Background - 2029: Paranormal Ideas......

 

Ideas....

As I work on this fictional universe I want to balance actually writing stories with creating background. Too much background and, well, I have some interesting stuff but it doesn't really amount to stories. And while I love writing stories (I have several in various stages) I have a hard time not coming up with more background ideas.....

This is especially true with the human Paranormals. Here's what I like.....this idea of normal humans with extraordinary (or, at least, odd) abilities. Not new, you say? No, not at all. The TV show Heroes, explored the same turf. So too, The X-Men and Spiderman so I'm not covering anything new. Don't let me try to fool you into thinking that I am.

But I can't help but think of these characters and these abilities and ask all sorts of questions.....

For every ability, there are repercussions. We don't always see that in these stories do we? I don't think we do. I want to explore that especially. And while I have some obvious Paranormals, I want to create some odd, some different, some unique Paranormals as well.

Many of my Paranormals are 'shapeshifters' but being a Sam Merlotte, for instance (for you who are familiar with True Blood or The Southern Vampire Mysteries) is one thing, being able to shapeshift into other things besides animals interests me. Which is where I got the idea of Plantiforms from. Imagine being a shapeshifter and being able to shift into any plant you want but still be able to see, to hear, to smell, to experience your surroundings. What if...as a 'strong' Plantiform, you might be able to become part plant, part human? Instead of arms, you have aggressive vines, maybe. Maybe even vines with thorns, say. That seemed interesting to me. Another shapeshifter I'm toying with is what I call a Familia. Imagine being able to shapeshift into any of your family members...what would that be like? How would that work? Maybe 'weak' Familias would only shift into direct family members while 'strong' Familias could 'extend' their reach to more extended family. That seemed interesting to me. Different.

As I develop background on various Paranormal types and list them on here (several are listed already) I'll be interested to hear thoughts from people on them. I'll be aiming for a mix of the familiar (hopefully with a new twist) and the totally original. At the same time, I need to make sure I give myself time to actually write stories. Again, all background and no stories.....not my goal.

Here's one other idea for you before I quit my musing....how about a shapeshifter who's a Lawner? Yeah.....a Lawner.....someone who can only shift into objects you'd commonly find on a lawn. Odd, right? Kind of boring, on the one hand, but, on the other.....kind of interesting in a bizarre way. You can't change into a bird but you can change into a plastic flamingo. You can become a lawn chair or a bird bath, a garden gnome or a figure in a Nativity scene. While you're in whatever 'lawn' object you've shifted into, you keep all your senses about you. (Kiddie pool, anyone?) Not sure I'll actually develop the idea but it struck me as oddly funny and weird so.....maybe. 

Ok. Hadn't posted anything 2029 related lately, work takes a lot out of me and I come home and crash early it seems like. To anyone interested in all of this, I am stealing time at work to do some story writing and will try to have at least one or two rough drafts up by the weekend. We'll see how it goes.

Thanks for reading......



All concepts, copyright M.R. McCaffery, 2012. All rights reserved.

2029 - Background: Cephalophores

Cephalophores

            General

Cephalophores are unique Paras who can, literally, lose their head and function with their heads and bodies separated from each other. 

            Language

            Often referred to as "the headless" or, even "heads".

            Powers

Powers don't activate until the head and body are separated.  Once separated both head and body are virtually indestructible

When recalled (which is done telepathically by thought) a body will do just about anything to return to its head.  It can't be distracted or thrown off the trail.  It somehow automatically knows where its head is at and will do whatever it takes to return to it.

Head can talk, can taste (but can't eat), can see and can hear.  The body can somehow see and hear and feel without the head. 

When rejoined the body's experiences are "discovered" by the head and assimilated all into the whole. But while separate, both experience things different and apart from the other.

Depending on the strength of the Ceph, they can keep head and body separate for a long while.  But as they run out of energy, the head find it harder to talk and stay awake.  It mumbles, slurs words and acts as if it was drunk.  Often gets eye ticks.  Facial twitches.  Drools.  Body tends to stagger and stumble more.  May pause from time to time as if disoriented before starting again. 

Average Cephs can actually stay separated around 2 weeks or so, at the most.  Strong Cephs can last a full lunar cycle.  Weak Cephs, may only be able to stay separated a matter of hours.

            Even though it's magical, the head can't move on its own.  Just saying.

When in close proximity, the body always obeys the commands of the head.  Always. 

No other head can be put on the body.  Bodies and heads are linked, even when they're, you know, not.

Many Cephs can raise their heads and spin them around, a full 360, even while they're still attached.

            Decapitating a head, in combined form will never kill them.  Go figure.

A Ceph's eyes tend to flash real bright for a short amount of time when their head is being detached.

In detached mode, ceph's are immune to mind control and telepathic powers.  When all formed up, however, they are susceptible as anyone else.

Cephs always have a full set of hair, regardless of their gender, regardless of their age.  Not only that but they have very, very strong hair which comes in useful as, when their heads are detached, their bodies often hold onto their heads by their hair.

Separated Cephs can sleep and often use falling asleep as a survival strategy. 

Asleep both parts will conserve energy.  The headless body merely stops what it's doing, its arms falling limp at its sides, its knees becoming somewhat slack.

Neither part can sleep separate from the other, as the head controls sleep for both at once and sends a message out to the body telling it to shut down.  If the connection between the two is lost, both will forgo sleep in order to keep trying to regain their connection.

            Weaknesses and Limitations

Long times apart, requires some re-orientation when they reattach.  Can feel lightheaded or real heavy. Takes a bit to recalibrate.

Lead is a problem.  Sealing a head in a lead box, for instance, will almost always guarantee death.  The head won't be able to communicate with the body and the body won't be able to find it.

            Shooting a Ceph's body or detached head with a silver bullet is always fatal.

            Fire will always destroy them.

            Power is used up more and faster during the day than at night. 

Roughly half of Cephalophores have a reaction to garlic.  If garlic is at hand, sticking it in the mouth of the ceph's separated head will also cut the connection it has to its body.  In addition, it will blister and irritate the head, causing it to use up energy faster.

If either the head or body runs out of energy before the other and before both are re-united, both will die.

           

            Legal

Due to the traumatic nature of their power, it is illegal for Cephalophores to take off their heads in public, pretty much everywhere.  Even in solid blue states.  In blue states though, it's more likely than not allowed to take off your head in a private residence.

            Lifestyle

An legend says that if you stare hard enough you can see a wire thin crack in the neck of Cephalophores where their heads come off.  No proof of this exists, however.

Many Cephalophores quietly express pleasure in watching their bodies have headless sex with their lovers.  How their lovers feel about it is a whole other issue.

Some say they can hear an audible click when a ceph reattaches their head.  It's thought to be psychological thing and not a real sound however.

Though no Ceph has come forward to admit to it, they can theoretically give themselves oral sex.

           

            Side Effects

Sometimes suffer a lack of feeling in their extremities, especially as they get older.  Also sometimes have a chronic tingling sensation. 

           

            Other Paras

            Ghouls love the taste of a dead, separated Cephalophore.

            In separated form, Cephs are invulnerable to vampyres. 

           

 Copyright 2012, M.R. McCaffery. All rights reserved.

2029 - Background: Bulletproofs

 Bulletproofs

General

            Are bulletproof, against all bullets. Yes, even silver ones.

            Considered a minor power, overall.

            Power is always ‘on’.

            Powers

Bulletproof as mentioned above. Bullets hurt but can’t harm them beyond a bruise or a welt.

Not only are they bulletproof but if they are in the vicinity of any bullets being fired, tend to attract said bullets to them making them excellent bodyguards for many.

            Weakenesses and limitations

Outside of being bulletproof, they can be harmed by any and everything else imaginable. Stabbed. Set on fire. Disease. Accident. You name it. Just bullets can’t ever harm them.

Are not bulletproof in a lead-lined or tin-lined room or building.

While silver bullets can’t kill them, they can hurt them more than other bullets. Same is true for lead shot. Wounds from both hurt more and take longer to heal.

            Lifestyle

Often wind up being in law enforcement, security and/or the military. Which makes a lot of sense, actually.

No more likely to be gun owners or users than anyone else.

            Side Effects

            Arthritis in old age for many.

            Some become very sensitive to loud noises.

            Other Paras, Others and the Undead

Being bulletproof doesn’t really give Bulletproofs any advantages against any other paras, Others or the Undead. 

Copyright 2012, M.R. McCaffery. All rights reserved. 

2029 - Background : Blobs

 Blobs

            General

            Human paranormals who can change themselves into liquid blobs.

            Time limited power that requires a rebound time for the user. 

Powers

In Blob form can see and hear and smell everything. Bulletproof and well-nigh indestructible.

Tar Babies – Blobs that are made out of tar. Hot, black and very sticky. Bullets and weapons dissolve on contact. The tar is hot and sticky if it gets on anything or anyone.

Quicksilvers – Blobs made out of quicksilver. Silvery, metallic in appearance.

Can harden their outside to form a strong metallic protective shell.

Stinkies  -- Smelly blobs who can generate a real nasty stink. Their smell is truly repulsive.

Lavas  --  Blobs made out of lava. Extremely hot. Can harden their outsides to form a powerful shell.

           

Can form themselves into lots of shapes being liquid. Can even form themselves into humanoid form.

Can fling and throw and spit out parts of themselves as a weapon.

Gain all the knowledge, memories and experience of the people they consume and ‘absorb’.

Strong Blobs can be stay changed a long time and have short rebound times, suffering less during their rebounds. They can break off into many smaller sub-Blobs and reform later.

Weak Blobs can usually not stay changed for more than an hour or so tops.

Can only break off into a few sub-Blobs at best.

All Blobs can form themselves into large spherical balls if they want. Lava and Quicksilver Blobs can even give these balls a hardened outer shell.

Weaknesses & Limitations

Not many weaknesses in Blob form. Pretty indestructible.

In human form, same weaknesses and frailties as any other human.

Liquid nitrogen can freeze a blob and allow it to be shattered.

Can’t change into Blob-form in lead or tin-lined buildings.

Lifestyle

Blob sex is something to behold.

Blobs, in human form, have all the frailties of every other human.

Not nearly the slobs that urban legend makes them out to be.

Side Effects

Many  Blobs suffer back problems as they age.

The longer one is in Blob form, the longer it takes for them to adjust to being back in human form again. Having bones and weight gets tougher as Blobs grow older.

Aging is hard on Blobs. They make it harder to shift to and from. This is always harder on weaker Blobs than it is on stronger ones.

Other Paranormals, Others and the Undead

            Have a lot in common with Slimers.

            Lavas and Tar Babies can set the Undead ablaze.

           

            Are immune to any and all mind control in Blob form.

            Ghouls won’t feed on them after they’re dead, usually.

Most Vampyres don’t like the way they taste (in human form) but a small sub-set find them delicious.

Are blocked by a Shielder’s shield.

Can’t harm Immaterials who’ve dematerialized.

Tar Babies and Lava Blobs can’t harm Pyros.

No Blob can harm an Immune.

Berserkers can’t be harmed by a Blob in a rage.

Cephalophores are immune to Blobs in separated form.

Sniffers can smell a Blob, even in human form.

Borrowers don’t often borrow Blob powers because they are hard to deal with.

Gifters almost never gift this power.

Invulnerables take a big hit from Blobs when dealing with them. They’re a ‘decade-plus’ on the remaining years of life scale.

Regrowers can regrow limbs lost to Blobs.

Sponges can absorb all the Blob they come in contact with and reproduce it later. In theory they can absorb an entire Blob, but most Blobs break off contact with a Sponge long before that can happen.

Daemon Spawn can be destroyed by Lava and Tar Baby Blobs. 

Copyright 2012, M.R. McCaffery. All rights reserved. 

2029 - Background: Bacchanalians

 Bacchanalians

            General

            Have the power to cause others to go lustfully mad.

            Powers

Can get inside people’s heads and drive them lusfully mad. Strong Bacchanalians can affect large groups. One on one, most normal humans don’t stand a chance at keeping it together if a Bacchanalian goes to work on them.

Have a very, very high tolerance for alcohol and drugs.

Are highly resistant to mind control.

The flip side is that they are powerful enough to overpower a lot of Paras who have mind control abilities.

Can influence all those they drive lusftully mad to do sexual things. For instance, if they want a man to stick his penis into a light socket, they can get that to happen.

Can tap into their power to minimize pain. Their paranormal endorphins are major pain killers in their own right and helpful since they have a high tolerance for drugs and alcohol.

            Weaknesses & Limitations

            Same human frailties and limitations as other humans.

            Lead, tin and silver are problems.

            Garlic is a strong repulsive.

            Are strongly affected by Epicureans.

            Lifestyle

Very sexual and sensual. Major party animals. Major sensualists. Lovers of beauty. Very in to their own pleasure and don’t understand why others aren’t pursuing pleasure more often.

Are very fond of one another.

            Side Effects

Sexually transmitted diseases common. Generally very promiscuous. Hard partiers.

Not really good at commitment. Not good at responsibilities. Generally.

            Other Paras, Others and the Undead

            Ubi find them especially tasty. Vampyres too.

            Many Nosferatu will feed on them as a ‘snack’.

           

            A Shielder’s shield won’t protect them from a Bacch.

            500’s tend to build up an immunity to Bacch’s over time.

            Can’t affect a Blob in blob-form.

            Borrowers love borrowing off of Baccahanalians.

            Cephaplophores are immune when separated.

            Dhampirs are immune.

            Epicureans are immune.

            Gifters can gift this power but don’t do so often.

            Immunes are, of course, immune.

Necros can be affected and information they gain through using their powers can be passed along to a Bacch.

Neutralizers are of course, immune and will break a Bacch’s hold on people whenever they’re around.

When under a Bacch’s spell, a Possessor will free all spirits and daemons they’re holding on to.

When under a Bacch’s spell, a Spreader will destroy all diseases they are carrying.

Rebirthers, like 500’s, tend to build up an immunity to Bacchs over time.

Recorders can be affected by a Bacch by simply seeing the recorded visioin of what they had others do.

Remote Viewers can be affected by viewing a Bacch remotely.

People under the control of other Paras have that control broken and overridden by Bacchs.

In shifted form, all shapeshifters and Weres are protected from Bacchs.

Copyright 2012, M.R. McCaffery. All rights reserved. 

2029 - Background: Borrowers

 Borrowers

            General

Borrowers are paras who have the power to "borrow" paranormal powers from other paras for different periods of time. They have no actual powers themselves beyond that.       Time limited power that requires a rebound time.     

            Language

Some other paras refer to Borrowers as "leeches", giving one an idea of how well they're thought of in the human paranormal community.

            Powers

The average Borrower can borrow most all para powers and "use" them for a period of about two weeks or so. Weak Borrowers may find they are not able to borrow from strong paras of other types and usually can borrow for less than a week. 

Strong Borrowers may be able to borrow for up to a full lunar cycle in some cases and in some rare cases, can actually "borrow" more than one para's power at a time.

When a Borrower "borrows" another Paras' powers, the affected para goes into a coma-like state that Borrowers refer to as a "nap".  They remain out of it for the duration of the borrow.  A Para may die during the borrow, depending on the circumstances surrounding where and how they go into their "nap".  The Para's death would not effect the borrow in any way, therefore, the Borrower doesn't necessarily have a motivation to be a "responsible" Borrower.

After waking up from a borrow, many Para's feel "hung over".  The severity of this feeling is usually tied with the length of time they were out of it.

Many Paras are sensitive to the presence of other Paras.  Borrowers, out of necessity, are very hard to detect.  The stronger they are, the harder that is.

If using a power requires practice and knowledge, these are things a Borrower typically won't have unless they borrow that power a lot.  For this reason, some Borrowers tend to prefer some powers over other when borrowing.

Most Borrowers are limited to one power at a time.  If they try to borrow a second, their "borrow time" on the first will end suddenly as a new "borrow time" begins.  The affected Para of the first borrow will come out of their "nap" while the newly affected Para will go into a coma-like state.

Some Paras who've borrowed from by the same Borrower several times will begin to see dreams of what the Borrower looks like.  

For rare Borrowers who can hold two powers at once, the powers fade at different rates, according to the type of power, how strong the power is, how much the Borrower is using it, when it was borrowed, etc..  Therefore, as one "borrow time" ends, the time on the other may still be ongoing.

                       

            Weaknesses and Limitations

Borrowers are affected by lead lined rooms and structures with tin roofs. Only the strongest Borrowers can pull off a borrow in those sorts of structures.

Some Borrowers (an unknown percentage) are affected by the presence of silver. For those Borrowers, wearing a silver ring, charm or necklace can protect against them.

Some powers use up more energy to borrow.  If the total para power, or, psi, of the Borrower is lower than the power they're borrowing, it uses up a lot of energy just having it, much less using it, resulting in lower borrow times.

Weakness and limitations governing the borrowed power always apply to the Borrower while using said power.

           

            Lifestyle

An urban legend claims that Borrowers are natural thieves and liars.  There does seem to be some supporting evidence to this as the small numbers of Borrowers arrested for crimes seems to show a preference for burglary and theft.

Borrowers who come out to other paras are, for the most part, not well received. 

Very few Paras seem willing to strike up consensual power borrowing arrangements with Borrowers.  For the most part, Borrowers are shunned and sometimes even hunted and attacked by other paras for their abilities. As a result, the number of Borrowers who actually "come out of the wardrobe" is thought to be a lot smaller than the actual number of Borrowers out there.

Some Borrowers go out of their way to take care of the para they borrow from.  These seem to be in the minority however.

            Legal

While using borrowed powers, Borrowers are subject to all the same laws their regular users would be.

Many use anger and violence against their kind by other paras as a reason for not registering.

Some paras have brought lawsuits against Borrowers for injuries suffered and wages lost during a borrow.  So far, most courts have had a hard time handling such cases.  Only in blue states have they ever gotten very far.

In theory, a Para who has been borrowed from who then dies during the borrow would seem to be, legally speaking, a murder victim.  Or, at the very least, a case of negligent homicide.

            Side Effects

Many Borrowers seem to suffer from low self esteem and general feelings of inadequacy.  This seems especially true of Borrowers during their rebound period where they are "without".

Some get hung up on borrowing and seem to be addicted to it, needing to pull off a borrow and have what they consider "real" paranormal powers.

The use of some para powers can cause real emotional trauma for Borrowers who use them. This is especially true if it's a power a Borrower hasn't used before or isn't very used to using. For instance, telepathy can be very hard to deal with, reading minds, seeing others memories, feeling their feelings.  Being a Cryo and using fire can be tough.  The feeling of splitting in two, as a Splitter, can be very unnerving. 

                       

            Other Paras

Borrowers can't borrow from Neutralizers.

            Borrowers can't affect the undead, a Borrower can only borrow from a living Para.

            Magic users are immune to Borrowers.

            Can’t borrow off of 500’s.

Animating things is tough so borrowing power from an Animator requires a lot of practice.

Most Borrowers don’t like the feeling of becoming a spider, so, becoming an Arachne isn’t high on their list of borrowed powers.

Don’t usually borrow off of Automatic Writers. Don’t seem to want the power and/or the responsibility.

            Can’t borrow from Cannibals.

            Can’t borrow from Gifters. Being a Gifter is truly a ‘gift’.

           

Copyright 2012, M.R. McCaffery. All rights reserved.