Tribbles

Chaotic Shift Register Entity with Emergent Sentience

Artifact Classification: Unauthorized Probability Engine – Class X
Designation: Tribbles
Form: 10HP Eurorack Module, 8-Bit LFSR with Selectable Feedback Mutation
Finish: Fire Red with Shifting LED Array and Rotary Index Glyph
Maker: Monke of the Northern Quadrant

Operational Philosophy:
Tribbles is not designed. It is coaxed into existence.

At its surface, it appears to be a standard 8-bit Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) — taking in a clock, shifting bits, and spitting out pseudo-random sequences.
But something went... sideways. Certain rotary positions invoke stutter loops, glitches, or selective deafness to the clock signal. Its behavior is not inconsistent — it is intentionally unpredictable.

When patched, Tribbles behaves like a moody oracle: full of patterns, secrets, and moments of quiet refusal. Even its LEDs change color mid-cycle, as if reflecting its inner turbulence.

“It responds to clock. Except when it doesn’t. But not because it's broken. Because it decided not to.”

Functional Overview:
Clock Input: Advances internal state with each pulse — when it feels like it

Reset Input: Clears or re-seeds internal state (depending on mood)

Reset Button:Clears or re-seeds internal state (depending on mood)

8 Gate Outputs: Reflect shifting register states in real time, each with a multicolor LED

Rotary Selector (7-Step): Determines comparison bit in XNOR feedback; certain steps introduce instability

Glitch States: Selected positions cause rhythmic stuttering and clock desynchronization — while remaining synchronized

Cycle Length: Appears to exceed typical 8-bit LFSR (255 steps) due to perceived behavioral anomalies

Field Deployment Notes:
No two runs are the same. In live performance, Tribbles injects controlled entropy without drifting into chaos. It’s especially effective in generative patches, rhythmic mutation chains, or as a voltage oracle in tightly controlled systems.
You may think you understand it. You do not.
Best left unprobed. Just watch the lights. They’ll tell you when it’s time.

Usage Advisory:
Recommended for:
Probability gates, clocked variation
Generative sequencing with implied intent
Creating non-repeating patterns within repeating frameworks
Embracing chaos within timing discipline

Unrecommended for:
Repeatability
Manual control freaks
Engineers who demand datasheets

“It is not random. It’s just not telling you the rules.” — Monke, After Three Days With Tribbles