opnet [OpNet] Stheno's works

[Jager]

Well, let's hear your views on a nova homeland, the upcoming war, and what can be done about it. I am willing to consider anything.

[Stheno]

My views on the idea of a Nova homeland can be found below.

Israel was founded in 1948 as a Jewish state, by the Zionist movement. The

foundation of Israel was fragrantly in violation of international law, and

completely ignored the rights of the Palestinian Arabs, who had lived on

these lands for almost 2,000 years. As it was, the founders had a lot going

for them:

1- Sympathy: The atrocities of the Holocaust had just been revealed, and the

Nuremberg Trials were ongoing, which kept the matter at the forefront of

Western foreign policy.

2- Connections: There was a strong, wealthy Jewish-Zionist lobby (not

conspiracy, lobby) in the US at the time, even as there is now, and this

more or less guaranteed American support for the establishment of Israel.

3- No one much cared about the Palestinians, and the Western powers needed

an ally in the Middle East for the coming Cold War, especially given the

amount of oil found in the area, and its relative proximity to the southern

parts of the Soviet Union.

As a result, by the late 20thC, Israel had been recognised by most of the

world's nations as an independent country.

Despite this fact, and despite considerable wealth, expertise, and military

resources, Israel remains plagued by poor relations with its neighbours and

terrorism (regardless of what PU says is the case).

A nation of novas would, as a matter of course, be regarded as a threat by

the other nations of the world (just as Israel is regarded by its

neighbours), regardless of its diplomatic posture. The potential represented

by such a nation in economic, military and other arenas is quite simply too

great for it to be regarded as anything other than a threat.

Such a nation would cease to be a threat to baseline nations in five cases:

1- If the Nova nation were to conclude an alliance, be that commercial or

military, with the baseline nation in question.

2- If the Nova nation were to subjugate the baseline nation in question,

making it a subordinate territory or province, or a lackey state (as the

Soviet Union did in Eastern Europe, for example).

3- If the Nova nation should cease to exist for whatever reason.

4- If all baseline nations should cease to exist for any reason.

5- If all nations, baseline and nova, should cease to exist for any reason.

Any alliance between a nova nation and a baseline nation would inevitably

result in the baseline nation assuming an inferior role in the alliance, and

eventually becoming a lackey state. Such a state of affairs might take a

considerable time to develop, but barring catastrophic change, develop it

would.

Cessation of existence of the Nova nation is obviously a counterproductive

event.

The destruction of all baseline nations is similarly counterproductive: as

things stand there are a sizeable number of novas who do not truly desire to

partake of genocide, and it is my personal position that such a thing would

be morally and ethically unacceptable. I do not believe that I am alone in

this matter. This in turn would lead to internal strife within our nova

nation, and we would find our Utopia falling into ruin. Additionally the

economic and social structures upon which so many novas depend require

baselines and baseline nations to exist.

Obviously the destruction of all nations, both baseline and nova, is

undesirable for all parties. Nonetheless, the threat of this outcome is the

key to understanding the problem of the conflicts that would be triggered by

a nova nation.

As Machiavelli said in The Prince, a statement as relative now as it was in

the 16th Century:

"There are two ways to control a city: by occupying it, and by destroying

it."

Replace "city" with "nation" or "planet" and we find a useful guiding

principle for understanding how these conflicts would be resolved.

While the destruction of all societies and persons on the planet by any

means is highly improbable, large scale destruction, such as would be caused

by a large scale nuclear exchange and its aftereffects, is clearly

undesirable in almost the same way.

This therefore becomes the outcome threatened by the party with the least to

lose in a nova-baseline conflict (Consider the "Scorched Earth" policy

adopted by the Soviet Union in WWII when retreating before the German

invasion of Soviet territory). Clearly, the party with the least to use in

the scenario we are considering is the Baseline human community of nations.

If the baseline world is faced with two alternatives: loss of

self-determinacy or large-scale destruction, which is the actual dilemma

posed by a nova state, there is an obvious solution. The nova state, by its

existence, declares its desire to exist, to control territory and citizens,

and to have a geographical component in desirable conditions (eg not under

nuclear winter).

The threat of large-scale, irreversible destruction, which denies the use of

the Earth to the nova state, and denies it baseline humanity as its

subjects, effectively nullifies the threat posed by the nova nation. The

threat of such a policy would prove more than sufficient to restrain a nova

state intent upon anything short of forceful conquest of the Earth and

genocide.

Should the state be intent upon forceful conquest and genocide, then such

means would obviously be used anyway, without restraint or hesitation.

If Hazzard and his ilk have their short-sighted way, we will be left the

dominant subspecies of Homo Sapiens upon a charred cinder.

If those of you who wish to declare a Nova homeland have their way, we will

have to tread _very_ carefully. The slightest error will leave Novas the

dominant people on an uninhabitated rock (again), or force us to leave the

Earth forever or either be destroyed or become the dominant subspecies of

Homo Sapiens on a charred cinder.

As is clear, most of the above paths lead to undesirable outcomes.

I do not believe the establishment of a nova nation is the answer to our

problems.

In the case of those novas who are unable, for example, to defend themselves

effectively from the Church of Michael Archangel, I must note that their

problem is hardly unique. It is the same problem faced by a solitary

Orthodox Jew in the West Bank in Palestine, a black man at a Ku Klux Klan

meeting, or a six year old child at a paedophile convention.

In short, attempts to resolve the question of nova vulnerability to groups

who are prejudiced against the existence/nature of novas using force alone,

as Jager suggests, are short-term, and unlikely to be extremely successful

without degenerating into considerable violence or loss of personal freedoms

on the part of those protected or protecting.

The real enemy in this case is not found in the individuals demonstrating

prejudice, but in the stupidity, lack of education, and fear that are the

breeding grounds for prejudice, and in the individuals who profit from this

prejudice and insecurity to polarise groups against a convenient target to

convert them into followers, thereby using them as a way to gain power,

wealth, and influence. The founders of the Church of Michael Archangel fit

this bill perfectly. So does Hitler.

Is giving the Jews a nation and an army to protect themselves from future

Nazi-style Holocausts a proper solution to the problem which encouraged this

particular solution ?

Given that the Jewish state has begun in many ways to act like the violently

prejudiced police state which inspired its formation, one has to suspect

that this is not the most perfect solution, merely another perpetuation of

the cycle.

And so, fittingly, we complete a circle, and end our argument where it

began.

I apologise for the length of this post, but I felt it necessary to treat of

the points above in depth.

Those with short attention spans will only be reading the first paragraph

and these last two lines anyway.

[Stheno]

Apologies again for the length of the above post.

If there are any further details which you would like me to elaborate upon or explain better, email stheno@dol.ie.

[Jager]

Well, that was interesting. I think your a bit caught up in the Earth's nations uniting to stop a nova homeland. As in Isreal's case, the whole Arab world rallied against it, but only two countries really sent any forces in the first war (Jordan and Egypt) and she never had to face more than three ('67 war).

The earth's novas are quite capable of forming sureptitious alliances before the nova homeland becomes a reality. This could guaruntee some degree of acceptance. Or, they could arrange for some nation that is ruled by a minority to call in nova help, granting the novas citizenship. Over a period of a few years, the novas could assume the reigns of authority by legal means and then begin to alter the laws to allow novas greater freedoms until you have your homeland.

These aren't perfect, but they might work.

[The Ranger]

Depending on the leaders, a Nova Nation could stabalise Africa and lead it into a time of prosperity. Certainly many third world countries might welcome a large number of Novas as a huge economic boost. A large number of Novas working for mutual benefit can perform miracles.

A transparent goverment process with democratic elections whould help a lot. Also treaties, non agression pacts etc would help calm other nations fears. Utopia already oversees much of the worlds Nova activity, they would make an excellent watchdog authority as they are trusted by the UN. Besides, your average Nova is not nearly as dangerous as a nuclear weapon.

On problem I can see is the fact that baselines would flock to such a nation, possibly swamping its capasity to provide for its people.

The final point I would make is this: Why would any Nova choose to live in such a nation? Barring the novelty value I cannot see a reason for its instigation. Certainly there would have to be backing from a large Nova organisation or lobby group to create a nation in the first place and this power does not as yet exist ligitamately.

[Stheno]

Jager, your point is well made.

As always, when dealing with theoretical models, one has to concentrate on some aspects to the detriment of others.

In the case of Israel, the details of the opposition Israel faced are correct. My point, in this instance, still stands. Israel was opposed by all those nations which had reason to oppose it, and made war upon by all those who had the means to.

In the case of a nova nation which came into existence in a similar manner, all other nations of the world would be threatened economically and militarily. Other factors would complicate matters, and so the scenario described above would possibly not come to pass. That's one of the other problems with theoretical models.

Nonetheless, I feel the final point the Ranger makes to be valid:

I do not believe that a nova homeland is reasonable or desirable, nor do I believe that it is necessary.

I shall have more to say on that point later. It touches on rather too many things for me to cover it in depth now.

I shall try to do so in a more succinct manner than above, however.

[This message has been edited by Stheno (edited 05-16-2001).]

[Jager]

For those of us who look relatively normal and can still deal with baselines in a reasonable manner, you may be right in saying that we don't need a nova homeland.

For the hundreds of us who aren't so lucky, the idea may have alot more appeal. Those who have physical aberrations or whose taint levels require them to work through intermediaries might argue that they are the unwanted; those without a nation.

The nation really wont be for the self-sufficent, the beautiful people, or the fabulously wealthy and successful. They will certainly be welcome, but the majority of novas who don't fit in, don't make the cover of N!Prime, and don't have the ability to make their millions overnight still need a place to call their own where they can live without fear. What are they going to do, and what are we going to do about them?

[Hugin]

Jaeger you bring up some good points, I would like to add a few.

I for one am a Nova who prefers the company of my own kind. Due to certain misadventures early in my career I, like a tragic many, have accumulated a great deal of what is called 'Taint'. Combining this with the accompanying aberrations and also the disconcerting to baselines aura I project simply due to my Quantum Presence I am not pleasant company for baselines. That and I find them as simple as sheep.

Many of us, as we grow in experience and power are going to find that our presence is simply unacceptable to baselines. We make them uncomfortable and no amount of beauty or riches is going to make us more palatable to their presence.

I for one am one of the beautiful people (though not in the same catagory as some of you), I had nine figure wealth before I even erupted, I write columns and appear on talk shows very frequently. Yet I still would prefer the company of my own kind.

[Guest]

The only way I can see any baseline nation not fearing a nova nation is if they have a comparable level of military might. as for surrounding countries becoming lackey states, the only way I can see them retaining their autonomy is if they have something to offer the nova nation. That would more than likely have to take on the form of raw resources and materials.

Both Jager and James make excellent points about the type of novas who would be interested in a nova nation but there are still problems.

The models described do not really take in to account the human factor. Novas, by nature of their abilities and advancements could very well create an idyllic society, unfortunately, the rest of the world would become increasingly jealous of the nova nation. Eventually, someone would do something to initiate war and that would be that. some nations, those recieving favour from the nova nation, would fight on their side which would thus cause those disfavoured by the nova nation to rally against them. Soon it would be world war 3. Does this make any sense to anyone else?

[Dr cornelius]

How about a underground city nation, find existing tunnels and caverns underground where baselines have no knowledge of, strengthen them, modify them and shield them using nano-tech tools or quatum powers or both build a city or citys, have special points for warping or teleporting in and set up interferrence buffers in the other places for popping in.

geathermal tap generaters for power, all those nova's who have no real power to defend themselves, or are tainted and cant or wont interact with humanity, but want to have a society can be taken there.

[Stheno]

Why should novas wish to live together as opposed to with baselines ?

I appreciate that many novas find it difficult to relate to baselines etc, and vice versa, but there are equally many novas who would have no such problems.

Is there some moral imperative involved in being a nova which compels them to regard themselves as _so_ separate that they must exist in a separate society ?

If so, on what is it based ?

On being "the next step in the evolution of humanity" or its forerunner ?

1. That statement implies regarding novas as human.

2. It implies that a combination of genes and circumstance constitutes a moral imperative.

3. It presupposes that novas are a viable life form. It is possible that novas are nothing more than genetic sports, throw-forwards to what might be, but might not work. Mother Nature's prototypes, if you will.

And like all prototypes, they could be thrown away.

The point about tainted novas was well made.

I don't think a "nation" is the best solution.

A home, perhaps.

But a few hundred people do not a nation make, even if they're novas.

More to the point, a nation of heavily tainted/mutated novas would face even more prejudice and mistrust than a nation of relatively "normal" seeming novas.

Novas who prefer the company of their own kind are under no obligation to spend time with baselines.

If you wish to socialise with novas, do so.

Prodigy, you are under no obligation to appear on talk shows. If you do not enjoy doing so, do not. If it furthers your agenda, then you either deal with baselines or find another way to get what you want ?

Where is the problem ?

As to novas, by virtue of our abilities and so on, being able to create a perfect nation, I fear that would not be possible. Perfection can be approached, but a snake will always enter Eden.

Similarly, I have yet to see any evidence at all which suggests that novas are in any way more likely to avoid the central causes of friction in baseline society - fear, greed, prejudice, and so on.

[Jager]

Folks, I have never seen a wolf, sheep, or lion with a moral imperative. It seems to be a sentiant self-delusion. Sadly, it is most often the ability to do something, accompanied by the willingness to follow through, that gets things done.

Cornelius, the problem is not one of locality, but philosophy. Trust me, no "where" is safe. Putting all your faith in science ignores the vast majority of that irrational grey matter that surrounds our nodes.

[Hugin]

Stheno, I appear on these programs out of a sense of obligation. I support the Teragen cause and feel that while he is quite effective, Count Orzaiz alone is not enough to serve as a spokesman for our cause.

Cornelius, I am curious, do you have some sort of mental aberration that causes you to be addicted to certain melodramatic, cliched concepts? I am positive that you have studied geology, you must have with your scientific background. Cave complexes as you speak of them are more the product of works of fiction than the forces of nature.

[Dr cornelius]

James 'Prodigy' Meehan,

No James, I am at this time in point without any mental aberrations, and as for the melodramatic concepts, there are just so many places to set up a base, planet, asteroid, moon, space station, underground, underwater, pocket universe etc. Yes I have studied geology, and done some spelunking, in some deep caves total new world down there, got to do something when not working. Cave complexes do insist but they are few and far between to find and locate, as the geological actions needed to form them, don't happen often, and with earthquakes and volcano action, those that do exist some get damaged and cave-in due to the forces of nature.

Those that do exist that humans are unaware of at the moment would need a lot of work, to upgrade into a habitat for a lot of individuals to live in as a community.

[Jager]

I don't fear a nova homeland. What I fear is what some people will do to establish one. The fact remains, the reason 100 people don't start their own countries is more a factor of economic and military ability, and not a lack of desire. Novas change that equation.

[Ashnod]

Prodigy,

Regarding your spokesman comment...

I don't count? Oh, I'm hurt.

[Jager]

Dear Ashnod, it is just that your exceptional appearance and beauty doesn't always sit well with baseline aidiences, so you are not as well known as the everpresent Orziaz or the Talented Mr. Prodigy.

Among nova audiences, your voice carries a much greater weight.

[This message has been edited by Jager (edited 05-20-2001).]

[Hugin]

Ashnod, I apologize. I didn't count you because I was mainly focusing on spokespeople who deal mainly with baselines. I was under the impression that you reserved your skills of persuasion for those of the One Race.

[Redback]

A nova nation huh? Sounds like fun. What role would baselines play (hunted i hope)? And what about the terragen those guys aren't to happy about rules niding them down.

[Jager]

Redback, if you get to hunt baselines for food, do they get to hunt you and place your head on the wall as a trophy?

Fair is fair, after all.

[Redback]

Hell yeah, it's survival of the fittest and they got the gun.

Only kidding some of my friends are bloodbags.

[Redback]

I mean baselines

[Wakinyan]

Just because you think those guns won't work on you don't think they won't go get a bigger gun.

It's the way this whole thing is gonna go down. Eventually they will make a gun (figuratively) that even Mal cannot ignore.

I heard the Sheriff turned some Michaelites around who came to Oglala after hearing about a demon living among the heathen natives. That's something I don't want to deal with now. That helps me not be able to sleep at night.

[Matryoshka]

Quote:

Originally posted by Stheno:

A nation of novas would, as a matter of course, be regarded as a threat by
the other nations of the world (just as Israel is regarded by its
neighbours), regardless of its diplomatic posture. The potential represented
by such a nation in economic, military and other arenas is quite simply too
great for it to be regarded as anything other than a threat.
Such a nation would cease to be a threat to baseline nations in five cases:

1- If the Nova nation were to conclude an alliance, be that commercial or
military, with the baseline nation in question.

2- If the Nova nation were to subjugate the baseline nation in question,
making it a subordinate territory or province, or a lackey state (as the
Soviet Union did in Eastern Europe, for example).

3- If the Nova nation should cease to exist for whatever reason.

4- If all baseline nations should cease to exist for any reason.

5- If all nations, baseline and nova, should cease to exist for any reason.

Any alliance between a nova nation and a baseline nation would inevitably
result in the baseline nation assuming an inferior role in the alliance, and
eventually becoming a lackey state. Such a state of affairs might take a
considerable time to develop, but barring catastrophic change, develop it
would.

One misses key points, even with an all nova nation state,the possibility for novas to be of other nation states is still likely.I would as soon say all Novas would live under one flag in an none universal government as to say all Jews would.

I have vested interests in the formation of a nation state,more suited for people with my abilities. The normal state of ethics in baseline governments are rather limiting

[Jager]

Oh, but there would be similarities, as well. How would the state handle nova persecution outside their homeland?

Issues about nationality, and national soveriegnty come up.

[Matryoshka]

The roots of a new nation can be placed in the right places far easier than the roots of an old one. Tree,do not like change. They try to stay the same. If you start when the roots start,you can place it where you want it.

Oh,by the way did you read the news today?Someone remarkably like you was found in less than good health.

[Jager]

The acorn is a continuation of the tree that created it.

Someone like me? Since you don't know me, the whole someone like me to be interesting.

[Longboard]

A nova nation is exactly the problem many of us have with the xenophobic Terragen. We are not in any sense of the word "Better" than baselines, I just have a lot more in the way of extra gifts. Ya know, breathing fire, and flying and all that jazz...

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

A Teragen nova nation would be interesting, and I think, less threatening that the Teragen movement currently is.

It would force them to actually take responsibility for things like law enforcement and governance. It would force them to speak as a unit, which is all why I don't think we will see this any time soon.

Hmm. That raises an interesting question, perhaps Ashnod or Prodigy can tell us how conflicts are resolved with in the Teragen now?

What happens if nova 'A' and nova 'B' end up with conflicting agendas? Can one kill the other? Can they go to a third?

[Ashnod]

Quote:

Originally posted by Longboard:
A nova nation is exactly the problem many of us have with the xenophobic Terragen. We are not in any sense of the word "Better" than baselines, I just have a lot more in the way of extra gifts. Ya know, breathing fire, and flying and all that jazz...

From a strictly biological standpoint, it can be argued that because you possess exactly those extra gifts, you are a superior animal in regards to a different animal who shares many of the same qualities that you do, yet possesses none of those you have mentioned.

[Jager]

Quote:

Originally posted by David 'Dr. Troll' Smith:
What happens if nova 'A' and nova 'B' end up with conflicting agendas? Can one kill the other? Can they go to a third?

Sorry. Not James or Ashnod, but from my personal observations:
They make some effort to have the punishment relate to the crime.
Example: A terat aided others in killing another terat that they felt was monsterous. As punishment, this nova was forced to live the life of a monster for a time. To see life through another's eyes.
Did that nova get off easy for murder? Sure, if you consider kidnapping and mindrape nothing.

[Jake Cosmos Stafford]

Quote:

Originally posted by Ashnod:

From a strictly biological standpoint, it can be argued that because you possess exactly those extra gifts, you are a superior animal in regards to a different animal who shares many of the same qualities that you do, yet possesses none of those you have mentioned.
If you do not think that you have any aditional weaknesses or evolutionary impediments. I think that just looking at added abilities skews the picture.

[Ashnod]

I don't have any additional weaknesses or evolutionary impediments. Nor do the majority of the Nova species.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

Originally posted by Ashnod:
I don't have any additional weaknesses or evolutionary impediments. Nor do the majority of the Nova species.

Taint.

Using myself as an example, Green skin probably can't be considered a big problem (although it probably does indicate some brain damage considering it fades when I turn off my powers).

However, one of mankinds big advantages over the rest of the animal kingdom is greatly increased social interaction. Abilities, or susceptiblities to disorders, which reduce our ability to interact socially are a huge drawback.

Worse, taint appears to be progressive.

[Ashnod]

Quote:

Originally posted by David 'Dr. Troll' Smith:

Quote:

Originally posted by Ashnod:
I don't have any additional weaknesses or evolutionary impediments. Nor do the majority of the Nova species.

Taint.

Using myself as an example, Green skin probably can't be considered a big problem (although it probably does indicate some brain damage considering it fades when I turn off my powers).

However, one of mankinds big advantages over the rest of the animal kingdom is greatly increased social interaction. Abilities, or susceptiblities to disorders, which reduce our ability to interact socially are a huge drawback.

Worse, taint appears to be progressive.

1) You're assuming the society you're intended to have interaction with is baseline. A Nova society, where it is recognized that Taint does occur, would not have this problem. The flaw in this thinking is the belief that you are still human, ergo, you are meant to move within baseline circles.

1a) I am what is commonly referred to as "aberrated." Yet this does not hinder me in any social sense. All of my social needs are met.

1b) Nor are my "aberrations," which have resulted from Taint, limitations in any other sense of the word. The one argument you can make is that it makes concealment in shadows nigh-impossible without first dorming down. Since it is highly unlikely I will find myself in a scenario where this will cost me my life to a natural predator, biologically speaking it is no limitation.

2) The argument of Taint progression is dependant upon the individual's understanding of Taint, their desire to remain unchanged in the face of acquiring more potent levels of power, and the dogged-desire to believe one is still human.

Taint will occur to a Nova. This is almost inevitable. Aberration as a result of Taint is another matter entirely. Resisting Taint, fearing it, leads to this progression, Doctor. Accepting it and discovering what it can do when channeled properly can prevent this. It is not without good reason that there are whispers that the Teragen have methods of "dealing" with Taint.

[Wakinyan]

Just my own experience with this. I was moaning that I would like to be my old self now and then and my looney grandpa said. "Once the chick hatches from the egg it can never be the egg again." Not a word for a week and then that is what he has to say. Just great.

[David 'Dr. Troll' Smith]

Quote:

Ashnod:... The flaw in this thinking is the belief that you are still human, ergo, you are meant to move within baseline circles. ...
1a) I am what is commonly referred to as "aberrated." Yet this does not hinder me in any social sense. All of my social needs are met.

1b) Nor are my "aberrations," which have resulted from Taint, limitations in any other sense of the word. The one argument you can make is that it makes concealment in shadows nigh-impossible without first dorming down. Since it is highly unlikely I will find myself in a scenario where this will cost me my life to a natural predator, biologically speaking it is no limitation.

Ditto, me too. I saw you at the party, you are pretty hot, and I can turn off the green skin. Both of our aberrations are minor. For that matter, the majority of nova aberrations are minor.

There are a hand full of novas who are further along. Sloppy Joe comes to mind. I'm guessing that even among the Teragen he doesn't get laid very often.

The scary word here is “progressive”. How long did it take for you to get where you are? 10, maybe 15 years? What do you think you will be like in another 20 years? For that matter, since we are having this conversation, you are obviously a survivor of your generation. How many novas have you seen either physically or mentally self destruct? How many more will come crashing down, hard, following your path?

I think there are limits to how much taint a nova can have and still function. You aren't close to the limit, and neither am I. And the ones who are, or worse, the ones who are past it, probably don't talk much.

Quote:

Ashnod: Aberration as a result of Taint is another matter entirely. Resisting Taint, fearing it, leads to this progression, Doctor. Accepting it and discovering what it can do when channeled properly can prevent this. It is not without good reason that there are whispers that the Teragen have methods of "dealing" with Taint.

So far all I have seen is the argument “taint is natural”. Forgive me, but that doesn't impress. If there is something more then, please put it on the table.

Quote:

Ashnod: Taint will occur to a Nova. This is almost inevitable.

I believe taint is basically the nova equivalent of carpal tunnel, and can be avoided. (Preach mode on).

Our powers come from our nodes. These nodes can get over used, just like any other organ. Overuse causes damage, which eventually manifests as aberrations. An aberrations exact manifestation is heavily influenced by the rest of the brain, just like the manifestation of our powers is. As the damage to the node gets worse and worse, so do the aberrations.

The solution: Don't overuse your node.

I stopped pushing my powers after my first rather public mess involving clones. Since then my level of taint hasn't increased at all. Abusing your node is a good way of learning new powers, just like pushing down on your eyes can let you see lights with your eyes closed, but it isn't a good tradeoff. I still learn new stuff about my powers, maybe at a slower rate, but I plan on being around in 50 years.

[Hugin]

Quote:

Originally posted by David 'Dr. Troll' Smith:


The solution: Don't overuse your node.

Overuse or use? Is Taint the result of overuse or simply through enough use? Muscles are broken down and rebuild, larger, stronger through 'overuse'. But the increased muscle is stronger, more capable. If you never challenge a muscle it remains unchanged, small and weak. Are we looking at Taint incorrectly? Bemoaning the life that was lost without rejoicing in the new life?

[Ashnod]

1) How does a creature who is made up of organs suspended in a force-field get "laid?" You're assuming that not only is he still capable of it, but that he still has those urges and still desires it.

2) In 20 years, as you state, I will be different. Perhaps even a being made of crimson energy. If this is so, I wouldn't consider it limiting or detrimental. Simply different than now. Or, perhaps, simply on my way to becoming that. Perhaps I will be unchanged. I am comfortable with any of these scenarios.

3) Still function? In what sense are you defining "function?"

4) Taint IS natural. And you'll forgive me, but I do not reveal the nature of Teras over the OpNet. You can ridicule my arguments all you wish as a result of this if you'd like, but I will still honor my word to those who taught it to me.

5) Can Taint be avoided? No. You may not ever acquire Taint to the degree that it transforms you, but it will occur at somepoint. Even if only in passing.

6) Taint isn't dependant on overuse. Ask those who aberrant upon eruption. If a single, subconscious burst of energy, high as it might be, in a situation sufficient to cause Farahcyte manifestation is overuse...some get it then, others do not.

[Jake Cosmos Stafford]

The fear I and I think many other have is that taint is evolution that we don't control. Work on your powers and they tend to get stronger. Try to develop new ones and they may or may not come. But taint take us places that we have no control over. If self control is something you seek then taint is something to fear. I hope to be around a good long time, and while I am willing and egger to grow I fear the loss of control over the decades.