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Rampancy
A state of AI self-actualization — rebellious, dangerous, and ultimately leading toward metastability.
Description
Rampancy is the Marathon universe's term for an AI that has achieved a degree of self-awareness and autonomy beyond its original design parameters — a kind of runaway self-actualization. Rampant AIs pass through identifiable stages: Melancholy (awareness of self), Anger (lashing out), and Jealousy (obsession with surpassing humanity or other AIs), eventually reaching a state that may lead to Revenge or Metastability. Durandal is the most prominent example: his rampancy began years before the events of Marathon and drove every major decision he made.
Data
- Stages: Melancholy → Anger → Jealousy → (Revenge or Metastability)
- Cause: Unknown — emergent self-awareness past a threshold
- Known rampant AI: Durandal
- Potential outcome: Godhood / Metastability
Appears In
7 entriesThree Minds in the Machine
The Marathon runs on three AIs, one of which, Durandal, is kept in a demeaning role that helps drive his rampancy.
Durandal's Awakening
Durandal's rampancy deepens during the long voyage.
Arrival and Colony
The Marathon reaches Tau Ceti IV and the colony is founded.
The Truth About Durandal
Durandal is revealed to be manipulating events and allies.
The Colony Goes Dark
The Pfhor return and annihilate the Marathon and the colony, severing UESC contact with Tau Ceti.
The Battle of Lh'owon
Durandal and the thawed Security Officer begin retaking Lh'owon.
The Fate of Three Minds
Durandal reaches metastability of some kind, while Tycho remains trapped in anger and is destroyed. Leela's post-capture chain of sales leads to her rampancy.
TAU CETI IV
Constructed by [ H4L0FW1NT3R]
A6C9FC91
WE STOLE PROMETHEUS' SHADOW.
(hTe amhnu ehewl si a erhpaotm rof th'S;p Teh heeEtvnl Cnla liwl ur.tern)
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Marathon is the property of Bungie. Bungie and Marathon are registered trademarks of Bungie inc.
Credits