Sandworm [Worm OC- Sands of Time theme]
- Thread starter Ablative Id
- Start date
- Mature
Not a lot of [Reverse] votes.
If you vote to use it, but don't tell the PRT, then Prince will lie about it. He'll try to hide it while using it.
If you vote not to use it, but do tell the PRT, then Prince will lie about it harder. He'll say it's of limited use. Only works on full moons. Can't use it on command. Will claim to have used it while not using it. Things like that.
Canon is really vague on what Calvert is.
He's a consultant at one point and a field commander at another. He was honorably discharged years before. He's in position to become director.
I'm calling him a generally useful guy with no fixed position in the PRT. He does a little of everything. A trouble shooter. In-house consultant is a term broad enough to encompass that.
I titled him as Agent when he should probably be Commander. I couldn't find a resource on the PRT structure and rankings. I picked at random.
It's night, most people have gone to bed. Calvert happened to be working late. He usually does this in dropped timelines. He hasn't dropped this one yet and might not. It may behoove him to keep up the appearance of being available when Piggot isn't.
Calvert has authority to make promises between third parties, and he likes to keep tabs on new parahumans.
Paradox looked like he might start trouble and the trouble shooter heard it passing up the chain.
Those are the Watsonian answers. The Doylist answer is that I wanted players to see what they walk into. It would be dull if it was a complete repeat of events. A new perspective is the least I can offer.
If this wins, I'll interpret it as "I will try to bribe, but probably attack E88 for Othala, probably die, kill a bunch on my way out, possibly make demands of some other gang to help, and kick off the BB gangland powerderkeg.
"Or do something more crazy, like kidnap Panacea. Or find that Mexican Drug Tinker and bring all her friends over. I have a list, you can't see it, but it did exist. Or will exist.
"Whatever. Agree to my demands, or I escalate like... something that escalates hard. Like some kind of spider queen. Spiders escalate so hard they build escalators out of silk to escalate harder.
"Oh, and I won't sign anything." Then Prince sticks his tongue out and steals Garry's pen.
It will be Garry's favorite pen and he will be distraught.
More or less.
Canon does not say.
Fun fact: the Caucasus mountains border Iran, which was called Persia. Prince is probably more Caucasian than anyone in the E88. So is Miss Militia.
Prince even has blue eyes. Or possibly green. Or brown. Depends on what art you look at.
Race theory a load of crap. The E88 leaders use it when convenient.
If you vote to use it, but don't tell the PRT, then Prince will lie about it. He'll try to hide it while using it.
If you vote not to use it, but do tell the PRT, then Prince will lie about it harder. He'll say it's of limited use. Only works on full moons. Can't use it on command. Will claim to have used it while not using it. Things like that.
Canon is really vague on what Calvert is.
He's a consultant at one point and a field commander at another. He was honorably discharged years before. He's in position to become director.
I'm calling him a generally useful guy with no fixed position in the PRT. He does a little of everything. A trouble shooter. In-house consultant is a term broad enough to encompass that.
I titled him as Agent when he should probably be Commander. I couldn't find a resource on the PRT structure and rankings. I picked at random.
It's night, most people have gone to bed. Calvert happened to be working late. He usually does this in dropped timelines. He hasn't dropped this one yet and might not. It may behoove him to keep up the appearance of being available when Piggot isn't.
Calvert has authority to make promises between third parties, and he likes to keep tabs on new parahumans.
Paradox looked like he might start trouble and the trouble shooter heard it passing up the chain.
Those are the Watsonian answers. The Doylist answer is that I wanted players to see what they walk into. It would be dull if it was a complete repeat of events. A new perspective is the least I can offer.
If this wins, I'll interpret it as "I will try to bribe, but probably attack E88 for Othala, probably die, kill a bunch on my way out, possibly make demands of some other gang to help, and kick off the BB gangland powerderkeg.
"Or do something more crazy, like kidnap Panacea. Or find that Mexican Drug Tinker and bring all her friends over. I have a list, you can't see it, but it did exist. Or will exist.
"Whatever. Agree to my demands, or I escalate like... something that escalates hard. Like some kind of spider queen. Spiders escalate so hard they build escalators out of silk to escalate harder.
"Oh, and I won't sign anything." Then Prince sticks his tongue out and steals Garry's pen.
It will be Garry's favorite pen and he will be distraught.
More or less.
Canon does not say.
She can reduce cancer, but not cure it. She can regrow a brain.
She's a viable option, especially as part of a multi-stage solution.
She's a viable option, especially as part of a multi-stage solution.
Fun fact: the Caucasus mountains border Iran, which was called Persia. Prince is probably more Caucasian than anyone in the E88. So is Miss Militia.
Prince even has blue eyes. Or possibly green. Or brown. Depends on what art you look at.
Race theory a load of crap. The E88 leaders use it when convenient.
- Location
- florida
Our super villain career will be off to a wonderful start. Monologue and all.
PrognosticHannya
Far Too Enthusiastic About Etymology
- Pronouns
- She/Her
To be clear I didn't suggest we actually join E88, I was suggesting we use the threat of joining to pressure the PRT to act. Calvert isn't all-powerful, a case like this is at least going to get the Director's attention, especially if we're on a time limit. Especially when the request we're asking for is something so simple.
@Rhodes You make a really good point however, in that Coil might actually try to purposefully sabotage the negotiations, because to him, driving a wedge between us and the PRT gives him an opportunity to move in.
Unfortunately, the only way to counter-act that would be to do as you suggest, and give up our biggest advantage over Coil (suggesting the fact we know who he is, or have the capacity to find out). Calvert is INSANELY protective of his identity, if he gets even the whiff of the idea that our power can detect something "off" about him, he will kill us without hesitation.
Same goes for the suggestion to use mask of the sand wraith. There's no reason to disrupt Coil's timeline right now, it's not like he's attacking us. The only thing that will do is confirm to Coil that we can disrupt his power, making us a threat, instead of leaving the source of the disruptions an open question. In fact, I'd be extremely hesitant to use the Mask whenever we know Coil's watching us, as it'd confirm that the Mask is the thing fucking with his power.
Ultimately, the goal of giving an ultimatum is to make sure our case goes directly to the Director's desk, bypassing Calvert, and bringing things into the light of day. I'm actually going to add an option just to make this extra likely.
[X][PRT] Calm down and negotiate. What do you tell them?
-[X] Tell them nothing.
--[X] "My mother only has a week left. If Panacea can't get there within that time frame, I'll find another group in the city to join, and find another healer." (The implication being that we'll join up with the E88 and ask them to use Othala)
---[X] Go back to the lobby of the PRT every day at noon to check up on the status of Panacea healing your mother, cause as much commotion as you can while still remaining well within the bounds of the law.
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thewhiteraven22
(Unverified Worm Fanatic)
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] PrognosticHannya
I happen to agree with your post, so I'll follow you.
I happen to agree with your post, so I'll follow you.
I want to spend some time planning and working on the rewrite of Two Thrones, so update may be on the weekend.
edit: Bad week. Maybe later.
Last edited:
No More Ghosts
-
[PRT] Calm down and negotiate. What do you tell them?
- Tell them nothing.
-- "My mother only has a week left. If Panacea can't get there within that time frame, I'll find another group in the city to join, and find another healer." (The implication being that we'll join up with the E88 and ask them to use Othala)
--- Go back to the lobby of the PRT every day at noon to check up on the status of Panacea healing your mother, cause as much commotion as you can while still remaining well within the bounds of the law.
[Reverse] Use Reverse the Glass.
Image. That's what everything comes down to. You might fall apart inside, but don't let them see it. They'll eat you alive.
The PRT taught you how to project confidence. Your brother taught you how to outrun fear. You put the two together and start pacing.
Carpet tiles dull your footsteps from corner to corner in careful, measured steps. Officer Bill tracks you behind his faceless visor, one hand glued to a holstered SIG Sauer that's hard to ignore. The office walls are smooth to the touch, paint over plaster.
As Buddhist monks in India meditate on the act of walking, so you center yourself in the physical world. You imagine every negative thought - every ghost and regret and implicit threat - bricked in and hidden by paint over plaster.
No more ghosts. No emotion. Your world is solid.
Calvert - Coil - is on Garry's phone, by your ear. He asked "what makes you worth the expense?"
"Don't joke about," you say. "Money's no problem."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Each recruit increases your budget."
"You mean to hold our recruitment bonus hostage?"
"Recruitment is what it's for."
"You're confident, even arrogant. What-"
"Less probes, more promises."
"- if we refuse your demand?"
"Then I'll find another healer."
"There are no other healers."
"There's one in the Empire."
"Othala? You're considering organized crime?"
Stop. It's a trap. 'Yes' is grounds for detainment. 'No' robs you of leverage. A trap and a probe. Calvert wields a question mark like a scalpel. He's looking to bloody you, then vivisect you.
Through hidden cameras, he watches you pause, watches you hesitate. Every word and act will be weighed and measured. Don't give him ammo. Keep it short.
"I'm considering options," you say and resume pacing.
"I have a counter-proposal," says Calvert.
"Refused. Mum's only got one week."
"You demand Panacea inside a week?"
"No. Three days or less."
"Three days. That's not reasonable."
"Three days or I'm gone."
"Panacea does not take requests."
"Then make demands. We're done."
"No. Answer me. Who are you?"
"Me? I'm just a Brute." You end the call - can't keep the act up much longer - and casually toss the phone back to Garry. "I'll be back at noon to check your progress."
Garry fumbles the catch. "But, wait, at least give a cape name for the record."
"Call me..."
You walk out the door and see double.
Twin figures stand sidelong and wary, feet squared to fight, holding a long, looming weapon tipped with a deadly blade. A visor angled to suggest a frown glares over a mouth set in grim determination.
You blink. One of the figures is a full-sized wall poster in a glass frame. The other is dead.
"Armsmaster?"
"That's taken," Armsmaster says, his voice is a deep rumble promising righteous punishment.
Slowly, you reach out, and stop; afraid he'll fade back into nightmare.
"I thought I'd never see you..." Again, you don't say. Everything is happening again and again and again.
"True. Okay then. Glad to meet a fan." Armsmaster's lips relax into a bemused smirk. He catches your outstretched hand in his.
His gauntlet is solid, unyielding, but gentle for all its power. He feels real. You pull and find yourself drawn closer to this mountain of a man, this hero you who is greater in every way, your past and future mentor.
Your arm wraps behind him - wraps tight - and soft flesh conforms to lines of steel. Your ear presses to his chest. You hear tiny servos hum, feel the warmth of a living thing, the reassuring reality of the miraculously undead.
Hear and feel his voice go "uhhh.... What is happening?"
Movement around you. Troopers and turrets, but in this long moment, you can blissfully close your eyes to danger. This is a safe space.
"Umm. There there?" Armsmaster pats your back.
You sniffle and get a whiff of filtered sweat. The smell of a man in control of himself. A man you admired and killed, grieved and buried. But not yet. You haven't killed him yet.
A barbed wire regret loosens and relief spurts from your strangled heart.
"Okay, that's enough."
Armsmaster pries you off with the shaft of his halberd. You resist a little, at first, but Armsmaster is overpowering in every way, as a father overpowers his child.
A push becomes a graceful step back. A circle of troopers surround you, with confoam turrets dangling above.
Ah, that's right, you're the crazy cape who might snap. And perhaps you did, in a remarkably non-violent manner. That's why they stare. You'll just reverse time and...
Wait. There are cameras. Coil is watching. You can't undo this. Not now, not while hiding your power.
You clear your throat, quickly wipe your eyes, and clasp your sweaty palms behind your back in a very dignified parade rest.
"Paradox," you say. "That's my cape name."
"Yeah. I'll remember it," Armsmaster replies. He keeps his halberd between you, held defensively.
You march out the circle with your head high - trailing troopers all the way past Katlyn the receptionist - out the double glass doors to downtown Brockton Bay.
If anyone claims you blush, you'll scratch their lying eyes out.
Stop by the apartment, check your pockets, fail to find any keys, and remember: You don't live here yet.
A wave of dissociation pulls you under. This is not your body, hasn't been for weeks. It doesn't have your calluses. It doesn't have your scars. It hasn't lived your life.
Yet your feet lead here, to an apartment you got - will get? - with an advance on your first paycheck. This body has your habits. It has your instincts. It starts at passing cars and searches shadows. It wants to run, but doesn't wear the lean muscle of someone who runs or dies.
You've died so many times.
You shake your head. Of course this is your body. It's just a little younger.
Or is it?
In the future past, you died on time's blade and turned to sand. What if you are now more sand than man?
What if your younger self died and you puppet his corpse?
What if your true face is the Mask of the Sand Wraith?
What if your true body is the Dagger of Time?
Shake your head harder. Hard enough to get dizzy. Banish these disturbing thoughts. Rub sand from your eyes. This body is tired. You are tired. Earlier today you were ripping through heavily armed Master victims in a police station. And earlier today you were searching for a discreet job in a strange city and fretting over your dying mother with your dad.
Dad. Getting Panacea to Mum was Dad's idea. An idea that uprooted you, dragged you across oceans, and led to your trigger. An idea that leads you to fight bureaucrats, masterminds and monsters to see realized.
Dad. That's right, you live with him in a sleazy motel by the docks. Around this time - last time - he hurt you and you hurt him. Do you want to repeat that? Must history repeat?
The recurring question of your cape life. Can you change fate?
The next day, you read a headline.
News_Bot on PHO said:
That didn't happen last time.
Dice Rule Reminder
- Prince / Paradox's effective PRT rating is 5, which is average for capes. He rolls 5 dice in combat, unskilled target of 5.
- Perk: Resourceful is disabled until resources can be gained (i.e. vehicles, radios, data, tactical gear, armor, legal authority, grenades, guns, confoam, any standard PRT stuff). If equipment is restored, roll an extra 1 dice with a skilled target of 4 in combat or where applicable.
- Perk: Reverse the Glass allows any roll to be rerolled once, but Coil might notice.
- Perk: Mask of the Sand Wraith can replace any bad roll with 3 successes.
- The blade of the Dagger of Time is broken. No real weapon means no x2 lethal force bonus option.
- Current assets: 1 old smartphone, and some clothes. That's it.
Choices
Day one is over and the city sleeps. So should you.
Where are you going to sleep tonight?
[X][Sleep] Just go to Dad's motel room
- Dad learned about Mum's brain cancer while you were at the PRT, he's very stressed.
- He's going to ask about your plans and where you were.
- Via the power of future knowledge, you may or may not avoid a big fight.
- If any one person can be blamed for your trigger, it's Dad.
[X][Sleep] Find a bench
- You won't avoid your family forever, but you can delay until a time of your choosing.
- Armsmaster would make a much better Dad.
- It's a short term solution. You'll upgrade when you have money to do so.
- Independence!
- You have no friends.
Three days. Then you seek alternatives.
Meanwhile, life goes on. Incidentally, life is much easier with money.
What are you going to do for three days?
[X][Plan] Do nothing else
- 100% focus on harassing the PRT to get Panacea for you.
- Who needs food? Or a life?
- If taken with the '[Sleep] Find a bench' option, start a hunger strike at PRT-HQ
- Timeskip a few days, no room for complications.
[X][Plan] Get a job, ya bum
- The Dockworker's pay cash for an honest day's labor.
- Harass the PRT on the side.
- Life in Brockton Bay can be complicated.
[X][Plan] Cape for hire
- Get on PHO and answer an ad.
- Small team seeks bodyguard for night gig, just in case, cash in hand, expenses payed for, bonus hazard pay.
- If the PRT finds out, it's more pressure on them to hire you. A new cape is good, an active cape with reputation is better.
Thanks for reading. And for your patience.
I was ill over xmas, still recovering. Updates are going to be random in size, frequency and quality. I'll try to stick to one a week. Expect delays.
This chapter experiments with a technique called compressed dialog. I like the pace, but the cadence is odd. Maybe it should be compressed further. Does it work for you?
This chapter also features possibly amusing purple prose, a recap, a teaser, and the last of the angst should stop here as we roll into action.
Rewriting the chapter Two Thrones is still kicking my ass. I really hate Nikos Vasil.
edit: The Bay Bulletin -> News_Bot on PHO - to tie in with interlude 2.
I was ill over xmas, still recovering. Updates are going to be random in size, frequency and quality. I'll try to stick to one a week. Expect delays.
This chapter experiments with a technique called compressed dialog. I like the pace, but the cadence is odd. Maybe it should be compressed further. Does it work for you?
This chapter also features possibly amusing purple prose, a recap, a teaser, and the last of the angst should stop here as we roll into action.
Rewriting the chapter Two Thrones is still kicking my ass. I really hate Nikos Vasil.
edit: The Bay Bulletin -> News_Bot on PHO - to tie in with interlude 2.
Last edited:
Love this update. The Armsmaster scene was prime.
I think the cadence is fine.
[X][Sleep] Find a bench
[X][Plan] Cape for hire
I think the cadence is fine.
[X][Sleep] Find a bench
[X][Plan] Cape for hire
thewhiteraven22
(Unverified Worm Fanatic)
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X][Sleep] Find a bench
[X][Plan] Get a job, ya bum
[X][Plan] Get a job, ya bum
PrognosticHannya
Far Too Enthusiastic About Etymology
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X][Sleep] Find a bench
[X][Plan] Do nothing else
[X][Plan] Do nothing else
Vote's still open and will stay open until the update, which might be the weekend. Or not. I don't want to make promises I can't keep.
Interlude 2: PHO
Welcome to the Parahumans Online message boards.[/b]
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♦ Topic: Big Birdcage Break Out
In: Boards ► News ► Events
News_Bot (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) (The Guy in the Know) (Second Best Bot)
Posted On Nov 1st 2010:
(Showing page 56 of 178)
►Head Crabs
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
From the title I thought this was a One Piece slashfic.
...
►thewhiteraven22 (Unverified Member of Parliament)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
@Bagrat:
Okay, I agree, bad guys are bad.
But we can't send the whole PRT/Protectorate to Canada on a wild goose chase. We're outnumbered 10 to 1 here.
Maybe fix your own backyard before throwing good guys in the blender?
►yokel
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
sketchy af. dragon tech cant break. who escape cage n who still in?
(Sent from my cPhone.)
►Gaffel (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
@yokel
The PRT have a list of ~250 Parahumans still interred.
This list is being constantly updated by the PRT as we gain control over the Baumann Parahuman Containment Center (aka the Birdcage).
A list of confirmed captures and casualties ishere.
If you or anyone you know are contacted, may be contacted, or otherwise may be targeted by a Birdcage escapee, please go to your local PRT office for protection.
Edit: Apparently we're not updating the capture list any more. We're a little too busy!
►Khamosh
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Fuck this sucks.
"PRT protection" means "push you, your family and your dog into a shelter and slam the door shut."
They're treating this like an Endbringer attack. And rightly!
Glaistig Uaine, Black Kaze, Marquis, Gavel, Acidbath and Crane are all terrifying, evil people who are now free.
Meanwhile the Guild is in shambles because Dragon has gremlins and Narwhal caught a cold.
Guys, if you are anywhere near the British Columbia Hellscape, get out now. My thoughts are with you.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 ... 176, 177, 178
♦ Topic: Narwhal Hospitalized
In: Boards ► News ► Events ► Canada
Shiner (Original Poster) (Wiki Warrior)
Posted On Nov 2nd 2010:
Edit:
Narwhal is officially retiring from the Guild citing medical reasons. [3]
Dragon has stated that she will not be the new Guild Leader, but she will act in the interim. [4]
The Protectorate has not yet commented.
Original post:
* At 22:00 on 11/01/2010 Narwhal feinted without warning. [1]
* By 23:00 she was taken to Toronto Genera Hospital in "severe condition". [2]
This post will be edited as we learn more.
(Showing page 2 of 4)
►beelzebuddy
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Dragon's video statement is kind of... low-fi. Like it jumps around and there's static and the face is wonky.
Please re-upload in HD without compression.
►Shiner (Original Poster) (Wiki Warrior)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
@beelzebuddy:
That's the original, uncompressed video that was released to the public.
It's true it isn't up to Dragon's usual standards. If you're keeping up with events in Canada, there was a massive cascading failure in all of Dragon's inventions, including the freaking Birdcage.
She has better things to do than fix her AV kit. We're lucky she made a statement at all.
►The_Deep
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
@Shiner:
False!
Dragon took over as warden in '96. She did not build the birbcage.
@everyone:
This is clearly a massive false flag operation by the USA. First they destabilize the region, then they disable the best heroes. Next the USA will annex Canada.
It's not a coincidence that the brake out happened at the same time Narwhal collapses.
Narwhal was butt naked when she went to hospital. Know why? Her force-field clothes disappeared. Can you think of anyone who can steal powers who broke out recently? Like maybe the FAIRY QUEEN?
►Hyacinthe
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
@The_Deep:
Keep your tin foil hat on; your theory doesn't track.
1) Glaistig Uaine kills people when she takes a power.
2) Narwhal feinted before the Birdcage Break Out.
It is a weird coincidence, but correlation is not causation.
►HappyTail
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Anyone else worried about the future of the Guild? They were nothing until Narwhal and Dragon made them an international response team. They could fall apart again.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4
♦ Topic: The Heartbreaker Main Thread - Start Here!
In: Boards ► Parahumans ► Monsters (Restricted) ► Heartbreaker
HowlettTheMoon (Original Poster) (Moderator)
Posted On May 10th 2004:
This subforum is a safe, anonymous space to discuss the Parahuman villain Nikos Vasil, more popularly known as the Heartbreaker.
A moderator is online at all times to monitor posts. We aim to respond to any requests within 12 hours.
Before you post:
* Remember this is a live public forum – your message will appear as soon as you hit the "send reply" button.
* Remember that anyone can read your posts,
* Don't include any identifying information (for example, your name, your children's names, the place where you live or work) in your post
New here? Take a moment to look at our online resources.
* FAQ Thread
* Recent Sightings Thread
* Mugshots and CCTV captures - Content Warning for recovering survivors!
* PRT and Guild contact form
Stay safe!
(Showing page 750 of 750)
►OverUnder
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
I'm in tears, This is the best day ever!
►_Dr Beaky_
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
~Ding dong the dick is dead~
►Bagrat (Veteran Member) (The Guy in the Know)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Welp, it's confirmed.
Nikos Vasil is dead.Proof.
In case the mods remove it as snuff, that is a 15 second digital recording taken from an officer's body cam. It shows Nikos Vasil hanging by his neck from a lamppost in a little suburb called Dollard, SW Montreal.
Face matches. DNA matches. PRT are going to make it official soon.
Far as anyone can tell, he was strung up by his own kids.
Could not have happened to a bigger piece of shit.
Anyone know where the Vasil kids are now? I want to thank them!
For that matter, anyone know where the current crop of Heartbreaker victims went? Best guess is they're lying low with their kids somewhere.
If any of you are reading this, know that help is out there.
►JovianWoman (Heartbroken Survivor)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Hello, my head is so mixed up, I don't know if this is real.
He was everything for the best years of my life. He stole those years.He was my drug. He would tell me to do anything from selling stuff to prostitution to mugging people and I was so, soooo happy to do it.
I was never violent before but after he let me go i bit my therapest and they muzzled me.
I'm better now. Five years later, i can say that honestly...
Sweetheart, my daughter, if you are reading this, please remember me.
►HowlettTheMoon (Original Poster) (Moderator)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Thread Locked.
This has less to do with the many, many recent infractions - death threats, no matter how well deserved, are not allowed on PHO - but because this thread has served it's purpose.
Rejoice!
And remember: the heartbroken kids are innocent until proven guilty.
If you need urgent support, please look at the FAQ or PRT Contact Form
If you want to show support for any of Heartbreaker's victims over his 20 years of terror, please donate to one of these charities.
Stay safe!
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 748, 749, 750
♦ Topic: Armsmaster Battles His Arch Frenemy
In: Boards ► Places ► America ► Brockton Bay
Åsa (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) (Cape Groupie)
Posted On Nov 2nd 2010:
Link to vid
(Showing page 1 of 1)
►PostmortumOni (Cape Groupie)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
At 1:13 you can see him holding on to Armsmaster by his fingertips.
I ship it.
►KKnD
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Face is blurred, but no mask?
Is Armsmaster in power armor actually struggling against some random fanboi?
That's love.
I'll ship it.
►Boyar (Cape Groupie)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
OMG Armsmaster is into it until Armsgroupie starts sniffing his pits.
Eww he wiped his nose on Armsy...
... I'm into it. Shipped!
►JustUs (Cape Groupie)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Arm-pits-master!
Ship ahoy!
To the fanfic forums!
End of Page. 1
♦ Topic: Gig near BB
In: Boards ► Parahumans ► Capes Only ► Requests and Offers
ICU (Original Poster)
Posted On Nov 2nd 2010:
Small team seeks bodyguard for night gig, just in case.
Cash in hand, expenses payed for, bonus hazard pay.
Drivers preferred!
PM with PRT rating for interview if in BB.
(Showing page 1 of 1)
►FloridaMan (Moderator) (Verified Non-Cape)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Thread Locked per request of OP.
End of Page. 1
♦ Private message to ICU:
Rostam: I'm interested, but I've got no official rating.
ICU: gimmie your best guess
Rostam: Breaker-Brute 5.
ICU: you'll do. meet you here hon
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♦ Topic: Big Birdcage Break Out
In: Boards ► News ► Events
News_Bot (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) (The Guy in the Know) (Second Best Bot)
Posted On Nov 1st 2010:
Article: EVIL VILLAINS FLY FROM BIRDCAGE!
- Hundreds Escape Baumann Parahuman Containment Center
- Dragon Claims Massive Equipment Failure
- PRT On War Footing
- Borders Closed as British Columbia Declared HOSV
Read More...
(Showing page 56 of 178)
►Head Crabs
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
From the title I thought this was a One Piece slashfic.
...
►thewhiteraven22 (Unverified Member of Parliament)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
@Bagrat:
Okay, I agree, bad guys are bad.
But we can't send the whole PRT/Protectorate to Canada on a wild goose chase. We're outnumbered 10 to 1 here.
Maybe fix your own backyard before throwing good guys in the blender?
►yokel
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
sketchy af. dragon tech cant break. who escape cage n who still in?
(Sent from my cPhone.)
►Gaffel (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
@yokel
The PRT have a list of ~250 Parahumans still interred.
This list is being constantly updated by the PRT as we gain control over the Baumann Parahuman Containment Center (aka the Birdcage).
A list of confirmed captures and casualties is
If you or anyone you know are contacted, may be contacted, or otherwise may be targeted by a Birdcage escapee, please go to your local PRT office for protection.
Edit: Apparently we're not updating the capture list any more. We're a little too busy!
►Khamosh
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Fuck this sucks.
"PRT protection" means "push you, your family and your dog into a shelter and slam the door shut."
They're treating this like an Endbringer attack. And rightly!
Glaistig Uaine, Black Kaze, Marquis, Gavel, Acidbath and Crane are all terrifying, evil people who are now free.
Meanwhile the Guild is in shambles because Dragon has gremlins and Narwhal caught a cold.
Guys, if you are anywhere near the British Columbia Hellscape, get out now. My thoughts are with you.
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♦ Topic: Narwhal Hospitalized
In: Boards ► News ► Events ► Canada
Shiner (Original Poster) (Wiki Warrior)
Posted On Nov 2nd 2010:
Edit:
Narwhal is officially retiring from the Guild citing medical reasons. [3]
Dragon has stated that she will not be the new Guild Leader, but she will act in the interim. [4]
The Protectorate has not yet commented.
Original post:
* At 22:00 on 11/01/2010 Narwhal feinted without warning. [1]
* By 23:00 she was taken to Toronto Genera Hospital in "severe condition". [2]
This post will be edited as we learn more.
►beelzebuddy
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Dragon's video statement is kind of... low-fi. Like it jumps around and there's static and the face is wonky.
Please re-upload in HD without compression.
►Shiner (Original Poster) (Wiki Warrior)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
@beelzebuddy:
That's the original, uncompressed video that was released to the public.
It's true it isn't up to Dragon's usual standards. If you're keeping up with events in Canada, there was a massive cascading failure in all of Dragon's inventions, including the freaking Birdcage.
She has better things to do than fix her AV kit. We're lucky she made a statement at all.
►The_Deep
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
@Shiner:
False!
Dragon took over as warden in '96. She did not build the birbcage.
@everyone:
This is clearly a massive false flag operation by the USA. First they destabilize the region, then they disable the best heroes. Next the USA will annex Canada.
It's not a coincidence that the brake out happened at the same time Narwhal collapses.
Narwhal was butt naked when she went to hospital. Know why? Her force-field clothes disappeared. Can you think of anyone who can steal powers who broke out recently? Like maybe the FAIRY QUEEN?
►Hyacinthe
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
@The_Deep:
Keep your tin foil hat on; your theory doesn't track.
1) Glaistig Uaine kills people when she takes a power.
2) Narwhal feinted before the Birdcage Break Out.
It is a weird coincidence, but correlation is not causation.
►HappyTail
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Anyone else worried about the future of the Guild? They were nothing until Narwhal and Dragon made them an international response team. They could fall apart again.
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♦ Topic: The Heartbreaker Main Thread - Start Here!
In: Boards ► Parahumans ► Monsters (Restricted) ► Heartbreaker
HowlettTheMoon (Original Poster) (Moderator)
Posted On May 10th 2004:
This subforum is a safe, anonymous space to discuss the Parahuman villain Nikos Vasil, more popularly known as the Heartbreaker.
A moderator is online at all times to monitor posts. We aim to respond to any requests within 12 hours.
Before you post:
* Remember this is a live public forum – your message will appear as soon as you hit the "send reply" button.
* Remember that anyone can read your posts,
* Don't include any identifying information (for example, your name, your children's names, the place where you live or work) in your post
New here? Take a moment to look at our online resources.
* FAQ Thread
* Recent Sightings Thread
* Mugshots and CCTV captures - Content Warning for recovering survivors!
* PRT and Guild contact form
Stay safe!
►OverUnder
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
I'm in tears, This is the best day ever!
►_Dr Beaky_
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
~Ding dong the dick is dead~
►Bagrat (Veteran Member) (The Guy in the Know)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Welp, it's confirmed.
Nikos Vasil is dead.Proof.
In case the mods remove it as snuff, that is a 15 second digital recording taken from an officer's body cam. It shows Nikos Vasil hanging by his neck from a lamppost in a little suburb called Dollard, SW Montreal.
Face matches. DNA matches. PRT are going to make it official soon.
Far as anyone can tell, he was strung up by his own kids.
Could not have happened to a bigger piece of shit.
Anyone know where the Vasil kids are now? I want to thank them!
For that matter, anyone know where the current crop of Heartbreaker victims went? Best guess is they're lying low with their kids somewhere.
If any of you are reading this, know that help is out there.
►JovianWoman (Heartbroken Survivor)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Hello, my head is so mixed up, I don't know if this is real.
He was everything for the best years of my life. He stole those years.He was my drug. He would tell me to do anything from selling stuff to prostitution to mugging people and I was so, soooo happy to do it.
I was never violent before but after he let me go i bit my therapest and they muzzled me.
I'm better now. Five years later, i can say that honestly...
Sweetheart, my daughter, if you are reading this, please remember me.
►HowlettTheMoon (Original Poster) (Moderator)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Thread Locked.
This has less to do with the many, many recent infractions - death threats, no matter how well deserved, are not allowed on PHO - but because this thread has served it's purpose.
Rejoice!
And remember: the heartbroken kids are innocent until proven guilty.
If you need urgent support, please look at the FAQ or PRT Contact Form
If you want to show support for any of Heartbreaker's victims over his 20 years of terror, please donate to one of these charities.
Stay safe!
■
♦ Topic: Armsmaster Battles His Arch Frenemy
In: Boards ► Places ► America ► Brockton Bay
Åsa (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) (Cape Groupie)
Posted On Nov 2nd 2010:
Link to vid
►PostmortumOni (Cape Groupie)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
At 1:13 you can see him holding on to Armsmaster by his fingertips.
I ship it.
►KKnD
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Face is blurred, but no mask?
Is Armsmaster in power armor actually struggling against some random fanboi?
That's love.
I'll ship it.
►Boyar (Cape Groupie)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
OMG Armsmaster is into it until Armsgroupie starts sniffing his pits.
Eww he wiped his nose on Armsy...
... I'm into it. Shipped!
►JustUs (Cape Groupie)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Arm-pits-master!
Ship ahoy!
To the fanfic forums!
■
♦ Topic: Gig near BB
In: Boards ► Parahumans ► Capes Only ► Requests and Offers
ICU (Original Poster)
Posted On Nov 2nd 2010:
Small team seeks bodyguard for night gig, just in case.
Cash in hand, expenses payed for, bonus hazard pay.
Drivers preferred!
PM with PRT rating for interview if in BB.
►FloridaMan (Moderator) (Verified Non-Cape)
Replied On Nov 2nd 2010:
Thread Locked per request of OP.
■
♦ Private message to ICU:
Rostam: I'm interested, but I've got no official rating.
ICU: gimmie your best guess
Rostam: Breaker-Brute 5.
ICU: you'll do. meet you here hon
■
I had a bad day and ran out of time. I started this project to learn to post regularly and publicly. Bad days are not the end of everything, but they are annoying.
Also, my cat died.
But look! A distraction!
Spot your alt universe name. If you don't like it, or the content, submit something and I'll edit it in, if it fits.
PHO chapters are fun to write. Too much fun. No wonder they bloat out. I stuck to 5 posts instead of 10 to avoid too much shitposting, and it still ballooned.
All spelling and grammar errors are intentional *coughs*.
I really hope the dates are correct. The loop starts late on the 1st of Nov. This interlude is all in character knowledge. Rostam is the MC's account name and a sneaky bit of lore, theme and foreshadowing that I'm too proud of.
Next chapter is flowing well and has a little setting exploration. Just needs more time to reach a decision point, and this hits my word count target.
Vote closed, because I like where this is going.
Thanks for reading.
Edit: Note to self, this needs more padding, but there's no time left.
Also, my cat died.
But look! A distraction!
Spot your alt universe name. If you don't like it, or the content, submit something and I'll edit it in, if it fits.
PHO chapters are fun to write. Too much fun. No wonder they bloat out. I stuck to 5 posts instead of 10 to avoid too much shitposting, and it still ballooned.
All spelling and grammar errors are intentional *coughs*.
I really hope the dates are correct. The loop starts late on the 1st of Nov. This interlude is all in character knowledge. Rostam is the MC's account name and a sneaky bit of lore, theme and foreshadowing that I'm too proud of.
Next chapter is flowing well and has a little setting exploration. Just needs more time to reach a decision point, and this hits my word count target.
Vote closed, because I like where this is going.
Thanks for reading.
Edit: Note to self, this needs more padding, but there's no time left.
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Ok, I am so confused right now, cause if I remembered right we didn't do anything to Dragon in the past timeline
Talk about fking up the timeline. At least we got back in time way before more could happen.
Heartbreaker had the MC's power, including the power to sacrifice for more power. He killed Dragon.
Me rambling:
The Two Thrones chapter is still due for a rewrite because I wrote Nikos Vasil character so badly. I hate Heartbreaker and there was a lot going on in that chapter.
But it is still canon. Here's some extracts.
And other readers figure important stuff out here:
And here I'll just spell out what happened while not saying why it happened. Feel free to speculate or to read every chapter very closely.
Prince's (that's you) power went to Nikos Vasil via Alec Vasil and made him a Dark Prince, thematic to Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones. Nikos basically became evil you.
Nikos' weapon was the Tie That Binds: a rebranded, redesigned version of the Dagger of Time. Thematic to the Daggertail in PoP:TTT.
He had an extra matter destruction power from killing one of his kids. (My notes say it was a time themed rebuild of Chastity's power.) It can punch through armor.
Dragon was possessing the Dragoncraft. Or I'm an evil GM and decided it was close enough, since she was talking and doing complex flying and everything.
Nikos killed Dragon in the last iteration. Turned her to Fire. (His version of Sand. Because time burns.)
Incidentally, not mentioned in story, Nikos saw Dragon coming through the Fever Dreams power. That's why he was waiting.
From my writing perspective, the whole Dark Prince thing was "what if an evil bastard had the MC's power?" and things happily lined up in a way that meant I could explore that. Nikos had the right mix of opportunity, assholery, and readily available victims.
And that just leaves the question: why did the Sands of Time power decide to transfer and mutate like this? I'll answer that near the end of the story. In time for the final choice anyway. Probably.
And since I've been holding this story for 8 months now and I'm dying to tell it, the next chapter should, if it goes well, reveal the next PoP themed character, and there's a third on the board. Possibly a forth if things line up well. Oh, and Spoiler is another. I enjoy the parallels. They are all antagonists in a way. not all of them cause a Hellscape arc.
Nikos' weapon was the Tie That Binds: a rebranded, redesigned version of the Dagger of Time. Thematic to the Daggertail in PoP:TTT.
He had an extra matter destruction power from killing one of his kids. (My notes say it was a time themed rebuild of Chastity's power.) It can punch through armor.
Dragon was possessing the Dragoncraft. Or I'm an evil GM and decided it was close enough, since she was talking and doing complex flying and everything.
Nikos killed Dragon in the last iteration. Turned her to Fire. (His version of Sand. Because time burns.)
Incidentally, not mentioned in story, Nikos saw Dragon coming through the Fever Dreams power. That's why he was waiting.
From my writing perspective, the whole Dark Prince thing was "what if an evil bastard had the MC's power?" and things happily lined up in a way that meant I could explore that. Nikos had the right mix of opportunity, assholery, and readily available victims.
And that just leaves the question: why did the Sands of Time power decide to transfer and mutate like this? I'll answer that near the end of the story. In time for the final choice anyway. Probably.
And since I've been holding this story for 8 months now and I'm dying to tell it, the next chapter should, if it goes well, reveal the next PoP themed character, and there's a third on the board. Possibly a forth if things line up well. Oh, and Spoiler is another. I enjoy the parallels. They are all antagonists in a way. not all of them cause a Hellscape arc.
Is Dragon and Narwhal okay right now? Or are they dead/dying?
thewhiteraven22
(Unverified Worm Fanatic)
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I see what you did there! Although a parliament is a group of owls, close enough.
And yes, that matches Bet-Raven well. This is I think only the second time I've been in a PHO interlude. Still exciting!
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- Location
- Philippines
I suppose it fits Worm's theme that everything keeps getting worse.
The MC's been nothing but an overall net-negative to everything he does and everything he touches.
Let's hope he doesn't screw up so badly again...and that the QM doesn't make things so confusing and dragged out again. Having to puzzle out Hearbreaker's shit for so long was not fun
The MC's been nothing but an overall net-negative to everything he does and everything he touches.
Let's hope he doesn't screw up so badly again...and that the QM doesn't make things so confusing and dragged out again. Having to puzzle out Hearbreaker's shit for so long was not fun
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Collective nouns are insane.
This lists 17 different collective nouns for ravens alone.
'Parliament', 'conspiracy' and 'unkindness' are common for ravens. I've always liked 'parliament' as it implies intelligence and/or authority. Also it puns.
Glad you approve. Surprised this is only the second time. You literally invite people to do it.
What happened to them should be guessable now, but I hope to spell it out in a chapter or two.
They ain't dying. Arguably they are better. Unless another Hellscape crisis develops, in which case Dragon is the most likely vector at the moment.
Thanks for sticking through it.
The Hellscape arc was meant to be the tonal low point, the hero's journey into hell. But some real life problems caused a major writing block and I posted what I could. Now I have to roll with it, even if I don't like it.
We're on a rough upward trajectory now, with a few drops.
Would the puzzle part have been less not-fun without the 2 month hiatus in the middle? Or should I change something about how I write?
The MC has a limited perspective and is caught in cosmic forces, as all parahumans are.
thewhiteraven22
(Unverified Worm Fanatic)
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Fair enough, I lean more toward a murder and conspiracy for ravens and crows, respectively myself.
- Location
- Philippines
It was all the confusing, and cryptic stuff happening.
Not helped by Heartbreaker somehow getting an OCP powerboost and having to clean up the mess that ended up being a complete waste.
Eh, at least the MC got a do-over. That's something good at least.
- Location
- Washington State
If things are looking up, then it seems fine to me.
I think my biggest problem with the hellscape arc boils down to three issues: First, it felt like it came completely out of left field. We had no reason to expect or predict that killing Regent would somehow cause Heartbreaker to suddenly get a twisted reflection of our powers. Second, its placement just before/right at what felt like the climax to the Coil arc was really jarring and basically just left that part of the story unresolved. Finally, having such extreme consequences as both Dragon and Narwhal dying - apparently permanently regardless of time travel - just feels incredibly rough when we had no way to prevent Dragon's death, and Narwhal's seemed to come on very suddenly.
To be clear, none of this is an accusation of poor writing, quite the opposite: I think the Hellscape arc really captured the sense of a crisis suddenly coming out of nowhere in a way I don't think I've ever seen outside this story. After all, a crisis like this should feel unfair and bleak. It should be chaotic. Information about what exactly is going on should not be readily available. And finally, it should have genuine consequences that hurt.
On the other hand - this isn't only a story, it's also a quest - which in my mind is a sort of game. And this is where the trouble arises. In a game, it feels quite bad when something which is both unfair and unexpected happens. Especially when there are major irreversible consequences and doubly so when it happens in what feels like the first act.
I still think this has the potential to be really good from a 'game' perspective if it's treated like the introductory reality check. Like, we've caught our first glimpse of the greater forces at play, but have basically been kicked down to (nearly) zero for flying too close to the sun.
Ultimately, I guess what I'm hoping for is that Prince has some time to recuperate and that any upcoming meat grinders on par with the hellscape are better telegraphed. In which case, I'd have no complaints about this arc basically smacking us over the head and telling us to use our power over literal time responsibly. I'd ideally like to see us spend an arc (or even two) sticking to relatively street-level stuff before we start dealing with the greater cosmic fuckery involved with Prince's powers in earnest though.
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