based on The Golden Man from SF master Phillip K Dick).
The Matrix's agents (and later Neo's)capability to instantaneously change reality, even change the past so it could be exactly like I want it now. There are some times where the agents make a brickwall appear from thin air to corner the protagonist. Also Neo dodging reflexes are not exactly speed but foreknowledge of where the punches will be. It's like Smitty can see what outcome every wrist and finger movement will ripple throught the deck and instantaneously choose. Kind of reading the future and preparing forehand, like in Paycheck, from the same Phillip K. Dick.
Just thinking.
|
|
|
Post by sapientcoffee on Aug 21, 2014 19:15:59 GMT
Shades of Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus series. (Main character's magic lets him see possible futures and the choices that lead to them.)
|
|
|
Post by Toloc on Aug 22, 2014 7:57:24 GMT
To continue the book references, like a small scale Kwisatz Haderach from Dune.
But I don't think that it really. All these possibilities include conscious awareness of future events, which Smitty doesn't have. During his first time in the forest he had a marble with him for no other reason but thinking it would be a good idea to have it in his pocket.
To me that sounds more like the "Felix Felicis" potion from Harry Potter, just as a permanent effect.
|
|
|
Post by Daedalus on Aug 25, 2014 17:43:37 GMT
My (naive) assumption is that he warps probabilities in the direction opposite that of traditional increases of entropy. For the moment it is subconscious and relatively uncontrollable, though that might conceivably change.
|
|
|
Post by smurfton on Aug 25, 2014 21:07:03 GMT
|
|
|
Post by goldenknots on Aug 25, 2014 23:16:33 GMT
He can be rattled, obviously.
|
|
|
Post by The Anarch on Aug 26, 2014 6:55:14 GMT
Not Pictured: The puzzle falling all back into one piece again on the floor.
|
|
|
Post by Per on Aug 26, 2014 13:15:52 GMT
Not Pictured: The puzzle falling all back into one piece again on the floor. And scuttling away.
|
|
|
Post by Per on Aug 26, 2014 13:16:27 GMT
I mean did we see it again after that.
|
|
|
Post by sapientcoffee on Aug 26, 2014 13:47:39 GMT
The pieces went on to form several independent, but friendly, micro-nations in the bowels of the Court.
|
|
|
Post by smurfton on Aug 27, 2014 6:34:58 GMT
He can be rattled, obviously. Right, but it's still worth mentioning.
|
|
|
Post by Daedalus on Aug 29, 2014 20:05:23 GMT
He can be rattled, obviously. Right, but it's still worth mentioning. Every time an entropy-inverting event happens around him, he's paying attention to the system in question. Correct me if I'm wrong?
|
|
|
Post by smurfton on Aug 29, 2014 21:43:12 GMT
Right, but it's still worth mentioning. Every time an entropy-inverting event happens around him, he's paying attention to the system in question. Correct me if I'm wrong? Sounds right. Actually, what about the marble? He just happened to find one, then have it needed later..
|
|
|
Post by Daedalus on Aug 30, 2014 0:37:48 GMT
Every time an entropy-inverting event happens around him, he's paying attention to the system in question. Correct me if I'm wrong? Sounds right. Actually, what about the marble? He just happened to find one, then have it needed later.. Hmmm...good point. I see two possibilities, assuming he has to pay attention: 1: that morning, he woke up around his room and actively thought, "I'll put random items into my pocket that feel useful today." 2: his powers have improved enough that they don't need active thought to function anymore (the opposite of Parley's teleportation)
|
|
|
Post by sapientcoffee on Aug 30, 2014 6:14:18 GMT
Or passive, lucky things happen; active, cards sort themselves and 3D puzzles snap into place?
|
|