in short, i think the question comes down more to whether or not cauldron was actually that useful in stopping scion or not, because otherwise it ends up becoming a trolley problem scenario where you choose between cauldron's fuckery and scion annihilating humanity. basically, if cauldron played an important role in stopping scion, then they were right, if not, then they're wrong. based on this, i'm inclined to say they're wrong, just because scion's death came down to non-cauldron capes. that said, you can always make an argument for cauldron having been essential because of contessa path to victory bullshit, in which case they would have been in the right.
favourite character is probably eidolon. he's always presented as the strongest parahuman, yet at no points in the story iirc is he able to defeat any threats solo. he couldn't stop noelle, couldn't stop behemoth at new delhi, etc. it's really interesting that his peak in the story comes right before his death. his constant failure seems like a narrative reflection of his own insecurities, never feeling good/powerful enough. even with all his power, he seems like he has the least agency within the triumvirate. he just does whatever makes him feel needed, because it validates himself. i also love that he reaches his peak when he finally starts getting creative in what powers he asks for, instead of just offensive/defensive ones. it's one of the sub-themes that i liked, rather than dragon ball style power up past the next antagonist into infinity.
definitely going to read ward, though probably not at the same pace i read worm.
wooooo.
Guess i'll ask some questions (also read the epilogue if you haven't, some people dont for some reason)
Favorite character? Hot take on if cauldron was actually right all along? Plan on reading any other wildbow works?
in short, i think the question comes down more to whether or not cauldron was actually that useful in stopping scion or not, because otherwise it ends up becoming a trolley problem scenario where you choose between cauldron's fuckery and scion annihilating humanity. basically, if cauldron played an important role in stopping scion, then they were right, if not, then they're wrong. based on this, i'm inclined to say they're wrong, just because scion's death came down to non-cauldron capes. that said, you can always make an argument for cauldron having been essential because of contessa path to victory bullshit, in which case they would have been in the right.
favourite character is probably eidolon. he's always presented as the strongest parahuman, yet at no points in the story iirc is he able to defeat any threats solo. he couldn't stop noelle, couldn't stop behemoth at new delhi, etc. it's really interesting that his peak in the story comes right before his death. his constant failure seems like a narrative reflection of his own insecurities, never feeling good/powerful enough. even with all his power, he seems like he has the least agency within the triumvirate. he just does whatever makes him feel needed, because it validates himself. i also love that he reaches his peak when he finally starts getting creative in what powers he asks for, instead of just offensive/defensive ones. it's one of the sub-themes that i liked, rather than dragon ball style power up past the next antagonist into infinity.
definitely going to read ward, though probably not at the same pace i read worm.
I highly recommend pale, it is my favorite of his stories so far