Tricursu

Figure 1. Tricursu arena by Gemini.

 The first mention of ChatGPT in this blog was in a blog post of March 11, 2023 titled "Action". In that blog post, I challenged "Bing Chat" to describe the rules of the sport Hussade. Comedy ensued when Bing Chat confabulated and invented non-existent features of the game, such as describing the ball that is used in the game, when, in fact, there is no ball in Hussade. Today, I asked the same question of Gemini. Gemini's blather-loaded responses (below) have been edited for brevity.

Me: What are the rules of the sport Hussade?

Gemini: In the Alastor Cluster of Jack Vance’s Gaean Reach (specifically featured in Trullion: Alastor 2262), Hussade is the preeminent sport. It is a strategic, often brutal team game played on a gridiron of narrow walkways suspended over a tank of water.

Image by WOMBO Dream
and ImageFX (crowd).

 1. The Field of Play

The Grid: The field consists of a series of "runs" (ways) and "laterals" forming a grid.
  Dimensions: Runs are spaced 9 feet apart; laterals are 12 feet apart.
 The Moat: A central "moat" 8 feet wide divides the field. It can be crossed at the center, the ends, or jumped by agile players.
 The Tank: Below the grid is a tank of water (or sometimes sand on water-scarce worlds) roughly 4 feet deep. Falling or being forced into the tank removes a player from the immediate action.
 Trapezes: Suspended trapezes allow players to swing sideways from one run to another, though they cannot be used to travel between laterals.

 2. Team Composition

Image by WOMBO Dream
and ImageFX (crowd).

 A standard team consists of 12 players, including:

 The Captain: The strategic lead who carries the "hange."
 The Sheirl: A young woman (traditionally a virgin) who stands on a platform at her team’s home end.                        She acts as the ultimate objective of the opposing team.
 Guards, Forwards, Rovers, and Midfielders: Specialized roles for offense and defense on the grid.

  3. Key Mechanics & Equipment

 The Hange: The Captain carries a bulb on a three-foot pedestal called a hange. When the bulb is glowing, the Captain is "safe"—he cannot be attacked, nor can he attack others. The light goes dead if he moves more than 6 feet from the pedestal or lifts it to change positions.
 Combat Rules: Players use body-blocks or "buffs" to knock opponents into the water. Crucially, they may not use their hands to push, pull, hold, or tackle.

 4. Scoring and Winning

 The Objective: To reach the opposing team's platform and pull a golden ring attached to the Sheirl’s white gown.
 The Ransom: If a player reaches the Sheirl, play stops. The Captain of the defending team may ransom the Sheirl’s dignity by paying a prearranged sum of ozols (the local currency). If the ransom is paid, the player retreats and play resumes.
 The End of the Match: If the defending team cannot or will not pay the ransom, the player pulls the ring. This denudes the Sheirl (removes her clothing), ending the game in a total victory for the attackers and a public disgrace for the losers.

Figure 2. Tricursu arena by Gemini.

 Me: Science fiction scenario. Gemini, help me invent a new sport of the future Alastor Cluster called "Tricursu", a variant of Hussade, which is played in a circular arena that has three levels. Lower level: a deep cone-shaped pool full of flowing water. The water flows continuously from two waterfalls that cascade down from behind and around the feet of the Sheirls as they stand on their high display platforms at the two ends of the playing arena. The water from the two waterfalls falls into the pool below. Water continually drains out of the bottom of the vertex of the cone-shaped pool through a pipe which bifurcates: half of the drained water flowing back to each of the two waterfalls. The only way for a "tanked" player to return to play is by swimming to the bottom of the pool and through the pipe that will return them to their team's Sheirl platform/waterfall at end of the arena. Middle level: the networks of "runs" and "laterals" forming a network, similar to the grid in Hussade, except the entire arena is circular, not rectangular. The runs are all curved and branched so as to fill the entire circular profile of the arena. Top layer: the two captains are the only players who can move to the upper layer which is called "skyry" and is structurally composed of a transparent fiber-mesh material (the composite hierion-carbon-74) that has physical properties like the material used for a trampoline bed. The skyry is suspended ten feet over the runs and laterals of the middle layer. In the central 90% of the skyry, there are many holes in the transparent fiber which can be used by a captain to voluntarily exit from the skyry and drop down onto a run, below. Also the two captains can strike each-other with their buffs and attempt to knock the opposing captain through a hole in the fabric of skyry and down to a lower level. Once the captain leaves skyry, they cannot return until the next game in the match begins. There is no hange in Tricursu.

Image by WOMBO Dream

 Gemini: This is a fascinating evolution of the Vancian aesthetic. By removing the hange, you’ve shifted the game from a defensive, "anchored" strategy to one of fluid dynamics and verticality. Tricursu (likely derived from the Latin tri- and cursus, "three-course run") feels like a high-velocity, three-dimensional chess match.

Given your background in pharmacology and physiology, as well as your interest in imaginary nanotechnology, let’s refine the mechanics and biological implications of this sport.

---

The Physics and Fluid Dynamics of the Cone-Pool

The Lower Level is no longer just a "tank"; it is a high-pressure recovery system.

• The Siphon Effect: As a player is "tanked," they enter a vortex. The physiological strain here is immense. To return to play, the athlete must overcome the buoyancy force and the centripetal acceleration of the swirling water to reach the vertex pipe.

• The Return Pipe: From a fluid mechanics perspective, the bifurcating pipe acts as a pressurized "rebound" system. A player entering the pipe would be subjected to sudden hydrostatic pressure changes.

• Biological Note: Players would likely require specialized pulmonary surfactants or even nano-oxygenated blood-doping to handle the extended apnea and the G-forces of being "pumped" back up to the Sheirl platforms.

---

The Middle Level: The "Curved-Grid"

Image by WOMBO Dream

 Unlike the linear runs of Hussade, the circular geometry of Tricursu introduces non-Euclidean movement.

• The Maze: The "runs" are concentric circles, and the "laterals" are radial paths. This requires superior vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) integration. A player sprinting on a curved run experiences constant lateral force, requiring the vastus lateralis and peroneal muscles to work asymmetrically.

• The Intersections: Because the grid branches to fill the circle, the "buffing" angles are unpredictable. A player can be attacked from a "blind" radial path at every junction.

---

The Top Level: The "Skyry"

The use of hierion-carbon-74 (a high-tensile, transparent polymer) adds a layer of kinetic energy management.

• The Trampoline Mechanic: The Captains are not just walking; they are managing potential and kinetic energy. Every step creates a "dip" in the mesh, influencing the stability of the opponent.

• The "Hole" Risk: In the absence of a hange, the Captain’s only safety is his proprioception. He must track the location of the holes beneath his feet while focusing on the opposing Captain.

• The Drop: Falling through a hole involves a 10-foot drop to a run, or a 15-to-20-foot drop into the vortex. This necessitates advanced eccentric muscle control upon landing to prevent tibial fractures.

Figure 3. Tricursu arena by Gemini.

 Me: Generate an image that depicts a Tricursu arena during a game. Show the two Sheirls positioned at opposite ends of the circular arena and positioned so that the Sheirl can only be reached by a player on the middle level who climbs the low platform upon which the Sheirl stands. The gold rings are one foot in diameter and attached to the clothing of the Sheirls. The upper skyry level must be no more than 10 feet above the network of runs that comprise the middle layer.

______

Gemini really struggled to generate a reasonable depiction of the game Tricursu. I turned to Claude for help.

Me: Claude, process the two files that I uploaded. The AI-generated image was generated by Gemini when I provided this text prompt: "Generate an image that depicts a Tricursu arena during a game. Show the two Sheirls positioned at opposite ends of the circular arena and positioned so that the Sheirl can only be reached by a player on the middle level who climbs the low platform upon which the Sheirl stands. The gold rings are one foot in diameter and attached to the clothing of the Sheirls. The upper skyry level must be no more than 10 feet above the network of runs that comprise the middle layer.". Claude, describe discrepancies between the written description of the sport Tricursu and the depiction of a Tricursu game that was generated by Gemini in the AI-generated image.

Claude: I'll analyze the discrepancies between your written description of Tricursu and Gemini's generated image.

Major Discrepancies:

Image by WOMBO Dream

 1. Skyry Level Height

• Description: The skyry should be 10 feet above the middle layer runs
• Image: The transparent trampoline-like surface appears to be 20-30+ feet above the middle level, roughly double or triple the specified height

2. Skyry Occupancy

• Description: Only the two captains can access the skyry level
• Image: Shows two players engaged in combat on the skyry, but there are many other players visible on the middle level who appear to have no restriction from accessing it

3. Waterfall Configuration

• Description: Waterfalls should cascade "from behind and around the feet of the Sheirls" on their platforms
• Image: The waterfalls appear to flow from beneath/in front of the platforms rather than behind them, and don't seem to wrap around the Sheirls' feet as described

Image by WOMBO Dream

 4. Pool Geometry

• Description: A "deep cone-shaped pool" with water draining through a vertex at the bottom

• Image: Shows what appears to be a relatively shallow circular pool without clearly visible cone-shaped geometry or central drainage point

5. Return Pipe Visibility

• Description: Players must swim to the bottom vertex and through bifurcating pipes to return via their team's waterfall
• Image: No visible pipe system or vertex drainage point; the pool appears to be a simple circular basin

6. Runs Network Pattern

• Description: "Runs are all curved and branched so as to fill the entire circular profile"
• Image: Shows a more geometric, radial spoke pattern rather than the complex curved and branching network described

7. Central Pool Area

• Description: The cone-shaped pool should be at the center with the runs network around it
• Image: The pool seems to extend under the entire playing area rather than being a distinct central feature

Image by WOMBO Dream

 8. Skyry Holes

• Description: The central 90% of the skyry contains "many holes" through which captains can drop

• Image: The skyry appears as a solid transparent surface with no visible perforations

Elements Depicted Correctly:

• Circular arena configuration
• Two Sheirls at opposite ends in white gowns
• Gold rings visible on the Sheirls (approximately 1 foot diameter)
• Platforms elevating the Sheirls above the middle level
• Two-team color scheme (blue vs. orange/brown)
• Multiple players on the middle level runs
• >Spectator seating surrounding the arena
• General three-level concept (pool, runs, skyry)

The image captures the dramatic spectacle and Vancian aesthetic of the sport well, but misses several critical technical specifications, particularly regarding the skyry height, the cone-pool geometry, and the mechanical details of the water circulation system.

Me: Claude, generate an improved text prompt that I can use with Gemini. The new text prompt that you generate  should attempt to address the major discrepancies that you identified.

Image by WOMBO Dream

 Claude:  I've created an improved prompt that specifically addresses each major discrepancy. The key improvements include:

1. Explicit height specification - Repeatedly emphasizes the skyry is only 10 feet above the runs

2. Skyry occupancy restriction - Clearly states "EXACTLY TWO PLAYERS" on the upper level
3. Waterfall positioning - Specifies water flows "from BEHIND each Sheirl platform"
4. Cone geometry - Describes the vertex, vortex pattern, and visible drainage
5. Skyry holes - Explicitly requests "multiple visible holes" with size specifications
6. Curved runs network - Emphasizes "complex and curved, not just simple radial spokes"

The prompt also includes a "Critical Technical Details" section that reiterates the most important specifications to help ensure Gemini doesn't overlook them. This structured approach should produce a more technically accurate visualization of your Tricursu arena.

Generate a detailed image of a Tricursu arena during an active game, viewed from an elevated spectator perspective that clearly shows all three levels:

Arena Structure (Circular, Three Levels):

LOWER LEVEL - The Cone Pool:

• A deep cone-shaped pool of water at the center of the circular arena
• The cone's vertex (pointed bottom) is at the deepest point in the center
• Water continuously swirls in a visible vortex pattern toward the central vertex
• Two or three players are visible swimming underwater in the illuminated pool, trying to reach the bottom vertex
• The vertex has a visible drainage pipe opening at the very bottom center

Image by WOMBO Dream

 MIDDLE LEVEL - The Curved Runs Network:

• A complex network of narrow curved walkways (runs) and radial paths (laterals) suspended above the cone pool
• The runs are curved and branching, filling the circular arena profile like an intricate web
• Runs are only 2-3 feet wide - narrow enough that players must be careful not to fall
• Multiple intersections where radial paths meet curved concentric runs
• Approximately 20 players total (two teams of 10) positioned on various runs, engaged in combat using body-blocks
• Players wearing two distinct team colors (blue and orange)
• Several players in mid-air, having just been knocked off runs and falling toward the water below

Image by WOMBO Dream

 UPPER LEVEL - The Skyry:

• A transparent trampoline-like mesh surface suspended ONLY 10 feet above the middle level runs (this is critical - keep it low)
• Made of hierion-carbon-74 (a transparent fiber composite that looks like trampoline fabric)
• The surface should show visible deformation/dips where the two captains are standing
• EXACTLY TWO PLAYERS on this level - the two team captains, one in blue, one in orange
• The captains are engaged in combat with padded buffs (short striking weapons)
• Multiple visible holes (gaps) in the skyry fabric, particularly in the central 90% of the surface
• The holes should be large enough (2-3 feet diameter) for a person to fall through 
• Light should pass through both the transparent fabric and the holes, creating interesting shadow patterns on the runs below

Image by WOMBO Dream

 The Sheirls and Their Platforms:

• Two Sheirls positioned at exact opposite ends of the circular arena (180 degrees apart)

• Each Sheirl stands on a raised platform that is 6-8 feet above the middle level runs
• Each Sheirl wears a flowing white gown
• A prominent gold ring (1 foot diameter) is clearly visible attached to each Sheirl's gown at chest/shoulder level
• Water cascades from BEHIND each Sheirl platform, flowing around and past the Sheirls' feet
• The waterfalls flow downward from behind the platforms into the cone pool below
• The platforms should be accessible by climbing up from the adjacent runs (show a ladder or steps)

Image by WOMBO Dream

 Lighting and Atmosphere:

• Dramatic arena lighting from above
• The cone pool should be illuminated from within, showing the swirling water vortex and the vertex at the bottom
• The transparent skyry should be clearly visible with light passing through it
• Water spray and mist from the waterfalls
• Spectator stands surrounding the circular arena in darkness with thousands of faces watching

Critical Technical Details to Emphasize:

1. The skyry must appear only 10 feet above the runs - not 20 or 30 feet. Show this scale clearly.
2. >Only two players (the captains) are on the skyry level - all other players are on the middle level runs or in the water
3. The waterfalls must originate from BEHIND the Sheirl platforms, not in front
4. The cone pool must clearly show its conical geometry with the vertex/vortex at the center bottom
5. The skyry must show visible holes in the fabric, not be completely solid
6. The runs network should appear complex and curved, not just simple radial spokes

Show the arena during active gameplay with players in dynamic poses - blocking, falling, swimming, climbing, and the two captains fighting on the low-hanging transparent skyry above it all.

Figure 4. Using Claude's text prompt: by Gemini.

 Me: Claude, the image that I just uploaded was generated by Gemini using the text prompt that you generated. I fear that Gemini was confused by your long text prompt.

Claude: You're absolutely right - I made the prompt far too long and complex. Gemini seems to have gotten confused and created some strange elements (like that central pillar fountain that shouldn't exist, and the waterfalls now coming from the sides rather than behind the Sheirls).

Let me create a much shorter, more focused prompt that emphasizes only the most critical corrections:

Generate an image of a Tricursu arena during a game, aerial view showing:

Three distinct levels in a circular arena:

1. Bottom: Deep cone-shaped pool with swirling water and a vortex at the center bottom. 2-3 players swimming underwater.

2. Middle (suspended above the pool): Complex network of narrow curved walkways with about 20 players (blue team vs orange team) fighting and moving across them.
3. Top (only 10 feet above the middle walkways): Transparent trampoline-like mesh with ONLY 2 players on it - the two captains fighting each other. The mesh has multiple holes visible in it.

Image by WOMBO Dream

 At opposite ends of the circular arena:

• Two Sheirls in white gowns standing on raised platforms
• Each has a visible gold ring (1 foot diameter) attached to her gown
• Waterfalls flow from behind each platform down into the pool below

Key details:

• The top transparent level must be very close (10 feet) to the middle walkways, not high above
• Only the 2 captains are on the top level; all other players are on the middle walkways or in the water
• The pool is cone-shaped with the point at the bottom center creating a vortex
• Dramatic arena lighting with spectators in darkness around the edges

 ___

Image by WOMBO Dream

 This simplified version focuses on the essential elements and should be less confusing. The main improvements over my first attempt:

• Much shorter and more direct
• Uses numbered list for the three levels
• Emphasizes "ONLY 2 players" on top level
• Repeats the critical 10-foot height specification
• Removes excessive technical jargon
• Cuts out the overly detailed descriptions that may have confused the AI

The original image was actually quite good in some ways - this shorter prompt should help Gemini keep what worked while fixing the major issues.

____

Figure 5. Claude's short text prompt: by Gemini.

I provided Claude's shorter prompt to both Gemini and ImageFX.

Figure 6. Image by ImageFX.

 

Claude: Interesting comparison! Both AI systems struggled with different aspects of the Tricursu arena design.

Image 1 (Gemini from Claude's prompt):

Improvements over the original:

• The skyry appears closer to the correct 10-foot height above the middle level
• Only 2 captains visible on the top level (correct!)
• Visible holes in the skyry surface
• Better cone-shaped pool geometry with vortex visible at bottom
• Waterfalls now positioned more appropriately

Image by WOMBO Dream

 Remaining issues:

• Still has that problematic central pillar/fountain structure that shouldn't exist
• The Sheirls appear to be standing ON the skyry level rather than on separate platforms at the arena's perimeter
• The middle level walkways appear too simple/geometric rather than the complex curved branching network described
• The arena appears more vertical/stacked than it should be

Image 2 (Google ImageFX):

Better elements:

• Excellent waterfall positioning - clearly from behind the Sheirl platforms
• The Sheirls are correctly positioned on separate elevated platforms at opposite ends
• Good cone pool with visible vortex at center
• The overall circular geometry is clearer
• Multiple levels of curved walkways creating a more complex network

Image by WOMBO Dream

 Issues:

• The skyry appears square rather than circular
• The skyry seems too high above the middle level again
• The middle level has too many distinct circular tiers rather than a single network of curved runs
• Too many players visible overall

The most accurate hybrid would combine:

• ImageFX's correct Sheirl platform placement and waterfall configuration
• Gemini's better skyry height and hole visibility
• A simplified middle level with ONE network of curved/branching walkways (not multiple tiers)
• Remove any central pillars or fountain structures

Neither AI quite captured your vision, but each got different elements right!

____

Figure 7. Image by ChatGPT.

I challenged ChatGPT to make an image depicting the play of Tricursu (see the image in Figure 7). Sadly, the two captains seem to be floating in mid-air below the upper level of the game field.  Most disappointingly, the the two Sheirls were not depicted as women.

Figure 8. Generated by Grok. Click image to enlarge.

The image that is shown to the right in Figure 8 was generated by Grok. Grok wins the award for the most absurdly bad rendering of Tricursu. 

Figure 9. Image by Grok.

I provided Grok with the longer text prompt that was generated by Claude (see above on this page) and Grok generated a second image (see Figure 9). The new Grok-generated Tricursu playing arena was better, but still not very good.

Figure 10. Image by ChatGPT.

When provided with the the more detailed text prompt that had been generated by Claude, ChatGPT generated the new image that is shown to the left in Figure 10. In this "version 2" image, the two captains are shown on top of the skyry level, but unfortunately ChatGPT also put the two Sheirls on the skyry level where none of the players on the main level can reach them.

None of the AI-generated depictions of Tricursu was very good. I think the one by ImageFX (Figure 6) is the best.

Below are some Tricurso videos that were generated by Grok.

Be sure to play the audio for the last two video's above.

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