Currently, the scale goes... something like this...
Exalted
Shaped / Dragon
Taylor
Dinah / Alec
Lisa /
Curious that.
I admit, that I didn't read through comments in all those Goblin Queen threads, and it probably is explained somewhere in them - but what exactly are relationships between Taylor and her 'guest'? It is still rather unclear to me.
Well, unless it is intentionally unclear.
Anyway, as far as I understand, exalted part of the settings is close to canon in this story. It means, that relative power of different beings is kept. Taylor's 'guest' is unshaped Raksha, most powerful type, at least equivalent of third circle demon.
As for their relationship, I assume it works in simillar way that is works for typical shaped Rapsha. Taylor is a shell that shields vulnerable,amorphous interior. Given that Taylor already existed and was being of Reality, she doesn't restrict her 'guest' as much as process of being shaped would. Plus partial merge allows to bleedover of abilities and influence.
Still, given that I don't really understand classification above. I would think, that even fraction of Unshaped essence would put Taylor above all but oldest Exalted... Unless we are speaking about quality of the essence instead of quantity. But then, I still don't understand it.
Anyway, I have also plenty of other question marks floating around. For example I'm wondering if a 'guest' is recuperating from it's wounds. It began story dying and crippled. What it is now?
Or what exactly limits Rose Knight has? So far there was little that really had put her in a spot, made her really exert herself, to strive. Little that made her afraid. Little that would make her search for something more.
I wonder for would her narrative power interact with Simiurg. I wonder if time is as fluid and malleable to Taylor as it is to Yosi and unshaped Raksha?
I wonder what would happen it Taylor were suddenly to receive solar exaltation?
As I said, plenty, plenty of floating question marks.
Back to more serious comments - one thing, that I'm little afraid of in this story, it something I would name 'reality break'.
Please bear in mind, that those are only my personal observations. I don't want to 'flame', I'm only speaking about something that I'm afraid may happen there.
Anyway, 'reality break' is something that I've seen happen in stories before. Too many major events, major changes, each with too many consequences. Each one changing status quo further and further from canon. Those changes are introduced relatively quickly, and without (visible to reader) exploration of consequences. All of that was leading to the point, where story seemed to have little common with common sence or continuity with canon.
Here, in 'Goblin Queen' good example of that are Star Trek replicators - the possible tinker paradise. I don't belive it will get (nor that it really deserve) detailed exploration. Still, it is something that is word-breaking on national scale. It will change lives of common people in town. It will change relationship between gangs. Cauldron will get interested, just as will Protectorate. There will be new faces in town, changing situation even further. There will be demonstrations of strength form various sides. Probably where will be tinker tech on the streets. There will be media circus. There will be national outcry. There will be new policies, power play. Pingot will need to react...
I could continue the list. The fact is, that infinite replication of tinkertech requires all of above to keep continuity with canon. But it probably won't get it. And yes, it is ignorable. But problem begins when common peoples suddenly get free access to tinkertech neural disruptors - it seems to come 'out of nothing'. It feels wrong. When it is coupled with other major consequences, from other world-changing events, you get 'it seems wrong' feeling more and more often. After certain point amount of 'wrong' elements prevents you from enjoying the story.
I'm affraid that Goblin Queen may go in that direction.
