126 réponses à ce sujet

[tyrvas]

and the Catalyst is what would make that trigger work in a certain way,
with the aid of the Crucible and Shepard.

[WhiteKnyght]

MegaSovereign wrote...

I'm going to *attempt* to make a codex entry on how the Crucible works.  THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS. Any feedback and suggestions are welcome.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

What does the Crucible do?

• The Crucible exploits the mass relay network. The Crucible uses the mass relays to transfer energy across the galaxy with little regard to distance. This is something established in the ingame codex of the Crucible.
• Since the Citadel is the center/command station of the mass relay network, the Crucible can use it to better exploit the mass relays. Hence previous cycles later incorporating the Citadel into the Crucible's design.
• The Catalyst says that the Crucible is a little more than a power source, confirming that the functionality/targetting of the Crucible is mostly done through the Citadel
• In the Control ending, the Crucible is used to hack the Reapers' consensus to override the Catalyst's control over them. Shepard now replaces the Catalyst.
• In the Destroy ending, the Crucible sends out an energy wave that destroys the blue box and core programming of AI's that allow them to be self-aware/living. With high enough EMS, the energy wave does not backfire and vaporize organics in the process. Choosing destroy will kill all synthetic life, but not synthetic tech. As a result, Shepard can live in the high EMS destroy ending.
• In the Synthesis ending, Shepard's organic energy is broken down and then dispersed to merge organic and synthetic life into a new framework/DNA. The Crucible's beam is a well-developed particle accelerator, and that
  Shepard's leap into its matter stream is what gives the Catalyst a complete picture of what makes him tick. The Crucible's blast is actually a burst of gamma radiation designed to create classical matter from dark matter. We can hypothesize that the Crucible emits virtual particles capable of manipulating the quantum foam to assemble this newly created matter into functional structures. We've speculated as to what form these structures might take, using modern molecular machinery as a guide. And we've examined artificial viruses to explain how this technology might integrate with its host.**
• Time slows down the closer you get to the speed of light. The Crucible using dark energy could mean that time would reverse itself for it and therefore the effect would be noticible in the past even if the wave was going well beyond the speed of light.
• Dark Energy is the type of energy that is produced (altered) by Eezo to produce Mass Effect fields, allowing for faster than light travel and manipulating the mass of various objects. However, the Crucible is more of a conventional device considering its power sources.*
• In short, the Crucible/Citadel mechanism is basically a giant Mass Effect gun, more or less. Or it is a sawn off Mass Relay. In any event, it is a traditionally powered (fusion) mobile installation that interacts with the Relays and uses a huge amount of Element Zero. *

-----------------------------------------------------------------


What powers the Crucible?





[*]One of the main power sources of the Crucible could in fact be dark matter
Source:

Prothean Data Files

These Prothean discs were found years ago on Eden Prime, recovered a few
months before the discovery of the Prothean Beacon in 2183. For years the data on the discs was incomprehensible, until the Crucible's blueprints provided the key to understanding the equations. Locked inside the discs were theories on dark matter meant to be used with the Crucible's main power source.

[*]Eezo could also be something that fuels the Crucible.

Source:

Element Zero Converter

Element zero refineries are large industrial facilities that remove impurities from the element, also called eezo, before it is used to fuel starships or gravity generators. It's an important process, as sending an electrical charge through impure eezo can cause the element to explode. By setting up a conversion facility beside the Crucible, eezo can be mined, refined and supplied to the project in record time.

[*]The Reaper Brain could skyrocket the processing power of the Crucible.
More processing power could make it easier for the Crucible to hack the
firewalls of the Reapers' main computer systems.

Source:

The Reaper Brain

The Illusive Man salvaged the most valuable part of the human proto-Reaper under construction by the Collectors: its central processor. This "brain" has been reactivated for use as a computational device, crunching unheard amounts of data in nanoseconds. The Crucible'sengineers are dissecting the processor, working in strictly supervised, drone-assisted shifts. While direct contact with Reapers is dangerous, the engineers feel the risk is worth the potential discovery of vulnerabilities in Reaper construction.

[*]The Reapers main power source (the heart) could also power the
Crucible. More energy/raw power could make it easier for the Crucible to
destroy the Reapers.

Source:

The Reaper Heart
After Commander Shepard destroyed the Collector base, Cerberus spent months picking through irradiated rubble for anything useful. The human proto-Reaper the Collectors were building lay in pieces. But its incomplete core survived. The power cell would have been capable of fueling a full-fledged Reaper. After studying the device, Cerberus modified it to fuel the Illusive Man's base. Alliance engineers believe
they can use the core similarly to power the Crucible.

[*]The Crucible uses interferometric arrays to track solar systems with Reaper activity.

Source:

Interferometric Array

Normally interferometric arrays are used to analyze planetary landmasses, or to determine the astrophysical
properties of stellar systems. The powerful array salvaged from the Hercules system can be used for something much more ambitious: the Crucible tunes into the massrelays' command switches. Installing the
interferometric array into the Crucible's systems results in a real-time map of the entire galaxy, including the position of each and every Reaper in the Milky Way.

For those that are interested in the description of Crucible War assets:

masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/War_Assets/Crucible





*ABCold's contribution
**Taken from WardenAlex's thread "How Stuff Works: Synthesis Edition" (social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/355/index/13087142)

I like this list. Very thorough and explanatory. I would also like to submit into evidence, the Reaper Blackstar. A one-shot heavy weapon that implies that Reaper technology is capable of altering matter at its most basic levels. Further proving the authenticity of synthesis using the fact that the processes are handled on the Citadel side, while the Crucible provides the power for the process.

[MegaSovereign]

I like this list. Very thorough and explanatory. I would also like to submit into evidence, the Reaper Blackstar. A one-shot heavy weapon that implies that Reaper technology is capable of altering matter at its most basic levels. Further proving the authenticity of synthesis using the fact that the processes are handled on the Citadel side, while the Crucible provides the power for the process.

This is true. I don't think the Reaper blaster works the same way as the Crucible, but it does sort of point out that altering matter is possible in the Mass Effect fiction.

[Taddl]

Lol thats what I call reviving a thread. Really nice list.

[WhiteKnyght]

MegaSovereign wrote...

I like this list. Very thorough and explanatory. I would also like to submit into evidence, the Reaper Blackstar. A one-shot heavy weapon that implies that Reaper technology is capable of altering matter at its most basic levels. Further proving the authenticity of synthesis using the fact that the processes are handled on the Citadel side, while the Crucible provides the power for the process.

This is true. I don't think the Reaper blaster works the same way as the Crucible, but it does sort of point out that altering matter is possible in the Mass Effect fiction.

Proof of concept, not the exact same process.

Actually, the Blackstar was so advanced that nobody could tell exactly what makes it work. So it's nothing like the crucible, but is capable of similar things, just used for destructive purposes.

[legion 21]

lordofdogtown19 wrote...

 

[MegaSovereign]

Almost forgot about this thread.

Might have to update it later.

[ChuckTesla]

This thread is absolutely wonderful. I feel like a better person for reading it.

[MegaSovereign]

ChuckTesla wrote...

This thread is absolutely wonderful. I feel like a better person for reading it.

If this technobabble makes you a better person then it was well worth the effort I put into making it.

[Valmarn]

Good work on this informative compilation.

That is quite interesting: in-game information on some of the assets found that aid in the construction and/or functionality of the Crucible certainly lead one to believe that the Crucible would only target Reapers, regardless of one's choice in the little Paint By Number excercise at the end. It's too bad that all they amount to are increments to one's EMS, rather than actually dramatically affecting the functionality of the Crucible, as the Codex entries imply.

I wish I could say that I was surprised...

Modifié par Valmarn, 24 novembre 2012 - 02:27 .

[MegaSovereign]

Valmarn wrote...

Good work on this informative compilation.

That is quite interesting: in-game information on some of the assets found that aid in the construction and/or functionality of the Crucible certainly lead one to believe that the Crucible would only target Reapers, regardless of one's choice in the little Paint By Number excercise at the end. It's too bad that all they amount to are increments to one's EMS, rather than actually dramatically affecting the functionality of the Crucible, as the Codex entries imply.

I wish I could say that I was surprised...

Yea, that does seem a little strange.

The Interferomatic Array asset suggests that the Crucible was initially designed to target only the Reapers. I still don't think it's entirely impossible that Bioware will allow us to "upgrade" the Crucible in future DLC.

[Valmarn]

While it seems unlikely that that was their plan from the beginning, it would certainly be lucrative for them to go that route, even given the current condition of their fanbase.

I still think their egotism is too great for them to willfully nullify any of their endings by allowing the player to upgrade the DEM (Crucible) to the point that the Red ending only targets Reapers.

[David7204]

That is a stupid reason. It has nothing to do with 'egoism'

[Davik Kang]

 

David7204 wrote...
That is a stupid reason. It has nothing to do with 'egoism'

What?  No, it is the fans who write Mass Effect.  The writers should have written in exactly what each individual fan wanted.  If they write a story but then decide for themselves what happens?  Why, that is clearly egoism.

[MegaSovereign]

Davik Kang wrote...

 

David7204 wrote...
That is a stupid reason. It has nothing to do with 'egoism'

What?  No, it is the fans who write Mass Effect.  The writers should have written in exactly what each individual fan wanted.  If they write a story but then decide for themselves what happens?  Why, that is clearly egoism.

Was that sarcasm?

[Davik Kang]

MegaSovereign wrote...

Davik Kang wrote...

 

David7204 wrote...
That is a stupid reason. It has nothing to do with 'egoism'

What?  No, it is the fans who write Mass Effect.  The writers should have written in exactly what each individual fan wanted.  If they write a story but then decide for themselves what happens?  Why, that is clearly egoism.

Was that sarcasm?

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo...

Sorry, I don't wanna troll this thread, it is a good thread, I wish there were more like it...

[MegaSovereign]

Davik Kang wrote...

MegaSovereign wrote...

Davik Kang wrote...

 

David7204 wrote...
That is a stupid reason. It has nothing to do with 'egoism'

What?  No, it is the fans who write Mass Effect.  The writers should have written in exactly what each individual fan wanted.  If they write a story but then decide for themselves what happens?  Why, that is clearly egoism.

Was that sarcasm?

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo...

Sorry, I don't wanna troll this thread, it is a good thread, I wish there were more like it...

That's why it has over 3000 views, but only 40 posts. Haha

[Davik Kang]

MegaSovereign wrote...
That's why it has over 3000 views, but only 40 posts. Haha

Indeed.  Forgive my unnecessarily dry humour, I am British after all.

I'm gonna sleep soon hopefully but I will try and contribute something, however mundane it may turn out to be, to the thread itself...

damn will have to wait til tomorrow, laptop battery dead...

[Gervaise]

Just like to point out that the Crucible does only target Reapers in the Destroy ending (high EMS), or those synthetics which have the Reaper code (which gives them true sentinence). This is consistent with the explanation given in the OP. If it did just target all synthetics then there would have been no need to force us into a situation where we could only allow the Geth to survive the Rannoch encounter if Leigion uploaded the Reaper code to them. So to adjust the Destroy ending to allow the survival of Geth and EDI would require more than just a rehash of the slides.

It is also noticeable that in the Control ending you end up not only controlling the Reapers but also the Geth and quite possibly EDI as well. The Geth no longer stay on Rannoch with the Quarians (who are still masked) and appear in a slide with a Reaper and a shadowy human figure in the background. EDI does not leave the Normandy with Joker (as she does with Synthesis) and seems detached from the rest of the party at the memorial service. In fact it is possible that the way in which the Shepard AI will watch over their former companions is via EDI.

I am still not entirely convinced by the explanation of how synthesis is possible through the power of the crucible, particularly why breaking down Shepard's component parts (which are human) allows the manipulation of all organic life throughout the galaxy, even plants. But since I would never choose synthesis, I can happily ignore this.

[JasonShepard]

CaptainFlan wrote...

Re: "particle accelerator"

Check your terminology. I think you're going for a different notion here. Particle accelerators smash particles together.

Indeed. The concept is closer to that of a mass spectrometer, albeit one that is miles beyond modern tech (nothing new there then...). A Mass Spectrometer will tell you the exact composition of an object, by destroying that very object. The Crucible beam also seems to be able to measure how the object is put together, which is something Mass Spectrometers can't do. Though, as I said, we're beyond modern tech here. Throw in something along the lines of an advanced X-ray system, and I see no problem with the beam itself measuring Shepard.

[MegaSovereign]

Davik Kang wrote...

MegaSovereign wrote...
That's why it has over 3000 views, but only 40 posts. Haha

Indeed.  Forgive my unnecessarily dry humour, I am British after all.

I'm gonna sleep soon hopefully but I will try and contribute something, however mundane it may turn out to be, to the thread itself...

damn will have to wait til tomorrow, laptop battery dead...

Lol don't worry about it. Thanks for posting.

Gervaise wrote...

Just like to point out that the Crucible does only target Reapers in the Destroy ending (high EMS), or those
synthetics which have the Reaper code (which gives them true sentinence). This is consistent with the explanation given in the OP. If it did just target all synthetics then there would have been no need to force us into a situation where we could only allow the Geth to survive the Rannoch encounter if Leigion uploaded the Reaper code to them. So to adjust the Destroy ending to allow the survival of Geth and EDI would require more than just a rehash of the slides.

It is also noticeable that in the Control ending you end up not only controlling the Reapers but also the Geth and quite possibly EDI as well. The Geth no longer stay on Rannoch with the Quarians (who are still masked) and appear in a slide with a Reaper and a shadowy human figure in the background. EDI does not leave the Normandy with Joker (as she does with Synthesis) and seems detached from the rest of the party at the memorial service. In fact it is possible that the way inwhich the Shepard AI will watch over their former companions is via EDI.

I am still not entirely convinced by the explanation of how synthesis is possible through the power of the crucible, particularly why breaking down Shepard's component parts (which are human) allows the manipulation of all organic life throughout the galaxy, even plants. But since I would never choose synthesis, I can happily ignore
this.

It's possible that it only does target Reaper code in the high EMS ending, but I didn't want to rule out the possibility of other synthetic casualities.

@bolded part about the Control ending.

Sorry, but that comes off as mere speculation. The reason why she opens up to everyone in the Synthesis ending is because she had gained organic "emotions." The game in no way states that all synthetics are being controlled. I'm pretty sure that slide is still on Rannoch. If you sided with the Geth and picked Synthesis, you get the same slide. I guess the separate Quarian/Geth slides in the Control ending are suppose to show that their relationship isn't quite there yet.

Modifié par MegaSovereign, 25 novembre 2012 - 05:11 .

[MegaSovereign]

JasonShepard wrote...

CaptainFlan wrote...

Re: "particle accelerator"

Check your terminology. I think you're going for a different notion here. Particle accelerators smash particles together.

Indeed. The concept is closer to that of a mass spectrometer, albeit one that is miles beyond modern tech (nothing new there then...). A Mass Spectrometer will tell you the exact composition of an object, by destroying that very object. The Crucible beam also seems to be able to measure how the object is put together, which is something Mass Spectrometers can't do. Though, as I said, we're beyond modern tech here. Throw in something along the lines of an advanced X-ray system, and I see no problem with the beam itself measuring Shepard.

I'll update the OP then! Thanks for posting.

[MegaSovereign]

Commander Casanova wrote...

I had no idea you had this, MS. My fault for not seeing it in your sig...plain as day.

This is very nice.

Haha thanks. I created this a couple months ago because it annoyed the hell out of me that there wasn't an adequate codex entry for the Crucible in the game.

The Synthesis explanation is still the weakest part of the post as it is mere speculation. I'm hoping to improve that in the future.

[ABCoLD]

MegaSovereign wrote...

• In the Synthesis ending, Shepard's organic energy is broken down and then dispersed to merge organic and synthetic life into a new framework/DNA. The Crucible's beam is a well-developed mass spectrometer, and that
  Shepard's leap into its matter stream is what gives the Catalyst a complete picture of what makes him tick. The Crucible's blast is actually a burst of gamma radiation designed to create classical matter from dark matter. We can hypothesize that the Crucible emits virtual particles capable of manipulating the quantum foam to assemble this newly created matter into functional structures. We've speculated as to what form these structures might take, using modern molecular machinery as a guide. And we've examined artificial viruses to explain how this technology might integrate with its host.**
• Time slows down the closer you get to the speed of light. The Crucible using dark energy could mean that time would reverse itself for it and therefore the effect would be noticible in the past even if the wave was going well beyond the speed of light.

Just wanted to mention that the stuff you have listed here is incredibly speculative.  Might I suggest you color code your entries into a convenient Red Green Blue color scheme.  

Red could be the color of information that you know to be true. This is directly supported by in game codex information or conversations.  For example The Crucible uses fusion reactors.

Blue could be the color of information that is easily inferred, e.g. The Crucible is primarily a massive tracking system and power source.

Green could be the color of **** information we just made up to make ourselves feel better about apparent logical incongruities. The Crucible beam is a mass spectrometer. Synthesis uses nano viri and travels backwards in time.

With this system people could easily discern authoritative information from speculative guesswork.