Trausti's Taproom

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Once you’ve proven your resourcefulness at Tom’s Pantry by securing the elusive Pulsewave Paprika for Ruby, Tom recognizes your capability and assigns his own task: journey to Trausti’s Taproom, renowned for its supply of the finest Peruvian Ale this side of the Dragon’s Den, and procure a crate of his most exceptional ale for Tom; in return, he will provide you with a contact that has been inside the main terminal.

Navigating through the rugged streets, you arrive at a crossroad where a formidable figure, clad in black, awaits. With a sly grin and cigar smoke swirling up into the dark air above him, he places a drink before you, his dark shades adding an aura of intrigue. Arms crossed, he gestures for you to indulge, making it clear that imbibing Trausti’s potent concoction is the sole path to obtaining your prize.

Casting a wary glance in each direction, you settle onto a worn neon-green stool at the bar, directly facing the enigmatic proprietor, ready for the next phase of your journey. As you take a sip, the intensity of the brew overwhelms you, and you nearly cough out a kidney, your eyes watering as you gulp down the rest, seeking solace in the searing pain. Trausti, tickled by your struggle, chuckles loudly, “I like you, kid! Let me pour you another, and then we can get down to business.”

<3 -TC

Introduction

“Trausti’s Taproom” is a virtual location from my “Byte’s Cypherpunk 2081” VR series, the most technical, intricate, and novel Equirectangular image series I’ve ever created.

Image Specifications

Equirectangular Dimensions: 18,432 x 9,216 pixels
Resolution: 240 Px/In
PSB file size: 7.7 GB
Color Space: SRGB

Software Used

Pano2VR
Photoshop
Lightroom
Topaz Gigapixel AI
Magnific AI
Stable Diffusion XL
Mid Journey
Blockade Labs
DALL-E

Artwork

Forging Compositing Techniques

Compositing has undergone remarkable evolution throughout this saga, and my knack for weaving intricate detail into scenes has become a defining feature of my work. Tom’s Pantry ascended to unparalleled popularity, becoming the most shared scene in the entire series within a mere weekend. The strategic use of upscaling to process details allows for a simultaneous refinement of both background objects and characters. This method ensures a unified and fluid composition, resulting in a hyper-realistic final portrayal that delivers the most immersive virtual reality experience currently within the realm of my workflow.

My technique has evolved into a nuanced, multi-step process that starts with crafting a basic background. Into this framework, I meticulously incorporate objects, characters, signage, and intricate details. This preliminary composite undergoes a sophisticated upscaling process, during which smart objects are enhanced and seamlessly reintegrated into the Equirectangular scene, elevating the overall visual fidelity.

Legends Never Die

Trausti Hraunfjörð and I forged a deep friendship as we talked daily about all things virtual, and especially during the creation of his groundbreaking software, Flashificator. Reflecting on those times transports me back to an era when Flash virtual tour software thrived alongside the explosive growth of social media. The Flash pano player (FPP) emerged as a dominant code base for virtual tour creation and immersive content, predating the entry of tech giants like Meta, HTC, and Apple into the VR space.

Under Trausti’s leadership, Flashificator introduced a revolutionary graphical user interface (GUI) for FPP, with invaluable contributions from creative minds like Freddy Stapersma and Trausti’s son Giorgio Leveroni. This innovative software empowered creatives like myself to create groundbreaking virtual tours, pushing the boundaries of virtual tour creation as an art form. Our partnership and collaborative feedback propelled both of our ventures forward, resulting in the creation of some truly iconic virtual tours and innovative UI/UX that many modern layouts still borrow from.

I am eternally grateful for the collaboration Trausti and I shared, and deeply honored to have counted him as a friend. The last message I received from Trausti was on the day of his passing, April 26th, 2019. His parting words, “I’m going to miss you, old friend! I hope to see you on the other side,” continue to echo in my heart. In tribute to his request, I have immortalized Trausti in a special VR location known as Trausti’s Taproom.

Cyberpunk Aesthetic & Ethos

Upholding the essence of Cypherpunk intrigue and the raw, unfiltered spirit of Cyberpunk remains my foremost commitment. The true soul of Cyberpunk is unveiled in its stark portrayal of human dichotomies. It transcends mere aesthetic, embodying a lifestyle where defiance is the norm, and the PUNK ethos boldly confronts conventional moralities with a defiant stance, underscoring the philosophy of personal code and rule.

This genre is a testament to rebellion against the mundane, a staunch refusal to align with the decaying moral fabric of society. In the Cyberpunk realm, survival hinges on adaptability and resilience, where the only moral compass is one’s own conscience. Whether as a decker or a hacker, the necessity to tread murky waters for survival is a well-known truth.

My passion for this genre stems from its celebration of rebellion, anti-authoritarianism, and the indomitable human spirit. Growing up during the rise of home computing, I’ve witnessed the digital evolution firsthand. The line between the real and the virtual has not just blurred; it has intertwined, especially as my interactions with AI have deepened. From the early days of 1989, my life has been illuminated by the glow of a computer screen.

Observing the myriad reactions to each technological breakthrough – from apprehension to eager acceptance – has been a fascinating journey. It’s a cycle of evolution and obsolescence, where new systems rise and fade. Cyberpunk not only mirrors our contemporary dilemmas but also casts them into a future landscape. This potent amalgamation of prophecy, introspection, conflict, escapism, and unapologetic punk ethos is what renders Cypherpunk and Cyberpunk not just genres, but realms of endless exploration and resonance for me.

Prompt Engineering

My skill in prompt engineering has been honing with each passing day, particularly as I near my two-year mark of interaction with Mid Journey this July, 2024. This LLM stands out as one of the most extraordinary tools I’ve had the privilege to work with. Its ability to match the color space and lighting of portraits to my scenes with precision is noteworthy. This not only streamlines the compositing process but also ensures that all renders integrate flawlessly into the scene, enhancing the overall visual coherence.

I’m equally impressed with the capabilities of SDXL and automatic1111. These robust tools have revolutionized my workflow, offering an unparalleled degree of creative control over my digital creations.

The newest tool in my arsenal is DALL-E, the prompt coherence available in the latest version of this software is exceptional. I particularly enjoy the ability to converse with a GPT to refine and direct, the prompt.

The art of prompt engineering is crucial in AI-generated projects. Steering the AI towards specific constraints such as lighting, color, depth of field, exposure, style, subject position, camera angles, seed numbers, and negative prompting is a delicate balance. It requires not just technical expertise but also an intuitive understanding of the medium. Countless hours spent practicing with AI and refining the economy of my language have been key in maintaining consistency across all renderings.

Despite meticulous prompting, patience remains a vital component, often accompanied by the necessity to iterate or refine prompts to achieve the desired outcome.

Cypherpunk Ethos

In the realm of digital currency, the Cypherpunk movement laid the groundwork for a pivotal shift in our global financial system, aiming to save humanity from the pitfalls of traditional monetary structures. Bitcoin, a brainchild of this movement, brought forth a transformative concept of money, emphasizing transparency, security, and decentralization. Its blockchain technology records every transaction on-chain, ensuring an immutable and transparent ledger, a stark contrast to the often opaque operations of conventional banking.

Bitcoin’s innovation lies in addressing crucial aspects of sound money – durability, portability, divisibility, uniformity, stability, scarcity, and acceptability – all encapsulated in a digital format. This paradigm shift is not just about a new form of currency; it’s a profound statement on reclaiming financial autonomy and fostering a more equitable global economy.

Turning to Ergo, a platform that stands on the shoulders of Bitcoin’s revolutionary ideals, we see the next evolution in the quest to fix the money system. Ergo extends the Cypherpunk ethos, offering enhanced privacy, advanced smart contract capabilities, and economic freedom through accessible, decentralized financial tools. It harmonizes the best of blockchain development and academic research, providing a robust platform for versatile dApps and financial agreements that run with predictable costs and successful execution. Ergo’s Sigma Protocols enable sophisticated, efficient zero-knowledge transactions, marking a significant step towards a more secure, transparent, and equitable financial future.

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Shelly's Arcade

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This location is a heartfelt tribute to my cherished Viking friend, Trausti Hraunfjörð. Trausti’s fervent love for finely brewed ale served as the driving force behind the creation of this extraordinary establishment. His unyielding commitment to the craft of brewing was not only admirable but also reflected in the unparalleled quality of the beer he crafted. In honoring his memory and fulfilling his final wish, I have immortalized him in this dedication to a true legend.

With honor and love,

-TC

Byte’s Cypherpunk 2081

TC Montague

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