TheMushroomLord

Children of the Otherworld - An Isekai Story

Almost done with a post.

Worm: Earth Drega

WIP 'Tandem'

Tandem

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Name: Ashley Witt

Cape Codename: Tandem (formerly Duplicate)

Age: 13

Appearance: ####

Parahuman Abilities

Power Classification: Cluster Trigger; Master 2/Mover 3 | Striker 2/Shaker 2/Thinker 1

Consistent with other members of her cluster (see Bank Cluster) Ashley expresses a primary ability (see Instancing) alongside a secondary ability bearing aspects of her cluster mates primary abilities (see Inventory). As with 'Simulacrum' – and in all likelihood 'Collateral', Ashley is a Noctis Cape.

Primary Ability: 'Instancing'

'Tandem’s' primary power involves the creation of clones which are identical to the instance of her from which they were copied at the moment of creation, but which may diverge from there. Clones have been observed to share proprioception and awareness of each other’s thoughts and have not demonstrated notable difficulty with coordinating with one another.

'Tandem' may freely create or dismiss her clones anywhere within 24 ft. of an existing clone, up to a maximum of 3 or down to a minimum of 2. If a clone ends up further than 24 ft. from all other existing clones, it is dismissed, in the case that multiple clones would end up too far apart a random clone is dismissed. If dismissal of a clone would result in 'Tandem’s' number of active clones dropping to 1, a new clone is instantly created in a random unoccupied space within 12 ft. of 'Tandem'.

Objects weighing up to 68kg, that 'Tandem' is wearing or holding at the time she creates a clone may be duplicated with that clone – the new instance of the object is considered tied to the new clone, while the original becomes tied to the clone that was used as a template. When a clone is dismissed, objects tied to that clone disappear with them, unless that object is the last remaining instance of itself in which case it is considered 'the original' and remains. (Note: Do not have an instance of 'Tandem' consume something and then dismiss itself without first creating another clone).

It is of note that this ability is significantly morbidity limited, though unable to effect living matter other than 'Tandem' herself. In particular, 'Tandem’s' ability to clone herself, does not replicate her microbiome causing a number of Gastro-intestinal issues unless specific dietary protocol is maintained (see Tandem Diet).

Secondary Ability: 'Inventory'

'Tandem’s' secondary power involves the storage and retrieval of objects fitting within a 2.3ft radius sphere. Storage of objects requires 'Tandem' to be in physical contact with the object, however once stored an object can be returned to any location within 14 ft and in any configuration that the object in question may freely assume. Objects stored do not seem to observe the passage of time. 'Tandem' passively builds up an idea of how to use objects she has stored over time.

It is worth noting, that while 'Tandem' can attempt to retrieve items via vague parameters, she possesses no intrinsic knowledge as to the objects she is storing, making it possible for her to lose items should she forget she has stored them.

While the exact method/location by which 'Tandem' stores matter remains unidentified, it has been confirmed that 'Tandem’s' storage is shared across her various instances without duplication. Objects stored by 'Tandem’ do not seem to be notably affected by the passage of time. While this ability is morbidity limited, it does not seem to have as stringent limitations at 'Tandem’s' primary ability – objects stored by 'Tandem' appear to maintain their microbiomes.

Cross Power Interactions

Both of 'Tandem’s' abilities deal with the intersection of objects by instantaneously displacing the less massive object into the nearest available space; if this would cause a new intersection the same effect occurs, which may result in a cascading effect, though this effect always resolves to place Tandem within range of her other clones and move the least amount of matter possible.

While 'Tandem’s' Instancing and Inventory abilities bare a superficial resemblance to one another and in fact bear a number of similarities in the mechanics underlying their use, it should be noted that based on current speculation – corroborated by tinker and thinker observation – it is believed that both power utilise entirely different physics in their operation – matter replication and dimensional spaces respectively.

Power Notes

Note 1: As 'Tandem’s' power results in her constantly possessing multiple bodies in close proximity to one another, attempts to develop a civilian identity for the Ward have proven largely unsuccessful, even ignoring the continuing online circulation of images of 'Tandem' out of costume.

Note 2: When questioned as to the potential presence of unauthorised materials in her 'inventory' 'Tandem' routinely dodges the question or else claims that most items can be used as weapons, only denying accusations when pressed on the matter. It is subsequently, believed that 'Tandem' is carrying a number of deadly weapons in direct violation of her probation – potentially including IEDs and firearms, based on past interactions. As no evidence currently exists to prove 'Tandem’s' guilt and she has shown no intentions of using any such devices, the matter has be designated a low priority issue.

Note 3: Ashley has indicated that her instancing ability can be used to perform chemistry that would not be possible within conventional physics (see Instanced Chemistry). Ashley has been instructed not to experiment with this ability without professional oversight. Investigation into the utility of this interaction pending.

Psychological Evaluation

Personality: ####

Strengths:

Experienced: Ashley has far more experience as a cape than is common for a ward. While Ashley has only been a parahuman for 5 years, the nature of her ability and lack of a civilian identity, have resulted in her gaining far more experience in that time than would be usual.

Power Application: Ashley has demonstrated somewhat of an obsession with the mechanics and application of parahuman abilities. In particular, Ashley has shown herself to be skilled at figuring out ways powers could theoretically be used and applying such techniques.

Weaknesses:

Disregard for Authority: Ashley has demonstrated a strong distaste for being told what to do by authority figures and has a tendency to disregard orders outright. Tends to respond more favourably when included in planning or after having orders explained, though this risks reinforcing negative behaviours and should be avoided unless compliance is paramount.

Paranoia: Ashley has displayed a somewhat concerning degree of paranoia. By her own admission she is near constantly trying to identify potential obstacles or threats and develop means to counteract them. Ashley has been observed brainstorming hazards.

As similar 'Simulacrum' was documented to exhibit similar behavioural patterns, it is possible that this behaviour is the result of personality bleed from their shared trigger or a side effect of the thinker aspect of their secondary abilities. Furthermore, based on 'Simulacrum’s' psychological profile, it is possible that Ashley fundamentally lacks the capacity to feel safe.

Disrupted Education: Did failed to attend school during the 5 years between her trigger event and joining the wards program. Ashley has significant educational deficits.

Ashley seems to have somewhat of a complex against being perceived as stupid and tends to avoid situations where such scenarios might arise.

Power Reliance: Ashley has developed somewhat of a reliance on using her powers. Solution Ashley employs almost always involve applying her abilities, even when mundane means would be standard or superior.

History

July 11, 2016, 2:15pm: A mass hostage situation broke out during a failed bank robbery orchestrated by MSM gang members (see Main Street Maniacs). At 4:02pm, after a protracted standoff with PRT officers, civilians Adam Witt, Alice Witt, and ███████████ were murdered by the villain 'Migraine' (see Migraine), resulting in three simultaneous civilian trigger events (see Bank Cluster). Following the trigger events, PRT trooper were able to move in and arrest the MSM capes without suffering further civilian casualties.

July 13, 2016: A recently triggered parahuman approached PRT looking for help. Parahuman was successfully inducted as a Ward and given the codename 'Simulacrum' (see Simulacrum). Later confirmed to be a member of the Bank Cluster.

July 15, 2016: PRT agents were called in to deal with a homeless parahuman child attempting to pull off a string of petty thefts. Suspect identified themselves 'Duplicate' (see Tandem) and displayed obvious parahuman abilities but made no attempt to hide their identity. Comparison with surveillance footage confirmed 'Duplicate’s' identity as the second member of the Bank Cluster, having triggered after her parents were murdered. 'Duplicate' seemed initially receptive to the idea of joining the wards but declined when informed one of her cluster mates had joined. As her crimes have consisted solely of petty misdemeanours and she has shown an aversion to violent crime, 'Duplicate' has been assessed as a low threat and recruitment is to be prioritised.

August 2, 2016: An as of yet unknown villain attacked a PRT transport vehicle transporting the villains 'Jackle Lantern' (see Jackle Lantern) and 'Migraine', resulting in the deaths of both captured villains and the transporting staff onboard. The attacking villain later identified themselves as 'Collateral' (see Collateral), during a string of violent crime. Strongly suspected to be the third member of the Bank Cluster. No attempt at recruitment made.

March 3, 2017, 1:30pm: An altercation broke out between parahumans 'Simulacrum', 'Collateral', and 'Duplicate'. The fight is believed to have been orchestrated by 'Collateral' and incurred significant damage to civilian infrastructure and resulted in the death of Ward 'Simulacrum' at the hands of 'Duplicate'. Following the incident 'Collateral' is confirmed to have fled the city, while 'Duplicate' is believed to have gone into hiding. (See Rook Street Incident)

Confessor Incident (2020): 'Duplicate' noted to have taken an active role in assisting civilians during and after the Confessor Incident.

April 26, 2021: 'Duplicate' approached 'Axom' with intentions of joining the Wards program, apparently concerned by increasing pressure from other villains to join a gang. In light of her role in assisting during the Collateral Incident, and due to her relatively clean criminal record – barring the Rook Street Incident, which has been determined to have been complicated by Kiss/Kill dynamic between involved capes.

May 1, 2021: 'Duplicate' was officially brought on as a probationary member of the Bridgewater Wards. Following this, 'Duplicate' has been provided with a costume and rebranded as 'Tandem' and reintroduced to the public.

Children of the Otherworld - An Isekai Story

Shit. Hope you’re okay and recover well.

Children of the Otherworld - An Isekai Story

Finally done with exams. I'll need a day or two to catch up on sleep, but I should be able to get a post up soon.

Worm: Earth Drega

It's more that it's what's supposed to be done but the reality of the situation often means that Wards get deployed to more dangerous situations than the PRT would like. The Protectorate in Brockton Bay was massively outnumbered after all; Empire 88 by themselves had more capes than the Protectorate and Wards combined, even before you start adding the ABB, Coil, the Merchants, the Undersiders, Faultline's Crew and the independent villains. I don't recall them every being deployed against Hookwolf, but it's been a decade since I read Worm so they might have been.

The idea isn't to keep them away from villains though. It's to make sure Wards aren't being placed into undue risk above what they are capable of or what they feel comfortable with; which is something that is going to vary from person to person and doesn't stop the Wards from throwing themselves into dangerous situations.

@King Cosmos

Having checked the wiki it looks like Vista got stabbed by Hookwolf at some point, though I couldn't find any more info than that – probably because the encounter occurred sometime pre-cannon and was only ever mentioned in passing.

Regardless it looks like Bridgewater is in an arguably worse place than Brockton Bay was at the start of Worm, so it’s probably not unreasonable to assume the PRT won’t be all that hesitant to use what few parahumans they have, at least not any more than they are in Brockton Bay. Actually, the premise seems to make it pretty clear that the PRT has thrown out pretty much anything remotely resembling the usual restrictions they place on Wards and that the Bridgewater currently has a major villain problem, so I'd wager seeing frequent combat is pretty much a given.

On a separate note anyone got any interesting concepts for characters? I've currently got a few ideas swimming about, but I'm not sure yet, probably a former villain of some sort since that's on the table.

Worm: Earth Drega

<Snipped quote by King Cosmos>

<Snipped quote by Punished GN>

My wording was a little too strong in that post.

I'm not opposed to including that stuff in the RP; the bureaucracy around Parahumans is one of the more interesting thing about the setting for me. I just meant to get across that I'm not asking to sideline the superhero stuff in favour of those things because it's "realistic" for Wards to be required to still get a full education or to be kept away from the more dangerous threats.

@King Cosmos

To be fair if memory serves, isn't the whole Wards being kept away from the more dangerous threats thing more fannon than cannon - or at the very least substantially exaggerated in fannon? If I recall correctly the Brockton Bay Wards were literally deployed against Hookwolf of all villains at some point in the past, which isn't exactly the safest thing to do.

That said, I'm personally of the opinion that having to balance the more mundane aspects of a Ward's life with the superhero shit is part of what makes them interesting.

Worm: Earth Drega

In hindsight, I probably should have resisted the temptation to check interest checks while I still have an exam to go, but I guess this'll be occupying space in my head now. Needless to say, you have my interest.

Children of the Otherworld - An Isekai Story

Figured I should give people a heads up that I probably won't be able to get a reply up this week as it's currently exam week.

Children of the Otherworld - An Isekai Story

I can change the cause of death of if you like.

@Eviledd1984

I think NoCo was more asking whether you were opting out of the RPs schtick of having the actual reincarnation determined by the GM, namely because you wrote down he'd be reincarnating as a Morai. That whole GM choosing what you reincarnate as thing was entirely optional if memory serves, so it's probably fine if you are opting out of it.

On the topic of cause of death, I don't think that's likely to be an issue (though I'm not NoCo obviously) – we already have a few characters that died in some flavour of workplace accident after all, so as long as you have some idea of how to write said workplace accident for your opening post, I can't see that being a problem.

Also since you didn't seem sure on your sheet, the second appearance header on the character sheet is for what your character looks like after reincarnating not before, since all the characters are being dumped into new bodies upon reincarnation. If you end up changing your mind and going with GM assigned race, just leave it alone until you've had said race assigned, otherwise it's probably fine to just find an image. If you're still not sure how it's meant to be done, maybe take a gander at the CS tab to see how other people have done it.

Children of the Otherworld - An Isekai Story

Like... Oh, like slimes! Those little jelly blobs. They weren't scary. Just kinda gross and icky, but they were weak and easy to beat right? She'd seen her brother play some game on their console once, and he beat those silly things in droves.

Tiffania

How dare Tiffania call slimes gross and icky and weak. Slimes are awesome creatures, perhaps even the most awesome of creatures. She’s the one that’s gross and icky and her brother too.

"Uh, so about these skill-things… Can we... Get more of them? New ones? It'd be a bit rough if all we got were the ones on the list."

Tiffania

Reborn with six whole skills and already looking to get more? How greedy! And did I mention she insulted slimes? Tiffania should feel bad.