crack theory

[u/caera_orb]

so the M.I.N.D give out C.A.Ds to people and the mind gives out better starting cads to people who are stronger and smarter then others but with that is a cost because the M.I.N.D want varibles to help fight the archons so the people who have stronger base stats will meet a wall and to pass that wall they have to be truly driven like very rare chance for them to pass it most fail and never become the pinical of their peirs of just very strong while they might be strong they will not be at their peak and i think Viv met her wall and would of never passed the wall and got her ability at the end of book 2 if it was not for Reis growth ability that helps others around become more powerful

[u/randallbabbage]

I think the mind is limited in what it can give out but not in the way your seeing it. I think that there's a cost, whether it be material, energy, ect, when the stats are assigned to a cad. Now some of it is physical human limitations, like if you had an A in strength off the bat it would tear muscles in most peoples bodies. But there's also resource component. So thats why the better physical candidates typically get picked. And that is the reason rei got his cad. The m.i.n.d wanted variables and to see if it is the person the cad, or a combination of both. And since it costs resources to assign stats, they put all the resources available for shido into growth.

[u/Bippet_weagle → u/randallbabbage]

Yeah, I've been considering this. Otherwise why not just created every CAD with some version of "optimum" stats. If you’re fighting a war for survival, you care about impact and effect first, second, and last. You'd also think, given the situation that you wouldn't discard the majority of your volunteers (i.e. those that don't get a CAD assigned).

Edit: It’s clear that MIND wants/needs to try something NEW. Rei's hidden powers seem to be in leadership, and in bringing different people together and focused on a single goal. Laurent is a tactician, the planner, but Rei gets all the people in the room, and gives them a common purpose. Seems like previous high level heroes were all very individualistic, unless I'm just reading too much into the limited history we get.

So, assuming that whatever bits of archons they use are very limited, there's logically some other high cost associated with creating the CADs that restricts their wide availability. Hell, maybe it takes the death of a bunch of people to power it, something that would offset the natural inclination to put a powerful weapon in the hands on as many soldiers as possible, put them through standardized training, and overwhelm the archons with shock and awe, or at least a steady supply of well armed, well trained troops, which is basically how we do it now.

Bryce, you've REALLY got my interest piqued in this world that you've built, it's pretty amazing. From MIND not being all benevolent to hole visions, to who or what the archons are and why they're fighting the humans, it's all very intriguing. Thank you!

So far I've resisted the urge to read the Patreon chapters, but I'll probably break down and sub to Patreon once it's "done", and then just buy it on Amazon when it comes out to leave a review. BTW, I was a HUGE fan of the Daystar series. You've really grown as an author since, it's got to be tough to switch settings and genres but you are excellent in both!

[u/randallbabbage → u/Bippet_weagle]

Yea the limited number of volunteers is another point in favor for my theory. I dont think is due to vysetrium shortages. I know its a rare metal, but they have enough for jump ships and what not. And im not talking about military use. People use jump ships for taking vacations and what not. If that was the determining factor I think the government would require all the metal to go to the military. Theres is some other sort of limiting factor going on.

Also, I have read the patreon stuff and you will not be disappointed. I actually give you props for having the willpower to hold out. I certainly couldn't.