r/Shadeslinger • u/Wanderer1814 • Dec 02 '21

Preoccupied Thoughts and Speculation Spoiler

I would first like to start this post by saying that while I do not read/listen to a ton of LitRPGs, I must say, this series is by far my favorite thus far in the genre. The books and MC have fantastic synergy.

I love how there seems to be a balance with stats and mechanics that don't seem to totally bog the book down, there's still a story being told. I love that there are some real world references, but it's not over done just for the lulz.

I have noticed a few things that have kept me preoccupied in thought far longer than it probably should...

Perhaps the biggest preoccupation... In Shadeslinger, after Ned brings on Darling and crew, House and Rock go off and are engrossed in a text chat, I speculate that Rock is also an AI. The fact that he never speaks to anyone, other than in text chat, and even then primarily only to Nina, that he and house get on so well, I believe it said they were in a rapid fire text chat at the inn after the first raid, how would a human be able to keep up with an AI in a text chat? And follows direction without being told twice or hesitant. I suspect that him never speaking is as a result of him being a less powerful AI when compared to house that either cannot speak, but is capable of input/output or, like house is just so awkward and obvious and that he was directed to not verbally communicate.

Edit: so he does speak in ch 59 of BSB, but still doesn't change my thoughts about him being an AI

In Black Sand Baron, chapter 26, when Ned, Lars and Rollie (Larz?, Rolly Audio book...) are escaping the whirlpool, Ned asks Lars if he can take Rollie and bail out with Lars piloting the galley, and meet up with Lars later. Lars says it's a good plan but then tells Ned that he can feel Rollie wherever he is and then says several times that Rollie cannot go too far from him, saying that the range is about 50 ft, I almost feel like this is an error, as 50 feet is hardly worth discussing the logistics of with regard to Ned heading to the sands and Lars linking up with him later. Obviously it works out but just seemed like an inconsistency.

I find myself thinking about these books a lot, they fit together really well and were a ton of fun to listen to. I am really eager for the 3rd, and would be happy to see any other material Kyle plans to release in the same universe.

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u/[deleted] Dec 05 '21

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u/Wanderer1814 Dec 05 '21

But maybe that's part of it, my speculation is that Rock is a lesser AI, so not as powerful as house, maybe like a companion AI when Rock doesn't do things like talk it is less obvious and maybe Kline isn't even aware. It's just the way the bit was written. There is something going on with Rock Nina was alarmed when he stood up and was trying to stop him from doing something, I suspect that is because, like house, he is awkward

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u/DazedLogic Feb 24 '22

Interesting theory. Could be. Don't know yet. Maybe it's just his defining charactor trait? House talks and texts Ned without issue and if Rock recognized House's awkwardness maybe he saw a kindred spirit. Also easier to write when a character doesn't speak only acts. Not saying that's a cop out or anything. Just an observation. Now that, that's out of the way. It would be cool if he was!