Writing Prompt Sinister System (Horror/Psychological)

[c3ltic]

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I am setting free an idea that has been bugging me for a while. I know that I, personally, can never do justice to it so I am hoping that someone else can.

Spoiler: TL;DR

System Novel
Protagonist never questions/minimally questions system
System and/or System Creator that has an ulterior motive

Several years ago, when I first found NU and started reading web novels, I discovered the “system” sub-genre. I am going to assume, that most here are familiar with the sub-genre and have read a story or two (or dozens) featuring a system. For those who are not, check out the spoilers where I’ve put my take on it. I’ve tried to be as detailed as possible, without getting too confusing.

Spoiler: Why call it a sub-genre?

I call it a “sub-genre” because “systems” are generally part of another frequently used trope: The Transmigration. You know, the one where someone dies and/or suddenly wakes up in a new world or in a new body. That’s not to say that systems aren’t part of other tropes as well, reincarnation into past self being one, but a system on its own without the “user” having died first? I can't think of any.

Spoiler: What is a "system"?

Generally, a system can be defined as an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) that binds itself to the soul of someone. That’s it, the end. It’s simple huh? Hmmm, well yes and no. I have found that there are three types of systems. Again, these are my own observations and terminology there may be more that I haven’t discovered yet, so take it with a grain of salt.

• The Involved AI: the system has its own intelligence and frequently interacts with the soul/user. This is a frequent trope in Quick Transmigration/Quick Wear style novels. These systems have their own unique personality where you can have the “cute” system, the “bullied” system, or the “cold” system, to name a few I’ve run across.

• The Task Oriented AI: the system has its own intelligence, but has minimal interaction with the soul/user and the interaction can be mechanical/rout. While not as frequent as the Involved AI, I have found this in the Quick Transmigration/Quick Wear novels. . More frequently, I find these types of systems in the Wish Fulfillment style novels. (Example God of Cooking)

• Fountain of Knowledge: the system does not seem to have its own intelligence to interact with the soul/user. Instead is a fount of knowledge that the soul/user has access. Sometimes it will have the capabilities of refining the abilities of physical body.

Now that that is out of the way, on to the rest of it. I have always, always, had one big problem with system novels. Where exactly does the system come from??? Yes, I know I just explained (in the spoiler) that a system is an advanced AI that binds to a person’s soul. BUT WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? WHO CREATED IT? WHY DID THEY CREATE IT? WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE? WHY DO THE CHARACTERS NOT CONTINUALLY QUESTION ITS EXISTENCE?

Granted most of my source pool is taken from incomplete translations but very few of the stories I’ve read delve into the whys and wherefores of the system itself. The most detailed being the BL novel Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil. Instead, you have oblivious characters who, after a little questioning, are thankful for the mysterious system that is now guiding their actions. Once they have the initial reassurance they never question it again.

And there lies the core of my challenge. Write a system novel where the system (or its creator) has an ulterior motive. To make it truly challenging, write it on two levels. First, write the protagonists story and without totally giving it away, drop hints about the system’s (or creator’s) goal. I wouldn’t be able to do it. My skills at misdirection, and hidden meaning leave a lot to be desired. Which is why I am setting this idea free. If you do write it let me know so I can check it out.

Good Luck and Happy Writing!

 

[Nneeil]

I do believe the reason lies in the fact that when something is way too far-fetching for us to comprehend we just accept it for what it is. We could take as an example the universe; would you keep questioning it? How big is it? Does it ever end? Will it ever stop expanding? I'm pretty sure we all had to deal with an existential crisis from the sheer size comparison between us and what lurks outer space, but at the end of the day we just accept it, because we're either too insignificant to unveil its mystery or we're not ready yet, so we just carry on with our lives. A system, something that latches onto your soul and allows you to exhibit supernatural/extraordinary feats is not - possibly - something made by humans, but by a higher-minded being; in that case God (if you're religious) or some other similar entity. I reiterate: it's something you question yourself for a while, but at the end of the day you know it's something you can't dig the truth out of.

Also, don't sell yourself short. Just try typing your ideas down and let the fandom judge, but of course, if writing is not something you like to do then forget what I just said.

 

[c3ltic]

Also, don't sell yourself short. Just try typing your ideas down and let the fandom judge, but of course, if writing is not something you like to do then forget what I just said.

I do write, but for the past 7 years or so have struggled with health issues that can make putting two words together impossible. Let alone 50,000 for a story.

I should have added that I have a lot of unfinished WIP's (work in progress) that take priority.

 

[lazyredragon]

Ooooh my manic high is cycling up I'll see what i can do

 

[lazyredragon]

Also this is literally Bandersnatch,

 

[c3ltic]

Also this is literally Bandersnatch,

That sounds familiar but I can't place it.

 

[lazyredragon]

That sounds familiar but I can't place it.

Netflix choose your own adventure i Liked it when MC realized i was in control of his actions, I made us rich pity what i had to make him do for that to happen though... this implies that I would not be a very kind system, therefore writing a book with an evil system would be writting what i would do if i were to gain control of some poor dudes life...yes this sounds like my type of fun!!!!!!!