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Fragmentation (Worm AU, Changer!Taylor)

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Kadath said:
"Listen to her, she's a scared kid. She's not doing any of this on purpose. We'll get the story sorted out if we all just calm down and deescalate."

"I was so sure…" Armsmaster trailed off, uncertainly.
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Interesting story so far... I'll definitely be reading this until the end... but... okay.

Don't respond to this. I will ignore you.

I usually never bad mouth a author. I think this is the second time within a year or so.

This story is so fucked up. There, I said it.

You know why? It's not the fact that Sophia killed Taylor. It's not the fact that Taylor was about to get murdered again by Armsmaster. No, it's the SAD cold fact that you are going to make this a Ward!Taylor and have Armsmaster attempt to be sympathetic in the upcoming chapters. The last part, being the most tantrum worthy. You're not even going to give Armsmaster any sort of punishment for his behaviour besides a "talking to" by Piggot and/or MM.

Don't respond to this. I will ignore you.
 
This may be the single most terribly I've seen Armsmaster behave in a fanfic (although I've only started reading Worm fanfic recently and don't really dig the source material too much.) That's certainly... some kind of achivement?
 
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Armsmaster isn't that bad. Nor is he that much of an Idiot. I am having a really hard time following this.

He is socially bad but good at his job.
 
gourdcaptain said:
This may be the single most terribly I've seen Armsmaster behave in a fanfic (although I've only started reading Worm fanfic recently and don't really dig the source material too much.) That's certainly... some kind of achivement?
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It's not even the most facepalmingly inducing Armsmaster flanderization I've seen this week. (That was in Crouching Tiger). At least you can kinda sorta see what his thought patterns were here.
 
Yzarc said:
Armsmaster isn't that bad. Nor is he that much of an Idiot. I am having a really hard time following this.

He is socially bad but good at his job.
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I can totally see Armsmaster doing this. I agree with MRouz, he should totally get something worse than just a slap on the wrist for this but it's not unbelievable.
Spoit said:
It's not even the most facepalmingly inducing Armsmaster flanderization I've seen this week. (That was in Crouching Tiger). At least you can kinda sorta see what his thought patterns were here.
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I don't think it was flanderization. I think that Armsmaster is totally the type to think he's right and go through with what he thinks is the correct action whatever the cost. See how Kaiser died in canon. If he hadn't had that little "I was so sure I was right" line at the end and kept on his crusade despite overwhelming evidence he was wrong, then that would be flanderization.
 
So, for blocks all around, they know the swarm says that it's Taylor Hebert, that Sophia Hess killed Taylor, that it was covered up by the PRT and Blackwell and Blackwell's secretary in particular, and then

Kadath said:
"What is that? What are they bringing in here? It hurts!"

I screamed.
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The PRT leadership is NOT amused... and for "blocks" around means they can't hush it up, either, particularly with the Bugle there.
 
I always enjoy it in fics when Assmaster forces Taylor to escalate, especially the clusterfuck afterwards when the Protectorate wants to shush it...
Wonder how big the 'outrage' will be when the press gets to them :D
 
I have trouble seeing why this Taylor should join the Wards. I can't imagine her having any sort of trust for the PRT and associated organizations right now, nor any real trust or respect for any of the local heroes (except maybe Miss Militia). They can't exactly force her to join either; she is a sentient cloud of bugs whose "core" seems to move automatically if it's host bug is killed. Plus, the media knows at least part of whats been going on due to her lack of control. Scariest independent hero/vigilante seems more likely, imho.
 
Let's just say that the PRT and Protectorate are going to be seeing some restructuring. I've wondered what would have happened if the PRT's unmasking fuckup had occurred earlier so I suppose this is an attempt to explore a similar scenario.
 
Kadath said:
Let's just say that the PRT and Protectorate are going to be seeing some restructuring. I've wondered what would have happened if the PRT's unmasking fuckup had occurred earlier so I suppose this is an attempt to explore a similar scenario.
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It'll be nice to see someone else take the "air the PRT's dirty laundry in public without imminent greater problems to sweep everything under the rug for" idea and run with it.
 
Really? You guys think...?

Sigh

Okay. Pay attention, now.

Firstly, the PRT headquarters, particularly the Wards base, is under attack. Kinda. No one has been seriously hurt, yet, but there's an unknown invader that's controlling a swarm of bugs (of biblical proportions) that is, at the very least, harassing everyone inside. Again, no one seriously hurt, yet, but that could change at any moment.

Second, this parahuman intruder is making wild accusations about a Ward, one that may not be squeaky clean, but has, by all the records and evidence you (Armsmaster) are aware of, kept herself out of trouble since becoming a Ward, and is making these wild, unverifiable accusations with a swarm that covers a block or two - including outside the PRT HQ itself, where anyone and everyone can hear her screaming about that Ward's civilian identity. That's a big no-no. There's no reason for you (Armsmaster) to believe that this is anything less than intentional, which makes this not only an attack on the PRT/Protectorate/Wards, but also one that shatters the Unwritten Rules.

Third, there are three real possibilities as to how this intruder is working his/her magic. It could be a Changer - that's not impossible - but Changers tend to follow a kind of pattern (I think), where those who change just their shape can change their size or mass (Hookwolf, Genesis [although she's an awkward example], etc.), and those who become "other things" (like a swarm of bugs) retain their overall mass, but spread it out over multiple creatures or objects, and because of the size of the swarm, this one is unlikely. It could also be a Master, which would also neatly explain why Miss Militia is taking the word of the intruder over Shadow Stalker, because she's been Mastered. Time to engage M/S protocols. It could also be a Tinker using some sort of device to control the swarm. To cover his bases, Armsmaster prepares for all three.

Lastly, Armsmaster brings in a device that messes with the Manton Effect, which will force the Changer to regain human shape, if it is indeed a Changer. Doesn't work? Okay, cross Changer off the list. That means Master or Tinker. Maybe not a Master, because this is an impressive range for a Master, so probably a Tinker. Maybe. Try and triangulate his/her position, just to be sure.

What? Can't triangulate her position? That's impossible. We have enough data points to figure out her range, you should be finding her or whatever device she's using to control the swarm. You're not? Check again, damn it! It might be miniaturized, we can't be sure, it's how I would do it...

...I was wrong?
 
Every assumption in this thread is false*.
Trust that all will be well**.



*Except for the ones that are true.
**Except with the characters, of course.
 
James D. Fawkes said:
Lastly, Armsmaster brings in a device that messes with the Manton Effect, which will force the Changer to regain human shape, if it is indeed a Changer. Doesn't work? Okay, cross Changer off the list. That means Master or Tinker. Maybe not a Master, because this is an impressive range for a Master, so probably a Tinker. Maybe. Try and triangulate his/her position, just to be sure.

What? Can't triangulate her position? That's impossible. We have enough data points to figure out her range, you should be finding her or whatever device she's using to control the swarm. You're not? Check again, damn it! It might be miniaturized, we can't be sure, it's how I would do it...
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Main issue is this section, because the manton effect isn't a single thing. It's just the tendency for shards to adjust their powers so they aren't immediately lethal to their hosts, and depends on the shard in question. It also implies that all changers work under similar mechanics, which is countered by the mechanics of the setting (the point of shards, after all, is that they operate differently). Having a device that counters all changers is ridiculous, especially given that it would provide a hard counter to several dangerous villains in the area (Lung, Hookwolf, the Twins).

The rest...I can see parts of it, but it also feels like it's written with the intent of having the PRT fail at everything, even when they logically should be communicating.
 
C.o.S.a.R said:
The rest...I can see parts of it, but it also feels like it's written with the intent of having the PRT fail at everything, even when they logically should be communicating.
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Eh, that part's believable. The (very logical, given potential threats) "do not communicate with these individuals" button just happens to be in the hands of a self-important glory seeker, and aimed at the one person who is actually in semi-friendly communication with the potential threat.
 
Interesting set up, but it is coming across as just that, a set up. Too many people doing VERY BAD things with no consequence until the protagonist pops out of the woodwork (litterly), leaders who should know better making VERY BAD assumptions and running with them despite evidence, twists at every turn just to keep the story going.....

It is not a technically bad story. It is just that everyone but MM seems to be jumping the shark, too many coincidences just to set up this dramatic situation.

Hopeing for the future, but if this just becomes shallow Taylor being led around by a nose ring through dramatic situations with shallow people, I'll just call -
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shite and leave.
 
Dur'id the Druid said:
It is not a technically bad story. It is just that everyone but MM seems to be jumping the shark, too many coincidences just to set up this dramatic situation.
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Horseshit, Vista has been entirely in character!

More seriously, this does feel over dramatized, but I think that might be fine, as long as you handle the HUGE consquences of this well. The protectorate just tried to murder a girl.

Also congrats on user a swarm-Taylor, far too few of those around.
 
Interesting. Would like to read more. Nice that the unmasking and murder of Taylor is completely out in the open.
 
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    ■​

    ♦Topic: New Bug Cape!
    In: Boards ► Places ► America ► Brockton Bay Discussion (Public Board)

    Tingle     (Original Poster) (Cape Groupie)
    Posted on January 31, 2011:

    She's creepy, she's crawly!

    This is a discussion thread for the new cape who's been making a [STIR] downtown. I'll start with what I think based on the clips in the link.

    I think she's a master.

    The clip shows her independently moving parts of the swarm! That's some high level control.

    When she finally gets her rating she's probably going to be a master 6 at least, maybe even stranger depending on whether she can sense through the bugs.

    Any ideas what her cape name's gonna be?

    (Showing Page 30 of 31)

    ► SpankySpangler
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    That's it. I'm moving.

    ► Incarn8shun
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ Belfast: Yes, she outed herself, but that doesn't mean she isn't going to get a cape name. It's traditional. Like in Mexican wrestling.

    @ Feifofang: Betya she joins New Wave.

    ► Sparky (Temp-banned)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    What if she's actually a tinker?

    ► Tingle (Original Poster) (Cape Groupie)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ Sparky: You say that about every new cape. Not every new cape has a chance of being a Tinker!

    ► Procto the Unfortunate Tinker (Not actually a Tinker)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ Sparky: Not everyone's a tinker!

    Edit: Stranger'd

    ► TrackShortz
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard(USER RECEIVED AN INFRACTION FOR THIS POST)

    ► Tin_Mother     (Moderator)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    Keep it civil, kids.

    @ Sparky: Third warning.

    ► Immelmann
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ JeevesSleeves: It legit looked like one of the biblical plagues. Maybe "Khepri"?

    ► XxVoid_CowboyxX
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    I'm still speechless...

    ► Incarn8shun
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ Immelmann: *a quick google search* That's oddly fitting, but it's not really that catchy, is it? I like some of the other suggestions like Deathwatch or Imago.
    ​
    End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 28, 29, 30, 31


    ■​

    ♦Topic: Brocktongate
    In: Boards ► News ► Events ► America ► East Coast

    Spacemonaut     (Original Poster)
    Posted on January 31, 2011:

    Holy shit. Anyone else in downtown Brockton Bay want to look outside their windows? Specifically at the giant swarm of locusts that's descended over the PRT building?

    Edit: Changed the thread title to reflect the additional information. Thanks Bagrat!

    (Showing Page 1 of 49)

    ► Sauerkraut1
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    What the hell?? I hear it too. Does any1 know whats happening cause I sure as hell aint going outside

    ► z_ninjaz
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    I got a picture on my phone!

    LINK

    ► GossipGrrl
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    That's so creepy! ::scared::
    I'm never opening my window again!

    ► ~nikkimiraj~
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    It's gotta be a new supervillain trying to make a splash. I've got cockroaches crawling around all over my balcony.

    ► JacobsLadder (Veteran Member)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    FUCK. WHAT THE FUCK. I WAS ON MY LUNCH BREAK YOU ASSHOLE CAPES.

    ► Immelmann
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    I got some video footage. Sorry about the jerking at the end, but a flying bug literally dropped a spider onto my hand. I had to pick two choices from: drop my camera, shit myself, and not get bitten.

    LINK

    ► dfz49
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ JacobsLadder: What happened?

    ► Spacemonaut (Original Poster)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ Immelmann: THAT's what it's yelling about? Also WTF that a swarm of bugs can talk?

    ► HarajukuHon
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ Immelmann: "You killed me" That's one of the scariest things I've heard in Brockton Bay and I've lived here for like four years. ::brr::

    ► JacobsLadder (Veteran Member)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ dfz49: "It's a nice day," I said. "I'll eat on the patio," I said. Leave it to Brockton Bay to crush your hopes and dreams.
    ​
    End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 47 , 48, 49

    ■​
    (Showing Page 48 of 49)

    ► Glory Girl (New Wave)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    I think I picked a really good day to have a recovery day.

    Also, what the hell, PRT?

    Edit: I'm removing the rest of this post until New Wave makes an official statement. HAPPY?

    ► hotxcross
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ stibby5: I was there by the park. The foam didn't even seem to do anything. And you can bet it's our tax dollars that'll be cleaning that crap off of people's windows.

    @ Glory Girl: I'd like to echo this statement. What the hell, PRT?


    ► Zilch
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ TheRealSonya: But she outed Shadow Stalker. That pretty much means New Wave or leave town.

    ► Rune (Verified Cape)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    It's like Kafka had a lovechild with Hitchcock. I'm glad my powers are normal.

    ► TheRealSonya (Unverified Cape)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ Zilch: To her perspective, she triggered YESTERDAY. That shit sticks with you for years. And what does the PRT do? They torture the shit out of her. I'm just so disgusted.

    ► Immelmann
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    Is this what the PRT does to their wards?

    @ Dubb2dawn: They haven't given her a classification. They haven't even made a public statement. It's been hours.

    ► mrsweetT
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    Still looks faked.

    ► Parian (Verified Cape)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    I'd just like to say that I have never been more glad for my decision to remain an independent.

    ► MxAxSxTxOxDxOxN
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    @ Dubb2dawn: I'm just saying, a new cape shows up with S(for scary as shit)-class powers and looms over the PRT headquarters? If it were me, I'd break out the napalm first and ask questions later.

    ► Bagrat (The Guy In The Know) (Veteran Member)
    Replied on January 31, 2011:
    Update!

    The swarm has congregated back above the PRT headquarters!

    [PIC 1] , [PIC 2] , [PIC 3]

    Apparently you can still hear snatches of her half of the conversation and it sounds like Taylor's sticking around for a while. The PRT have cordoned off the blocks near their HQ and [business owners] [are already] [getting] [upset]. The Youth Guard is already [calling] for blood, but the silence from the PRT is damning. What I want to know is what are they doing in there?

    ​
    End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 46, 47, 48, 49

    Thomas Calvert allowed himself a ghost of a smile. He collapsed the other timeline.
     
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    • Looked like he was trolling the boards in an alternate timeline. Then getting amusements from the mess dropped in Piggot's lap.
     
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