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Observation (Megami Tensei): Difference between revisions

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==Abilities==
==Abilities==
*'''[[Negation]] of Physiologies and Existences:''' [https://youtu.be/i1YhCwcb3GM?t=1155 The power of observation, has the ability to make something without form, be certain and stable], The Axiom, [https://youtu.be/i1YhCwcb3GM?t=1155 tasked humans with observing the universe, allowing humans to assign an answer to phenomena without an answer]. Dagda [https://youtu.be/4haQ5T9DoWk?list=PLDwjEcGRHRZ7pABsyzZ6bOKGshMroT93E&t=881 mentions humanity's "understanding" (observation) is what's locked him and Danu in physical forms]. Nanashi [https://youtu.be/tlSYsvtMFRE?list=PLDwjEcGRHRZ7pABsyzZ6bOKGshMroT93E&t=1431 and his party's denial of] YHVH cast him into a demonic form. [https://youtu.be/dFuKLmruIzQ?t=2580 Gods and demons exist within a human's observation]. [https://youtu.be/Juughi_pBu4?list=PLZ-IDxWdqee_02DqvdXSdY3BjrLzAaxAY&t=75 Demons that also exist beyond death] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Juughi_pBu4&list=PLZ-IDxWdqee_02DqvdXSdY3BjrLzAaxAY&index=23 can be killed by observation users].
*'''[[Observation]]:''' Varies between Types 2 & 3. [https://youtu.be/i1YhCwcb3GM?t=1194 Observation users consciously and unconsciously change truths around them creating Gods and demons from myths and rumors].
 
*'''[[Negation]]:''' [https://youtu.be/i1YhCwcb3GM?t=1155 The power of observation, has the ability to make something without form, be certain and stable], The Axiom, [https://youtu.be/i1YhCwcb3GM?t=1155 tasked humans with observing the universe, allowing humans to assign an answer to phenomena without an answer]. Dagda [https://youtu.be/4haQ5T9DoWk?list=PLDwjEcGRHRZ7pABsyzZ6bOKGshMroT93E&t=881 mentions humanity's "understanding" (observation) is what's locked him and Danu in physical forms]. Nanashi [https://youtu.be/tlSYsvtMFRE?list=PLDwjEcGRHRZ7pABsyzZ6bOKGshMroT93E&t=1431 and his party's denial of] YHVH cast him into a demonic form. [https://youtu.be/dFuKLmruIzQ?t=2580 Gods and demons exist within a human's observation]. [https://youtu.be/Juughi_pBu4?list=PLZ-IDxWdqee_02DqvdXSdY3BjrLzAaxAY&t=75 Demons that also exist beyond death] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Juughi_pBu4&list=PLZ-IDxWdqee_02DqvdXSdY3BjrLzAaxAY&index=23 can be killed by observation users].
 
*'''[[Negation]] of [[Null Existence]]:''' Type 3. [https://youtu.be/uJ_XbZOW-zM?list=PLDwjEcGRHRZ5zUG9S3xHvXTTg6nVoSKGO&t=144 Can kill] The White and demons, [https://youtu.be/wPbwO_83Vv0?t=146 who naturally exist within the expanse], [https://youtu.be/DeMAZuyBK2I?list=PLDwjEcGRHRZ5zUG9S3xHvXTTg6nVoSKGO&t=2052 which the Monochrome Forest exists within the expanse], [https://youtu.be/i1YhCwcb3GM?t=1101 a place that is eerily still, having no sound or smell, where even the ground itself feels unusual], [https://youtu.be/uJ_XbZOW-zM?list=PLDwjEcGRHRZ5zUG9S3xHvXTTg6nVoSKGO&t=47 which demons naturally exist in]. The Forest also holds the White’s realm, [https://youtu.be/DeMAZuyBK2I?list=PLDwjEcGRHRZ5zUG9S3xHvXTTg6nVoSKGO&t=1740 which is a vast, white space].
 
*'''[[Negation]] of [[Incorporeality]]:''' Can harm and kill demons, [https://youtu.be/6vovyFwhBnU?t=636 who are beings made of data], [https://youtu.be/moAYKVTsmso?list=PLw7p9R_wZx5POaRAtktRwlkGYNQLUdlv4&t=909 that exist in a virtual world], [https://imgur.com/hBzsNkT along with being pure information]. [https://youtu.be/Xl2ZXAZeN3Q?t=19 With even the most] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP8oNYHRuJw&t=9995s basic of objects in the verse existing as data].
 
*'''[[Negation]] of [[Abstract Existence]]:''' Type 1. [https://youtu.be/4haQ5T9DoWk?list=PLDwjEcGRHRZ7pABsyzZ6bOKGshMroT93E&t=881 Demons embody the phenomena and beliefs of humans, with their physical forms only being created due to humanity's observation locking them into these forms], [https://youtu.be/mU1bTqbGlDg?t=364 and their true forms existing as the phenomena and beliefs they reside in].
 
*'''[[Negation]] of [[Acausality]]:''' Type 5. Can harm and kill demons, [https://youtu.be/wPbwO_83Vv0?t=146 who are natural residents of] The Expanse, [https://youtu.be/8kNv01GNrpE?t=104 a place that transcends the past, present, and future of the multiverse], [https://youtu.be/P-3HpFREL3E demons such as] Ishtar are capable of going into separate multiverses, [https://youtu.be/Rgz8XdoGSPQ along into the "real world"], [https://youtu.be/vt9F5SxUWZ4 demons such as] Demi-Fiend, can exist in different universes asides from the original SMT 3 universe, [https://youtu.be/B3_OsqKXf1k?t=168 demons can exist even when the flow of time itself collapses and there is nothing left but a void].
 
*'''[[Negation]] of [[Invulnerability]]:''' Type 2. Observation users such as Raidou Kuzunoha the XIV, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx5b3hFhTCQ&list=PLZ-IDxWdqee_02DqvdXSdY3BjrLzAaxAY&t=256s can harm demons with regular guns and swords], [https://twitter.com/attack_dat/status/1498153392740311047 even though demons when brought into corporeal forms cannot be harmed by conventional weaponry], along with military grade weaponry<ref>[http://ddstranslation.blogspot.com/2007/03/part-2-chapter-4.html Digital Devil Story 2: Warrior of the Demon City Part 7, Chapter 2] "A deafening explosion broke Nakajima's concentration. A star-mark-adorned F-14 jet divebombed, slicing through the clouds. Nakajima all of a sudden found himself hovering over a battlefield. Below him was a hair-raising sight. An unbelieveably large lump of flesh, a hideous tower of raw meat, was slowly writhing. Its pale green, transparent gelatinous membrane was greedily expanding at its base. Several long black rivers flowed into it. No, what looked like black rivers were actually the hair of the people heading toward the tower. Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of people tore off their clothes and proceeded forward completely naked. Rapid explosions echoed through the air. The SDF's F14 jets scrambled from the 7th fleet were attacking, targeting the top of the tower so as to minimize injury to the humans below. A rain of bullets from an attack helicopter's machine guns sprayed through the air. Though that ammunition was capable of penetrating tank armor, it was absorbed without any resistance into the body of the ever-expanding otherworldly creature, as if it was laughing at the pathetic attack. It was almost as if it was trying to prove that any attacks against it would be futile."</ref>.


*'''[[Negation]] of [[Immortality]] & [[Regeneration]]:''' Types 1, 3, 5 & 8; High-Godly. [https://youtu.be/32JBhIqNhEM?t=410 It is noted by] Lucifer that only a human can kill gods and demons, [https://youtu.be/32JBhIqNhEM?t=426 that when gods and demons try to fight each other the most they can do is seal each other]. [https://youtu.be/dFuKLmruIzQ?t=2329 Permanently killed] YHVH.  
*'''[[Negation]] of [[Immortality]] & [[Regeneration]]:''' Types 1, 3, 5 & 8; High-Godly. [https://youtu.be/32JBhIqNhEM?t=410 It is noted by] Lucifer that only a human can kill gods and demons, [https://youtu.be/32JBhIqNhEM?t=426 that when gods and demons try to fight each other the most they can do is seal each other]. [https://youtu.be/dFuKLmruIzQ?t=2329 Permanently killed] YHVH.  
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*The concept of Observation and Understanding was once brought up in an interview for ''Shin Megami Tensei II'' to explain how the Expanse inspired Jewish Mysticism and the Kabbalah.
*The concept of Observation and Understanding was once brought up in an interview for ''Shin Megami Tensei II'' to explain how the Expanse inspired Jewish Mysticism and the Kabbalah.
**Though it is stated to be a specific ability only Humans have, the three insane Cardinal Archangels from ''Shin Megami Tensei II'' observe a "Fake YHVH" into existence through their collective madness. The Final Bosses of ''DemiKids Dark Version'', ''Light Version'', and ''Devil Children Fire/Ice Book'' were born from feeding off the collective suffering of humans and demons alike and sought to fuel their existence by spreading more suffering to both species.
**Though it is stated to be a specific ability only Humans have, the three insane Cardinal Archangels from ''Shin Megami Tensei II'' observe a "Fake YHVH" into existence through their collective madness. The Final Bosses of ''DemiKids Dark Version'', ''Light Version'', and ''Devil Children Fire/Ice Book'' were born from feeding off the collective suffering of humans and demons alike and sought to fuel their existence by spreading more suffering to both species.
*Like Magnetite, Observation has a real-world equivalent, in the Observer effect of quantum mechanics, where observing something changes it, such as with Wave function collapse, where the act of observation causes reality to "choose" between several possibilities which all existed simultaneously prior to being observed.
*Like Magnetite, Observation has a real-world equivalent, in the [[Observation|Observer effect]] of quantum mechanics, where observing something changes it, such as with Wave function collapse, where the act of observation causes reality to "choose" between several possibilities which all existed simultaneously prior to being observed.
*The ''Persona'' series possesses an equivalent to Observation - "[[Cognition]]," which is a term and major plot point in Persona 5, where mental perceptions can warp one's desires and create the dungeons known as Palaces.
*The ''Persona'' series possesses an equivalent to Observation - "[[Cognition]]," which is a term and major plot point in Persona 5, where mental perceptions can warp one's desires and create the dungeons known as Palaces.
==References==
<References/>


[[Category:Verse-specific Powers and Abilities]]
[[Category:Verse-specific Powers and Abilities]]

Revision as of 16:02, 6 March 2022

Observation
Shin Megami Tensei

Introduction

Observation is a concept in the main Megami Tensei multiverse, it was a power given to humans by the Axiom. Characters from the Persona 3-5 multiverse, have a similar ability known as Cognition. As described by Stephen, "observation" (sometimes described as "understanding") is the ability humans possess to give structure to the formless. In this instance, "observation" has nothing to do with sight, but rather human perception. It is an extension of the philosophical concept of "qualia," or individual, subjective experiences. For example, the sensation of seeing color is not easily communicated, yet something humanity possess a shared understanding of. Likewise, YHVH only exists because of this shared observation.

YHVH's Covenant was created by the Creator to bind humanity as slaves to God. This covenant makes humans too weak to not rely on his law or others, as well as making it difficult for people to make the concepts of gods be properly interpreted into words. This results in gods being distorted or easily reinterpreted into multiple faiths, such as Brigid becoming Saint Brigid, being demonized into forms like Beelzebub, or new gods born from the same concept such as Odin born from Dagda or Danu from Inanna.

The Divine Powers' goal for the new universe and humanity's souls is to create a great singularity with Krishna, becoming a Mini-Axiom who then distributes the souls equally amongst the gods. Their goal is to make a world where the gods are all worshiped equally. Krishna's personal goal, in doing this, is to eventually teach humanity to become part of a Great Singularity possibly a reference to the Hindu version of Enlightenment, in which humans surpass the three worlds (heaven, hell, and earth) to become one with the all-pervading existence.

Dagda and the Anarchy-Neutral route's ultimate goal is to make Observation redundant by transforming humanity into gods with an inherent understanding of the world so that they will never rely on others as a crutch and be more individualistic and free. Gods would then remain as their original form as part of the Axiom and nature, never properly returning, though it does not stop demons of other universes from appearing. Due to the fundamental changes brought to humanity under their Creator Nanashi and their mother Goddess, this strongly advocates transhumanism.

In the final battle with YHVH in YHVH's Universe he is degraded via Observation by denying his truths, demonizing him into a mere demon who reveals that he seeks nothing more than worship and praise, the real truth behind all his actions.

Abilities

  • Power Nullification: Observation allows one to remove one's defenses and strengths along with some of their innate abilities.

Resistances

Trivia

  • The concept of Observation and Understanding was once brought up in an interview for Shin Megami Tensei II to explain how the Expanse inspired Jewish Mysticism and the Kabbalah.
    • Though it is stated to be a specific ability only Humans have, the three insane Cardinal Archangels from Shin Megami Tensei II observe a "Fake YHVH" into existence through their collective madness. The Final Bosses of DemiKids Dark Version, Light Version, and Devil Children Fire/Ice Book were born from feeding off the collective suffering of humans and demons alike and sought to fuel their existence by spreading more suffering to both species.
  • Like Magnetite, Observation has a real-world equivalent, in the Observer effect of quantum mechanics, where observing something changes it, such as with Wave function collapse, where the act of observation causes reality to "choose" between several possibilities which all existed simultaneously prior to being observed.
  • The Persona series possesses an equivalent to Observation - "Cognition," which is a term and major plot point in Persona 5, where mental perceptions can warp one's desires and create the dungeons known as Palaces.

References

  1. Digital Devil Story 2: Warrior of the Demon City Part 7, Chapter 2 "A deafening explosion broke Nakajima's concentration. A star-mark-adorned F-14 jet divebombed, slicing through the clouds. Nakajima all of a sudden found himself hovering over a battlefield. Below him was a hair-raising sight. An unbelieveably large lump of flesh, a hideous tower of raw meat, was slowly writhing. Its pale green, transparent gelatinous membrane was greedily expanding at its base. Several long black rivers flowed into it. No, what looked like black rivers were actually the hair of the people heading toward the tower. Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of people tore off their clothes and proceeded forward completely naked. Rapid explosions echoed through the air. The SDF's F14 jets scrambled from the 7th fleet were attacking, targeting the top of the tower so as to minimize injury to the humans below. A rain of bullets from an attack helicopter's machine guns sprayed through the air. Though that ammunition was capable of penetrating tank armor, it was absorbed without any resistance into the body of the ever-expanding otherworldly creature, as if it was laughing at the pathetic attack. It was almost as if it was trying to prove that any attacks against it would be futile."