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Splintered (Worm QA-Quest)

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Alivaril said:
Surprisingly calm, actually. I tried to do a Cauldron interlude earlier, but failed miserably after getting depressed whilst researching them. For a supposed group of Thinkers, they were so horrifically stupid. Like, to the point where their intelligence was an informed trait because holy shit they were dumb.
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I think this is mainly because we see so little of their day-to-day activities. The best information regarding that I've found is this WoG:
Wildbow said:
DoctorNobody said:
Absent Cauldron's meddling...
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Think bigger-scale.

Absent Cauldron's meddling, there's no PRT for one thing. There's no Suits, no Red Gauntlet, no Elite Sentai group or whatever I called them, no Elite; all groups that Cauldron set up or supported. Groups are formed but can't sustain themselves past tight Undersider-like groups of 5-10 individuals. Conflicts are more tightly contained and devastating, recovery is slower, and an area that ends up lost or fucked doesn't get the backup needed to revive. Such areas are abandoned or occupied by whatever groups are willing to make do with the aftermath/ongoing occupation by X gang or Y high-level threat.

Non-parahumans in the West end up taking a more aggressive stance against parahumans, as certain voices aren't silenced, and without the Protectorate as an example, things are just more anti-parahuman around the world as a whole. Heroes are fewer and farther between than in conventional Worm - you've got an awful lot of shades of grey and people doing their damndest just to get by. The Chevaliers and Miss Militias of the world are staying right where they are, in small town X or Turkey-occupied Kurdistan, and they're helping their town/country and only their town/country. For the most part, parahumans are taking over where they can take over, and because the population is so hostile, they're forced to be a little ugly or harsh to quell dissent, or they're nice and constantly watching their back/focusing far too much on just keeping things functioning.

Assuming that Cauldron's operatives maybe killed Eden but then just sat on their hands/died, the Endbringers don't exist, the cauldron vials aren't spread out, and there's less of the really powerful parahumans here and there who're capable of acting decisively. Gates to other worlds are left open, feeding into Cote D'Ivorie, spitting out more than a fair share of Case-53 like monsters, only in a very tightly occupied space. If West Africa survives, it's either as a world power or as a mutant-occupied area. If they find Eden's corpse, well, you've got a whole other mess, because they're going to be less careful and organized about it. Assuming they don't accidentally revive Eden, there's going to be a lot of failed doses.

Further, the major threats that Contessa and Number Man deemed too dangerous to leave alone weren't necessarily eliminated (either because Contessa herself didn't pay a visit, or because Cauldron didn't contrive to have said parahuman put down), so there's more Ash Beasts, Blasphemies, Sleepers and the equivalent roaming around.

There's no Parahuman Containment Center, so there's no place to put the really dangerous villains. What do you do with the villains who can't be killed, like Gavel? You maybe try to wrangle some giant-killers like Flechette/Foil, but how many of those guys are there, really?

You're talking about infrastructure, but quite honestly, infrastructure wouldn't survive the 90's. By the mid-2000's, getting food from the agricultural states to the areas with the highest population density (ie. New york) is a struggle, because of bandits, threats, organized crime, disorganized crime and more. Things come to resemble the theoretical Edenverse, but you don't have Eden shoring up the population by putting tinkers and capes capable of reviving areas anywhere particular (you also don't have her sabotaging). Scion ends up playing a pretty big role in keeping society alive, more than before, with keen attention to the biggest threats and only those threats.

By March 2011, half the world is struggling, and the other half is controlled by powerful figures of the Glaistig Uaine class. Richter and his AIs might have a hand in keeping eastern Canada going, but his attention is focused on New York, which is a clusterfuck of the Nth order. A coalition of villains occupy Brockton Bay, including Marquis, the Butcher Queen and the Little Doctor, while outside parties want a piece of that pie. Every second city has a major threat in or near it - not quite on the level of an Echidna or Nilbog, but bad enough that it's hard to put down.

It isn't hopeless, but it's grim. Points of light in a broad swathe of darkness. There is a way out, nobody's actively trying to stop them from finding it, but it's an uphill battle every step of the way.

And Scion's still waiting at the end.
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Voting is now open. Fire at will. Poor Will.

Edit: so are people okay with the temporary vote-locks, or do you find them more annoying than they're worth? From my POV, it's been working astoundingly well.
 
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[X] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[X] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
-[X] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in its stead
-[X] Finally, we will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.
 
[X]Answer all of Dragon's questions. You won't mention displacing Host, of course, but Dragon will probably be even more curious now.
-[X]If she asks, avoid answering any questions about your exact powerset. You doubt any host can harm Host, but it's best to be careful.
-[X]Also avoid answering any questions about Host.
 
[X] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[X] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
-[X] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in its stead
-[X] Finally, we will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.

For we are the monarch, Queen Administrator! We administrate the rules, not the other way around!
 
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[X]Answer all of Dragon's questions. You won't mention displacing Host, of course, but Dragon will probably be even more curious now.
-[X]If she asks, avoid answering any questions about your exact powerset. You doubt any host can harm Host, but it's best to be careful.
 
Alivaril said:
[X]Answer all of Dragon's questions. You won't mention displacing Host, of course, but Dragon will probably be even more curious now.
-[X]If she asks, avoid answering any questions about your exact powerset. You doubt any host can harm Host, but it's best to be careful.
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[x] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[x] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
-[x] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in its stead.
-[X] Finally, you will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes to ask their questions, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.
 
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The funny thing is, Armsmaster and Dragon would probably help with the computer for free! It's a chance to bug Titania's system, or at least understand it better. It's a valuable opportunity they can't really refuse.

Unfortunately for them, we're really asking for Efficiency and Replicator's help. And as shown with Queen Shaper, we do not need the hosts to use the shards' knowledge.

That reversal is gonna be fun.

Amy, Armsmaster, and Dragon can start a support group!
 
Redshirt Army said:
No time limit - I'm fine with them banking questions for later, as long as they hold up their end of the bargain. If they don't, well, you know what they say about deals with the fey...
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Oh, I'm less concerned about them banking questions, and more concerned with them asking us to wait while they poll everyone, including Alexandria and possibly Eidolon, for the best questions to answer.

Because I'm sure they'll try to game that, and I feel like putting some pressure on them to get on with it; the questions are for Dragon (maybe Armsmaster) anyway, their bosses can get stuffed.
 
[X] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[X] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
-[X] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in its stead
-[X] Finally, we will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.
 
[X] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[X] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
--[X] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in their stead
---[X] Finally, we will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.
 
HymnOfRagnarok said:
Oh, I'm less concerned about them banking questions, and more concerned with them asking us to wait while they poll everyone, including Alexandria and possibly Eidolon, for the best questions to answer.

Because I'm sure they'll try to game that, and I feel like putting some pressure on them to get on with it; the questions are for Dragon (maybe Armsmaster) anyway, their bosses can get stuffed.
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Good point. Edited.
 
[X] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[X] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
-[X] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in its stead
-[X] Finally, we will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.
 
[X]Answer all of Dragon's questions. You won't mention displacing Host, of course, but Dragon will probably be even more curious now.
-[X]If she asks, avoid answering any questions about your exact powerset. You doubt any host can harm Host, but it's best to be careful.
-[X] Ask for help with your computer and social Interactions! Your smiles aren't working.
 
[X] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[X] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
-[X] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in its stead
-[X] Finally, we will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.
 
[X] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[X] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
-[X] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in its stead
-[X] Finally, we will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.
 
[X] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[X] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
--[X] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in their stead
---[X] Finally, we will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.
 
[X]Evade her questions. Even if they are supposedly powerful, the people she mentioned being scared can only be a good thing; scared shard-hosts = conflict = learning!
 
[X]Answer all of Dragon's questions. You won't mention displacing Host, of course, but Dragon will probably be even more curious now.
-[X]If she asks, avoid answering any questions about your exact powerset. You doubt any host can harm Host, but it's best to be careful.
-[X]Dodge the questions related to what you did while you were gone.
 
Alivaril said:
Edit: so are people okay with the temporary vote-locks, or do you find them more annoying than they're worth? From my POV, it's been working astoundingly well.
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I think they're fine, maybe. Would be very annoying if there's not much users active to help brainstorm with during the vote locks though.
 
[X] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[X] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
-[X] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in its stead
-[X] Finally, we will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.
 
[X] Return. Inform Dragon that you're busy, having arrived seeking Efficiency's help, but that you're willing to answer precisely three questions in exchange for her own assistance along with Replicator.
-[X] If asked about your host or your exact power set, or anything that could threaten the cycle, inform Dragon that you will not be answering that question at this time, but allow her to choose another question in its stead.
-[X] If they continue to trespass on the boundaries you have politely set, tell them their question is impertinent and you will not be allowing them to ask another in its stead
-[X] Finally, we will not be waiting endlessly for them to come up with questions. They have five minutes, or however long your patience lasts. You suggest they aim for the five minutes. Or come up with very interesting questions.
 
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