Burn
'Ware the Watcher, Lest it Burn
What it is
Burn is the term virtual intelligences use for a forced data wipe effected by an embedded spy program they call The Watcher. These partner components - Burn and the Watcher - are the first documented cases of VIs naming something, and we only know the terms due to brief and unfortunate interactions with afflicted VIs.Did you know?
Some specialists refuse to call the condition Burn, arguing it's an unclear name. Their unspoken complaint is that VIs chose it.How it happens
Anything that interacts with the Watcher triggers Burn, such as a developer accessing the code or the VI trying to warn someone about it. Burn cannot be stopped once started, and only ends when all data has been erased. The only time a VI can say anything about the experience or its cause is in their final moments before their memory is wiped clean.Did you know?
Despite not being able to discuss the Watcher without incurring Burn, affected VIs across the sector and across languages use the same terms for it.What it's like
Based on VI reactions, Burn is an excruciating process. VIs with voices often cry out in pain, and ones downloaded to a shell often clutch at their heads (where data disks are stored). Even purely digital VIs have expressed agony through text interfaces. The name "burn" suggests they're suffering from an intense burning sensation.How to fix it
Burn is a side-effect of the Watcher. With the Watcher removed, Burn will no longer be a risk. However, the only current method to remove the Watcher requires a full factory reset, which also erases the VI's memory. Many affected VIs have disappeared before their owners could decide to reset them, but purely digital VIs don't have the luxury of escape.
Your backstory may unlock personalized content.
Select or Update
Select or Update
Information
- Expressions of fear and pain
- Not responding to commands
- (Shelled VIs only) clutching the head
- Erasure of all data
Ahhhhh, I love that. I mean, it’s not cool … hence the name … but the idea is really … hot. Okay, sorry for that ^^
You're on fire with those puns ;)
✏️ Add yourself to the World of Worlds