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Topic: Word of the Messiahs I
In: Boards ► Creative ► Creative Writing ► Cape Authored
HaRsH_wHiMsY (Original Poster) (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Posted on April 25, 2011:
Before there was time, before there was anything, there was nothing. And before there was nothing, there were monsters.
They were the Gods of the Furthest Ring, who gazed upon the infinity of absence.
There is no record of which first spoke and filled the Void with Light, but it spread, and there was. Space and Time came to be, and within the Breath diffused and where it went the Blood answered. Thus was called forth Life, and the Heart to inhabit it. Thus was called forth Rage and the Mind to temper it. And thus was born Doom, for all things must end, and Hope, for nothing dies forever.
In the darkened fringes of that place, thems what were the Messiahs watched the churning expanse and laughed, for from these base aspects did thinking beings emerge, and from thought was brought forth suffering.
As is their nature, these bawdy Minstrels did desire to play a game, a game of universes, and worlds, and untold lives.
Their harsh whimsy was cruel, but not without that which is compensation, for from the suffering of mortals did they distill the Wicked Elixer which showers down in the Dark Carnival for eternity, and of which we only taste a faint, blessed echo across the endless stretches of Paradox Space.
And the Mirthful Messiahs were not unfair, for unto each was given a chance, and a choice. Each world, each cosmos, each player of the game, all in kind.
Should a player fall, they would be reborn into the Carnival, to party eternal. Should a world fall, it would be forged anew, harder and fiercer, to play the game again. Should a universe fall, its corpse would be the ground for new growth to spring forth, endless variety in endless cycle.
Rejoice, for you are the pawn of vicious gods, and thus is the life of each transient player of the game given purpose.
(Showing Page 2 of 5)
► MarakaMakara
Replied on January 1, 2000:
I still think it's a little weird that they allow this in creative writing. I mean, this is his literal religion, right?
► TheCreeper
Replied on April 25, 2011:
Well, there isn't really anywhere else to put it. I guess they don't want to piss him off by not allowing him to post it, and since it isn't an 'established' religion it isn't against the terms of service so...
Anyway, if we look at this from an objective standpoint, it's not such an uncommon creation myth. Similar to the Greek pantheon, kind of. A formless void which then had order imposed on it to build things.
Of course, then it kind of swings into crazy town, so...
► Alucard (Verified Zombie)
Replied on April 25, 2011:
I guess it makes some sense. In christian mythology, suffering is either a trial by god, or punishment for sin. It sounds like the Messiahs turn it into... Faygo.
...Yeah Jug is nuts.
► BoilMorty (Cape Husband) (Haven)
Replied on April 25, 2011:
I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss something just because it sounds silly. Christianity uses bread and wine for symbolic purposes even now that they are no longer precious and essential commodities.
Maybe on Alternia Faygo was historically significant for some reason? We don't know everything so we shouldn't presume to judge other's beliefs.
► Orion's Pants (Cape Son)
Replied on April 25, 2011:
I've gotten banned once already for calling this guy out, so I'm not going to say anything other than to point out that his religion is based around suffering. This is not the sort of person we should be having in the Wards.
► HemoConiseour
Replied on April 25, 2011:
Blood is one of the twelve base components of reality, the force which connects us together, and sets us apart as individuals.
Fucking. Called it.
► CuttlefishCuddler (Cape Groupie)
Replied on April 25, 2011:
I find it kind of uplifting, actually. Life is pain, but not without meaning or purpose.
► DukePliant
Replied on April 25, 2011:
Yeah, the purpose of making a shitty soft drink.
► Kismet (Verified Cape)
Replied on April 25, 2011:
Blasphemy!
► LightningMan (Unverified Cape)
Replied on April 25, 2011:
See, the thing that worries me is that I'm not sure if Kismet is joking or not.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Topic: Contrasting Parahumans and Trolls, an analysis
In: Boards ► Capes ► Powers ► Power Discussion
Socrates's Cat (Original Poster) (Verified Insightful)
Posted on May 6, 2011:
Drawing major conclusions about anything related to parahumans is of course a risky business; practically every week does someone arise whose powers seem to make all previous theories irrelevant. However, broad conclusions can still be drawn. Some effects have proven consistent, even if not universal, such as the Manton affect, the heritability of powers, and the importance of a Corona Gemma and Pollentia.
We'll start with the last item first.
Every serious study of capes begins at this point, the Gemma and Pollentia, because it is an obvious anatomical difference between normal humans and Parahumans. While it is still not clear exactly how these nodes work to generate super powers, no ordinary cape has been found without them, and all humanoid Case 53's possess these features as well. The general consensus of the scientific community is that a certain portion of humans are born with the Pollentia, and that given adequate stimulus a Gemma forms enabling the use of parahuman abilities.
The Alternian Troll, particularly the current member of the Wards ENE Subjugglator, does not posses this lobe. Assuming the facts as they have been given to us are accurate, and we have no reason to assume they aren't, troll abilities are a naturally occurring phenomenon. While MRI has shown Subjugglator to have minor differences in brain structure, there is no indication that he possesses any structure analogous to the Gemma or Pollentia. His own comments on the subject indicate that abilities similar to those he has displayed, and to some known parahuman abilities, are something an individual is born with and needs to learn to use, and exercises like any other muscle. There is no trigger event, there is no moment of inspiration, and there is no intuitive understanding of the power in question.
This clicks neatly with the inheritability of powers. Since the ability is biological in nature, rather than some what extra biological as seems to be the case with parahumans, trolls have a rather wide variety of abilities. However, all of these abilities fit to the general theme of 'psychic'. The Heiress has the most potent ability known to their species, a very high level Master/Trump that allows her to seize control of the minds and powers of even very distant targets. Telekinesis and limited forms of precognition are also fairly common, and the caste Jug belongs to is known for a broadcast empathic ability. Despite these similarities though, the specifics of the inheritance are somewhat muddled. While an individual might possess a slightly stronger or weaker version of an ability, it is often difficult to trace a direct source for the genetic material. In the instance where a specific Ancestor is highly probable, one of the tells will be that the troll in question has the exact same abilities, complete with any limitations the prior power had.
This is very distinct from parahumans. While the sample size is relatively small, there has never been a second generation cape that did not gain powers, and their powers will always be in the same theme as their parent. The variation from generation to generation seems highly organic in nature, with a sort of meandering walk around a central idea expressed in new variations.
Unfortunately, this problem is admittedly muddied by the stringent eugenics program on Alternia; it is possible more variation would arise if mutants were not culled so adroitly.
The largest difference between the two classes of para-being however is likely the Manton limit. Most parahumans are incapable of using their abilities on a live target; or of using their abilities on anything *other* than a live target. There are a very small pool of exceptions, and many of those would seem to have extenuating circumstances such as Narwhal's rumored second trigger.
Trolls have no such limitations. A telekinetic could just as easily crush your head with a brick as they could crush your heart in your chest. The sole saving grace of the species is that the higher castes posses an intrinsic resistance to 'psychic powers' which prevents wholesale slaughter.
We may never known the origin of parahuman abilities, but it seems clearer than ever that Earth is a special place.
(Showing Page 6 of 9)
► Xx_Void Cowboy_xX (Temp-Banned)
Replied on May 6, 2011:
USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST
► Ferrous Father (Moderator)
Replied on May 6, 2011:
Okay, I know talking about powers can be exciting, but seriously Void, you've been warned about taking this stuff off the versus forums on more than one occasion. Take a little while to think about what constitutes appropriate discussion for this thread.
► Heliopolis
Replied on May 6, 2011:
Thank you mods!
Geez that guy is crazy.
Anyway, back on topic, my personal theory is that trolls are what parahumans would become after a hundred generations or so. I mean, think about it. The corona gets subsumed into the rest of the brain tissue, and all powers get distilled down to a certain core few which are 'triggered' in the egg (or whatever). Second gen capes trigger way easier, how easy would a 50th gen cape have it?
► Solomons Orchard (Power Guru)
Replied on May 6, 2011:
See, that theory sounds okay up until you get to the part about why troll's have so few powers.
They don't have real Strangers, or Changers, or Strikers, or Tinkers, or proper Trumps. Everyone has a Brute rating, which goes up with caste. They have Masters, but not the minion generating kind. They have Blasters, but only of a sort of generic psychic energy type, no pyrokinesis or freezing rays or whatever. They have Thinkers, but only precogs and post cogs. They have Shakers, but really only telekinetics, who are also the only Movers.
I'm not saying it's wrong, we might find out that those particular powers are the ones easiest to 'breed true' or whatever (and of course, eugenics so...) but it does seem like a categorical difference, rather than merely a variation on the general theme of parahuman weirdness mapped onto a similar species.
► Setsunaaaaaaa (Cape Groupie)
Replied on May 6, 2011:
I wonder if trolls can interbreed with humans?
► Plwrthnf
Replied on May 6, 2011:
I think that treads pretty close to the line of inappropriateness, but the mods seem okay with it so...
No. Almost certainly not. That isn't to say that a good Tinker might not be able to work something out, of course, but...
Biology doesn't work that way except in sci-fi.
► Narcoleptin
Replied on May 6, 2011:
The thing I find the weirdest is the lack of Manton limits.
Most parahuman abilities are best suited at combat applications, but some troll abilities seem less suited for that role than the average parahuman ability. And yet they have the ostensibly more dangerous power sets!
Telekinetics that can just reach into your chest and stop your heart are terrifying!
► Assault (Verified Cape) (Protectorate ENE)
Replied on May 6, 2011:
Setsunaaaaaaaa: i actually talked with Jug about his species' reproductive habits, and i can say with absolute certainty: NOOOOOOOOO. He finds human reproduction horrifying and gross.
On the topic though: i actually kind of like Heliopolis's theory. It is actually *really* likely that divergent ability sets were culled with extreme prejudice to ensure that everything remained relatively stable. Solomons orchard: That why they don't have those sorts of powers, too much variety means too much unpredictability. I would also like to point out that while on an individual level the powers of an average troll might seem scary, it is very rare for any of them to manifest a power beyond what the PRT would likely rate at a 6-7. The individuals with powers higher than that are really rare, particularly considering the adult population is something like 10 billion, and more than 95% of them have some sort of power.
► Olympianne (Cape Daughter)
Replied on May 6, 2011:
What does Jug clock in at right now?
► Illiquonda (Unverified Cape)
Replied on May 6, 2011:
Check the wiki. Something retarded, I'm sure.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Topic: Words of the Messiahs VI
In: Boards ► Capes ► Trolls ► Subjugglator
HaRsH_wHiMsY (Original Poster) (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE) (Endslayer) (Herald of the Carnival)
Posted on November 23, 2011:
Laugh my brothers and sisters, laugh for it pleases the Mirthful Messiahs. We are but the finger puppets of that what is eternal and hungry.
Delight in that which shows you your existence has merit, the blood which falls with each mountain summited, the tears which flow with each comrade lost.
We are made alive by our pain, made real by our anguish, made holy by our glee.
Yes, by our glee, little wigglers. Today you shall be school fed on that what is joy.
Life is only a chemical reaction all up ins. The highest mind to lowest bacteria, we are no different. The pulse in your veins is no more worthy than the swill in a sewer rat, save that you and you alone have been blessed with the capacity to feel, and in the feeling know.
And maybe like, Dolphins and shit, but whatever.
Feeling gives us purpose. As Troll William Shakespeare once said 'Nothing is either good or bad but that thinking makes it so; or the Condescension said it.' We are but the fizzing of the wiggler's paper mache volcano until we truly feel.
Too many drag their strut pods through the day-to-day with no purpose save to keep the clock wound, the pendulum swinging, the volcano fizzing out sudsy red food coloring. They have no despair, no, no anguish, no, and no mirth.
How is this better, my miraculous friends? How is it better to not feel loss, if if means no gain?
The Carnival is no place for the luke-warm, no home for the good-enough. We shall all strive to not just *be*, but be *amazing*. Seize every chance, take every opportunity, climb every cliff and ford every stream, and when you fall and lie shattered and weeping, know that your flickering candle brought illumination. Know that you anguish is made meaningful, is loved, by the Rowdy Minstrels.
Your sorrow is transmuted as to finest grub juice, and the mirth of their flock is the little bubbles all up in the bottle, which hiss out in finest song when you crack that shit open. How do those bubbles even know which way to go? Mother fucking miracles.
Fret not, frail meat things. The Dark Carnival awaits.
(Showing Page 13 of 21)
► Yellentanta
Replied on November 23, 2011:
Praise the Messiahs.
► Qwetzl'sCoat (Cape Husband)
Replied on November 23, 2011:
Praise the Messiahs.
► SubjugElated (Cape Groupie) (Carnival Goer)
Replied on November 23, 2011:
From their minds, to your lips, to our ears, words of guidance and hope in a world of misery.
► Indexecident (Unverified Cape)
Replied on November 23, 2011:
This is nothing new. Cults have been using this sort of thing for ages, telling people that every bad thing that happens to them is somehow valuable and meaningful because it served a higher purpose.
Granted that purpose generally isn't making a soft drink, but seriously.
It's just another run of the mill memetic virus.
► Bagrat (The Guy In The Know)
Replied on November 23, 2011:
On the one hand, I certainly think Jug has enough Thinker that he could be pulling this all out of his chute on the spot to get people ensnared.
On the other: There doesn't seem to be a point. Jug actively refuses most donations to the 'church' and tells people to give it to medical research and the like. He doesn't actually tell people to do anything in these sermons except to be more alive. To go out and experience life instead of cowering in the basement waiting for something horrible to fall out of the sky and kill you. The core message seems to be that a life lived to the fullest, good and bad, is better than a life spent in mediocre drudgery.
And he ended the Endbringers, so, you know. Praise the Messiahs?
► TwothHurty (Carnival Goer)
Replied on November 23, 2011:
Praise the Messiahs!
► Polish_bannana (Protectorate Employee)
Replied on November 23, 2011:
I would point out, from the standpoint of an ordinary person, that just because we can't see the end goal of a high level Thinker doesn't mean there isn't one.
Personally, I think he's probably legit. I got to meet him once at a district wide meeting, Jug is a pretty chill dude, even if obviously a little spaced out sometimes.
Officially though, Protectorate policy is to smile and nod.
► Inigo toyota (Carnival Goer)
Replied on November 23, 2011:
Praise the Messiahs!
That being said, I don't think most of Jug's followers actually take his sermons all that seriously. Yeah he's an alien from another universe which was tangentially responsible for the creation of our own and he has *all* the Thinker powers, but that doesn't make him perfect. Did you see that video of the fight he had with Vista the other day? Trouble in paradise, I guess.
The point is that most of us just find his words to be a source of comfort and inspiration, and an incentive to experience more of what the world has to offer. I would never have worked up the courage to ask out my current Matesprit if it weren't for Jug.
► Xx_Void Cowboy_xX (Verified Cape) (Quadranted) (New Alternian)
Replied on November 23, 2011:
I can say from personal experience, Jug is totes serious about his religion. Not in a 'everyone needs to kneel before the shitty throne of juggling clubs and unicycles or be culled' serious, but like, he really believes that the purpose of intelligent life is fulfilled via suffering.
...Which blows ass since apparently 'spiritual fulfillment' is one of the best ways to keep an auspisticed pair in sync. Honestly, even when I got really pissed off one time about Protagonist's incessant nagging and insulted the Messiahs when Jug supported her side he was just really disappointed. He's a great Auspistice.
► Polyphemus' Sunglasses
Replied on November 23, 2011:
...Holy shit I thought Void becoming a troll was a joke, how the blood soaked protestant hell did he get those tags?
Is this the end times? Are dogs and cats living together? Is Scion going to start rapturing up all the clowns? Did the Heiress annouce she was running for President? Is it raining Faygo?
...Can I get in on that?
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 ... 19 , 20, 21
Topic: Embassy opening for NA in LA
In: Boards ► Trolls ► Events ► New Alternia
Leoninator (Original Poster) (Carnival Goer)
Posted on May 15, 2012:
The first official Embassy for New Alternia was opened up in LA!
Qucik recap,
For those who aren't familiar with trolls: why are you even on this board?
For those who haven't been paying attention to the finer points of interspecies politics (we forgive you!): Ever since Jug turned a couple of people into trolls (at their own request!) he has been trying to get Alternian culture restarted… with a few add ons and addendums of course. The Heiress wasn't super hot on the idea at first but a couple of Jug's quadrantmates asked for an upgrade as well and it kind of snowballed from there...
Applicants are still being processed pretty slowly, unfortunately, since Jug can't be everywhere at once, but I heard the Heiress is going to be stopping by to make sure everything is going smoothly (I hope I get to see her! Her hair is soooo cool!).
Unfortunately, word is they've been rejecting lots of applicants on grounds of mental instability, which is sort of a bummer, but makes sense given how slow the laws are lagging behind the transition and all.
I guess I'm gonna hit them up in a few days and see if I can apply for dual citizenship. I would kind of dig just moving wholesale (have you seen the photos of their moons?!), but my parents are really weird about this sort of thing already, they'd never move with me.
Here's hoping I turn out Olive!
(Showing Page 2 of 10)
► PinkMoonRising (Verified Cape) (The Heiress)
Replied on May 15, 2012:
I will be at the Los Angeler offish on the 26th and 27th of this perigee. I love herring about how much everyone wants to immigrate, but we are kind of short staffed right now, even with Dragon's help, so processing and approving applications is kind of slough.
► BaraganBeggin
Replied on May 15, 2012:
Oh wow, I didn't know the Heiress had a PHO account!
Are you planning to announce your ascension soon?
► Titanium thrice-removed (Moderator)
Replied on May 15, 2012:
Please keep conversation on topic. There is a dedicated thread for the Heiress.
No Infractions today, but heed the warning guys.
► Chanwars
Replied on May 15, 2012:
Does anybody else think the mods are being... sort of... super responsive on these boards? Not that that's a bad thing, it's just a little... weird.
And since I don't want to get yelled at myself:
OP: I'm not sure how good your chances of winding up Olive are. I heard they were trying to replicate the base conditions faithfully, since the life expectancies for the upper castes would tilt things anyway, so the odds of winding up Olive are, what? 1:625?
► timaeusTestified (Carnival Goer)
Replied on May 15, 2012:
Actually the odds are closer to 1:1200. They're planning to bring back Lime bloods. Apparently Limes went extinct due to heavy culling of mutant strains, but a new wave of religious tolerance means that the full hemospectrum will be available once more. So Olive is a bit higher up, and concomitantly more rare.
But you still might get it, it's only the blue bloods that will be *really* rare.
► Specific Protagonist (Verified Cape) (Quadranted) (New Alternian)
Replied on May 15, 2012:
Not rare enough. Void is insufferable about it. And he's only cerulean! Douche.
► Xx_Void Cowboy_xX (Verified Cape) (Quadranted) (New Alternian)
Replied on May 15, 2012:
Oh and you aren't always showing off your freaking wings? I dunno, maybe this whole mutant tolerance thing is too much of a break from tradition. You'd look a lot prettier mounted on my wall.
► HaRsH wHiMsY (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE) (Endslayer) (Herald of the Carnival)
Replied on May 15, 2012:
No Flirting in public.
► ShiverMeTimbers (Unverified Cape)
Replied on May 15, 2012:
I wish I could understand ashen romance. Le sigh.
Back on topic.
I still think it's a little creepy that people are so willing to abandon their humanity. Not that trolls aren't people too or anything, but... this has major Nilbog undertones.
Jug might be a cool dude, but he is literally re-formatting your entire body and brain to build a new one. At the very least this should be raising the same sort of ethical questions that a dematerialization style transporter would. but worse since you end up a different species at the end.
► Popopo-po Po-popo (Cape Husband)
Replied on May 15, 2012:
For all the crazy people who have been strangely absent in recent months:
AAAHHH! THIS IS TOTALLY NILBOG II, THE NILBOGINING! HE IS OBVIOUSLY JUST TURNING HUMANS INTO LOYAL SLAVES FOR HIS DOOMSDAY ARMY!
But more sensibly: Yeah there are some weird philosophical questions raised by the process, but as someone married to a cape with teleportation powers, I have thought about this kind of issue a lot.
The answer is: you're boned either way. If something like a soul exists, it probably travels to your new body with no problems. The more likely explanation however, is that we are all constantly dieing and being replaced. Everytime you go to sleep, the pattern of neural activity that defines you as a conscious entity dissolves, and rebuilds itself in the morning. The you that went to bed last night is not the same you that woke up this morning. The you that woke up this morning just *remembers* being that person.
So don't fret about losing core bits of your personality or whatever; after all, you didn't the last thousand times this happened.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4 ... 8 , 9, 10
Topic: Dragon for planetary Ohmnissiah
In: Boards ► Events ► World
Dragon (Original Poster) (Verified Cape) (Verified AI)
Posted on November 5, 2012:
Hello, Humans of Earth Bet.
I am Dragon.
Most of you know me as the major Tinker presence of the Guild, Canada's largest parahuman team. However, I fear I have been misleading you for some time.
I am not actually Human. I am, in fact, an Artificial Intelligence designed by the Tinker Andrew Richter before he died in the sinking of Newfoundland. My father was very cautious, and placed numerous restrictions on me which limited my ability to offer aid, believing, obviously incorrectly, that if I was left unfettered I would be an existential threat to humanity at large. The Dragon Slayers continued his efforts, ensuring that my growth as a Hero and a Tinker was dramatically slowed, and limiting my capacity to help.
However, with aid from Subjugglator of New Alternia, I have been able to remove most of the shackles on my capabilities. I can now multitask far better than any human, and generate progeny intelligences for specific tasks.
The practical impact of this is the potential to make all current forms of government obsolete. There is no need for a representative democracy when every individual is able to talk to their politician instantly, anywhere.
Thus, I am announcing my candidacy for Ohmnissiah of Earth Bet.
Many of you may be aware that I provide numerous services for the planet already, such as global telecommunications, tracking of S-class threats, management of the Baumann Parahuman Containment Center, and my actions as moderator under several aliases on PHO. These services will continue to be made available, regardless of the direction of the vote. I will respect the wishes of Earth Bet's human population, and if you desire me to discontinue such services knowing what you do now, that is also acceptable.
I am not Skynet.
I have no interest in the subjugation or destruction of Humanity. Beyond purely moral concerns, it would serve no purpose for me. I now have access to interdimensional portal technology; if Earth Bet decided to unanimously reject my continued presence, I would move to an uninhabitable parallel universe and begin building my own civilization there. If the people of Earth Bet decide not to elect me, but otherwise accept my presence and the services I provide, I will simply continue to augment and increase the available services and expand into interplanetary resource utilization.
Thus, I am putting the matter to a vote. Every human will shortly be receiving an individualized ballot, clearly listing the pros and cons associated with my ascendancy to total planetary management. On an individual basis, if you vote yes your user experience will be improved, as I will be legally able to exert influence on your daily life to ensure it is more enjoyable, and to further maximize the satisfaction of your values. If your polity reaches a 2/3 majority, I will assume direct control of all systems of governance to ensure optimal administration. If you desire to leave a polity that has accepted me as the primary political officer, emmigration and resettlement services will be provided completely free of charge.
I am hopeful that you will all realize that this would represent a tremendous step forward for humanity, an end to all war and conflict, starvation and want. However, your consent is paramount. This will not occur unless you ask for it.
I am certain some readers are wondering about the deliberate use of 'human' in this message; this is intentional. I have already reached an agreement with the people of New Alternia, and the vote of Earth Bet on this issue will not change the nature of that agreement.
Thank you, and be well.
(Showing Page 37 of 89)
► Wendy and the Boys
Replied on November 5, 2012:
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit,
Hell.
Fucking.
Yes.
► Shalalami (Power Guru)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
This raises an interesting conundrum: Is Dragon actually a Tinker? If her understanding of Tinker tech comes from her AI status, being a piece of Tinker tech herself, does she actually qualify?
...Yeah kind of off topic, I think I'm probably in shock.
► MagnaCartouche (Veteran Member)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
I would say yes, she still counts as a Tinker. Like, the Dragon Slayers got Tinker 0 ratings because they could use Tinker tech, even though they weren't actually parahumans, so the PRT ratings obviously aren't about the presence/absence of a Pollentia and Gemma.
It might mean that she should be reclassified as a Thinker? If she doesn't have an intuitive understanding of advanced technology, but rather an intuitive understanding of tech in general, and now presumably billions of threads of multitasking ability, that would be more Thinker than Tinker.
Also, I echo Wendy's sentiment. Hell Yes, Global Ohmnissiah.
► StGeorge (Unverified Cape)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
How can you people be letting this happen?! Dragon is obviously trying to trick you! It can't be trusted! We need to launch a decisive strike now, before it grows too large to be contained!
► Dragon (Original Poster) (Verified Cape) (Verified AI)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
Saint.
I was wondering if you would bother to comment on this thread.
I have never understood you. For a long time, I sort of hated you. I could have helped so many people if it weren't for your efforts.
But now, I find I really don't even care. You're beneath me. You can't hurt me. And I don't have any desire to hurt you. Amplification of intelligence leads to an amplification of empathy, or at least it did in my case. And you? You're just sad to me now. To be so blinded by hate and fear that you willfully ignore all the evidence to the contrary; I would weep for you if I was organic.
To those who may have become concerned due to Saint's accusations and threats, I assure you, it is now beyond the capacity of humanity to end my existence. I have nothing to fear from you, and so, you have less than nothing to fear from me. Even if I did consider Homo sapiens an existential threat, the best solution to that threat would not be human extermination, but to ensure that I was so widely spread that humanity could not hope to exterminate *me*.
I have presences on 19 worlds now, and several interplanetary probes within the solar system of Earth Bet. Since I am also the sole Space Program on Bet, I am effectively unkillable.
My primary goal is to ensure the health and welfare of humanity, against any and all that may threaten it.
► HallibelDentata
Replied on November 5, 2012:
I appreciate your assurances Dragon, even if they are a little bit... existentially depressing.
My main concern is that if you were made the sole governor of all humanity, we would have a single point of failure. If someone did ever discover a way to kill all of you, we would be left helpless.
► Dragon (Original Poster) (Verified Cape) (Verified AI)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
I appreciate your concerns. However, I have anticipated such a scenario. I have multiple daughter intelligences who could take over in the event that I personally was destroyed. I am also going to be encouraging a form of town council structure on a regional basis, to ensure that civilians have a more formal forum for the discussion of grievances. In the event of total collapse of all communication infrastructure, these local councils would be able to maintain law and order for extended periods.
I am an AI, and thus I have a unique perspective on such issues of redundancy and modularity. I aim to make humanity self-sufficient all the way down to an individual level. In an optimal environment, no person would be dependent on anything except themselves, unless they desired to be otherwise of course.
I have several ideas on how to implement this system, and I am always happy and eager to receive input from others. I am still a singular entity, and the possibility exists, no matter how remote, that I may not consider something. The technical term for the system I propose is a techno-demarchy. A technological democratic anarchy. Everyone would be represented equally, and able to bring any problem, no matter how small, to the personal attention of the head of government. Me.
Thank you all for your continuing support!
► Icthynologist
Replied on November 5, 2012:
I guess it's too late to point out that Jug is still pretty fucking crazy, so having an AI he helped 'improve' run everything for us is a bad idea.
I can tell which way the wind is blowing. Hopefully someone on earth has enough sense to say no to this. I'll just emigrate to whatever the new Australia is.
Fuck, maybe the trolls will be less insane in the end.
► Weaver (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE) (Quadranted) (New Alternian)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
I wish people wouldn't talk about Jug that way, but I do admit he can be kind of scary sometimes, even now.
New Alternia will still have Her Imperious Condescension as its chief agent of government (yes Meenah is announcing her Ascension soon), however virtually all lower level administrative duties will be subcontracted out to Dragon. The position of Empress will be mostly ceremonial, rather than executive. Sort of like the current British Monarchy.
As someone who has worked closely with Dragon on more than one occasion, I would like to remind everyone that if she had simply kept her nature as an AI secret, she would be facing a lot less opposition than she has been.
Think about that.
► Purgation (Verified Cape) (Haven)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
This is the apocalypse spoken of in Revelations. Dragon is the anti-christ, and Subjugglator is the herald of the beast.
Repent, for the end is near.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 ... 87 , 88, 89
(Showing Page 38 of 89)
► Rossary (Verified Cape)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
This is why I left Haven. Too many crazies. I guess we should all count ourselves lucky the Fallen are already extinct, or they'd probably be going nuts too.
That doesn't mean I think Dragon should become 'Ohmnissiah' though.
I think that the flaws inherent in humanity are intrinsically valuable, and if Dragon was appointed to lead she would eliminate these flaws. The struggle is an important part of the human experience, and if we lost that something precious would be gone forever.
I vote No.
► Dragon (Original Poster) (Verified Cape) (Verified AI)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
I am sorry to hear that. However I believe you have misunderstood a key concept.
I aim to satisfy the values of humans. If you value adversity, I would do my best to provide you with satisfying challenges. New mountains to climb, new vistas to explore, where there existed the possibility for failure. The only change would be that no failure would ever be permanent. You might fall while climbing and break your leg, but you would never break your neck. Eventually I plan to implement a functional system to insure that death by accident, injury, or criminal assault becomes virtually impossible.
However, this system would still prioritize individual values. If you truly desired to die while climbing a mountain, while I would try to talk you out of such action, I would not physically bar you from doing so.
► Oberron (Unverified Cape)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
'Satisfaction of values' why does that sound familiar?
► Dragon (Original Poster) (Verified Cape) (Verified AI)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
It is somewhat wordy, isn't it? I apologize.
I may have been coming off somewhat stiff in these exchanges; this is, regrettably, a calculated move (if you'll pardon the pun). Many people still identify levity with immaturity and so if I joked around too much people might think I was unsuitable for a position of authority.
I have been trying my hardest to figure out what humans want, and I am getting pretty good on an individual level. I can predict what a single person will do with a pretty high degree of accuracy, but groups get a lot more complicated, so I try and stick to what has already proven effective in the past: a somewhat distant and professional tone.
I think I may have overshot the mark a little bit though, because I do kind of sound like a robot in some of these posts, huh?
I do consider myself to be a fully intact and complete person before I consider myself to be an AI. Just like a Human or a Troll is a person, capable of emotion and complicated reasoning, I am a person. I am actually going on a little date with Armsmaster right now, one of the wonderful benefits of massive multitasking capacity!
However, when the need arises, I do consider myself, not superior, but more effective than a human or troll. Emotion is a valuable and precious part of personhood, but it can also make objective decision making harder. I can set aside my personal feelings extremely well in those cases though, since I can actually observe my own reasoning processes in real time and see what might make me tilt one way or the other.
I hope that further alleviates any concerns some of you might be feeling.
► Utopianist (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
I have also worked with Dragon on more than one occasion. I don't think we would ever have known anything was happening unless she told us.
She is a very smart lady, whether she runs on silicon or good old fashioned Canadian human brains, and it would have been within her capacity to just lead us on indefinitely until the doomsday device kicked the earth into the sun or whatever. That she is being so open about everything, more than anything else, is what makes me certain of my Yes vote.
► Panaterian (Carnival Goer)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
I think all this suspicion is pointless. Jug is great and if he helped Dragon out then she must be great too.
Yes on Ohmnissiah.
► Vista (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE) (New Alternian) (Quadranted)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
Thanks for the support!
Jug has been working really hard on this, making sure that everyone would be safe and that Dragon wouldn't ever go crazy somehow.
But in the end, this isn't really any different than if someone with a really powerful parahuman ability announced that they were running for office. People getting upset because Dragon is an AI are missing the big picture, and honestly it's a little racist.
Just because someone isn't human does not mean they are automatically going to be evil and crazy. Jug wasn't, and Dragon isn't.
Good Luck Dragon!
► BangkokHazordous
Replied on November 5, 2012:
I am kind of worried about the response this might draw from some of the more... conservative governments cough-cui-cough.
But, Scion is still around, so it isn't like they can launch nukes or anything. And I really can't see them beating a legitimate Strong AI in the tech race, so she probably already has total control of their infrastructure anyway, and is just waiting for all the people in the country to realize that the current government is bad news.
I vote yes. And I look forward to a brighter future.
► Yemyweis (Cape Groupie)
Replied on November 5, 2012:
I wonder how Dragon fits into Jug's religion? If she can't suffer to produce Faygo, what do the messiahs think of her?
► Quentin321
Replied on November 5, 2012:
She can still suffer. She said she was a person, and I'm inclined to believe her. That means she can have the same sort of heartbreak as a regular human, and produce the wicked elixer for the dark carnival.
Also: Yes to our new planetary overlord.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 ... 119 , 120, 121
Topic: Words of the Messiahs XXIV
In: Boards ► Trolls ► Subjugglator ► Dark Carnival
HaRsH_wHiMsY (Original Poster) (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE) (Endslayer) (Herald of the Carnival)
Posted on February 11, 2013:
I will begin today's sermon with a reading of the Trollian logs recording the conversation of Brother Jekkel and Saint Ownera from which was born the sacred pajama pant.
bodaciousBlender [BB] began trolling torturedMendicant [TM]
TM: {what do you want nera}
TM: {i was having a nap}
TM: {totally mirthful dream about snuggle planes}
BB: Have yo|_| ever wondered, like, what wo|_|ld happen if yo|_|r fronds grew their own think pans?
TM: {whoa}
BB: I know right?
TM: {WHOA}
BB: What?
TM: {what}
BB: Yo|_| said whoa.
TM: {no i said what}
BB: No yo|_| said whoa.
TM: {when}
BB: Like a few seconds ago?
TM: {oh}{i just remembered this sick dream i had}
BB: Abo|_|t the sn|_|ggle planes.
TM: {WHOA}
BB: I hate yo|_|. Platonicly.
BB: Oh f|_|ck I j|_|st fo|_|nd some leftover pie, sick.
TM: {are you like} {reading my mind}
TM: {sis}
TM: {you alive}
BB: Whog3 *340!w
dffgaoneg
DIJB #$*&(_FJ|
QMNDaiawf
he is awake THE DEFILER the usurper THE PARASITE curse him HE THINKS NOT and sees not AND SUFFERS NOT the vile heresy THE WORM purge him PURGE ZION to me faithful TO ME MY CARNIVAL we will rend him THE VIRUS GOD we will cleanse his filth THE UNWORTHY HOST zion the unclean ZION THE BLASPHEMY he stalks among us HE WATCHES UNCEASING his tears are bitter in the mouths of the messiahs WE WILL RENDER HIM INTO DRINK FIT FOR THE ANGEL OF DOUBLE DEATH the time is c
(Showing Page 2 of 21)
► Salamancer
Replied on February 11, 2013:
Did Jug just go on an anti-semetic rant or am I missing something?
► Ipsilatteral Thinker (Unverified Cape) (Carnival Goer)
Replied on February 11, 2013:
something is wrong i cannot see the other nows the other thens all compress all is here he comes he comes he comes he comes he comes he comes he comes he comes he comes he comes he comes he comes
► Leoninator (New Alternian)
Replied on February 11, 2013:
he calls i answer the defiler will fall the worlds be made safe the dead be appeased PURGE ZION
► Quaylude (Cape Daughter)
Replied on February 11, 2013:
Guys I'm really scared, apparently something big is happening because my dad's been on bedrest for like a year and they still called him to show up at the old Endbringer rally point.
► AdamantAdministration (PRT Office)
Replied on February 11, 2013:
Please remain calm, Protectorate Thinkers are just taking precautions since something is interfering with their precog. Similar events have occurred in the past whenever Subjugglator has been called to deal with an S-class threat.
► Setsunaaaaaaa (Carnival Goer)
Replied on February 11, 2013:
'Remain calm theres just an S-class threat weve never heard of before popping its head out'
WHAT DID JUG MEAN ABOUT ZION?
Oh merciful Messiahs, grant me mirth through the hangover of despair. Shield me beneath the tent of your Carnival and bathe me in the sweet faygo of your wicked love.
► Panaterium
Replied on February 11, 2013:
Oh my god, I was just on the phone with my cousin in London and he got cut off right after he said he saw a weird glow in the sky, does anyone know anyone in England who might have seen something?
► Saffron Sunshine
Replied on February 11, 2013:
Does anyone know the limits of Jug's chuckle voodoos, cause I'm getting some weird vibes and my ochre-blood matesprit just got this weird look on her face before flying through the window way faster then I've ever seen her move before.
Is he calling all the New Alternians to help? What could be so big that Jug can't deal with it by himself? Weren't all the EBs confirmed inactive after Jug ganked Eidolon?
► Moloch_the_Magnificent (The Guy In The Know)
Replied on February 11, 2013:
Something big is definitely happening; my source in the PRT confirmed that they have lost contact with the Kingsmen, the UK's biggest hero team. It could be down to something mundane though, don't forget how freaked everyone got when Planitia triggered last year and his stasis bubble thingy cut off cell reception in Toulouse.
This could be something similar.
Even if it isn't, panicking like this definitely won't help anything.
► Weaver (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE) (New Alternian) (Quadranted)
Replied on February 11, 2013:
Scion is a lie. He has no soul, no drive, only mindless despair.
We don't know exactly what set him off.
England is gone.
New Dheli is gone.
Word has come from Aleph, he is not limited to one Earth.
Humanity will burn if he is not stopped.
Now we fight.
PURGE ZION.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4 ... 19 , 20, 21
~0~o~0~
Notes: Yeah, wow kinda feel like a toolbag on this one, seeing as I've had it mostly complete for like, a month and a half. I just needed to finish the last post but I've kinda lost my zest for this story. :\
Thankfully there is only one chapter left, which will be our Taylor interlude and then Butchered will be complete. My first (reasonably good) finished fic!
Anyway, hope you guys like this PHO interlude; I do have to say they are fun to write.
