Aberrant RPG - Teragen Attitudes

[Singularity]

Is it me, or does the Teragen "humans are monkeys" attitude seem rather juvenile? Part of me finds it idiotic to treat humanity with such indifference, distain, or hatred. Honestly, if we follow their analogy of baselines just being "monkeys" then it still doesn't make sense: do you see organized missions of humans trying to kill apes? Do I enslave my two cats just for my sick pleasure? (aside the times I coat the floor with catnip)

I'm not sure if I can express what I mean by this, but the strongest party-line of the Teragen (humans are monkeys and should be done away with) just seems so... immature. Especially for supposed mega-smarty pants.

[Wakinyan]

I see the terat attitude ranging across the board really. The hip "trendy" terat posers like the party line of hate the monkey.

The fact is and always has been they are outcasts. Outcasts that might truly be superior but outcasts just the same. So of course they are going to act that way.

[Dr. Zero]

I think that "monkey" attitude is more reactionary than pro-active. Many Terats are shocked by how a race they consider superior serves those they consider lesser.

The more sophisticated Terats are more conserned with how they can become greater Novas than anything to do with Baselines. I think the Terat crux of philosophy is based on the self, not society.

[Preston]

I think the Terat crux of philosophy is based on the self, not society.

I agree. The Terat philosophy seems to be inherently selfish, or individual-centered.

Of course, it helps the Terat cause a great deal that Project Utopia is played out like a dark conspiracy that really is killing novas off, and fighting every attempt for a more balanced approach to novas living a "normal" life.

If Project Utopia really was an alturistic organization bent on making the world a better place for all, the Terat viewpoint would look much worse.

As it is, Utopia is far too much a front for Project Proteus. Sterilization; working novas until the succumb to taint because they are too stupid to do otherwise; murdering those who come close to uncovering the conspiracy.

The do-gooders are doomed.

[Dr. Zero]

I like the idea that you can be evolved AND civilized at the same time. Orziaz has got it right.

[Singularity]

Quote:

Originally posted by Dr. Zero:
I like the idea that you can be evolved AND civilized at the same time. Orziaz has got it right.

Word. He's my favorite Teragen and the one I think who really represents the mature evolution.

[Hugin]

Quote:

Originally posted by Preston:

As it is, Utopia is far too much a front for Project Proteus. Sterilization; working novas until the succumb to taint because they are too stupid to do otherwise; murdering those who come close to uncovering the conspiracy.
The do-gooders are doomed.

I'll agree, the sterilization project is a bad idea. But, the Taint situation I really feel that it's merely because they don't understand it, given time they'd be less likely to act that way. Murder? How many people? Slider? Well, yes, but I understand why'd they do that.

Utopia is NOT all about Proteus unless you want to see it that way. They're also the guys who slammed the mob, saved Ethiopia, gave us a clean environment, cheap fuel and the worlds greatest rescue squad. Sounds real villainous to me.

[Kirby1024]

That said, Utoptia does seem to get a bum rap in their presentation to Players. Maybe not to the Characters, sure, but the whole "Sacrifice" theme of Aberrant was really hammered down hard when it came to the good ol' Project.

It means that much of the Project's respectability to Players is diminished somewhat.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Most of the Teragen confuses inhumane for inhuman.

They are almost a big Divis worshipping cult.

[Alex Craft]

I've always read it as saying that Utopia, while a publicity hound, really is altruistic. Proteus seems to be something that snuck into Utopia, but is ultimatly separate. I think I even recall something that suggested that the two organizations were started by different factions of the Aeon Society, operating at cross-ends. (Maybe it was the bit on the Aeon Society just before the psiad information in APG.)

[Gentle Giant]

The project should look like a shining example of good, with the minor stain of Slider's death and their over-eager PR campaigns. In character, that's all we've seen. Out of character, I think everyone here knows about proteus, and that colors our opinions.

I don't have to Proteus book (if there is such a beast). I know that Proteus exists, but I figure it is smaller than the Teragen, and far quieter.

For the Teragen themselves, I see them as the path of the self at the expense of the race. If Aberrant is about evolution done too fast, then the Teragen are the ones who say, "That's not a curse, it's a blessing. Let's go faster."

[Matryoshka]

Let's not forget that In Utopia it outrite states that nearly two thirds of all fanatic taregen actions are really Proteus using prisoners to get a job done.In the first few books the game world is good.The good guys have shadows in them, bad guys have shining rays of hope.They both intend to do good,and both think they are right.

Later books swing to, Utopia has a friendly face and dagger up it's sleave.eragen may look ugly, but they are out to save all novas...they are right,your wrong, deal with it..I am a uber power gamer.I get to play a childen killer,and I not only get the only way to get rid of taint, I get more power!More hacking, more slashing,more power?Where do I sign up?!

[Jager]

Here is the heart of it, though.

Justin Laragione wants the Project to do one thing, but Director Thetis wants to do something else. Who wins?

By the book, time and time again, when Justin wants to do the right thing, and Thetis wants to do the black ops stuff, Thetis wins.

Of course, reading pages 114-116 in the Project Utopia book is enlightening.

[Hugin]

I've noticed, that in gaming especially, people find one or two points and then lock on to those with heat sensing missile intensity and thus define issues or groups.

Yes, Geryon, Guaze, Matador and some others are heinous killers. Does that paint all of Teras?

If so, I guess Islam is a religion of hatred and murder first and foremost.

Yes, Proteus is willing to whack some people to save Utopia as a whole. I guess that handfull of people makes the entirety of the organization evil.

These aren't black and white groups. Why? Because in real life groups aren't black and white. We have some honorable people in our armed forces and I respect them enormosly. And then we have the fucks at Abu Gharib. So, the Army as a whole sucks?

[Matryoshka]

One,those that fallow Islam and those that fallow the teras are two sperate groups.Two using the ideal that Islam and Teras is the same is akin to saying the teragen are nazi.Pointless. The teras teaches that one must forsake everything that makes you human,human morals,realtioships, and so forth. And wile Islam has a long and complicated set of teachings in the end the two differ in a major point. Islam has radicals who think they are better than everyone else,and they should kill the evil ones,who do not believe in what they do.The teragen has radicals who think that they may not have the only answer and that there is a middle ground.

[Jager]

James, the problem is the people behind Project Utopia, and its Director, know about and condone these operations to murder and destroy.

If President Bush ordered the actions at Abu Gharib, then it would taint the whole nation. It is bad enough that any US soldier did those actions, and that someone in authority over them condoned it. I still believe it is understood that the problem is not endemic in the army, though.

Proteus is not just a matter of a few overzealous opertives within Utopia. It is an organization permitted in Utopia, by the people in charge, whose purpose it is to commit criminal acts.

I dont' think this is something I've "locked on to".

The basic game begins with the Slider Murder. An assassination put forth by Project Proteus, to conceal the Sterilization Program.

[Hugin]

Jager, well, Bush didn't know about it and condone it. But there are officers who did. And, there is a chance so did Rumsfeld. Pretty high up sources.

And, not ALL of the Utopian higher ups agree. One of the problems is that Proteus and Thetis were given power without it being understood exactly how far she would go. They've unleased the tiger and don't know how to get her back in the cage.

[Blue Cherry]

What do you view the center most point of Taras?

I see myself seeing as it being inhuman.A result of this there is a heavy undertone of them ar least saying they are better than everyone else.Ie; I am right and you are wrong.I mean, the religion is based off the roots of racism.At least the way I read it.

What bothers me the most is that they get a game mechanicial for this.This bonus is two fold,I get more power,and I can get rid of taint,something no one else can do.Why,because I read this book.To me it is a game vilidating one religion over another.Even if it is a fake one.

This partly why I enjoy shadowrun's magic.If you beleive in God,BoB, or Toster you still can use magic,and your fire balls do basically the same thing...

[Jager]

Yes, but the people who founded Project Utopia, and still control it, the Aeon Society, also put Project Proteus in place. They know what it is doing, both good and bad, and they still let it function within Utopia.

All the higher ups in Utopia who know about it, condone it by their lack of condeming it. They don't resign, go to the press with what they know, or go to the UN, on whose behalf they supposedly operate.

[Dr. Zero]

The idea behind the Teragen book alot of people forget... it means that so far only the Teragen have figured out how to channel taint... but it hints that that will leak into the aberrants eventually... the idea, the basis, is that through self dicipline of certain sorts one can choose how they continue to evolve

Yes Crysalis is powerful, its also SUPER rare. So are world class ANYTHINGS.

[Kirby1024]

Alternatively, the higher-ups in PU who disagree with Proteus's actions do not resign because if they resign they cannot do anything about it.

If they go to the press, or the UN, it eliminates all possibility of Utopia ever being able to do any serious amount of good in the world.

Aeon Society members, at least originally, were always the kind of people to do something about it themselves, as opposed to letting events do it for them. I'd not find it surprising if a few Aeon Board members strenuously attack Proteus from all directions - they're only failing because the of rest of the Board.

In fact, this would work out to be an excellent campaign - The anti-Proteus board members are on the verge of getting majority, and Proteus is unhappy with the situation. The Aeon members hire the PCs to help guard their lives against this threat (which they obviously can't tell them about...).

Just because it looks like nothing's being done, doesn't mean that it isn't. And just because it's ineffective now, doesn't mean it will still be ineffective in the future.

The other possibility, of course is somewhat more horrifying. What if they did shut down Proteus? What then? Most people who serve in Proteus are unaware of this fact. Most of Proteus is insinuated into Project Utopia proper. If the Aeon Society stops funding to Proteus, you suddenly have a rogue agency working within Project Utopia, using their resources to promote a view of the future which is shared only by Thetis. And considering the practice she's gotten, how are you going to stop her? Perhaps, the board reasons, despite her methods, it would be best to ensure that we can keep Thetis under watch. She may very well choose to forge on regardless if Council decides to kill her pet project...

[Hugin]

My basic stance is that neither Utopia nor the Teragen are purely evil or purely good. Nothing in the Aberrant universe is. The Aberrant universe defaults to a 'realistic' setting in which morals are compromised and ugly things happen to good people. Thus, the Terats, the philosophers and pioneers of Quantum have their fair share of people who've chosen to look at the philosophy as license to commit heinous acts. Not all of them have and painting them as a group of evil bastards is ignoring that. Even using terms such as 'most' is out of place. Utopia on the other hand, a majority of their personnel and aims are beneficent to humanity. Yes, they have made mistakes and their are people within the structure whose morals are questionable, but even more so than the Teragen they reflect the minority.

The people who wrote the game weren't perfect and they made some errors. But for fucks sake, this is WW we're talking about. They edit and playtest with as much skill as an inattentive walrus. How about we get past that and see that Utopia and the Teragen can both be viewed in myriad ways and there is no need to have definitions set in stone regarding them?

[Jager]

Kirby, they are allowing murders to happen and go unpunished. They know what is going on. Even if they are voting against it, that is where it ends. They don't say "This is patently illegal and wrong, and if you don't reign it in, I will." They have decided that they can accept a few murders, for now.

I agree WW edits like a Walrus. I also believe that it is too simplistict to say "Teragen Good/Utopia Bad.

What I am saying is that Utopia starts out the canon game in a bad way. Tearing Proteus out of Utopia is so damn tough because they have official sanction within the organization.

Of course, the Teragen are waiting for the Night of Long Knives, as well.

BTW, those are good gaming ideas.

[Sphere]

(It's possible this is going to appear twice, apologies if so. Stupid keyboard ;-)

Fact: Novas are prone to Taint. As they progress the careless or ignorant ones will push their powers too far and too hard and begin to display mental and physical aberrancies which cause them to be dangers to other people and their local environment.

Fact: Even a newly-eruptted Nova potentially has enough power to level city blocks. An out-of-control weather manipulator could cause city-wide devestation with very little effort.

Fact: As it stands, the only method of dealing with Taint has been developed by transhumanists, and it requires the adherant to accept his/her/ver's inhuman nature and embrace the changes that Taint brings.

Proteus don't know whats to come, they have no idea about the Aberrant War or stuff like that. All they really know is that the majority of Novas are prone to becoming more unstable the more powerful they get. From one point of view the actions of Proteus, as absolutely immoral and beyond the ethical pale as they are, could well be the last, best hope of Humanity.

It does seem to suggest that the heads of Utopia aren't entirely aware of the scope of Proteus activities. The document referred to by Alex Croft is dated sometime in the 70's (written by one Whitley Styles no less!) indicates Proteus was originally part of the Aeon Society. Perhaps responsible for monitoring pre-Galatea supernormal activity. The change into black ops Proteus apparently happened long before Utopia was even created.

I tend to play Proteus as a separate entity to Utopia. But one which had, until the Bahrain incident chronicled in WW:Phase 1, infilitrated it to a massive degree. In the game I run, Utopia is undertaking a huge clean-up of it's organisation. T2M have been hunting the globe for Proteus agents and bases. How effective they are remains to be seen.

As to the original question of the maturity of Terats calling humans "monkeys". I think the Teragen corebook makes it pretty clear the majority of radical Terats (especially Geryon, Leviathan, and Synapse) are fairly immature anyway. They may be well into their transhuman philosophy, but they seem to ignore it in favour of a "righteous beatdown" of their enemies.

I love the fragmented nature of the Terats, and that Orzaiz is one of the few who seems to "get" what Mal's saying.

[Kirby1024]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jager:
Kirby, they are allowing murders to happen and go unpunished. They know what is going on. Even if they are voting against it, that is where it ends. They don't say "This is patently illegal and wrong, and if you don't reign it in, I will." They have decided that they can accept a few murders, for now.

No, that is what the board has decided. The board members, on the other hand, may have a completely different idea. A board of directors often appears to have a united front, but like any human organisation, there are always people who go against the party line, and more importantly will attempt to rectify such decisions. Board members defect all the time.

Now, Being on the Aeon Board has it's own particular problems. Aeon is trying to help humanity reach it's grand potential. Tough, and obviously a long-term goal, but it's there in everything.

I suspect that most members of the Aeon Council still believe in this cause, in whatever way they choose to express it. As such, I think it's reasonably safe to assume that the Aeon Board will consist of those who have a genuine interest in the Aeon Board. I suspect, as I said, that such people won't resign, because that won't solve the issue. By resigning, you're implicitly saying "I don't care, let it be, but I'll have no part in this".

Not a particularly good point to be at if you're intending to stop the problem, is it?

Now, when you're dealing with not only the single largest employer of Novas, that's dedicated to being the shining beacon of Hope for humanity, but it's dark sister that's shown it's perfectly capable of destroying anyone that threaten it, certain avenues of action aren't going to be viable. Telling the entire world about Proteus (assuming that you're able to do so before Proteus has a nice, lethal chat with you), means that you may eliminate Proteus's power, but you also send Utopia crashing down.

Utopia does insane amounts of benevolent work, aimed at helping the entire world gain a better life, to allow people to explore opportunities that they previously would not have had access to. Project Utopia Novas have cured AIDs and many, many cancers, cleaned up the environment, sealed up the ozone hole, saved countless people's lives from natural and man-made disasters, toppled ruthless dictators, helped protect the lives of innocents from novas hell-bent on mayhem and destruction, helped create positive role models for people around the world... the list goes on.

Project Utopia does so much good, and it's capable of doing this because Utopia has the public on it's side. If Utopia loses that public reputation, any possibility of Utopia being able to perform these kinds of public works suddenly goes down the gurgler. And shouting about Project Proteus to the entire world, let's face it, is probably going to do that.

So, if you're on the Aeon Council, and you want Proteus out of the picture, are you just going to quit and leave? Or are you going to try and do something about it? It only needs one vote to go your way, and Proteus could be in the dustpan. To do that, you only need recruit enough board members on your side for that one vote. Why quit? If you quit, you can't do what needs to be done.

And once that vote falls, Proteus won't be able to do a damn thing about it. Thetis loses her funding, Proteus resources get reallocated, and Laragione gets his project back. If Laragione gets his way, everything becomes more transparent to the world.

It's a possible world. It could very well happen. But it won't happen if you just quit, and it won't happen if Proteus is shoved into the light for all to see.

The council says yay, but don't think that that means every member of that council shares the same opinion.