Daodan - Revision history

Iritscen: /* Alienation and loss of humanity */ more specific section link

2025-11-28T20:51:13Z

Alienation and loss of humanity: more specific section link

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:51, 28 November 2025
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	===Alienation and loss of humanity===		===Alienation and loss of humanity===
	The "power vs. alienation" dilemma is best illustrated by the [[Barabas#~~Added value~~\|Barabas experiment]].		The "power vs. alienation" dilemma is best illustrated by the [[Barabas#Barabas as power without alienation\|Barabas experiment]].

	Alienation as such is best explored through the characters of Mai and Muro.		Alienation as such is best explored through the characters of Mai and Muro.

Iritscen: /* Repeated Imago */ clarified what is being suggested here

2025-11-28T20:33:35Z

Repeated Imago: clarified what is being suggested here

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:33, 28 November 2025
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	===Repeated Imago===		===Repeated Imago===
	The Imago concept, upon reflection, brings up some unusual questions. If the purest Imago state is achieved, then the Chrysalis has nothing more to adapt to or build upon. Does it simply ~~die~~, ~~or could it survive~~? ~~If it lived, could it~~ possibly be implanted with another Chrysalis? If so, then one must wonder at the monsters that may occur….		The Imago concept, upon reflection, brings up some unusual questions. If the purest Imago state is achieved, then the Chrysalis has nothing more to adapt to or build upon. Does it simply cease to exist, having totally integrated with its host? Could the unified Imago symbiote possibly be implanted with another Chrysalis? If so, then one must wonder at the monsters that may occur….

	===Meaning===		===Meaning===

Iritscen: link fix

2025-11-28T20:31:49Z

link fix

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:31, 28 November 2025
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	===Chenille glow===		===Chenille glow===
	[[Image:Mac Hall - Oni vs. Ghost.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Nova from [[wp:StarCraft: Ghost\|StarCraft: Ghost]] meets Oni's Konoko – a pun on the Japanese word ONI 鬼, understood to mean "ghost" when Oni began development. (Actually, the Chinese GUǏ (same kanji) means "ghost" more literally; see [[Oni (myth)]].)]]		[[Image:Mac Hall - Oni vs. Ghost.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Nova from [[wp:StarCraft: Ghost\|StarCraft: Ghost]] meets Oni's Konoko – a pun on the Japanese word ONI 鬼, understood to mean "ghost" when Oni began development. (Actually, the Chinese GUǏ (same kanji) means "ghost" more literally; see [[Oni (myth)]].)]]
	As mentioned under {{SectionLink\|\|Power surges}}, a Daodan host glows when their chrysalis is especially active. The effect appears blue on Konoko and red on Muro. This glow effect is referred to in the game's [[Cheats\|cheat codes]] as "chenille", which is French for "caterpillar". This is likely making reference to the Daodan's imago stage, implying that a transformation is closer to occurring when the glow is visible. However there is no mention in any consoles of this glow being visible to Konoko's TCTF handlers, so it is left to the player to decide if this is an [[wikt: extradiegetic\|extradiegetic]] effect.		As mentioned under {{SectionLink\|\|Power surges}}, a Daodan host glows when their chrysalis is especially active. The effect appears blue on Konoko and red on Muro. This glow effect is referred to in the game's [[Cheats\|cheat codes]] as "chenille", which is French for "caterpillar". This is likely making reference to the Daodan's imago stage, implying that a transformation is closer to occurring when the glow is visible. However there is no mention in any consoles of this glow being visible to Konoko's TCTF handlers, so it is left to the player to decide if this is an [[wikt:extradiegetic\|extradiegetic]] effect.

	===Imago stage===		===Imago stage===

Iritscen: added TOClimit in place of TOCfloat template which I removed before; this is useful as a record of the articles for which we want to control the TOC level

2025-11-19T01:00:07Z

added TOClimit in place of TOCfloat template which I removed before; this is useful as a record of the articles for which we want to control the TOC level

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:00, 19 November 2025
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	The Daodan Chrysalis is an entity which, being implanted in a human host, forms a symbiosis with it. Gradually the host's organs are replaced by improved copies grown by the Chrysalis. Developed by [[Professor Hasegawa]] in order to help humans survive the [[BioCrisis]], the Daodan Chrysalis has been implanted in multiple characters in [[Oni]].		The Daodan Chrysalis is an entity which, being implanted in a human host, forms a symbiosis with it. Gradually the host's organs are replaced by improved copies grown by the Chrysalis. Developed by [[Professor Hasegawa]] in order to help humans survive the [[BioCrisis]], the Daodan Chrysalis has been implanted in multiple characters in [[Oni]].
			{{TOClimit\|3}}
	==Facts==		==Facts==
	===Symbiotes===		===Symbiotes===

Iritscen: added Countermeasures section; moved quotebox templates to places in the article where the sidebox table at the top won't break their centering

2025-11-19T00:05:09Z

added Countermeasures section; moved quotebox templates to places in the article where the sidebox table at the top won't break their centering

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:05, 19 November 2025
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	==Facts==		==Facts==
	===Symbiotes===		===Symbiotes===
	~~{{Quotebox\|align=center\|width=400px\|quote='''"Warning: target neutralization failed. Daodan symbiote organism present. Engaging Omega security mode."'''\|source=Shinatama, [[Chapter 13]]}}~~

	The word "symbiote" is not found in all dictionaries, but it is an alternate spelling of the more common "symbiont". The root of the word is Greek for "living together" and refers to the two entities together as a singular noun. The human side of the Daodan symbiote in Oni is referred to as the host.		The word "symbiote" is not found in all dictionaries, but it is an alternate spelling of the more common "symbiont". The root of the word is Greek for "living together" and refers to the two entities together as a singular noun. The human side of the Daodan symbiote in Oni is referred to as the host.

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	===Chrysalis===		===Chrysalis===
	{{Quotebox\|align=center\|width=400px\|quote='''"The Chrysalis is the hyper-evolved clone of its host body. As the host experiences stress or harm it grows to reinforce or replace the body's damaged systems."'''\|source=Dr. Kerr, [[Chapter 12]]}}

	The Chrysalis is first named by [[Shinatama]] during [[Quotes/Speech#Shinatama.27s_death\|her revealing monologue]] in [[Chapter 8]]: "They used me to monitor the growth of the Chrysalis inside you". It was [[Quotes/Speech#Scanner_room\|later elaborated on]] by Kerr [[Quotes/Consoles#Chrysalis_Removal\|and his colleagues]] in Chapter 12, as seen in the leading quote in this article. The Chrysalis' growth process takes on dramatic proportions in a [[Quotes/Consoles#Shinatama.2FKonoko_Relationship\|later description]]: "Konoko is closer to full transition than we ever suspected. Rough projections estimate that the Chrysalis will have infiltrated more than 80% of her body and will have replaced somewhere between 40 to 56% of her original organs."		The Chrysalis is first named by [[Shinatama]] during [[Quotes/Speech#Shinatama.27s_death\|her revealing monologue]] in [[Chapter 8]]: "They used me to monitor the growth of the Chrysalis inside you". It was [[Quotes/Speech#Scanner_room\|later elaborated on]] by Kerr [[Quotes/Consoles#Chrysalis_Removal\|and his colleagues]] in Chapter 12, as seen in the leading quote in this article. The Chrysalis' growth process takes on dramatic proportions in a [[Quotes/Consoles#Shinatama.2FKonoko_Relationship\|later description]]: "Konoko is closer to full transition than we ever suspected. Rough projections estimate that the Chrysalis will have infiltrated more than 80% of her body and will have replaced somewhere between 40 to 56% of her original organs."

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	===Sytropin===		===Sytropin===
	A medicine to slow down Konoko's transformation, though with decreasing effectiveness, mentioned in [[Quotes/Consoles#Sytropin\|this console]].		A medicine to slow down Konoko's transformation, though with decreasing effectiveness, mentioned in [[Quotes/Consoles#Sytropin\|this console]].

			===Countermeasures===
			{{Quotebox\|width=400px\|right\|quote='''"Warning: target neutralization failed. Daodan symbiote organism present. Engaging Omega security mode."'''\|source=Shinatama, [[Chapter 13]]}}
			Griffin is clearly concerned about how to stop a Daodan host if they go out of control or turn on the TCTF. Owing to the above difficulties in surgically removing or slowing down the Chrysalis, Griffin resorts to defensive precautions:
			* The mysterious [[Quotes/Consoles#Emergency overrides\|emergency override Griffin Alpha Zero]], which we don't get to see.
			* An office elevator leading to the super-secure Omega Vault. This may not have been constructed for the specific purpose of escaping a rogue symbiote, but instead for general security, e.g. in the case of a raid by the Syndicate. However it comes in handy when Griffin needs to escape Konoko.
			* A hastily-constructed weapons platform controlled by Shinatama, once Griffin anticipates that Konoko might come for him. This includes a fallback known as Omega security mode, which we also do not get to see, as in-game it causes Shinatama to [[Quotes/Consoles#Omega Security Vault Retrofit\|overload and break free]] of the Omega Vault's control.

	===Transformation===		===Transformation===
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	===True nature===		===True nature===
			{{Quotebox\|width=400px\|right\|quote='''"The Chrysalis is the hyper-evolved clone of its host body. As the host experiences stress or harm it grows to reinforce or replace the body's damaged systems."'''\|source=Dr. Kerr, [[Chapter 12]]}}
	Kerr says that the physical transformation cannot change the symbiote's personality, but rather vice versa. He claims that Konoko's final form will be an expression of the person's "true nature".		Kerr says that the physical transformation cannot change the symbiote's personality, but rather vice versa. He claims that Konoko's final form will be an expression of the person's "true nature".

Iritscen: added section on chenille effect; moved Mac Hall comic down to it from the table at the top of the article and tweaked the remaining table's layout; also, can you believe we didn't name the butterfly even once in this article?

2025-11-18T23:52:34Z

added section on chenille effect; moved Mac Hall comic down to it from the table at the top of the article and tweaked the remaining table's layout; also, can you believe we didn't name the butterfly even once in this article?

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:52, 18 November 2025
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	{{Hatnote\|This page is about Oni's plot concept of the Daodan Chrysalis; for the Daodan DLL patch for Windows Oni, see [[Daodan DLL\|HERE]].}}		{{Hatnote\|This page is about Oni's plot concept of the Daodan Chrysalis; for the Daodan DLL patch for Windows Oni, see [[Daodan DLL\|HERE]].}}
	~~{{TOCfloat\|limit=3}}~~		{\|style="float:right;"
	{\|style="float:right"		\|colspan=2\|[[Image:Daodan Punch.png\|256px]]
	!colspan=2\|[[Image:Daodan Punch.png\|256px]]
	\|-		\|-
	\|colspan=2 align=center\|''Chinese~~ ~~origin~~ ~~of~~ ~~the~~ ~~term~~ ~~Daodan		\|colspan=2 style="font-size:115%; text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"\|<br><br>''Chinese origin of the term Daodan''
	\|-		\|-
	\| align=center~~\|<span~~ style="font-size:500%; line-height:1em;">捣~~</span>~~		\| align=center style="font-size:500%; line-height:1em;"\|捣
	\| align=center~~\|<span~~ style="font-size:500%; line-height:1em;">蛋~~</span>~~		\| align=center style="font-size:500%; line-height:1em;"\|蛋
	\|-		\|-
	\| align=center\|DǍO<br>''(attack, beat<br>or disturb)''		\| align=center\|DǍO<br>''(attack, beat<br>or disturb)''
	\| align=center\|DÀN<br>''(egg or<br>origin)''		\| align=center\|DÀN<br>''(egg or<br>origin)''
	\|-		\|-
	!colspan=2\|T R O U B L E M A K E R<br><small>N.B.: DǍO 捣 should not be confused<br>with the better-known DÀO 道 ("way")		\|colspan=2 align=center\|T R O U B L E M A K E R<br><small>N.B.: DǍO 捣 should not be confused<br>with the better-known DÀO 道 ("way")
	\|-
	\|colspan=2\|[[Image:Mac Hall - Oni vs. Ghost.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|Nova from [[wp:StarCraft: Ghost\|StarCraft: Ghost]] meets Oni's Konoko – a pun on the Japanese word ONI 鬼, understood to mean "ghost" when Oni began development. (Actually, the Chinese GUǏ (same kanji) means "ghost" more literally; see [[Oni (myth)]].)]]
	\|}		\|}

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	===Power surges===		===Power surges===
	[[Image:TXMPKONtransform.png\|right]]		[[Image:TXMPKONtransform.png\|right]]
	Over the course of the game, Konoko experiences three major power surges that leave her glowing with energy. The surge takes the form of a violent spasm during which Konoko raises her arms in the air. A blue glow appears all over her body, accompanied by a soft whistling sound like a breeze. The fly-in panel of her face shows glowing eyes. The corresponding voiceover sounds ecstatic or even orgasmic (also compare to [[wp:Ecstasy of Saint Teresa\|the ecstasy of Saint Teresa]]).		Over the course of the game, Konoko experiences three major power surges that leave her glowing with energy. The surge takes the form of a violent spasm during which Konoko raises her arms in the air. A [[#Chenille glow\|blue glow]] appears all over her body, accompanied by a soft whistling sound like a breeze. The fly-in panel of her face shows glowing eyes. The corresponding voiceover sounds ecstatic or even orgasmic (also compare to [[wp:Ecstasy of Saint Teresa\|the ecstasy of Saint Teresa]]).

	The first surge occurs after Konoko's second fight with Barabas and is not noticed by the TCTF since they are under attack at the time, but the second one is noticed by scientists at the TCTF who receive data on Konoko's vitals, and it increases the concern they have over her progressing transformation. The final surge takes place after Konoko beats Muro in {{C\|14}}, and this time it is powerful enough to knock back bystanders or even kill them.		The first surge occurs after Konoko's second fight with Barabas and is not noticed by the TCTF since they are under attack at the time, but the second one is noticed by scientists at the TCTF who receive data on Konoko's vitals, and it increases the concern they have over her progressing transformation. The final surge takes place after Konoko beats Muro in {{C\|14}}, and this time it is powerful enough to knock back bystanders or even kill them.
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	===Transformation===		===Transformation===
	The concept of a physical transformation was [[Quotes/Speech#Shinatama.27s_death\|first briefly mentioned]] by Griffin, and later [[Quotes/Consoles#Shinatama.2FKonoko_Relationship\|stressed as alarming]] by TCTF scientists in Chapter 13: "We must hope that Konoko was destroyed when she fell into the biomatter disposal vats. [...] If not then she may be even closer to her final evolutionary stage: what form that might take, and what the presence of such a creature might portend for humanity we cannot know." After we see Mutant Muro, we can understand their concern!		The concept of a physical transformation was [[Quotes/Speech#Shinatama.27s_death\|first briefly mentioned]] by Griffin, and later [[Quotes/Consoles#Shinatama.2FKonoko_Relationship\|stressed as alarming]] by TCTF scientists in Chapter 13: "We must hope that Konoko was destroyed when she fell into the biomatter disposal vats. [...] If not then she may be even closer to her final evolutionary stage: what form that might take, and what the presence of such a creature might portend for humanity we cannot know." After we see Mutant Muro, we can understand their concern!

			===Chenille glow===
			[[Image:Mac Hall - Oni vs. Ghost.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Nova from [[wp:StarCraft: Ghost\|StarCraft: Ghost]] meets Oni's Konoko – a pun on the Japanese word ONI 鬼, understood to mean "ghost" when Oni began development. (Actually, the Chinese GUǏ (same kanji) means "ghost" more literally; see [[Oni (myth)]].)]]
			As mentioned under {{SectionLink\|\|Power surges}}, a Daodan host glows when their chrysalis is especially active. The effect appears blue on Konoko and red on Muro. This glow effect is referred to in the game's [[Cheats\|cheat codes]] as "chenille", which is French for "caterpillar". This is likely making reference to the Daodan's imago stage, implying that a transformation is closer to occurring when the glow is visible. However there is no mention in any consoles of this glow being visible to Konoko's TCTF handlers, so it is left to the player to decide if this is an [[wikt: extradiegetic\|extradiegetic]] effect.

	===Imago stage===		===Imago stage===
	The only mention of this stage by name is in [[Quotes/Objectives#CHAPTER_14_._DAWN_OF_THE_CHRYSALIS\|the last chapter's objectives]] in the killed-Griffin scenario, where it is explained that "[Mutant] Muro's Daodan powers make him invulnerable, but having only just evolved he has limited energy reserves."		The only mention of this stage by name is in [[Quotes/Objectives#CHAPTER_14_._DAWN_OF_THE_CHRYSALIS\|the last chapter's objectives]] in the killed-Griffin scenario, where it is explained that "[Mutant] Muro's Daodan powers make him invulnerable, but having only just evolved he has limited energy reserves."

	Wikipedia [[wp:Imago\|defines]] ~~"imago"~~ as the "last stage of development of an insect", the completion of a metamorphosis; in other words, the adult stage. There also exists a [[wp:Mayfly#Subimago\|sub-imago]] stage in one order of insects ~~— mayflies~~.		Wikipedia [[wp:Imago\|defines imago]] as the "last stage of development of an insect", the completion of a metamorphosis; in other words, the adult stage. The most famous instance of this transformation in the insect kingdom is the caterpillar which metamorphoses into a butterfly. There also exists a [[wp:Mayfly#Subimago\|sub-imago]] stage in one order of insects, the short-lived mayfly.

	===True nature===		===True nature===

Iritscen: /* Mutant Muro */ wording; internal attack names not important here

2024-02-29T19:03:41Z

Mutant Muro: wording; internal attack names not important here

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:03, 29 February 2024
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	Muro in his Imago form has access to almost unlimited energy which he can use to attack and shield himself from harm. This explains why the TCTF fears Konoko's transformation so much. Muro's shield would make him invulnerable if it weren't for the fact that he is newly transformed and sometimes loses the shield when expending energy on attacks.		Muro in his Imago form has access to almost unlimited energy which he can use to attack and shield himself from harm. This explains why the TCTF fears Konoko's transformation so much. Muro's shield would make him invulnerable if it weren't for the fact that he is newly transformed and sometimes loses the shield when expending energy on attacks.

	Mutant Muro has two superpowers: ~~Thunderbolt (~~his attractive lightning which picks up ~~targets~~ and brings ~~them~~ to him) and his defensive attack which ~~strikes the enemy with~~ repelling lightning.		Mutant Muro has two superpowers: his attractive lightning which picks up a target and brings it to him, and his defensive attack which emits 360° of repelling lightning.

	----		----

	==Added value==		==Added value==
	The Daodan concept is easily the most original and powerful in all of Oni. It neatly maps onto society, technology, personality etc., and it can also be considered on its own, as an appealing sci-fi concept and the embodiment of not-so-trivial dilemmas (ethical and otherwise).		The Daodan concept is easily the most original and powerful in all of Oni. It neatly maps onto society, technology, personality etc., and it can also be considered on its own, as an appealing sci-fi concept and the embodiment of not-so-trivial dilemmas (ethical and otherwise).

Iritscen: top-to-bottom copy-edit

2023-12-26T03:09:52Z

top-to-bottom copy-edit

Show changes

Iritscen: link fix

2023-04-27T00:57:54Z

link fix

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:57, 27 April 2023
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	The first surge occurs after Konoko's second fight with Barabas and is not noticed by the TCTF since they are under attack at the time, but the second one is described as "consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but far more powerful". The final surge takes place after Konoko beats Muro in {{C\|14}}, and this time it is powerful enough to knock back bystanders or even kill them.		The first surge occurs after Konoko's second fight with Barabas and is not noticed by the TCTF since they are under attack at the time, but the second one is described as "consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but far more powerful". The final surge takes place after Konoko beats Muro in {{C\|14}}, and this time it is powerful enough to knock back bystanders or even kill them.

	Notably, the term "Daodan spike" is <u>not</u> used to describe this event. After the second surge, a TCTF scientist [[Quotes/Speech#Out of control\|says]], "Sir, I'm picking up a power surge from Processor 31-B. It's consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but <u>far more powerful</u>." Probably a regular Daodan spike is like an adrenal spike, but "far more powerful" already. The game resources refer to the surges using the words "powerup" and "transform". The fact that the final surge is the strongest indicates that Konoko's power is growing and she may be nearing a total transformation (the [[#Imago\|Imago]] ~~stage~~).		Notably, the term "Daodan spike" is <u>not</u> used to describe this event. After the second surge, a TCTF scientist [[Quotes/Speech#Out of control\|says]], "Sir, I'm picking up a power surge from Processor 31-B. It's consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but <u>far more powerful</u>." Probably a regular Daodan spike is like an adrenal spike, but "far more powerful" already. The game resources refer to the surges using the words "powerup" and "transform". The fact that the final surge is the strongest indicates that Konoko's power is growing and she may be nearing a total transformation (the [[#Imago stage\|Imago stage]]).

	It is unclear what triggers the surges exactly, but it seems to be some sort of feedback between Konoko's emotions and the Chrysalis inside her. If it was an adrenaline peak, you would expect it to happen ''during'' the fight or before it, with effects similar to the [[wp:Fight-or-flight response\|fight-or-flight response]] or a [[wp:Second wind\|second wind]]. What makes the most sense ''afterwards'' is a sort of triumphant relief, most similar to a [[wp:Neurobiological effects of physical exercise#Euphoria\|runner's high]] or an orgasm (it sounds a lot like the latter, too). It may even be a sadistic thrill from dominating her opponent.		It is unclear what triggers the surges exactly, but it seems to be some sort of feedback between Konoko's emotions and the Chrysalis inside her. If it was an adrenaline peak, you would expect it to happen ''during'' the fight or before it, with effects similar to the [[wp:Fight-or-flight response\|fight-or-flight response]] or a [[wp:Second wind\|second wind]]. What makes the most sense ''afterwards'' is a sort of triumphant relief, most similar to a [[wp:Neurobiological effects of physical exercise#Euphoria\|runner's high]] or an orgasm (it sounds a lot like the latter, too). It may even be a sadistic thrill from dominating her opponent.

Iritscen: worked material from Chapter 6's summary into the "Spikes" section and renamed it to "Power surges" since that's the actual term used to describe them in the dialogue

2023-04-10T03:17:52Z

worked material from Chapter 6's summary into the "Spikes" section and renamed it to "Power surges" since that's the actual term used to describe them in the dialogue

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:17, 10 April 2023
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	Going by [[Quotes/Consoles#Superhuman\|this console]], the Daodan not only amplifies physical performance but also affects one's personality: one becomes more headstrong, and easily aggressive.		Going by [[Quotes/Consoles#Superhuman\|this console]], the Daodan not only amplifies physical performance but also affects one's personality: one becomes more headstrong, and easily aggressive.

	===~~Spikes~~===		===Power surges===
	[[Image:TXMPKONtransform.png\|right]]		[[Image:TXMPKONtransform.png\|right]]
	~~Starting~~ with her ~~second encounter with Barabas~~, ~~Konoko experiences~~ a ~~dramatic surge~~ of ~~power after every boss fight~~ (~~with~~ the ~~notable exception~~ of ~~Mukade~~).		Over the course of the game, Konoko experiences three major power surges that leave her glowing with energy. The surge takes the form of a violent spasm during which Konoko raises her arms in the air. A blue glow appears all over her body, accompanied by a soft whistling sound like a breeze. The fly-in panel of her face shows glowing eyes. The corresponding voiceover sounds ecstatic or even orgasmic (also compare to [[wp:Ecstasy of Saint Teresa\|the ecstasy of Saint Teresa]]).

	~~Looked at another way, the major spikes only happen in three places:~~ after ~~beating~~ Barabas ~~a second time, after beating~~ the ~~room of bad guys~~ at the ~~end of [[Chapter 7]]~~, ~~and after beating her brother at~~ the ~~end~~ of ~~the game. Three times is hardly~~ a ~~large enough sample from which to assume that it's only major fights that do this to her~~, ~~especially since a Fury and a couple of Strikers are hardly a boss fight~~, and ~~the real boss fight with Mukade triggers no such reaction. This leaves some uncertainty as~~ to ~~what specifically causes the major spikes~~.		The first surge occurs after Konoko's second fight with Barabas and is not noticed by the TCTF since they are under attack at the time, but the second one is described as "consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but far more powerful". The final surge takes place after Konoko beats Muro in {{C\|14}}, and this time it is powerful enough to knock back bystanders or even kill them.

	~~The experience takes~~ the ~~form~~ of a ~~violent spasm~~, ~~during which Konoko raises her arms in the air~~. ~~A blue glow appears all over her body, accompanied by~~ a ~~soft whistling sound~~ like ~~a breeze~~. The ~~fly-in panel of her face shows glowing eyes~~. The ~~corresponding voiceover sounds ecstatic or even orgasmic. Compare to~~ [[~~wp:Ecstasy_of_Saint_Teresa~~\|~~the ecstasy of Saint Teresa~~]].		Notably, the term "Daodan spike" is <u>not</u> used to describe this event. After the second surge, a TCTF scientist [[Quotes/Speech#Out of control\|says]], "Sir, I'm picking up a power surge from Processor 31-B. It's consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but <u>far more powerful</u>." Probably a regular Daodan spike is like an adrenal spike, but "far more powerful" already. The game resources refer to the surges using the words "powerup" and "transform". The fact that the final surge is the strongest indicates that Konoko's power is growing and she may be nearing a total transformation (the [[#Imago\|Imago]] stage).

	~~The term "Daodan spike"~~ is ~~not used~~ to ~~describe this spasm~~. ~~Rather~~, ~~these surges~~ [[~~Quotes/Speech~~#~~Out_of_control~~\|~~are described as~~]] ~~"consistent with~~ the ~~waveforms~~ of a ~~Daodan spike~~, but ~~<u>far more powerful<~~/u>.~~" Probably a regular Daodan spike~~ is ~~like~~ an ~~adrenal spike, but~~ "~~far more powerful~~" ~~already~~.		It is unclear what triggers the surges exactly, but it seems to be some sort of feedback between Konoko's emotions and the Chrysalis inside her. If it was an adrenaline peak, you would expect it to happen ''during'' the fight or before it, with effects similar to the [[wp:Fight-or-flight response\|fight-or-flight response]] or a [[wp:Second wind\|second wind]]. What makes the most sense ''afterwards'' is a sort of triumphant relief, most similar to a [[wp:Neurobiological effects of physical exercise#Euphoria\|runner's high]] or an orgasm (it sounds a lot like the latter, too). It may even be a sadistic thrill from dominating her opponent.

			In trying to understand the cause of the surges we might look for a simple way to describe the pattern of their occurrences, but this is not easy. One could say that Konoko experiences a dramatic surge of power after every boss fight, but this has the notable exception of the Mukade fight, and it requires us to count a room with one Fury and two Strikers as a boss fight. Another way of looking at the surges is given in [[Oni2:Slaves_of_War/Polylectiloquy#What_exactly_causes_those_Daodan_super-surges.3F_What_do_they_tell_us_about_Konoko.3F\|this fan material]].

			Regardless of the exact trigger, one possibility is that the Chrysalis is using the immediate aftermath of an intense fight as an opportunity to "come forward" and "grow" significantly, responding to physical damage ''and'' taking advantage of momentary psychological weakness.

	===Latency===		===Latency===
	The subject of latency is repeatedly mentioned by Shinatama, Kerr and the rest of [[Griffin~~\|Griffin~~'s]] scientific crew from [[Chapter 1]] on. While not very informative for the player at that stage, the unfamiliar term suggests something more exotic than regular biometric data.		The subject of latency is repeatedly mentioned by Shinatama, Kerr and the rest of [[Griffin]]'s scientific crew from [[Chapter 1]] on. While not very informative for the player at that stage, the unfamiliar term suggests something more exotic than regular biometric data.

	According to the game's dialogue, high Daodan latency is bad and low latency is good: dialogue in the first chapters suggests that a reading of [[Quotes/Speech#Intro\|27.1]] is normal and [[Quotes/Speech#Outro_2\|29]] is a bit alarming (also mentioned are "bioplasmic waveforms", which are expected to be "stable"). However it gets a bit more complicated than that, as consoles at TCTF Science Prison ([[Quotes/Consoles#Superhuman\|this one]] and [[Quotes/Consoles#Shinatama.2FKonoko_Relationship\|this other one]]) both present <u>lowered</u> latency as the danger, not heightened latency.		According to the game's dialogue, high Daodan latency is bad and low latency is good: dialogue in the first chapters suggests that a reading of [[Quotes/Speech#Intro\|27.1]] is normal and [[Quotes/Speech#Outro_2\|29]] is a bit alarming (also mentioned are "bioplasmic waveforms", which are expected to be "stable"). However it gets a bit more complicated than that, as consoles at TCTF Science Prison ([[Quotes/Consoles#Superhuman\|this one]] and [[Quotes/Consoles#Shinatama.2FKonoko_Relationship\|this other one]]) both present <u>lowered</u> latency as the danger, not heightened latency.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:52, 18 November 2025
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	{{Hatnote\|This page is about Oni's plot concept of the Daodan Chrysalis; for the Daodan DLL patch for Windows Oni, see [[Daodan DLL\|HERE]].}}		{{Hatnote\|This page is about Oni's plot concept of the Daodan Chrysalis; for the Daodan DLL patch for Windows Oni, see [[Daodan DLL\|HERE]].}}
	~~{{TOCfloat\|limit=3}}~~		{\|style="float:right;"
	{\|style="float:right"		\|colspan=2\|[[Image:Daodan Punch.png\|256px]]
	!colspan=2\|[[Image:Daodan Punch.png\|256px]]
	\|-		\|-
	\|colspan=2 align=center\|''Chinese~~ ~~origin~~ ~~of~~ ~~the~~ ~~term~~ ~~Daodan		\|colspan=2 style="font-size:115%; text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"\|<br><br>''Chinese origin of the term Daodan''
	\|-		\|-
	\| align=center~~\|<span~~ style="font-size:500%; line-height:1em;">捣~~</span>~~		\| align=center style="font-size:500%; line-height:1em;"\|捣
	\| align=center~~\|<span~~ style="font-size:500%; line-height:1em;">蛋~~</span>~~		\| align=center style="font-size:500%; line-height:1em;"\|蛋
	\|-		\|-
	\| align=center\|DǍO<br>''(attack, beat<br>or disturb)''		\| align=center\|DǍO<br>''(attack, beat<br>or disturb)''
	\| align=center\|DÀN<br>''(egg or<br>origin)''		\| align=center\|DÀN<br>''(egg or<br>origin)''
	\|-		\|-
	!colspan=2\|T R O U B L E M A K E R<br><small>N.B.: DǍO 捣 should not be confused<br>with the better-known DÀO 道 ("way")		\|colspan=2 align=center\|T R O U B L E M A K E R<br><small>N.B.: DǍO 捣 should not be confused<br>with the better-known DÀO 道 ("way")
	\|-
	\|colspan=2\|[[Image:Mac Hall - Oni vs. Ghost.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|Nova from [[wp:StarCraft: Ghost\|StarCraft: Ghost]] meets Oni's Konoko – a pun on the Japanese word ONI 鬼, understood to mean "ghost" when Oni began development. (Actually, the Chinese GUǏ (same kanji) means "ghost" more literally; see [[Oni (myth)]].)]]
	\|}		\|}

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	===Power surges===		===Power surges===
	[[Image:TXMPKONtransform.png\|right]]		[[Image:TXMPKONtransform.png\|right]]
	Over the course of the game, Konoko experiences three major power surges that leave her glowing with energy. The surge takes the form of a violent spasm during which Konoko raises her arms in the air. A blue glow appears all over her body, accompanied by a soft whistling sound like a breeze. The fly-in panel of her face shows glowing eyes. The corresponding voiceover sounds ecstatic or even orgasmic (also compare to [[wp:Ecstasy of Saint Teresa\|the ecstasy of Saint Teresa]]).		Over the course of the game, Konoko experiences three major power surges that leave her glowing with energy. The surge takes the form of a violent spasm during which Konoko raises her arms in the air. A [[#Chenille glow\|blue glow]] appears all over her body, accompanied by a soft whistling sound like a breeze. The fly-in panel of her face shows glowing eyes. The corresponding voiceover sounds ecstatic or even orgasmic (also compare to [[wp:Ecstasy of Saint Teresa\|the ecstasy of Saint Teresa]]).

	The first surge occurs after Konoko's second fight with Barabas and is not noticed by the TCTF since they are under attack at the time, but the second one is noticed by scientists at the TCTF who receive data on Konoko's vitals, and it increases the concern they have over her progressing transformation. The final surge takes place after Konoko beats Muro in {{C\|14}}, and this time it is powerful enough to knock back bystanders or even kill them.		The first surge occurs after Konoko's second fight with Barabas and is not noticed by the TCTF since they are under attack at the time, but the second one is noticed by scientists at the TCTF who receive data on Konoko's vitals, and it increases the concern they have over her progressing transformation. The final surge takes place after Konoko beats Muro in {{C\|14}}, and this time it is powerful enough to knock back bystanders or even kill them.
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	===Transformation===		===Transformation===
	The concept of a physical transformation was [[Quotes/Speech#Shinatama.27s_death\|first briefly mentioned]] by Griffin, and later [[Quotes/Consoles#Shinatama.2FKonoko_Relationship\|stressed as alarming]] by TCTF scientists in Chapter 13: "We must hope that Konoko was destroyed when she fell into the biomatter disposal vats. [...] If not then she may be even closer to her final evolutionary stage: what form that might take, and what the presence of such a creature might portend for humanity we cannot know." After we see Mutant Muro, we can understand their concern!		The concept of a physical transformation was [[Quotes/Speech#Shinatama.27s_death\|first briefly mentioned]] by Griffin, and later [[Quotes/Consoles#Shinatama.2FKonoko_Relationship\|stressed as alarming]] by TCTF scientists in Chapter 13: "We must hope that Konoko was destroyed when she fell into the biomatter disposal vats. [...] If not then she may be even closer to her final evolutionary stage: what form that might take, and what the presence of such a creature might portend for humanity we cannot know." After we see Mutant Muro, we can understand their concern!

			===Chenille glow===
			[[Image:Mac Hall - Oni vs. Ghost.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Nova from [[wp:StarCraft: Ghost\|StarCraft: Ghost]] meets Oni's Konoko – a pun on the Japanese word ONI 鬼, understood to mean "ghost" when Oni began development. (Actually, the Chinese GUǏ (same kanji) means "ghost" more literally; see [[Oni (myth)]].)]]
			As mentioned under {{SectionLink\|\|Power surges}}, a Daodan host glows when their chrysalis is especially active. The effect appears blue on Konoko and red on Muro. This glow effect is referred to in the game's [[Cheats\|cheat codes]] as "chenille", which is French for "caterpillar". This is likely making reference to the Daodan's imago stage, implying that a transformation is closer to occurring when the glow is visible. However there is no mention in any consoles of this glow being visible to Konoko's TCTF handlers, so it is left to the player to decide if this is an [[wikt: extradiegetic\|extradiegetic]] effect.

	===Imago stage===		===Imago stage===
	The only mention of this stage by name is in [[Quotes/Objectives#CHAPTER_14_._DAWN_OF_THE_CHRYSALIS\|the last chapter's objectives]] in the killed-Griffin scenario, where it is explained that "[Mutant] Muro's Daodan powers make him invulnerable, but having only just evolved he has limited energy reserves."		The only mention of this stage by name is in [[Quotes/Objectives#CHAPTER_14_._DAWN_OF_THE_CHRYSALIS\|the last chapter's objectives]] in the killed-Griffin scenario, where it is explained that "[Mutant] Muro's Daodan powers make him invulnerable, but having only just evolved he has limited energy reserves."

	Wikipedia [[wp:Imago\|defines]] ~~"imago"~~ as the "last stage of development of an insect", the completion of a metamorphosis; in other words, the adult stage. There also exists a [[wp:Mayfly#Subimago\|sub-imago]] stage in one order of insects ~~— mayflies~~.		Wikipedia [[wp:Imago\|defines imago]] as the "last stage of development of an insect", the completion of a metamorphosis; in other words, the adult stage. The most famous instance of this transformation in the insect kingdom is the caterpillar which metamorphoses into a butterfly. There also exists a [[wp:Mayfly#Subimago\|sub-imago]] stage in one order of insects, the short-lived mayfly.

	===True nature===		===True nature===

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:57, 27 April 2023
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	The first surge occurs after Konoko's second fight with Barabas and is not noticed by the TCTF since they are under attack at the time, but the second one is described as "consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but far more powerful". The final surge takes place after Konoko beats Muro in {{C\|14}}, and this time it is powerful enough to knock back bystanders or even kill them.		The first surge occurs after Konoko's second fight with Barabas and is not noticed by the TCTF since they are under attack at the time, but the second one is described as "consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but far more powerful". The final surge takes place after Konoko beats Muro in {{C\|14}}, and this time it is powerful enough to knock back bystanders or even kill them.

	Notably, the term "Daodan spike" is <u>not</u> used to describe this event. After the second surge, a TCTF scientist [[Quotes/Speech#Out of control\|says]], "Sir, I'm picking up a power surge from Processor 31-B. It's consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but <u>far more powerful</u>." Probably a regular Daodan spike is like an adrenal spike, but "far more powerful" already. The game resources refer to the surges using the words "powerup" and "transform". The fact that the final surge is the strongest indicates that Konoko's power is growing and she may be nearing a total transformation (the [[#Imago\|Imago]] ~~stage~~).		Notably, the term "Daodan spike" is <u>not</u> used to describe this event. After the second surge, a TCTF scientist [[Quotes/Speech#Out of control\|says]], "Sir, I'm picking up a power surge from Processor 31-B. It's consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but <u>far more powerful</u>." Probably a regular Daodan spike is like an adrenal spike, but "far more powerful" already. The game resources refer to the surges using the words "powerup" and "transform". The fact that the final surge is the strongest indicates that Konoko's power is growing and she may be nearing a total transformation (the [[#Imago stage\|Imago stage]]).

	It is unclear what triggers the surges exactly, but it seems to be some sort of feedback between Konoko's emotions and the Chrysalis inside her. If it was an adrenaline peak, you would expect it to happen ''during'' the fight or before it, with effects similar to the [[wp:Fight-or-flight response\|fight-or-flight response]] or a [[wp:Second wind\|second wind]]. What makes the most sense ''afterwards'' is a sort of triumphant relief, most similar to a [[wp:Neurobiological effects of physical exercise#Euphoria\|runner's high]] or an orgasm (it sounds a lot like the latter, too). It may even be a sadistic thrill from dominating her opponent.		It is unclear what triggers the surges exactly, but it seems to be some sort of feedback between Konoko's emotions and the Chrysalis inside her. If it was an adrenaline peak, you would expect it to happen ''during'' the fight or before it, with effects similar to the [[wp:Fight-or-flight response\|fight-or-flight response]] or a [[wp:Second wind\|second wind]]. What makes the most sense ''afterwards'' is a sort of triumphant relief, most similar to a [[wp:Neurobiological effects of physical exercise#Euphoria\|runner's high]] or an orgasm (it sounds a lot like the latter, too). It may even be a sadistic thrill from dominating her opponent.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:17, 10 April 2023
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	Going by [[Quotes/Consoles#Superhuman\|this console]], the Daodan not only amplifies physical performance but also affects one's personality: one becomes more headstrong, and easily aggressive.		Going by [[Quotes/Consoles#Superhuman\|this console]], the Daodan not only amplifies physical performance but also affects one's personality: one becomes more headstrong, and easily aggressive.

	===~~Spikes~~===		===Power surges===
	[[Image:TXMPKONtransform.png\|right]]		[[Image:TXMPKONtransform.png\|right]]
	~~Starting~~ with her ~~second encounter with Barabas~~, ~~Konoko experiences~~ a ~~dramatic surge~~ of ~~power after every boss fight~~ (~~with~~ the ~~notable exception~~ of ~~Mukade~~).		Over the course of the game, Konoko experiences three major power surges that leave her glowing with energy. The surge takes the form of a violent spasm during which Konoko raises her arms in the air. A blue glow appears all over her body, accompanied by a soft whistling sound like a breeze. The fly-in panel of her face shows glowing eyes. The corresponding voiceover sounds ecstatic or even orgasmic (also compare to [[wp:Ecstasy of Saint Teresa\|the ecstasy of Saint Teresa]]).

	~~Looked at another way, the major spikes only happen in three places:~~ after ~~beating~~ Barabas ~~a second time, after beating~~ the ~~room of bad guys~~ at the ~~end of [[Chapter 7]]~~, ~~and after beating her brother at~~ the ~~end~~ of ~~the game. Three times is hardly~~ a ~~large enough sample from which to assume that it's only major fights that do this to her~~, ~~especially since a Fury and a couple of Strikers are hardly a boss fight~~, and ~~the real boss fight with Mukade triggers no such reaction. This leaves some uncertainty as~~ to ~~what specifically causes the major spikes~~.		The first surge occurs after Konoko's second fight with Barabas and is not noticed by the TCTF since they are under attack at the time, but the second one is described as "consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but far more powerful". The final surge takes place after Konoko beats Muro in {{C\|14}}, and this time it is powerful enough to knock back bystanders or even kill them.

	~~The experience takes~~ the ~~form~~ of a ~~violent spasm~~, ~~during which Konoko raises her arms in the air~~. ~~A blue glow appears all over her body, accompanied by~~ a ~~soft whistling sound~~ like ~~a breeze~~. The ~~fly-in panel of her face shows glowing eyes~~. The ~~corresponding voiceover sounds ecstatic or even orgasmic. Compare to~~ [[~~wp:Ecstasy_of_Saint_Teresa~~\|~~the ecstasy of Saint Teresa~~]].		Notably, the term "Daodan spike" is <u>not</u> used to describe this event. After the second surge, a TCTF scientist [[Quotes/Speech#Out of control\|says]], "Sir, I'm picking up a power surge from Processor 31-B. It's consistent with the waveforms of a Daodan spike, but <u>far more powerful</u>." Probably a regular Daodan spike is like an adrenal spike, but "far more powerful" already. The game resources refer to the surges using the words "powerup" and "transform". The fact that the final surge is the strongest indicates that Konoko's power is growing and she may be nearing a total transformation (the [[#Imago\|Imago]] stage).

	~~The term "Daodan spike"~~ is ~~not used~~ to ~~describe this spasm~~. ~~Rather~~, ~~these surges~~ [[~~Quotes/Speech~~#~~Out_of_control~~\|~~are described as~~]] ~~"consistent with~~ the ~~waveforms~~ of a ~~Daodan spike~~, but ~~<u>far more powerful<~~/u>.~~" Probably a regular Daodan spike~~ is ~~like~~ an ~~adrenal spike, but~~ "~~far more powerful~~" ~~already~~.		It is unclear what triggers the surges exactly, but it seems to be some sort of feedback between Konoko's emotions and the Chrysalis inside her. If it was an adrenaline peak, you would expect it to happen ''during'' the fight or before it, with effects similar to the [[wp:Fight-or-flight response\|fight-or-flight response]] or a [[wp:Second wind\|second wind]]. What makes the most sense ''afterwards'' is a sort of triumphant relief, most similar to a [[wp:Neurobiological effects of physical exercise#Euphoria\|runner's high]] or an orgasm (it sounds a lot like the latter, too). It may even be a sadistic thrill from dominating her opponent.

			In trying to understand the cause of the surges we might look for a simple way to describe the pattern of their occurrences, but this is not easy. One could say that Konoko experiences a dramatic surge of power after every boss fight, but this has the notable exception of the Mukade fight, and it requires us to count a room with one Fury and two Strikers as a boss fight. Another way of looking at the surges is given in [[Oni2:Slaves_of_War/Polylectiloquy#What_exactly_causes_those_Daodan_super-surges.3F_What_do_they_tell_us_about_Konoko.3F\|this fan material]].

			Regardless of the exact trigger, one possibility is that the Chrysalis is using the immediate aftermath of an intense fight as an opportunity to "come forward" and "grow" significantly, responding to physical damage ''and'' taking advantage of momentary psychological weakness.

	===Latency===		===Latency===
	The subject of latency is repeatedly mentioned by Shinatama, Kerr and the rest of [[Griffin~~\|Griffin~~'s]] scientific crew from [[Chapter 1]] on. While not very informative for the player at that stage, the unfamiliar term suggests something more exotic than regular biometric data.		The subject of latency is repeatedly mentioned by Shinatama, Kerr and the rest of [[Griffin]]'s scientific crew from [[Chapter 1]] on. While not very informative for the player at that stage, the unfamiliar term suggests something more exotic than regular biometric data.

	According to the game's dialogue, high Daodan latency is bad and low latency is good: dialogue in the first chapters suggests that a reading of [[Quotes/Speech#Intro\|27.1]] is normal and [[Quotes/Speech#Outro_2\|29]] is a bit alarming (also mentioned are "bioplasmic waveforms", which are expected to be "stable"). However it gets a bit more complicated than that, as consoles at TCTF Science Prison ([[Quotes/Consoles#Superhuman\|this one]] and [[Quotes/Consoles#Shinatama.2FKonoko_Relationship\|this other one]]) both present <u>lowered</u> latency as the danger, not heightened latency.		According to the game's dialogue, high Daodan latency is bad and low latency is good: dialogue in the first chapters suggests that a reading of [[Quotes/Speech#Intro\|27.1]] is normal and [[Quotes/Speech#Outro_2\|29]] is a bit alarming (also mentioned are "bioplasmic waveforms", which are expected to be "stable"). However it gets a bit more complicated than that, as consoles at TCTF Science Prison ([[Quotes/Consoles#Superhuman\|this one]] and [[Quotes/Consoles#Shinatama.2FKonoko_Relationship\|this other one]]) both present <u>lowered</u> latency as the danger, not heightened latency.