Theta Vices

Larval Theta Vices are often mistaken for Alphas, leading to incorrect classifications and a false sense of security. While Thetas are not particularly active during the larval stage, it is imperative to begin learning its Branch Policy as soon as possible so as to avoid surprises in the adolescent stage. A Theta will not initiate a Super Branch during the larval stage. It simply does not possess the energy to do so.

The Branches that larval Thetas initiate tend to be relatively easy to predict, as the narrow pool of properties present at advent provide a short list of potential triggers. The Branch triggered at advent will be the blueprint of most Branches initiated during this stage, down to its Branch Domain and the exhibitions presentation and attack strategy.

Theta exhibitions tend to be quite frail but can hit hard, often referred to as the “glass canons” of the Vice world; though, in the larval stage, their offensive power has yet to be established. Most larval Theta exhibitions can be addressed quite easily. Theta Branch Domains are similar to those of Alphas and are generally simple, especially in this stage.

Rescission Guidance

Unlike Alpha Vices, Theta exhibitions are quite frail, no matter their life stage. Even in the larval stage, their exhibition can be quite easy to address, if one can manage to catch it. Though they are young and inexperienced, larval Theta exhibitions can still move quickly and avoid attacks with impressive reflexes. Ranged patches can allow extensions to continue attacking, even after the exhibition has backed away. They are easily caught and overwhelmed by a seasoned CVRS agent, such as a Vice Management Administrator. Vice Management Coordinators are often trained on larval Theta exhibitions, as they require quick thinking and precision, but ultimately pose no threat if the Branch is simply committed.

The true threat of Theta Vices begins to reveal itself in adolescence. Branches become more common, almost exponentially, as the Vice aims to establish its network. Adolescent Thetas make exceptional germination progress during Branches, and their networks often appear quite faint on a VGMS compared to other classifications’. Their network is much less complicated than a Zeta’s, for example, but it becomes established throughout the body much quicker. It appears faint on VGMS because it is less dense, but the groundwork for future expansion has been laid.

Adolescent Thetas are regarded as one of the most impulsive, least discerning classifications. They initiate Branches often with seemingly no foresight. If a situation passes QAC, an adolescent Theta is likely to initiate a Branch. This predictability tends to lure Hosts into a false sense of security, and after a series of consecutive, mundane Branches, it will enter a period of dormancy, where it feeds and stores energy to inevitably initiate a Super Branch.

The period of dormancy leading to a Super Branch can be almost palpable, many Hosts complaining of inexplicable fatigue and brain fog. Thetas use their extensive network to ensnare passing hormones all throughout the body, and during this excessive feeding, this can lead to hormonal fluctuations. If you notice these symptoms, contact your Vice Management Administrator immediately, as a Super Branch is imminent.

Super Branches are not any more complex than standard Branches; though, they do tend to be classified as “rogue” so as to intentionally catch the Host off guard. Their “super” modifier primarily alludes to the expanded staging radius. Where the average Vice’s staging radius is roughly 12 feet, a Theta’s is a whopping 36 feet, greatly increasing the scope of potential tertiary Adjuncts. What’s more, Thetas use their multiple stolons to detect when the Host has entered a high-traffic area, such as a concert or bus.

While the staging radius may be wider, the actual time spent in staging is quite short compared to other classifications. This is primarily to reduce the amount of time potential tertiary Adjuncts have to break free, but this also reduces the time available for secondary or primary Adjuncts to join. Once the Branch enters production, it becomes more difficult to snap out of the trance induced by being queued, though it is often quite manageable.

Knowing tertiary Adjuncts are likely to self-dismiss, Thetas are indiscriminate in their queuing process, adding everyone in the staging radius. This, of course, proves to be quite a risky endeavor. Most tertiary Adjuncts self-dismiss, but there is always the possibility of admitting someone who has an intimidating patch or heightened combat skills. If this proves to be the case, the Adjunct will be dismissed, which requires considerable effort and can backfire, distracting the Vice during combat.

Due to its shorter staging time, Super Branch Domains remain quite simple, though a Theta’s exhibition is typically wild and disorienting upon entry. Thetas use the addition of tertiary Adjuncts to distract its Host and increase its reach if dispersion is achieved. But the threats of a Super Branch stop there. Otherwise, in the Branch Domain, a Super Branch can be addressed as one would a standard Branch.

Rescission Guidance

Rescinding an adolescent Theta Branch is just as straightforward as doing so in the larval stage. Super Branches prove slightly more intimidating with their deviation from the Branch Policy, short staging, and the addition of tertiary Adjuncts. Most standard Branches can be addressed with the proper patch, and Super Branches can be prepared for if one is aware of their condition. At the first sign of dormancy, often manifesting as inexplicable fatigue, contact your Vice Management Administrator to begin preparing for the Super Branch.

Mature Theta Vices are not all that different from adolescents. Maturity is mostly observed through their slight increase in discernment--though it isn’t much--and any slight enhancements to the exhibition or Branch Domain, but these properties of the Branch Policy are typically not prioritized.

While Thetas somewhat wrangle their impulses in maturity, they are still regarded as one of the most impulsive and active classifications. If anything, mature Vices are often easier to handle than their adolescent counterparts, considering there is a lot less Branch activity, allowing time for the Host to better prepare between Branches.

Rescission Guidance

There are not many differences between rescinding adolescent and mature Theta Vices. As with any Vice, caution is always recommended, and building a proper care team can ensure a successful rescission. A Vice Management Administrator is likely equipped to perform rescission alone, though some may enlist a Branch Coordinator for backup.