[X][Concessions] Write-in. Alright. Fine. We still won't be signing on for restrictions or anything. But we will talk to the police and PRT. We will take down the traps, but we will keep (and later improve) our surveillance, and we will reinforce the internals of the walls. Nothing illegal about that. We go introduce ourselves. Explain what happened. Give them the information they need to deal with it and little else. We will also insist on providing a weapon for dad to defend themselves with if this happens again.
Combinatorial Explosion (Worm/Original)
- Thread starter Shadestyle
- Start date
[X][Concessions] Write-in. Alright. Fine. We still won't be signing on for restrictions or anything. But we will talk to the police and PRT. We will take down the traps, but we will keep (and later improve) our surveillance, and we will reinforce the internals of the walls. Nothing illegal about that. We go introduce ourselves. Explain what happened. Give them the information they need to deal with it and little else. We will also insist on providing a weapon for dad to defend themselves with if this happens again.
[X][Concessions] Write-in. Alright, fine. But we will keep protecting the house at least to the legal limit. Cooperate with the Protectorate but don't reveal anything more than Taylor's plant-based powers. Also make sure to tell them you are a shaker and not a Tinker (if that makes any difference).
- [X][Concessions] Write-in. Also fortify the lab, and the door into it, especially heavily, making it sealed almost airtight with thick wood like a bomb shelter or bank vault, and require our personal willpower and adding mana to the lock to get in, with no posible physical key or information being able to let you into it. Sleep in there with the door locked, and offer dad to do so as well.
[X][Concessions] Write-in. Alright, fine. But we will keep protecting the house at least to the legal limit. Cooperate with the Protectorate but don't reveal anything more than Taylor's plant-based powers. Also make sure to tell them you are a shaker and not a Tinker (if that makes any difference).
- [X][Concessions] Write-in. Also fortify the lab, and the door into it, especially heavily, making it sealed almost airtight with thick wood like a bomb shelter or bank vault, and require our personal willpower and adding mana to the lock to get in, with no posible physical key or information being able to let you into it. Sleep in there with the door locked, and offer dad to do so as well.
I'm absolutely loving it!
- Location
- OK
Voting is now closed! Beginning update.
Chapter 9.6
- Location
- OK
I meet my dad's stare with one of my own. A lot of what he demanded seemed perfectly reasonable. But not all of it.
I start listing off my own demands.
"Fine. We can go to the PRT. We'll tell them what they need to know, and nothing else. I still don't want many people to know about what my powers can really do."
"Next, I'll remove the traps, but not the surveillance, and not the reinforcements to the house. In fact, I'll be adding more of those. It isn't illegal to make our house more durable, and it isn't illegal to have cameras in the privacy of our own home," I continue.
"Finally, and this part isn't negotiable. I'm going to make a weapon for you to protect yourself," I finish, already holding up a hand to stop dad from objecting.
"Explain it however you want, or hide it, or whatever. I'm not going to let you protect me if you won't let me do the same," I insist.
He deflates a bit at this.
"Alright. I can live with that. I trust you, Taylor," he responds.
I nod. "Thank you."
We hug it out a bit more, and I get to work on removing the traps. With enough willpower, I'm still able to wrench control of the plants under my influence, so forcing them to reabsorb their thorns isn't too big of an issue, though it does take even longer than it took to make them in the first place.
After that, I pack my costume into a cardboard box, making a simple mask for dad out of an old baseball cap that I quickly mutate into pale white wood.
Dad insists on driving us to the docks first, and we change there, before taking a rental car to the PRT building itself. Something I didn't even think of doing.
I wasn't sure when dad got so good at coming up with ideas like that, but I didn't disagree with the added layer of obfuscation.
As we walked into the PRT building's reception area, dad seemed content to let me take the lead. He didn't know as much as I did about the situation, but it felt gratifying to know that he was letting me take charge while I'm in costume.
The receptionist looked carefully placid as she saw me walking in, like someone who worked at a vet and saw someone bring in a large animal. Trained to deal with it, and cautious precisely because of that training.
"May I help you sir?" she asked, glancing between me and my father as she took her attention away from the desktop computer she had been entering things into.
"I'm here to report a parahuman crime that I'm the victim of," I say calmly and clearly, something that was at odds with my slowly rising tension.
To her credit, the woman didn't skip a beat after hearing my distinctly not-male voice. "Right. If you'll wait here, I'll make some calls for you, ma'am," she said, correcting her earlier misstep.
I wasn't that torn up about it, considering what I must have looked like. My costume was pretty much just plates glued together with random vines and threads with basically no way to tell who was underneath it, so long as I wasn't talking, at least.
"Do you have a name on-record, ma'am?" she asked. "Is your companion a parahuman as well?" she asked, not even bothering to question if I myself was one.
"No. I'm currently going by the name Sage. My associate is wearing a mask to protect his identity as well."
She nods at this, returning to her computer and typing far more hastily than her previous chicken-pecking when we first walked in. In one smooth motion, she has the phone next to her wedged between her head and her shoulder, using one hand to punch in phone numbers.
Me and my dad went to set down at one of the chairs nearby. I tried awkwardly to not make eye contact with any of the other people waiting in here, but it was clear that a weird cape and their partner just sitting in a waiting room like nothing was strange about that was attracting some attention.
After entirely too long spent waiting, we were finally called back into an office, where I noticed, with a heart-stopping pulse of irrational fear, both Armsmaster and another cape were milling around alongside an ordinary man in a suit sitting at the back of the office.
"If you would take a seat, Sage," the man asks, and I numbly sit down in the chair he offered, one close to the door and next to the one my dad was sitting in.
"My name is Deputy Seargent McMiller. As we take threats on parahuman independents seriously, I've opted to include these two to participate in this interview. Do not be concerned," he explains plainly.
"If you would, please explain your reason for coming here today."
I mutely nod, before looking to dad nervously. Taking my cue, he decides to open while I try to gather myself.
"I and my associate are the victim of a home invasion we believe to be perpetrated by a parahuman and several minors. She found a photograph pinned to the door of her work area depicting some of her critical tools and resources, in what I personally believe to be an attempt at blackmail or coersion."
"Later, when investigating potential culprits, a parahuman assaulted her in the street just outside of one of the culprit's homes, and, using her power, she was able to confirm that this specific parahuman was present in her home, and thus, the one responsible," he explains.
"I have the ability to sense a type of energy that I produce. My home is saturated with it, and I detected the energy on the parahuman that attacked me, one who only did so when I investigated near one of the culprit's houses. Nobody else would have registered like that other than my associate."
The Deputy Seargent nodded, writing something down diligently as I explained.
"Would you be willing to offer proof of some kind?" He asks, making my heart sink.
I knew this would happen. I don't have any proof that anything happened, just like all the other times.
Heedless of my brooding, he continues. "While we are authorized to investigate claims made by a parahuman using power-based evidence, having your ability on record would speed up the process by a great deal," he says, shocking me out of my stupor.
"Either way, we will need some names and descriptions. Could you describe what the parahuman looked like? Their powers, and if they were using any equipment?"
I sputter a bit. "Oh, they were in all-black clothing, they shot a crossbow bolt at me, and turned into this dark mist that sunk into the road when I got ready to defend myself," I say quickly.
"They had a hockey mask on, too, and somehow was able to get up on top of one of the lampposts," I add on afterwards.
"I see," he looks to the other cape in the room, Armsmaster, however, kept his stare fixed on me.
I was glad that my helmet covered my entire face, or I'm sure they would have seen the nervous flush that came over my face when I realized how he was scrutinizing me.
The other cape nods subtly, and Deputy Seargent McMiller returns his attention to me. "Very well. All that's left is the names of the non-parahumans you believe may be involved. I'll bring this up the chain to the appropriate people so we can investigate the matter. If you believe your identity or life are in immediate danger, I can get you to the appropriate people if you wish to join the Protectorate, or if you need somewhere to stay until the investigation is dealt with," he offers.
"Many parahumans who come to us opt to be moved to another state if they believe their identity may be in danger."
I shake my head instantly at this. "No, thank you."
As for the others...
I take a deep breath, hoping dad won't flip out or anything.
"The people I believe may be responsible are Madison Clemmens, Sophia Hess, and Emma Barnes. They've been bullying me for the past seven months, up until recently, just after spring break, when I started using my powers to avoid them. I overheard them talking about me, and Sophia claimed she would "Handle" the problem of me somehow avoiding them during school."
He looks disappointed at this, but gathers up his files, tapping them on the table once. "Alright. That should be everything, then. If you're willing, a demonstration of your abilities would be a great help in speeding up the necessary procedures to investigate."
I consider this, turning to my dad, who just offers a small shrug, leaving it up to me.
[][Proof] I'll prove that I can emit energy and detect that energy. (Write-In method of proof)
[][Proof] I won't. They seem willing to take me at my word, and I want to reveal as little as possible.
My response seems to make Armsmaster tense up a bit, but the Deputy is blase about my answer.
"Is there anything else?" he asks.
Well, you're already at the PRT, with capes right in front of you and everything... Is there anything else you want to do or say before you go back home?
[][Anything Else] (Write In)
[][Anything Else] Nothing. Let's go.
I start listing off my own demands.
"Fine. We can go to the PRT. We'll tell them what they need to know, and nothing else. I still don't want many people to know about what my powers can really do."
"Next, I'll remove the traps, but not the surveillance, and not the reinforcements to the house. In fact, I'll be adding more of those. It isn't illegal to make our house more durable, and it isn't illegal to have cameras in the privacy of our own home," I continue.
"Finally, and this part isn't negotiable. I'm going to make a weapon for you to protect yourself," I finish, already holding up a hand to stop dad from objecting.
"Explain it however you want, or hide it, or whatever. I'm not going to let you protect me if you won't let me do the same," I insist.
He deflates a bit at this.
"Alright. I can live with that. I trust you, Taylor," he responds.
I nod. "Thank you."
We hug it out a bit more, and I get to work on removing the traps. With enough willpower, I'm still able to wrench control of the plants under my influence, so forcing them to reabsorb their thorns isn't too big of an issue, though it does take even longer than it took to make them in the first place.
After that, I pack my costume into a cardboard box, making a simple mask for dad out of an old baseball cap that I quickly mutate into pale white wood.
Dad insists on driving us to the docks first, and we change there, before taking a rental car to the PRT building itself. Something I didn't even think of doing.
I wasn't sure when dad got so good at coming up with ideas like that, but I didn't disagree with the added layer of obfuscation.
As we walked into the PRT building's reception area, dad seemed content to let me take the lead. He didn't know as much as I did about the situation, but it felt gratifying to know that he was letting me take charge while I'm in costume.
The receptionist looked carefully placid as she saw me walking in, like someone who worked at a vet and saw someone bring in a large animal. Trained to deal with it, and cautious precisely because of that training.
"May I help you sir?" she asked, glancing between me and my father as she took her attention away from the desktop computer she had been entering things into.
"I'm here to report a parahuman crime that I'm the victim of," I say calmly and clearly, something that was at odds with my slowly rising tension.
To her credit, the woman didn't skip a beat after hearing my distinctly not-male voice. "Right. If you'll wait here, I'll make some calls for you, ma'am," she said, correcting her earlier misstep.
I wasn't that torn up about it, considering what I must have looked like. My costume was pretty much just plates glued together with random vines and threads with basically no way to tell who was underneath it, so long as I wasn't talking, at least.
"Do you have a name on-record, ma'am?" she asked. "Is your companion a parahuman as well?" she asked, not even bothering to question if I myself was one.
"No. I'm currently going by the name Sage. My associate is wearing a mask to protect his identity as well."
She nods at this, returning to her computer and typing far more hastily than her previous chicken-pecking when we first walked in. In one smooth motion, she has the phone next to her wedged between her head and her shoulder, using one hand to punch in phone numbers.
Me and my dad went to set down at one of the chairs nearby. I tried awkwardly to not make eye contact with any of the other people waiting in here, but it was clear that a weird cape and their partner just sitting in a waiting room like nothing was strange about that was attracting some attention.
1d20 vs 1d20 = 2, 12
After entirely too long spent waiting, we were finally called back into an office, where I noticed, with a heart-stopping pulse of irrational fear, both Armsmaster and another cape were milling around alongside an ordinary man in a suit sitting at the back of the office.
"If you would take a seat, Sage," the man asks, and I numbly sit down in the chair he offered, one close to the door and next to the one my dad was sitting in.
"My name is Deputy Seargent McMiller. As we take threats on parahuman independents seriously, I've opted to include these two to participate in this interview. Do not be concerned," he explains plainly.
"If you would, please explain your reason for coming here today."
I mutely nod, before looking to dad nervously. Taking my cue, he decides to open while I try to gather myself.
"I and my associate are the victim of a home invasion we believe to be perpetrated by a parahuman and several minors. She found a photograph pinned to the door of her work area depicting some of her critical tools and resources, in what I personally believe to be an attempt at blackmail or coersion."
"Later, when investigating potential culprits, a parahuman assaulted her in the street just outside of one of the culprit's homes, and, using her power, she was able to confirm that this specific parahuman was present in her home, and thus, the one responsible," he explains.
"I have the ability to sense a type of energy that I produce. My home is saturated with it, and I detected the energy on the parahuman that attacked me, one who only did so when I investigated near one of the culprit's houses. Nobody else would have registered like that other than my associate."
The Deputy Seargent nodded, writing something down diligently as I explained.
"Would you be willing to offer proof of some kind?" He asks, making my heart sink.
I knew this would happen. I don't have any proof that anything happened, just like all the other times.
Heedless of my brooding, he continues. "While we are authorized to investigate claims made by a parahuman using power-based evidence, having your ability on record would speed up the process by a great deal," he says, shocking me out of my stupor.
"Either way, we will need some names and descriptions. Could you describe what the parahuman looked like? Their powers, and if they were using any equipment?"
I sputter a bit. "Oh, they were in all-black clothing, they shot a crossbow bolt at me, and turned into this dark mist that sunk into the road when I got ready to defend myself," I say quickly.
"They had a hockey mask on, too, and somehow was able to get up on top of one of the lampposts," I add on afterwards.
"I see," he looks to the other cape in the room, Armsmaster, however, kept his stare fixed on me.
I was glad that my helmet covered my entire face, or I'm sure they would have seen the nervous flush that came over my face when I realized how he was scrutinizing me.
The other cape nods subtly, and Deputy Seargent McMiller returns his attention to me. "Very well. All that's left is the names of the non-parahumans you believe may be involved. I'll bring this up the chain to the appropriate people so we can investigate the matter. If you believe your identity or life are in immediate danger, I can get you to the appropriate people if you wish to join the Protectorate, or if you need somewhere to stay until the investigation is dealt with," he offers.
"Many parahumans who come to us opt to be moved to another state if they believe their identity may be in danger."
I shake my head instantly at this. "No, thank you."
As for the others...
I take a deep breath, hoping dad won't flip out or anything.
"The people I believe may be responsible are Madison Clemmens, Sophia Hess, and Emma Barnes. They've been bullying me for the past seven months, up until recently, just after spring break, when I started using my powers to avoid them. I overheard them talking about me, and Sophia claimed she would "Handle" the problem of me somehow avoiding them during school."
He looks disappointed at this, but gathers up his files, tapping them on the table once. "Alright. That should be everything, then. If you're willing, a demonstration of your abilities would be a great help in speeding up the necessary procedures to investigate."
I consider this, turning to my dad, who just offers a small shrug, leaving it up to me.
[][Proof] I'll prove that I can emit energy and detect that energy. (Write-In method of proof)
[][Proof] I won't. They seem willing to take me at my word, and I want to reveal as little as possible.
My response seems to make Armsmaster tense up a bit, but the Deputy is blase about my answer.
"Is there anything else?" he asks.
Well, you're already at the PRT, with capes right in front of you and everything... Is there anything else you want to do or say before you go back home?
[][Anything Else] (Write In)
[][Anything Else] Nothing. Let's go.
[X][Proof] I'll prove that I can emit energy and detect that energy. (Request an object you can shoot an harmless but flashy Elemental Ray at, and use your power on it in front of them)
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues.
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues.
- Pronouns
- He
[X][Proof] I'll prove that I can emit energy and detect that energy. (We will generate a basic mana type which is visible, we will then cause basic effects using invisible mana types. Afterwords if they are willing, we will use See the Unseen on them, or a willing test subject, to demonstrate that the energy can be seen through the use of our power.)
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues, and ask about the best ways to obscure identities when making money while using a parahuman power.
Proving we can emit energy is not enough, we also need to let them see it so they know our ability to detect it is legit.
Showing a visible type is obvious to begin with.
While causing an effect with something that can't be seen also proves the energy can be invisible to others.
And finaly, by using See the Unseen on them, we prove we can see this energy even if its invisible to others.
Asking around about rouges, and identity obscuring tips, will help us when we start having to do parahuman taxes in our name.
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues, and ask about the best ways to obscure identities when making money while using a parahuman power.
Proving we can emit energy is not enough, we also need to let them see it so they know our ability to detect it is legit.
Showing a visible type is obvious to begin with.
While causing an effect with something that can't be seen also proves the energy can be invisible to others.
And finaly, by using See the Unseen on them, we prove we can see this energy even if its invisible to others.
Asking around about rouges, and identity obscuring tips, will help us when we start having to do parahuman taxes in our name.
[X][Proof] I'll prove that I can emit energy and detect that energy. Request some identical plants, infuse one of them with plant mana, then show you're able to tell which one you infused with no visual cues, or if you're confident in your ability to do so even while hidden in some opaque box.
[X][Anything Else] Ask if there is anything we can legally sell to the PRT that they're actually willing to buy, that wouldn't be legal to sell to anyone else, or any other way to earn money they recommend while remaining strictly neutral and not part of Protectorate. Look at Armsmaster as you do so.
[X][Anything Else] Ask if there is anything we can legally sell to the PRT that they're actually willing to buy, that wouldn't be legal to sell to anyone else, or any other way to earn money they recommend while remaining strictly neutral and not part of Protectorate. Look at Armsmaster as you do so.
- Pronouns
- He
I question if its wise to do so on a plant. Though a plant would retain it vey well for testing reasons.
We may want to avoid the whole, biotinker thing.
Then again. Given the way we are dressed.
We may want to avoid the whole, biotinker thing.
Then again. Given the way we are dressed.
Powerofmind
In Madness Fallen
- Location
- United States
The best measure of "energetic marking" would be an otherwise impossible shell game.
Three objects with distinct colors, each of which we uniquely mark, then leave the room and allow them to repeatedly box all three, while we point out which box has which color object. Finally we can display range-finding by asking them to move the objects to different rooms a reasonable distance away, then pinpoint them on a stripped-down floor plan with a marker.
Three objects with distinct colors, each of which we uniquely mark, then leave the room and allow them to repeatedly box all three, while we point out which box has which color object. Finally we can display range-finding by asking them to move the objects to different rooms a reasonable distance away, then pinpoint them on a stripped-down floor plan with a marker.
- Pronouns
- He
We could do both, but that would constitute revealing more of our power.
Marking would be pretty vauge....
Marking would be pretty vauge....
The Froggy Ninja
The Blade Will Never Die
[X][Proof] I'll prove that I can emit energy and detect that energy. (Pull out an aluminum scrap, infuse it with mana and then generate some glass mana for a visible effect and have someone take it out of the room and point to where it is.)
[X][Anything Else] Ask if there's a method to contact them in our capacity as a cape rather than wandering into the facility.
[X][Anything Else] Ask if there's a method to contact them in our capacity as a cape rather than wandering into the facility.
[X][Proof] Ask for 3 distinct objects which they will provide. Proceed to infuse energy into them, and have them obscure the items among similar ones. Point out the ones which have the energy infused in them. Continue with similar tests they themselves devise until they are confident in your ability.
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues, and ask about the best ways to obscure identities when making money while using a parahuman power.
Thanks to @Powerofmind for giving me the idea for the proof. I think this one is a good compromise between showing that our ability to detect mana actually works, and avoiding showing too much of our capabilities.
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues, and ask about the best ways to obscure identities when making money while using a parahuman power.
Thanks to @Powerofmind for giving me the idea for the proof. I think this one is a good compromise between showing that our ability to detect mana actually works, and avoiding showing too much of our capabilities.
[X][Proof] Ask for 3 distinct objects which they will provide. Proceed to infuse energy into them, and have them obscure the items among similar ones. Point out the ones which have the energy infused in them. Continue with similar tests they themselves devise until they are confident in your ability.
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues.
I like the write-in for proof. I was thinking of showing off something that would interest Armsmaster as a tinker, but I think just demonstrating what we've claimed so far would be the best for now.
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues.
I like the write-in for proof. I was thinking of showing off something that would interest Armsmaster as a tinker, but I think just demonstrating what we've claimed so far would be the best for now.
Powerofmind
In Madness Fallen
- Location
- United States
It bears remembering that the protectorate is intimately familiar with heroes that Mark stuff so they can find it. Mouse Protector arguably has this ability herself. We don't have to overshare, but they need enough to confirm we 'kind of work the same way maybe?' Without rangefinding they might get prickly about the mark's duration or maximum range on a target, but without it, as recently voted, it should still be enough to garner reasonable expectations of its effectiveness.
- Location
- U.S.
[X][Proof] I'll prove that I can emit energy and detect that energy. (Request an object you can shoot a harmless but flashy Elemental Ray at, and use your power on it in front of them)
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues.
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues.
[X][Proof] Ask for 3 distinct objects which they will provide. Proceed to infuse energy into them, and have them obscure the items among similar ones. Point out the ones which have the energy infused in them. Continue with similar tests they themselves devise until they are confident in your ability.
Like the ball under the cups.
Like the ball under the cups.
thewhiteraven22
(Unverified Worm Fanatic)
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X][Proof] I'll prove that I can emit energy and detect that energy. (We will generate a basic mana type which is visible, we will then cause basic effects using invisible mana types. Afterwords if they are willing, we will use See the Unseen on them, or a willing test subject, to demonstrate that the energy can be seen through the use of our power.)
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues, and ask about the best ways to obscure identities when making money while using a parahuman power.
[X][Anything Else] Inquire on PRT policies regarding Rogues, and ask about the best ways to obscure identities when making money while using a parahuman power.
[X][Proof] Ask for 3 distinct objects which they will provide. Proceed to infuse energy into them, and have them obscure the items among similar ones. Point out the ones which have the energy infused in them. Continue with similar tests they themselves devise until they are confident in your ability.
Whatever you show, make it interesting enough for the prt to pay attention to you
- Location
- OK
Voting is now closed! Beginning update.
Chapter 10
- Location
- OK
When I explained my plan to prove that my power worked, it was accepted with a shrug, and several identical coffee cups were brought in to a different office for me to demonstrate in front of Armsmaster, who was recording it.
I infused a paperclip with mana, they shuffled it around, and I managed to point out where it was six times in a row. The six times after that, I twisted the Magic around, forming it into a thin screen that I let them look through. Just like before, they could easily see the energy present in it.
After that, Deputy Seargent McMiller seemed satisfied that I could indeed sense the energy I created, and Armsmaster seemed satisfied that the energy didn't key to any existing form of energy in a way that would appear when I use See the Unseen.
"Oh, before we leave, I wanted to ask some things about Rogues, if that's alright. I want to use my power to make money, but I'm not sure how to do that without the money being traced back to my civilian identity," I explain to the Seargent.
He nods at this. "It can be a big issue for new capes to safely profit off of their abilities. Even the Wards, for instance, have much of their pay put into a trust as part of the measures used to protect them. Some may think it unfair, but ultimately, at those ages, large unaccounted-for sums of money can be a problem to distribute or spend without attracting attention."
"I would recommend one of two things, the first, more preferable solution, would be to sign up for the MIRIS initiative. It isn't as good here as it is in other cities, but we have a department that can provide management services for rogues, as well as cover the legal aspects of parahuman usage in business around here. One of those services is setting up a proxy-identity which is used in transactions under your cape persona."
"This proxy essentially allows you to use your identity as a cape as an independent legal entity from your civilian identity, and while it won't help with funneling that funding towards your needs out-of-costume, it would allow you to do things such as open bank accounts in your cape name, use credit cards, own property, and pay taxes. The last one is especially important if you opt to sign up with us, as we can smoothen the process of integrating your civilian and cape taxes, allowing you to use funding from one identity to pay taxes on the other without risk of discovery."
"If you like, I could direct you to one of our other offices where we handle that, but otherwise, you would likely want to go through the same basic procedure, but with the government directly. There are provisions in place by which a parahuman can establish a second identity through government channels. You'll need a lawyer who knows both identities, however, and you'll need an individual to be willing to take on liability for certain aspects of the process if you want to keep your identity a total secret."
"Essentially, the way the law is set up right now, you would need to have someone agree to be your Parahuman Representative, and they would take on the liability that would normally be associated with your civilian identity. It can be difficult to find someone willing to take on the burden of responsibility for a parahuman, especially with the risk of thinkers committing crimes like tax fraud, with the bulk of the penalties falling back to the representative in lieu of a civilian identity to charge."
I listen patiently, and my dad seems particularly interested at this. I'm not sure what the right decision would be. I wasn't that interested in signing up with them before, but it sounds like there's more than one way to affiliate with the PRT, unless he's just not mentioning the part where I need to agree to those vague restrictions dad warned me about.
"Most individuals are only willing to take on parahuman liability if they themselves receive a profit from the individual in question. It's part of how many Corporate Teams function, by taking the liability and applying it to a corporate entity instead of an individual."
What he didn't point out, but I managed to intuit, was how the PRT (or was it the Protectorate?) who took on the role of the "Liable Entity", if I decided to sign up with MIRIS. At least, that's what it sounds like he's saying.
[][Rogue] I won't worry about Rogue Affiliation yet. I still don't have a way to profit off my powers anyway, yet.
[][Rogue] I'll pursue affiliation with a non-PRT entity. There's bound to be some people or organizations willing to take on that liability.
[][Rogue] I've changed my mind. Signing on as an affiliated Rogue doesn't sound too bad. Maybe I could investigate that more.
With that out of the way, I make sure to get the PRT's phone number, mailing address, and E-Mail Address from the lady in the lobby, in case I want to contact them again without having to come all the way here again.
Seargent McMiller also takes the time to get me a list of firms that could help me with getting a second identity for my cape persona, while I ask Armsmaster if there's anything I could legally sell to the PRT that would be illegal otherwise.
He just gives me a weird grimace and explains in a dry tone that the Protectorate is not interested in purchasing illegal products of any kind.
With that kind of awful non-answer failing to actually address the question I asked in mind, me and my dad pack it up and go home.
When we got home, dad plopped down into a couch, looking disappointed.
"I noticed you didn't say much back there, what was with that?" I asked, a bit curious why he let me take the lead on all the interactions I had.
Dad gives me a smile that looks a little bit proud. "I was prepared to step in if it looked like you needed it, but you handled yourself very well. Sorry if it seemed like I wasn't in your corner, but I was keeping an ear open during all of that," he explains.
He sighs. "So it really was Emma, huh?" he says, reminding me of the other thing that confused me when we were at the PRT building.
"Honestly, I had been getting suspicious for a while now, but I didn't think-" he starts.
"You're a good kid, Taylor, to have put up with it. I can't imagine how rough that must have been," he says.
"It wasn't so bad, after I got powers," I attempt to downplay, but he's having none of it.
"That's really not encouraging. You're my daughter, and I know you've put a lot of faith in your old man, but I just want you to know, I won't let you down, if I can help it."
He glances to the side as I plop down on the other couch.
"I've been letting you down a lot lately, but I'm not going to do that anymore."
I swallow. "Dad," I begin.
"I've got a bit of a confession to make. I've been holding off on telling you, but I think I was wrong to do that. You've clearly matured a lot, I can tell now. I should have trusted you as much as you've trusted me," he begins.
"I... Took out a loan. To help pay for your cape stuff until you got on your feet. I've been paying for those sun lamps and seeds and the dirt and stuff out of that money. Nothing too crazy, just a few thousand dollars. I've been skimping out on a few other things too, but that's not as important as the loan."
I choke a bit at this. A few thousand? I didn't realize- I knew things were hard, but a loan?
"Dad, why did you do that?" I ask, trying not to get emotional over it. He was putting himself in the hole for me, so I could play around with plants.
"I did some research on capes that make things. On capes in general, really. I know how dangerous it can be for a cape who doesn't join a team. It goes double for rogues, and triple for tinkers to boot. I just thought that the sooner you had what you needed, the safer you would be," He explains slowly. He had been researching capes? When? How?
"So, the reason I'm explaining this is, if you think you need anything, I'll do what I can to get it. We can tighten our belts a bit until you get rich, right?" he smiles.
I felt a bit ill at this.
"Ok," I responded, thoughts buzzing through my mind. Should I do that? Involve my dad even more to get the materials I need? I had been wanting to get my hands on some animals for testing, and a bunch of rare elements too. But he's already, he was already borrowing money, just to get the materials I already had?
"Dad, I'm going to do great things for us, alright?" I say, trying to reassure myself as well as him.
"I know, my little owl. I'll keep supporting you no matter what, alright? I'm already proud of you," he says, giving me a tight hug, before letting me scamper off to my basement lab.
Final week of April Plans:
[][Daily Activities] What sort of things will you do during the day?
-[][Daily Activities] Visit a location (Write-In Where you go and What you do there)
-[][Daily Activities] Call the number that weird lady velcro'd to you.
-[][Daily Activities] Spend time with dad.
-[][Daily Activities] Stay at home (Enhances other actions)
[][Cape Activities] What will you do as Sage?
-[][Cape Activities] Visit a location (Write-In Where you go and What you do there)
-[][Cape Activities] You'll spend your time investigating.
--[][Cape Activities] Investigate the gang attack on the Barnes family last year. You now know the names of the gangsters who did it.
---[][Cape Activities] Track down the ones in prison.
---[][Cape Activities] Track down the ones that escaped.
-[][Cape Activities] Set up your Legal Second-Identity (Write-In Plan)
-[][Cape Activities] Continue your magical training. (Requires further avenues of Training to explore)
-[][Cape Activities] Stay at home (Enhances other actions)
[][Project] You'll begin a project of some kind.
-[][Project] Stockpile Saffron.
--[][Project] Focus on Quantity
--[][Project] Focus on Quality
--[][Project] Write-In Plan
-[][Project] Something Else (Write-In)
[][Mana] Mana-Test Materials (Write-In)
-[][Mana] Attempt to string together an Attunement Chain (Write-In)
[][Mana] Test a Phonem's effect (Write-In)
-[][Mana] Study a target for Phomens (Write-In)
[][Mana] Test a Transmutation (Choose an Elemental Ray and a Non-Silicate Target)
[][Mana] Something Else (Write-In)
I infused a paperclip with mana, they shuffled it around, and I managed to point out where it was six times in a row. The six times after that, I twisted the Magic around, forming it into a thin screen that I let them look through. Just like before, they could easily see the energy present in it.
After that, Deputy Seargent McMiller seemed satisfied that I could indeed sense the energy I created, and Armsmaster seemed satisfied that the energy didn't key to any existing form of energy in a way that would appear when I use See the Unseen.
"Oh, before we leave, I wanted to ask some things about Rogues, if that's alright. I want to use my power to make money, but I'm not sure how to do that without the money being traced back to my civilian identity," I explain to the Seargent.
He nods at this. "It can be a big issue for new capes to safely profit off of their abilities. Even the Wards, for instance, have much of their pay put into a trust as part of the measures used to protect them. Some may think it unfair, but ultimately, at those ages, large unaccounted-for sums of money can be a problem to distribute or spend without attracting attention."
"I would recommend one of two things, the first, more preferable solution, would be to sign up for the MIRIS initiative. It isn't as good here as it is in other cities, but we have a department that can provide management services for rogues, as well as cover the legal aspects of parahuman usage in business around here. One of those services is setting up a proxy-identity which is used in transactions under your cape persona."
"This proxy essentially allows you to use your identity as a cape as an independent legal entity from your civilian identity, and while it won't help with funneling that funding towards your needs out-of-costume, it would allow you to do things such as open bank accounts in your cape name, use credit cards, own property, and pay taxes. The last one is especially important if you opt to sign up with us, as we can smoothen the process of integrating your civilian and cape taxes, allowing you to use funding from one identity to pay taxes on the other without risk of discovery."
"If you like, I could direct you to one of our other offices where we handle that, but otherwise, you would likely want to go through the same basic procedure, but with the government directly. There are provisions in place by which a parahuman can establish a second identity through government channels. You'll need a lawyer who knows both identities, however, and you'll need an individual to be willing to take on liability for certain aspects of the process if you want to keep your identity a total secret."
"Essentially, the way the law is set up right now, you would need to have someone agree to be your Parahuman Representative, and they would take on the liability that would normally be associated with your civilian identity. It can be difficult to find someone willing to take on the burden of responsibility for a parahuman, especially with the risk of thinkers committing crimes like tax fraud, with the bulk of the penalties falling back to the representative in lieu of a civilian identity to charge."
I listen patiently, and my dad seems particularly interested at this. I'm not sure what the right decision would be. I wasn't that interested in signing up with them before, but it sounds like there's more than one way to affiliate with the PRT, unless he's just not mentioning the part where I need to agree to those vague restrictions dad warned me about.
"Most individuals are only willing to take on parahuman liability if they themselves receive a profit from the individual in question. It's part of how many Corporate Teams function, by taking the liability and applying it to a corporate entity instead of an individual."
What he didn't point out, but I managed to intuit, was how the PRT (or was it the Protectorate?) who took on the role of the "Liable Entity", if I decided to sign up with MIRIS. At least, that's what it sounds like he's saying.
[][Rogue] I won't worry about Rogue Affiliation yet. I still don't have a way to profit off my powers anyway, yet.
[][Rogue] I'll pursue affiliation with a non-PRT entity. There's bound to be some people or organizations willing to take on that liability.
[][Rogue] I've changed my mind. Signing on as an affiliated Rogue doesn't sound too bad. Maybe I could investigate that more.
With that out of the way, I make sure to get the PRT's phone number, mailing address, and E-Mail Address from the lady in the lobby, in case I want to contact them again without having to come all the way here again.
Seargent McMiller also takes the time to get me a list of firms that could help me with getting a second identity for my cape persona, while I ask Armsmaster if there's anything I could legally sell to the PRT that would be illegal otherwise.
He just gives me a weird grimace and explains in a dry tone that the Protectorate is not interested in purchasing illegal products of any kind.
With that kind of awful non-answer failing to actually address the question I asked in mind, me and my dad pack it up and go home.
When we got home, dad plopped down into a couch, looking disappointed.
"I noticed you didn't say much back there, what was with that?" I asked, a bit curious why he let me take the lead on all the interactions I had.
Dad gives me a smile that looks a little bit proud. "I was prepared to step in if it looked like you needed it, but you handled yourself very well. Sorry if it seemed like I wasn't in your corner, but I was keeping an ear open during all of that," he explains.
He sighs. "So it really was Emma, huh?" he says, reminding me of the other thing that confused me when we were at the PRT building.
"Honestly, I had been getting suspicious for a while now, but I didn't think-" he starts.
"You're a good kid, Taylor, to have put up with it. I can't imagine how rough that must have been," he says.
"It wasn't so bad, after I got powers," I attempt to downplay, but he's having none of it.
"That's really not encouraging. You're my daughter, and I know you've put a lot of faith in your old man, but I just want you to know, I won't let you down, if I can help it."
He glances to the side as I plop down on the other couch.
"I've been letting you down a lot lately, but I'm not going to do that anymore."
I swallow. "Dad," I begin.
"I've got a bit of a confession to make. I've been holding off on telling you, but I think I was wrong to do that. You've clearly matured a lot, I can tell now. I should have trusted you as much as you've trusted me," he begins.
"I... Took out a loan. To help pay for your cape stuff until you got on your feet. I've been paying for those sun lamps and seeds and the dirt and stuff out of that money. Nothing too crazy, just a few thousand dollars. I've been skimping out on a few other things too, but that's not as important as the loan."
I choke a bit at this. A few thousand? I didn't realize- I knew things were hard, but a loan?
"Dad, why did you do that?" I ask, trying not to get emotional over it. He was putting himself in the hole for me, so I could play around with plants.
"I did some research on capes that make things. On capes in general, really. I know how dangerous it can be for a cape who doesn't join a team. It goes double for rogues, and triple for tinkers to boot. I just thought that the sooner you had what you needed, the safer you would be," He explains slowly. He had been researching capes? When? How?
"So, the reason I'm explaining this is, if you think you need anything, I'll do what I can to get it. We can tighten our belts a bit until you get rich, right?" he smiles.
I felt a bit ill at this.
"Ok," I responded, thoughts buzzing through my mind. Should I do that? Involve my dad even more to get the materials I need? I had been wanting to get my hands on some animals for testing, and a bunch of rare elements too. But he's already, he was already borrowing money, just to get the materials I already had?
"Dad, I'm going to do great things for us, alright?" I say, trying to reassure myself as well as him.
"I know, my little owl. I'll keep supporting you no matter what, alright? I'm already proud of you," he says, giving me a tight hug, before letting me scamper off to my basement lab.
Final week of April Plans:
[][Daily Activities] What sort of things will you do during the day?
-[][Daily Activities] Visit a location (Write-In Where you go and What you do there)
-[][Daily Activities] Call the number that weird lady velcro'd to you.
-[][Daily Activities] Spend time with dad.
-[][Daily Activities] Stay at home (Enhances other actions)
[][Cape Activities] What will you do as Sage?
-[][Cape Activities] Visit a location (Write-In Where you go and What you do there)
-[][Cape Activities] You'll spend your time investigating.
--[][Cape Activities] Investigate the gang attack on the Barnes family last year. You now know the names of the gangsters who did it.
---[][Cape Activities] Track down the ones in prison.
---[][Cape Activities] Track down the ones that escaped.
-[][Cape Activities] Set up your Legal Second-Identity (Write-In Plan)
-[][Cape Activities] Stay at home (Enhances other actions)
[][Project] You'll begin a project of some kind.
-[][Project] Stockpile Saffron.
--[][Project] Focus on Quantity
--[][Project] Focus on Quality
--[][Project] Write-In Plan
-[][Project] Something Else (Write-In)
[][Mana] Mana-Test Materials (Write-In)
-[][Mana] Attempt to string together an Attunement Chain (Write-In)
[][Mana] Test a Phonem's effect (Write-In)
-[][Mana] Study a target for Phomens (Write-In)
[][Mana] Test a Transmutation (Choose an Elemental Ray and a Non-Silicate Target)
[][Mana] Something Else (Write-In)
- Stats
- Abilities
- Equipment
- Resources
- Mana Types and Phonems
-
Combinatorial Explosion Mana Types
docs.google.com
Well guys we have joined the wards
- Location
- OK
Huh? I didn't quite parse that one.
Ok we should join the wards