For those of us ignorant of the Sayaka and Priscilla Quests, just how bad are the rolls? Sayaka I can understand, that name alone is a synonym for suffering, but I can't see how that makes the system used by the Quests cursed.
Imagine the rolls we just had... for almost every single combat session. In a Puella Magi Madoka Magika Quest.
Sayaka quest was from the get-go a no-safety-net quest, Moid's world was working to kill Sayaka. A similar deal was with Priscilla, with its tagline 'you are not allowed to be happy'. Now you may say, 'but isn't that the QM, not the dice'? The rolls made the quests have their reputation. Priscilla got dropped because the character was written into a suffering corner, and Sayaka quest only succeeded because of the Players' grit and munchkining.
EDIT:
For those of us ignorant of the Sayaka and Priscilla Quests, just how bad are the rolls? Sayaka I can understand, that name alone is a synonym for suffering, but I can't see how that makes the system used by the Quests cursed.
I think the high point in Priscilla Quest was the free pizza and the fact that we had friends... Was there anything else good that happened? At least we didn't get to the point that Homura looped in 'cuse Madoka had it bad for Priscilla with how woobie we were and probably would have flipped her shit if it wasn't loop 0 or 1.
MOUSE PROTECTOR STATUS: SEVERELY INJURED RECOVERY TIME: Negligible. See GF User Manuel on Mark V Biopod for details. MISS MILITIA STATUS: SEVERELY INJURED RECOVERY TIME: Negligible. See GF User Manuel on Mark V Biopod for details. DAUNTLESS STATUS: SEVERELY INJURED RECOVERY TIME: Negligible. See GF User Manuel on Mark V Biopod for details.
Nope. 'tis why Moid killed the quest. He couldn't get any progression out of the story as it was handed to him, someone else was the OQM, without tearing the whole thing apart and building it back up from scratch. And he didn't feel like doing that.
Nope. 'tis why Moid killed the quest. He couldn't get any progression out of the story as it was handed to him, someone else was the OQM, without tearing the whole thing apart and building it back up from scratch. And he didn't feel like doing that.
Nope. 'tis why Moid killed the quest. He couldn't get any progression out of the story as it was handed to him, someone else was the OQM, without tearing the whole thing apart and building it back up from scratch. And he didn't feel like doing that.
Well it's technically back (or at least a similar enough premise that you can argue it) with the original QM of Priscilla quest co-GMing; just instead of Priscilla it's with Yorshka and you're playing as a badass monster hunter in dad mode instead of a depressed half-dragon.
The quote you had says that the Chozo are in several different factions but "united". You know who else is "united"? The United Kingdom. *glances pointedly at Brexit vote and aftermath*. Just because the Chozo were "united" doesn't mean they all share the same set of goals, let alone a methodology; I'd imagine the Warrior Sect having very different ideas as to how to accomplish their goals compared to the Kumbaya Sect that Old Bird and Grey Voice are a part of.
I know they're a bunch of inter-dimensional ascended being with pre/post cognition that'd make the Simurgh green with envy so they know all sorts of shit we don't, but was this really the best way to get that point across? Really?
Consider that we have Armsmaster messing around with his own personal armor while his peers and the Wards he's in charge of go around defenseless in a warzone. Consider that the Youth Guard are still trying to keep the same Wards out of the armor suits because they don't want to lose their sick, sick vision of VIsta in the boob suit. Consider that Cauldron is around, and yet not once in twenty years has Contessa run the "Path to getting the Youth Guard off our backs", nor has anyone approved Samus for mandatory therapy yet, despite her obvious PTSD and bipolar disorders. All of these conditions persist, despite thrice-annual Endbringer attacks which regularly have 20-30% and higher casualty rates.
Yeah, I'm beginning to think that a bunch of people almost dying is probably the minimum amount of persuasion that the PRT/Protectorate might listen to. At the very least I'm hoping that this episode:
Inspires someone to take Armsmaster to task for working on a fucking vanity project while his peers and subordinates are walking daily into situations in which they are out-gunned and under-prepared, and
Persuades someone with authority to tell the YG where they can shove their opinions.
(Edit): Hmm, that's just a bit more salty than I had originally planned, um. Okay, removed some of the worst bits. Forgot to vote, too.
Well it's technically back (or at least a similar enough premise that you can argue it) with the original QM of Priscilla quest co-GMing; just instead of Priscilla it's with Yorshka and you're playing as a badass monster hunter in dad mode instead of a depressed half-dragon.
Look at the bright side, this wouldn't have met the qualifications for a second trigger anyway. Second triggers aren't just "the cape has an even worse day", no. No, the even worse day has to be the same kind of bad as the original worst day.
There wasn't a creeping sense of absolute certainty of death, so MM wasn't going to second trigger.
We don't know Dauntless's trigger, but judging by his power it probably wasn't caused by being attacked and nearly killed, so he wouldn't second trigger.
Mouse... Mouse might fit, actually. Brute and Mover roughly translates to "physical attack and a desire to run away" so she could have popped from the fear.
...
It's unrelated to the chapter itself, but I have a question. Why is it that you're having the YG be the impetus for the sexualization of minors part of Mouse's backstory? That's explicitly one of the things the YG was founded to prevent. The whole point of the group is to keep the Wards from being exploited and treated as child soldiers and pinup models.
I mean you could just as easily have it be caused by the PRT's PR division with the added benefit that it wouldn't directly contradict the group's mission statement.
No Mouse, Militia and Dauntless aren't going to die that would be fucking retarded. Nevermind they have Federation genemods, so they physically can't go into shock and die. Body naturally started producing painkillers and started forcing oxygen into the brain through any means.
Though to make the dice rolls a little more understandable: I was using Sayaka/ Priscilla Quests dice roller program which I am now convinced is cursed.
Pricilla? If you can confirm she will show up in your Witcher/Dark Souls Quest my chances of reading it and participating will increase exponentially. Well, most of my love for Priscilla comes from a certain FoZ/Darksouls crossover and that one 4-Koma collection.
Look at the bright side, this wouldn't have met the qualifications for a second trigger anyway. Second triggers aren't just "the cape has an even worse day", no. No, the even worse day has to be the same kind of bad as the original worst day.
Pricilla? If you can confirm she will show up in your Witcher/Dark Souls Quest my chances of reading it and participating will increase exponentially. Well, most of my love for Priscilla comes from a certain FoZ/Darksouls crossover and that one 4-Koma collection.
I know the Witcher crossover isn't the Pricilla Quest, but I really wanted to know if she would show up. She's shown up in Red Soul as well, although I have yet to read that far.
As for that fic you asked for, here you are, sir. Sadly, the author has not updated for many months.
I also found this. It doesn't have Priscilla in it, but its summary is intriguing, regardless. FFN has 22 FoZ/Dark Souls crossovers for anyone who is interested.
Grue's first trigger was caused by someone he loved being attacked by someone that he was incapable of defeating (because all of his mother's boyfriends were like that and she had custody). Grue's second trigger was caused by someone he loved being attacked by someone that he was incapable of defeating (because Bonesaw).
As far as shards are concerned, this is the same event.
Grue's first trigger was caused by someone he loved being attacked by someone that he was incapable of defeating (because all of his mother's boyfriends were like that and she had custody). Grue's second trigger was caused by someone he loved being attacked by someone that he was incapable of defeating (because Bonesaw).
As far as shards are concerned, this is the same event.
It's unrelated to the chapter itself, but I have a question. Why is it that you're having the YG be the impetus for the sexualization of minors part of Mouse's backstory? That's explicitly one of the things the YG was founded to prevent. The whole point of the group is to keep the Wards from being exploited and treated as child soldiers and pinup models.
I mean you could just as easily have it be caused by the PRT's PR division with the added benefit that it wouldn't directly contradict the group's mission statement.
The Youth's Guards corruption and hypocrisy is based on actual corruption found in CPS, most notably in the Kentucky CPS scandal from a few years ago. It's also based on exploitation of child actors in Hollywood.
The decision to intrinsically link the PRT's PR machine and the Wards it self was from the Youth Guards own supposed mission statement. Look closely at what they do for offenses.
First Offense:
Ward(s') hours are cut by two days, to five days a week. Ward pay may or may not be reduced. Ward(s') hours cut by four days.
$10,000 fine per Ward.
All department heads and management must attend 4 hours/week of sensititivty training and a 2 hours meeting with representatives. Lasts one month.
Second Offense:
Ward(s') hours cut by four days. Minor financial penalties from Head Office. (Less than $10,000)
$20,000 fine per Ward
8 hours/week of sensitivity training, workshops, and 2 hours/week of meetings with Youth Guard representatives over one month.
Third+ Offense:
Ward(s') hours cut by six days. Department must shoulder cost of Ward with no assistance from head office.
$30,000 fine per ward.
As second offense, but time is tripled to a three month duration, and Youth Guard representative is installed on department staff with veto powers.
Penalties are not exclusive, and can be in addition to legal action.
If funds are not available to pay a fine, the Youth Guard may request that a representative is installed on the staff for a temporary duration, with veto power as described in Y.G. Involvement, third offense.
An on-staff Y.G. Agent will retain the ability to cancel any action, purchase, funding, or event that involves the Wards program, directly or peripherally. The Y.G. agent does not have access to classified material, but can request access to the Ward's files. They can take disciplinary action with the Wards, but cannot assign orders or mission directives.
Offenses do not expire. Once a first offense is made, the Youth Guard is authorized to call for a second offense penalty for future violations, regardless of violation types for the respective incidents. In lieu of this, the Head Office may attempt to restructure the department instead.
In the first offense we see very clearly that the Wards themselves are immediately targeted. The Wards pay is reduced and all forms of management is taken out of the picture. Now of course a $10, 000 fine is laughable. I mean honestly, that's like one bulk purchase of Printer Ink and toner+ paper. They probably run through that in a week. But consider for a moment what this means for a lot of vulnerable Wards. I think it'd be reasonable to assume that the Wards may often be the only refuge for a lot of young Capes who trigger. Abusive or neglectful families (Such as Vista's) or simply not having a family for any reason.
With an order that the Wards grades be kept to a minimal standard that can not be dropped plus the regularity of PR shoots and the like consider for a moment how the Ward can support themselves, especially since so much of their paycheck is locked up in a trust fund. Plus the pressure to remain in the Protectorate into adulthood. The wards are likely the only way for these kids to support themselves.
And the first thing, in the name of "Protecting" them is to strip away their sole means of support. How does that help the Ward?
But what it is is intimidating. The Wards, who are very much children, would be terrified of reporting anything that they feel is effecting them. One "infraction" could ruin their lives. They also don't vanish as well, it just builds and builds. All that pressure being put on a child.
Then there's how much control the Youth Guard has over their lives. Look at what they can do here:
An on-staff Y.G. Agent will retain the ability to cancel any action, purchase, funding, or event that involves the Wards program, directly or peripherally. The Y.G. agent does not have access to classified material, but can request access to the Ward's files. They can take disciplinary action with the Wards, but cannot assign orders or mission directives.
ANYTHING involving the Wards, even tangentially, can be canceled by a Youth Guard Member. Consider for a moment what that might mean. Now, let us move on to the second bit highlighted. The Youth Guard can discipline Wards. Sure they can't order them, but would a Ward disobey orders the Youth Guard suggests the higher ups give? Especially considering what they could do to their life?
There is not a government agency ALIVE that would allow this to exist. Hell, governments have dismantled organisations who've tried to amass this much power. So, why would they have it then?
Why would an advocacy group for protecting Wards be given so much power over their lives that is seemingly only there to punish the Wards if something happens to them?
Well, consider Child Stars, especially the notable horrific cases that have cropped up over the years. Especially the old one's, from the golden age of hollywood. Stars that had their whole lives put on display, analyzed by everyone yet abuse and exploitation happened to these children without a single person bringing it up until years later.
Examine their lives, their struggles and then consider something about the Wards. Isn't it awfully familiar? Aren't the threats used by the Youth Guard awfully similar here?
But wait, this rabbit hole goes so much deeper.
We must take a look at the PR as displayed in Canon and here, where dangerous and utterly ludicrous orders and suggestions were given to underage heroes in potentially lethal situations. All to keep them dancing to a specific tune. Decisions made solely to make them more marketable, more befitting of the relentless financial machine that dictated PRT policy. How could the youth guard exist when the most closely looked at cases are treated in that way? When even when so closely monitored psychopaths like Shadow Stalker can physically assault a 13 year old?
Well, what Wildbow accidentally stumbled into was a terrifying glimpse into the horrors experienced by Child Stars and victims of corrupt CPS organisations. A pity it was wasted on the alter of "escalation" when there could have been a very interesting story there. But got to fight Endbringers and Scion and make hard decisions, right?
Anyways, I would like to direct your attention to now to the before mentioned CPS allegations of corruption and abuse. I would encourage people do their own research into this matter, as it is a wide-spanning issue that can scarcely be covered by one writer on a webforum.
As I was saying, Wildbow had stumbled into the terrifying world many people in our communities are suddenly thrust into. I'm sure we're all aware about how shitty foster homes can be, with sexual and physical abuse and just plain old neglect running rampant. However, there have been allegations (And I stress allegations) that this is encouraged financially. With individuals even able to put in "orders" for the children of one specific family.
Now again, let me make it clear there are good people working in CPS, and social workers working with the system to provide the best possible care for children in need. That we are talking about the worst possible cases.
More importantly, allegations persist that there is a financial reward for how "troubled" the children are, how many mental illnesses they have and what not. This is entirely without a trained psychologist or medical professional seeing them. As such they are also put on medication to help control their mental illnesses that of course serve little more than to keep them drugged up. Parents are slandered as unfit over minor things (such as unwashed dishes or dirty laundry) and often are intimidated into giving their children up.
Now, that isn't to say there isn't people who really deserve to never be allowed near children but this is specifically talking about the worst cases.
So with that in mind we begin to see a trend between all three institutions listed. PR, the Youth Guard and CPS.
The Youth Guard is very much a penal system for the Wards and ONLY the Wards. They specifically dismantle any support structure the Wards might have and punish them and ONLY them. Why would they penalize only the Wards? Well obviously it's to keep them compliant. Punish them when they act out.
How does PR relate to this? Well they have to ensure the Wards actually LISTEN to their suggestions. How much power would a PR person wield if the Ward or the Wards parent could tell them to kindly fuck off when a design or action is suggested? The Youth Guard and it's bizarre hypocrisy in only punishing the Wards makes perfect sense when you consider what it can do to make a Ward more compliant with demands. A stick to beat the children when they get out of line and don't do as they're told.
All under the guise of a charity to protect them.
How does CPS relate to it? Well, the Youth Guard is apparently now the only form of Child Protection for the Wards. They ARE CPS for them. A NGO which is very much For Profit that has control over a government agency on EVERY level. They can deny medical check-ups, therapy. Their powers as stated are so broad they can effect every part of the Wards life even if they aren't technically supposed to affect the civilian life.
How easy would it be to claim that a Wards parents are abusing them? Especially considering the majority of Wards will likely be from less off families considering how trigger events work. A Ward gets the shit beat out of them by a supervillain, spends the day at home.
Oh, an anonymous tip said the War- I mean normal everyday child is being beaten. GASP! They are covered in bruises and they refuse to talk about where they got it.
See? It'd be hilariously easy to take the parents out of the equation. Perhaps the PRT could "protect" the child by keeping them in the same city with the Wards rather than shoving them in a foster home?
Honestly, this would have been a much more interesting story than canon worm. The Hebert's have CPS called on them, Taylor has to fight to uncover the corruption in the system while dealing with supervillains and trauma. I'd read it. But unfortunately that'll never be.
So, how does this all relate back? Well, that was just using the canon system Wildbow accidentally created and examining it logically. What would happen if we were to look at it from a more worldly lens, and try to make it a system that wasn't added in to punish players in a quest.
Well, we must look at the original case and a little Law nicknamed the Coogan Law. Named after Jackie Coogan who according to wikipedia:
The original Bill was passed in 1939 by the State of California in response to the plight of Jackie Coogan, who earned millions of dollars as a successful child actor only to discover, upon reaching adulthood, that his parents had spent almost all of his money. Since then, it has been revised a few times, most recently on January 1, 2004.[1] As it stands, money earned and accumulated under a contract under the code remains the sole legal property of the minor child.[2]
Fairly straight forward. Now, in Reed Vs PRT, the originator case of the Youth Guard in this setting quietly set in motion events that overturned the Coogan law. As while the media portrayed it as parents desperately trying to get control of their children from the evul guvenment it was in actually parents trying to control the income of the the Ward. Suffice to say, they won.
Parahuman minors, child employee's and actors. They all suffered because of this as slowly right after right was whittled away. The Villain problem is not only because of "LOL!CAULDRON" and "LOL!SHARDS" but because of their own short-sightedness allowing exploitation to run rampant and the people to buy into every second of it. Rogues and independents stay independent because they don't want to be dragged into that mess. New Wave is aware of this but well, their attempt for accountability died violently as you are aware. That and with Parahuman rogue corporations being faced with regulation after regulation the whole situation is at a tipping point.
Really, it's their own fault for allowing what's about to happen to occur.
The Youth's Guards corruption and hypocrisy is based on actual corruption found in CPS, most notably in the Kentucky CPS scandal from a few years ago. It's also based on exploitation of child actors in Hollywood.
The decision to intrinsically link the PRT's PR machine and the Wards it self was from the Youth Guards own supposed mission statement. Look closely at what they do for offenses.
In the first offense we see very clearly that the Wards themselves are immediately targeted. The Wards pay is reduced and all forms of management is taken out of the picture. Now of course a $10, 000 fine is laughable. I mean honestly, that's like one bulk purchase of Printer Ink and toner+ paper. They probably run through that in a week. But consider for a moment what this means for a lot of vulnerable Wards. I think it'd be reasonable to assume that the Wards may often be the only refuge for a lot of young Capes who trigger. Abusive or neglectful families (Such as Vista's) or simply not having a family for any reason.
With an order that the Wards grades be kept to a minimal standard that can not be dropped plus the regularity of PR shoots and the like consider for a moment how the Ward can support themselves, especially since so much of their paycheck is locked up in a trust fund. Plus the pressure to remain in the Protectorate into adulthood. The wards are likely the only way for these kids to support themselves.
And the first thing, in the name of "Protecting" them is to strip away their sole means of support. How does that help the Ward?
But what it is is intimidating. The Wards, who are very much children, would be terrified of reporting anything that they feel is effecting them. One "infraction" could ruin their lives. They also don't vanish as well, it just builds and builds. All that pressure being put on a child.
Then there's how much control the Youth Guard has over their lives. Look at what they can do here:
ANYTHING involving the Wards, even tangentially, can be canceled by a Youth Guard Member. Consider for a moment what that might mean. Now, let us move on to the second bit highlighted. The Youth Guard can discipline Wards. Sure they can't order them, but would a Ward disobey orders the Youth Guard suggests the higher ups give? Especially considering what they could do to their life?
There is not a government agency ALIVE that would allow this to exist. Hell, governments have dismantled organisations who've tried to amass this much power. So, why would they have it then?
Why would an advocacy group for protecting Wards be given so much power over their lives that is seemingly only there to punish the Wards if something happens to them?
Well, consider Child Stars, especially the notable horrific cases that have cropped up over the years. Especially the old one's, from the golden age of hollywood. Stars that had their whole lives put on display, analyzed by everyone yet abuse and exploitation happened to these children without a single person bringing it up until years later.
Examine their lives, their struggles and then consider something about the Wards. Isn't it awfully familiar? Aren't the threats used by the Youth Guard awfully similar here?
But wait, this rabbit hole goes so much deeper.
We must take a look at the PR as displayed in Canon and here, where dangerous and utterly ludicrous orders and suggestions were given to underage heroes in potentially lethal situations. All to keep them dancing to a specific tune. Decisions made solely to make them more marketable, more befitting of the relentless financial machine that dictated PRT policy. How could the youth guard exist when the most closely looked at cases are treated in that way? When even when so closely monitored psychopaths like Shadow Stalker can physically assault a 13 year old?
Well, what Wildbow accidentally stumbled into was a terrifying glimpse into the horrors experienced by Child Stars and victims of corrupt CPS organisations. A pity it was wasted on the alter of "escalation" when there could have been a very interesting story there. But got to fight Endbringers and Scion and make hard decisions, right?
Anyways, I would like to direct your attention to now to the before mentioned CPS allegations of corruption and abuse. I would encourage people do their own research into this matter, as it is a wide-spanning issue that can scarcely be covered by one writer on a webforum.
As I was saying, Wildbow had stumbled into the terrifying world many people in our communities are suddenly thrust into. I'm sure we're all aware about how shitty foster homes can be, with sexual and physical abuse and just plain old neglect running rampant. However, there have been allegations (And I stress allegations) that this is encouraged financially. With individuals even able to put in "orders" for the children of one specific family.
Now again, let me make it clear there are good people working in CPS, and social workers working with the system to provide the best possible care for children in need. That we are talking about the worst possible cases.
More importantly, allegations persist that there is a financial reward for how "troubled" the children are, how many mental illnesses they have and what not. This is entirely without a trained psychologist or medical professional seeing them. As such they are also put on medication to help control their mental illnesses that of course serve little more than to keep them drugged up. Parents are slandered as unfit over minor things (such as unwashed dishes or dirty laundry) and often are intimidated into giving their children up.
Now, that isn't to say there isn't people who really deserve to never be allowed near children but this is specifically talking about the worst cases.
So with that in mind we begin to see a trend between all three institutions listed. PR, the Youth Guard and CPS.
The Youth Guard is very much a penal system for the Wards and ONLY the Wards. They specifically dismantle any support structure the Wards might have and punish them and ONLY them. Why would they penalize only the Wards? Well obviously it's to keep them compliant. Punish them when they act out.
How does PR relate to this? Well they have to ensure the Wards actually LISTEN to their suggestions. How much power would a PR person wield if the Ward or the Wards parent could tell them to kindly fuck off when a design or action is suggested? The Youth Guard and it's bizarre hypocrisy in only punishing the Wards makes perfect sense when you consider what it can do to make a Ward more compliant with demands. A stick to beat the children when they get out of line and don't do as they're told.
All under the guise of a charity to protect them.
How does CPS relate to it? Well, the Youth Guard is apparently now the only form of Child Protection for the Wards. They ARE CPS for them. A NGO which is very much For Profit that has control over a government agency on EVERY level. They can deny medical check-ups, therapy. Their powers as stated are so broad they can effect every part of the Wards life even if they aren't technically supposed to affect the civilian life.
How easy would it be to claim that a Wards parents are abusing them? Especially considering the majority of Wards will likely be from less off families considering how trigger events work. A Ward gets the shit beat out of them by a supervillain, spends the day at home.
Oh, an anonymous tip said the War- I mean normal everyday child is being beaten. GASP! They are covered in bruises and they refuse to talk about where they got it.
See? It'd be hilariously easy to take the parents out of the equation. Perhaps the PRT could "protect" the child by keeping them in the same city with the Wards rather than shoving them in a foster home?
Honestly, this would have been a much more interesting story than canon worm. The Hebert's have CPS called on them, Taylor has to fight to uncover the corruption in the system while dealing with supervillains and trauma. I'd read it. But unfortunately that'll never be.
So, how does this all relate back? Well, that was just using the canon system Wildbow accidentally created and examining it logically. What would happen if we were to look at it from a more worldly lens, and try to make it a system that wasn't added in to punish players in a quest.
Well, we must look at the original case and a little Law nicknamed the Coogan Law. Named after Jackie Coogan who according to wikipedia:
Fairly straight forward. Now, in Reed Vs PRT, the originator case of the Youth Guard in this setting quietly set in motion events that overturned the Coogan law. As while the media portrayed it as parents desperately trying to get control of their children from the evul guvenment it was in actually parents trying to control the income of the the Ward. Suffice to say, they won.
Parahuman minors, child employee's and actors. They all suffered because of this as slowly right after right was whittled away. The Villain problem is not only because of "LOL!CAULDRON" and "LOL!SHARDS" but because of their own short-sightedness allowing exploitation to run rampant and the people to buy into every second of it. Rogues and independents stay independent because they don't want to be dragged into that mess. New Wave is aware of this but well, their attempt for accountability died violently as you are aware. That and with Parahuman rogue corporations being faced with regulation after regulation the whole situation is at a tipping point.
Really, it's their own fault for allowing what's about to happen to occur.
It help's that we're in a great position if they try shit. Pay means next to nothing since we are the only reliable source of Federation tech there is, and Samus is an ungodly murderbeast that walks like a man which means that they can't really force the issue.
If you can confirm she will show up in your Witcher/Dark Souls Quest my chances of reading it and participating will increase exponentially. Well, most of my love for Priscilla comes from a certain FoZ/Darksouls crossover and that one 4-Koma collection.
