Spark vs Brain Module

[Cat]

And of course, the infamous 'Life Spark'.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Remember Rossum's trinity. Enough damage to either the spark or brain (or cog) will kill a Transformer.

I think the spark downloads (or backs up) the brain when it's removed from the body, such as the transfers. Except for the odd mutant spark (ghost) like Starscream, a disembodied spark can't really act on its own. Even the birth of a Transformer (spark into robot, forged or constructed cold) apparently needs manual intervention. So a spark with no brain keeps the essence of a TF but isn't conscious. (I think that's partly how the Garrus jail worked). When the spark is placed back in the body or in a new TF body the memories download. Manual manipulation of the brain could still leave permament personality changes that are copied across.

The brain module is their mind, memories, personality etc. Their spark is the crucial part that makes them more than a machine. It's their irreplaceable core to their being.

That's as good an explaination as any - nicely done Paulbot! I'm happy to go with that

[Paul Agnew]

And of course, the infamous 'Life Spark'.

Which was attempted to be continued in the 'Spark Driver' concept at the end of Beast Wars. Funnily enough, the Japanese Cryotek had the driver, and for anyone with Zoids model kits, their little blue drivers fit in the seats snugly.

[kup]

The IDW comics also show Sparks being "grown" out of the ground in certain places. These "embryonic" Sparks seem to lack sentience (let alone intelligence), but are portrayed as still being living Sparks.

Yeah that adds to the list of questions that need answering. How does that work exactly? So you plant a Transformer seed and a few weeks later a sprout spark comes out of the ground?

[GoktimusPrime]

Seeds of da few-chaaa!

[Paulbot]

Yeah that adds to the list of questions that need answering. How does that work exactly? So you plant a Transformer seed and a few weeks later a sprout spark comes out of the ground?

I think the current MTMTE story will address this. So far the "hotspots" seem to be randomly/naturally occurring and only referenced on both moons (because presumably Cybertron's dried up earlier). Transformers (sparks) are children of Cybertron/Primus itself? Maybe?

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Sorry, I figured since it was a 15yr old show no one would be in danger of actually having it spoiled... I'll highlight it black.

No probs. I have seen it and knew about it, but assumed it was some amazing plot shift of excitement in TF Prime, since They have the Vehicon General toy. So I do apologise

i think most people know about it, I am just an idiot

[Hursticon]

Remember Rossum's trinity. Enough damage to either the spark or brain (or cog) will kill a Transformer.

I think the spark downloads (or backs up) the brain when it's removed from the body, such as the transfers. Except for the odd mutant spark (ghost) like Starscream, a disembodied spark can't really act on its own. Even the birth of a Transformer (spark into robot, forged or constructed cold) apparently needs manual intervention. So a spark with no brain keeps the essence of a TF but isn't conscious. (I think that's partly how the Garrus jail worked). When the spark is placed back in the body or in a new TF body the memories download. Manual manipulation of the brain could still leave permament personality changes that are copied across.

The brain module is their mind, memories, personality etc. Their spark is the crucial part that makes them more than a machine. It's their irreplaceable core to their being.

This description speaks to my thoughts with far better dexterity than I could verbally articulate at the moment ; I'd love to hear Verno's input too, but I think Paulbot's interpretation works extremely well when you consider how a "Shell Program" effects both the Spark & Brain of a Cybertronian.

[kup]

Remember Rossum's trinity. Enough damage to either the spark or brain (or cog) will kill a Transformer.

I think the spark downloads (or backs up) the brain when it's removed from the body, such as the transfers. Except for the odd mutant spark (ghost) like Starscream, a disembodied spark can't really act on its own. Even the birth of a Transformer (spark into robot, forged or constructed cold) apparently needs manual intervention. So a spark with no brain keeps the essence of a TF but isn't conscious. (I think that's partly how the Garrus jail worked). When the spark is placed back in the body or in a new TF body the memories download. Manual manipulation of the brain could still leave permament personality changes that are copied across.

The brain module is their mind, memories, personality etc. Their spark is the crucial part that makes them more than a machine. It's their irreplaceable core to their being.

Your theory also makes a whole lot of sense when it comes to the G1 Headmaster process (which I guess can be applied to IDW too).

If the head is removed, the spark will choose to 'upload' to the human/nebulan component instead of the brain module causing the 'meld' of personality we see as the end result.

[GoktimusPrime]

This description speaks to my thoughts with far better dexterity than I could verbally articulate at the moment ; I'd love to hear Verno's input too, but I think Paulbot's interpretation works extremely well when you consider how a "Shell Program" effects both the Spark & Brain of a Cybertronian.

Hhmmm... I think Sparks do seem to hold consciousness and memories. We saw this happening a few times in Beast Machines. The relationship between shell programs and Sparks is interesting. We know that shell programs are attached to the Spark and somehow "infect" them, and attempting to remove a shell program can be extremely hazardous as it could destroy the Spark (re: Blackarachnia), unless you're a leet haxxor like Rattrap (re: Tankor/Rhinox) or just happen to have a pool of organic Cybertronian goo at your disposal.