I think its time I talk more about the mechanics behind this. Specifically the tinker-trump shard connection in the current configuration now that we've set I've even given it a formula.
The intensity of interaction is self-explanatory. But, what do I mean by Enemy/Friend level? It's basically your relationship counter!
BFF Forever (11+)
Close Friends (7 to 10)
Friends (4 to 6)
Ally (2 to 3)
Positive Acquaintance (1)
Neutral (0)
Negative Acquaintance (-1)
Unfriendly (-2 to -3)
Hostile (-4 to -6)
Enemy (-7 to -10)
Archenemy (-11+)
How does this work?
Let me give you an example: Shadow Stalker - which as of this update is the only parahuman you have a relationship with. Before the fic began, Sophia was somewhere in Hostile. Taylor really only think of her in the context of Emma's thug. But, between causing Taylor's trigger, breaking Taylor's faith in heroes, helping break her mom's flute, finding the school is covering her up even partially, and now nearly beating up Taylor. She's very solidly in the Enemy category with the latest modifier. 8.2.
And this might be obvious, but this works on absolute value, even if you have a negative relationship it doesn't matter. What matter is how intense your relationship to the parahuman in question. That said, there are also some effects involved if the relationship is positive or negative. Positive and the things you make have a tendency to help the parahuman in question. Negative and the things you make have a tendency to harm/hinder the parahuman in question. Sometimes there is an overlap there because there can be only so many expression of power but the truism should prove true.(Also, your QM's creativity is limited. Feel free to discuss possible shard powers of the parahumans you will meet. Seriously. ^^ )
Regarding Shadow Stalker's Power
I've termed Shadow Stalker's shard to be "Matter Phase Control". Basically, the shard that the entity used to control the phases of matter. Shadow Stalker's shadow state is basically an expression of this. She's in this weird gaseous state and she probably "phase" through by some expression of quantum tunneling.
@Yog
And yes, when I say phases of matter. I meant the four phase of matter solid, liquid, gas, plasma. ^^ Basically as long as the temperature is within the specified range, you can freely tinker with that material without much equipment involved and even lock it in that configuration for a period of time.
For how different it would be if you picked another specialty?
I conceived the tech choices as something of a playstyle issue. Drone vs. Organization/Network is kinda like Hunter vs. Priest. Hunter with its pets (drones) would take Priests solo. A priest would wreck Hunter if you give him a good group to work with. (Keyword: Good Group)
On that paradigm, I think someone mentioned this in the thread already, while it is conceivable for Drone Tinker to stand alone that cannot be completely said for your chosen specialty. You are wasting it if you don't go join a group or make your own.
@w34v3r
On your questions, this meant while you have some starting technology and a good field as a network tinker as well as some unique technologies for parahuman interaction. But, Taylor will really shine when you have an organization. Preferably with parahumans within it. The more the better. (That said, like most Worm powers, I tried to have some sort of twist within it. Taylor has the perfect power for an organization but her trigger event cause her to be disillusioned by institutions. lol)
Mechanistically, this was denoted by me slashing the cost needed to get the tech trees of parahumans that you interact with and increasing the depth and width possible. A priest player, after all, has better buff/debuff than a hunter. This also bumps Taylor's trump rating for interacting with parahumans as well. This is shown in the update itself giving you more choices to play with. It is doubtful that "No invulnerability here!" or "No Phasing here!" would be available this early for a drone tinker or at this point in the story. Then again, they have several types of drones to play with which has its own fun.
Watsonian-reason for that would be, the Network/Organization tinker is more aligned with the main premise of the thread and the configuration of QA. Real reason, theme and quest balance.