Most poetic paradox

[william]

Archived from groups: alt.games.whitewolf (More info?)

TechTV just finished the "Rumors" episode of Lain which, for those who
haven't watched it or didn't make the association, ends on one of the
most inspiring sequences for a "paradox backlash" I know of.

If you haven't seen the series... ah, what the hell. Lain can't really
be spoiled, only further confused or enlightened.

The manifestation of the doppleganger Lain is one of those moments that
just fits in every way. Poetic irony, psychologically challenging to the
character, a complete and absolute denial of her intent by reality, but
done without malice and a clear consequence of her intent.

The episode is also a wonderful example of how to run an escalating
paradox cascade (a situation where the paradox backlash leads to more
magic being cast, which leads to another backlash, which leads to more
magic...) as Lain tries deals with a situation caused by her own
awakening nature by the application of power.

But enough about Lain. I want to hear, what do you consider the defining
examples of the perfect paradox backlash, in story, history, or myth?

William

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.games.whitewolf (More info?)

In article <2ji0e3F1227jmU1@uni-berlin.de>, William
<wilit0613@postoffice.uri.edu> wrote:

> I want to hear, what do you consider the defining
> examples of the perfect paradox backlash, in story, history, or myth?

"Back to the Future." For sending a dog one minute into the future, poor
Doc Brown is shot dead by the terrorists he ripped off, who just happen
to show up a minute later.

Okay, maybe it's not exactly perfect, but it's a nice example of what
could be low-key paradox.

--
Tyler

tfdion at syr dot edu