What are your favorite powers or abilities you came up with?

[Garolymar]

I love convoluted triggers to abilities that work in very specific ways. Stuff like Jojo stands were a big inspiration for how the magic system in my own world works. I do love the classics as well, throwing a fireball at somebody is always neat but when there's a unique method to conjuring that ability I'm always extra intrigued. So I was wondering what kind of triggers and weird powers have you guys come up with over the years?

I got two personally that I'm really proud of, never ran into these specific triggers personally in any media before so I think they're pretty original.

Olfactory memory teleportation (I don't really have a good name for it tbh) is the first one: You teleport to a place whenever you smell something that reminds you of the place you want to go to, in the world there are these merchants who carry perfumes of all the different places they been and they can get around by taking a whiff and they're transported there. I got the idea when I was walking through a mall in my home country, and suddenly got a whiff of a smell of perfume from when I visited a friend of mine and I felt like I was back on my holiday trip. Thought it'd make for a really cool power.

The second one, I also don't really have a good name for but it's a twist on the whole, shoot elements to kill people sort of thing, I called the character using it a Lenser: basically she can afflict elemental effects onto a target when she sees them through the respective medium, so if she sees you through the flame of a lighter or a camp fire you'll burst into flames, or if she sees you through a cup of water, you'll start to feel like you're drowning. You'll freeze to ice if she sees you through a ice cube, and she can cut you to pieces if she sees you through a broken mirror.

These are my two favourites, really proud of them cause the people I told about them actually seemed interested when they usually just blow me off lol, wondering what cool stuff others have come up with.

 

[MasterY001]

I didn't come up with it, but photographic reflexes.

The basic idea is it's the superpower version of copycat. A person can perfectly replicate any movement or action they see, usually martial arts techniques. They can also predict movements before they happen or even identify people by body language alone.

The character I wrote who uses it is a super-spy, so it's very useful for infiltration and undercover work.

 

[Garolymar]

I didn't come up with it, but photographic reflexes.

The basic idea is it's the superpower version of copycat. A person can perfectly replicate any movement or action they see, usually martial arts techniques. They can also predict movements before they happen or even identify people by body language alone.

Oooh kinda like Taskmaster then eh? I'm guessing its limits are physical only? or maybe they can even copy magic or energy based moves if the story has those?

 

[Valmond]

Each one has their own thing.

Book 1

Alpha, Beta, Version I.

Alpha is a glimpse, and shown for a moment in Chapter 5.

Beta version is at the end of Chapter 18, it is when the main is one stage away from awakening.

Version I is in the finale(25).

Each of these is used only once in the story. Alpha version is when the main temporarily awakened, and released a small burst,

Beta version is after they reclaim stage 8.

Version I is after they awakened, and only usable after they endure a fatal hit.

Book 2

Execution level abilities are mostly absent until late story, usually it is the enemies that have access to it.

Execution level abilities are as they imply, meant to instantly end the battle. They aren’t easily survived.

The main in this book has access to their Devil transformations.

Book 3

And as a note, Book 2 is the prequel, Book 3 is sequel to the prequel, and Book 1 is the end. The story however fast forward after the end of Book 1 in Book 3 to conclude.

Anyway, in this one. The main has access to some more execution level abilities. Chapter 8 during their temporary awakening, it is when they use the Beta version of their strongest ability for the first time.

Note, they have not achieved stage 9 yet. Chapter 11 is when they use another that is magic based, lightning.

Chapter 14 as well. Chapter 15 is when they use for the first time a spear based one.

The next time from here is the finale, when they ascend to stage 9 and gain their strongest ability version I.

Book 4

During the process of their ascension, they only use one during the third story. Then the rest comes in near the end.

With a small foreshadow into it in a certain story. It is in the finale, after they ascended to stage 10 that they conclude on version II. Which has far more steps.

Book 5

This one follows a new character. They cannot use magic themselves, so it takes a while before they can access the power of the gods they absorbed.

Their base is the Phoenix, and this one can temporarily stop time. Where they set countless knives and release it.

They have access to other gods power as well, but their strongest ability has the cost that they burn out. Meaning, they die in the process.

However, given that their affinity is towards Phoenix. In time they reform.

Book 6

The character in this one has the ability to manipulate reality. Though, they cannot control it. It is in the finale that they access their strongest ability.

However, something changed this time. When they release this power, they would rewrite reality. Though, it wasn’t controllable until Post Story. And even then, to a smaller extent.

It was really a miracle that they were able to get it right that time. A one in a million chance.

Book 7

The character in this one makes offerings, similar to what the lead of the series did in Book 2. Each offering grants them power.

Chapter 2 is when they use an execution level ability for the first time. This is a small foreshadowing.

They gain a claw after their last offering in Chapter 6.5.

It is in Chapter 9, when they gain their Empress form.

Then in the finale(10), that is when they gain their strongest ability.

It is only unstable after they use a certain ability, which puts them at risk of dying from its effect. On top of that, the risk increases because they have to be in critical condition to use their strongest ability.

Book 9

This one the lead’s strongest ability is upgraded to version III in the finale. And the steps in that one? Just throw your controller through your TV. It’d be a lot easier.

Though, that is the series finale. ?

Note, version I, II III.

And the protagonists of Book 5, 6, 7. Which have variations of version I. This ability might bring ruin to the worlds at the worst.

Version III though can be controlled entirely.

 

[Garolymar]

Each one has their own thing.

Book 1

Alpha, Beta, Version I.

Alpha is a glimpse, and shown for a moment in Chapter 5.

Beta version is at the end of Chapter 18, it is when the main is one stage away from awakening.

Version I is in the finale(25).

Each of these is used only once in the story. Alpha version is when the main temporarily awakened, and released a small burst,

Beta version is after they reclaim stage 8.

Version I is after they awakened, and only usable after they endure a fatal hit.

Book 2

Execution level abilities are mostly absent until late story, usually it is the enemies that have access to it.

Execution level abilities are as they imply, meant to instantly end the battle. They aren’t easily survived.

The main in this book has access to their Devil transformations.

Book 3

And as a note, Book 2 is the prequel, Book 3 is sequel to the prequel, and Book 1 is the end. The story however fast forward after the end of Book 1 in Book 3 to conclude.

Anyway, in this one. The main has access to some more execution level abilities. Chapter 8 during their temporary awakening, it is when they use the Beta version of their strongest ability for the first time.

Note, they have not achieved stage 9 yet. Chapter 11 is when they use another that is magic based, lightning.

Chapter 14 as well. Chapter 15 is when they use for the first time a spear based one.

The next time from here is the finale, when they ascend to stage 9 and gain their strongest ability version I.

Book 4

During the process of their ascension, they only use one during the third story. Then the rest comes in near the end.

With a small foreshadow into it in a certain story. It is in the finale, after they ascended to stage 10 that they conclude on version II. Which has far more steps.

Book 5

This one follows a new character. They cannot use magic themselves, so it takes a while before they can access the power of the gods they absorbed.

Their base is the Phoenix, and this one can temporarily stop time. Where they set countless knives and release it.

They have access to other gods power as well, but their strongest ability has the cost that they burn out. Meaning, they die in the process.

However, given that their affinity is towards Phoenix. In time they reform.

Book 6

The character in this one has the ability to manipulate reality. Though, they cannot control it. It is in the finale that they access their strongest ability.

However, something changed this time. When they release this power, they would rewrite reality. Though, it wasn’t controllable until Post Story. And even then, to a smaller extent.

It was really a miracle that they were able to get it right that time. A one in a million chance.

Book 7

The character in this one makes offerings, similar to what the lead of the series did in Book 2. Each offering grants them power.

Chapter 2 is when they use an execution level ability for the first time. This is a small foreshadowing.

They gain a claw after their last offering in Chapter 6.5.

It is in Chapter 9, when they gain their Empress form.

Then in the finale(10), that is when they gain their strongest ability.

It is only unstable after they use a certain ability, which puts them at risk of dying from its effect. On top of that, the risk increases because they have to be in critical condition to use their strongest ability.

Book 9

This one the lead’s strongest ability is upgraded to version III in the finale. And the steps in that one? Just throw your controller through your TV. It’d be a lot easier.

Though, that is the series finale. ?

Note, version I, II III.

And the protagonists of Book 5, 6, 7. Which have variations of version I. This ability might bring ruin to the worlds at the worst.

Version III though can be controlled entirely.

I got a little lost but I'm assuming you're keeping the first bits vague to avoid spoilers lol. Do you like Jojos too? the pheonix ability is very Za Warudo. Kinda like the thematics of a time ability mixed with the phoenix, fits it pretty well for a creature that can bring itself back to life.

 

[Valmond]

I got a little lost but I'm assuming you're keeping the first bits vague to avoid spoilers lol. Do you like Jojos too? the pheonix ability is very Za Warudo. Kinda like the thematics of a time ability mixed with the phoenix, fits it pretty well for a creature that can bring itself back to life.

Yeah, trying to avoid spoilers lol.

Never seen it, and if it is anime? Yeah, I haven’t watched that since my last year in High School 12 years ago. ?

Instead, I just based it off the lore that a Phoenix is technically eternal. The time ability is because I probably was high at the time(not really).

Here is version III, note, there are steps within the steps that are not mentioned. This thing chains so far, that you’d have to put.

“To be continued.” As you flip back to another manual to confirm the conditions. ?

Eternal Link

The chains that defies fate, connecting the bonds of countless. No matter how far one can run, these chains will pursue and completely shackle them. Exclusive Effect: Eternal Link does not harm its target/targets, but it makes it impossible to escape from once caught. Conditions: 1. Must be in Stage 10, Next Generation Iconoclast. 2. Must use Nightmare Conviction. Effect: Completely binds target/targets. Power: None Range: Can Completely Control it. Level: Arcane Only Cyra Von Erit can use Eternal Link.

Decisive Finale

A decisive attack filled with desires, concentrating it into an unbreakable force. Effect: Triggers Selfish Desires version III when it connects. It also cuts off the opponent's secondary abilities. Conditions for Cyra: 1. Must be in stage 10, Next Generation Iconoclast. 2. Must use Nightmare Conviction. 3. Must use Eternal Link. 4. Must be in Death's Embrace state. Power: ∞ Range: The main target. Level: Execution Only Cyra Von Erit and Rose can use Decisive Finale.

Death's Embrace

An individual embracing her path to her end, running towards her goal. Betting everything on one final gamble, Cyra will force onward with her feverish resolve. Effect: When Cyra is in stage 9 or higher, and she takes fatal damage. Meaning damage that will kill her, she will survive it and endure the current assault on her. This includes a follow up or effects. Her capabilities will tremendously increase in her blood red darkness. However, if she takes one more direct hit after this point, she will die. Power: None Range: Self Level: EX Only Cyra Von Erit can use Death’s Embrace.

Selfish Desires version III

A power born from the chains to oppose fate, the Eternal Link. These flowing sentiments, none able to bind this force. Unleashing these emotions in its purest form, overwhelming her enemies in a feverish frenzy. This is the pinnacle of power and control. Has three phases. "If you think this is hell, this is an end you will never forget!" "No matter how many of us falls, another will take up the torch and carry our wishes!!" "Witness this last miracle as the worlds feel our desires!!!" Effect: Guarantees to defeat all foes, none can escape its range so long as Cyra intends it. With Eternal Link, it makes it completely unavoidable to all opponents, thus it is also unable to be blocked. It will also ignore all enemy/enemies properties, and increases the damage per collision. Conditions: 1. Must be in Stage 10, Next Generation Iconoclast. 2. Can only initiate underneath a Blood Moon. 3. Hatred must be at its peak. 4. Must use Nightmare Conviction. 5. Must bind target/targets with Eternal Link after Nightmare Conviction, and connect Decisive Finale to chain into Selfish Desires version III. Power: ∞ Range: Can Completely Control It Level: ACE Exclusive Effect: When in Stage 10, Cyra will change the moon to a Blood Moon. And if it is not night, she will blanket the worlds in an Eternal Night and change the moon to a Blood Moon for the duration. Returns to the state of Calm at the end of the attack. Can guarantee to bring ruin to all of the worlds. Selfish Desires version III can be used in Soul Crush, but it must be the last in the link. Only Cyra Von Erit can use Selfish Desires version III.

 

[RainyLiquid]

I like powers that start off weak but get stronger or are used cool. Like Luffy being made of rubber in early One Piece.

 

[Forgotten_Fox]

My MC has a skill called "dark nimbus" that creates a cloud that follow his enemies, making it rain on their faces. He also has a spell called "stick pal", that creates a little stickman that helps during his fights.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

A more realistic MMA moveset than in your average novel\manhwa. Really proud that I don't resort to just kicking and punching, or instant submissions. If it's submission people have to wrestle, grapple to get that winning submission. With punching and kicking they have to take distance into consideration, gas tank, surroundings, etc.

 

[Garolymar]

My MC has a skill called "dark nimbus" that creates a cloud that follow his enemies, making it rain on their faces. He also has a spell called "stick pal", that creates a little stickman that helps during his fights.

lol these are pretty fun, when you say stick man do you mean like the drawn figures or is it like a branch off a tree helping the MC beat someone to death? The Dark Nimbus is also similar to an idea I was thinking about giving to a character down the line, but executed much differently, where their mood affects the weather, and depression covers the area in a rain storm.

A more realistic MMA moveset than in your average novel\manhwa. Really proud that I don't resort to just kicking and punching, or instant submissions. If it's submission people have to wrestle, grapple to get that winning submission. With punching and kicking they have to take distance into consideration, gas tank, surroundings, etc.

Do you do a lot of research into MMA and other fighting styles to write the scenes? I don't know if you've ever seen Baki, (Never really read anything super technical so a show is my only frame of reference) but they get super into explaining each move, how the body mechanics really work and how absolutely dumpstered the guy is after a technique is performed.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

Do you do a lot of research into MMA and other fighting styles to write the scenes? I don't know if you've ever seen Baki, (Never really read anything super technical so a show is my only frame of reference) but they get super into explaining each move, how the body mechanics really work and how absolutely dumpstered the guy is after a technique is performed.

Not awfully lot of research. I watch YT videos dissecting various fights, and occasionally watch MMA fights. I read Baki, I like it, it can't be further from the truth.

 

[MasterY001]

Oooh kinda like Taskmaster then eh? I'm guessing its limits are physical only? or maybe they can even copy magic or energy based moves if the story has those?

Exactly like Taskmaster. In fact, her whole story revolves around rediscovering her Humanity since she can only replicate, not create.

 

[Garolymar]

Not awfully lot of research. I watch YT videos dissecting various fights, and occasionally watch MMA fights. I read Baki, I like it, it can't be further from the truth.

haha okay Baki is a bad example for being realistic, but they are very technical in how their goofy ass martial arts works lol.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

haha okay Baki is a bad example for being realistic, but they are very technical in how their goofy ass martial arts works lol.

I heard Holyland is realistic. Boxing manga like Hajime no Ippo or Rikudou is more realsitic. In general, if a manga is about sport, not mixed martial arts, it is more realistic.

 

[CarburetorThompson]

http://imgur.com/a/29OdvAk

The mc of this story. Probably one of my personal favorite characters I’ve made. The reason this story is unreleased despite having a completed cover, is because I’ve rewritten 3 times. I’m constantly changing it because I want to do one of my favorite characters justice when I eventually publish it some day hopefully.

The concept of the character is that he is a talentless mercenary warrior obsessed with gaining power, but because he has no talent he resorts to using powerful magic items, but because he’s broke he can only really afford cursed items. Because I’m a trash gb fan/author one of the items he equips is basically just the girdle of femininity from Baldur‘s Gate (original 2 don’t know if it’s in the new one) which gives him increased strength with the downside of changing his gender.

Eventually she equips so many pieces of cursed armor that it becomes almost impossible to live, since she is unable to take off the armor. Because of that she seeks out one of the most sought after magical items a ring of transmogrification. Basically an item that will allow her to wear all that armor, gain the physical benefits of it, but also physically change it. Because of those effects it basically lets you have the protection of a massive heavy suit of armor but wear actual clothing. Because of that it’s pretty much as expensive as something can get because it’s sought after by every king or rich person.

The story starts when she is offered a job, with one of the rings as payment. And eagerly accepts only to find out that the ring is ironically enough a cursed variant, made by ancient king for his favorite maid. To prevent her from being forced to sell it it was made into a cursed item that would be bound until death, and the only three appearances it can use is nude, night gown, and a maid dress.

In one version she worked for a childhood friend who had left her behind because he/she was too weak to keep up with them. In another she is hired to be the secretive body guard of woman who has a fear of men, since she was born with cursed blood that would become a powerful elixir if consumed by men. It’s gone through different versions but the character concept has stayed mostly the same.

Some of the cursed items would be played for comedic effect, like being oddly niche things like being unable to swear but only on Saturday. But a few were actual powers, all with huge downsides that would be offset by other cursed items. An example was in one iteration she had a cursed breastplate that gave her super regeneration basically, but did so by replacing her blood with that of a demon which has regenerative properties.

But demon blood is highly poisonous to humans, originally this would let some stay alive in combat, only for them to die soon after because of the poison. The mc offsets this with another item which was called ‘the white vipers ring’ or something like that. It‘s downside was it turns her hair white and eyes yellow, but also purifies poison and gives some immunity to it. The real downside was that the more poisoned someone the more serpent like they become, basically turning into a snake.

So the demon blood gets purified after healing her body, and the more damage she takes the more snake like she becomes. Which would basically turn her into a snake monster if she was injured too much.

idk I think you can tell how much I like this character based on this long rant lol. Hopefully someday they will finally see the pages of a published story.

edit: not to keep gushing but I forget about the best ability. One of her swords, the one pictured on the cover {sword of a thousand screams} super powerful, but when used it creates agonizingly loud screaming sounds. Enough to make someone go deaf if they used it repeatedl.

 

[Garolymar]

http://imgur.com/a/29OdvAk

The mc of this story. Probably one of my personal favorite characters I’ve made. The reason this story is unreleased despite having a completed cover, is because I’ve rewritten 3 times. I’m constantly changing it because I want to do one of my favorite characters justice when I eventually publish it some day hopefully.

The concept of the character is that he is a talentless mercenary warrior obsessed with gaining power, but because he has no talent he resorts to using powerful magic items, but because he’s broke he can only really afford cursed items. Because I’m a trash gb fan/author one of the items he equips is basically just the girdle of femininity from Baldur‘s Gate (original 2 don’t know if it’s in the new one) which gives him increased strength with the downside of changing his gender.

Eventually she equips so many pieces of cursed armor that it becomes almost impossible to live, since she is unable to take off the armor. Because of that she seeks out one of the most sought after magical items a ring of transmogrification. Basically an item that will allow her to wear all that armor, gain the physical benefits of it, but also physically change it. Because of those effects it basically lets you have the protection of a massive heavy suit of armor but wear actual clothing. Because of that it’s pretty much as expensive as something can get because it’s sought after by every king or rich person.

The story starts when she is offered a job, with one of the rings as payment. And eagerly accepts only to find out that the ring is ironically enough a cursed variant, made by ancient king for his favorite maid. To prevent her from being forced to sell it it was made into a cursed item that would be bound until death, and the only three appearances it can use is nude, night gown, and a maid dress.

In one version she worked for a childhood friend who had left her behind because he/she was too weak to keep up with them. In another she is hired to be the secretive body guard of woman who has a fear of men, since she was born with cursed blood that would become a powerful elixir if consumed by men. It’s gone through different versions but the character concept has stayed mostly the same.

Some of the cursed items would be played for comedic effect, like being oddly niche things like being unable to swear but only on Saturday. But a few were actual powers, all with huge downsides that would be offset by other cursed items. An example was in one iteration she had a cursed breastplate that gave her super regeneration basically, but did so by replacing her blood with that of a demon which has regenerative properties.

But demon blood is highly poisonous to humans, originally this would let some stay alive in combat, only for them to die soon after because of the poison. The mc offsets this with another item which was called ‘the white vipers ring’ or something like that. It‘s downside was it turns her hair white and eyes yellow, but also purifies poison and gives some immunity to it. The real downside was that the more poisoned someone the more serpent like they become, basically turning into a snake.

So the demon blood gets purified after healing her body, and the more damage she takes the more snake like she becomes. Which would basically turn her into a snake monster if she was injured too much.

idk I think you can tell how much I like this character based on this long rant lol. Hopefully someday they will finally see the pages of a published story.

Gush away man, I like starting these threads to hear about the lore bits of peoples worlds and sharing my own as well. I know that a lot of the coolest stuff in stories probably doesn't happen till much later so it might be awhile till anyone gets to talk about it or you get to talk about it personally so it's fun in threads every once in awhile.

I am quite fond of when characters have tools that often backfire or cause some other unintended effects lol, It's not cursed items in my world but my MC also has a weapon that is basically an unpredictable toy that barely helps, but is one of the few ways he can help out, so the cursed items sound like a lot of fun.

 

[Tsuru]

 

[georgelee5786]

Wouldn't you like to know weather boy

 

[CharlesEBrown]

Half of the Trickster powerset from "Between Worlds" - the half I often jokingly claimed I had as a teenager - the ability to have "either the best of all bad outcomes or worst of all beneficial ones" in any situation with multiple outcomes - and the added bonus, the ability to "sweet talk the universe" into letting lucky events befall the Trickster - as long as the event is possible, no matter how unlikely, the Trickster can "suggest" it happens and has a chance that it does happen... ("What are the odds that the car pursuing us hits that pothole we avoided just right and bottoms out?" CRASH).

 

[Bald-san]

I love convoluted triggers to abilities that work in very specific ways. Stuff like Jojo stands were a big inspiration for how the magic system in my own world works. I do love the classics as well, throwing a fireball at somebody is always neat but when there's a unique method to conjuring that ability I'm always extra intrigued. So I was wondering what kind of triggers and weird powers have you guys come up with over the years?

I got two personally that I'm really proud of, never ran into these specific triggers personally in any media before so I think they're pretty original.

Olfactory memory teleportation (I don't really have a good name for it tbh) is the first one: You teleport to a place whenever you smell something that reminds you of the place you want to go to, in the world there are these merchants who carry perfumes of all the different places they been and they can get around by taking a whiff and they're transported there. I got the idea when I was walking through a mall in my home country, and suddenly got a whiff of a smell of perfume from when I visited a friend of mine and I felt like I was back on my holiday trip. Thought it'd make for a really cool power.

The second one, I also don't really have a good name for but it's a twist on the whole, shoot elements to kill people sort of thing, I called the character using it a Lenser: basically she can afflict elemental effects onto a target when she sees them through the respective medium, so if she sees you through the flame of a lighter or a camp fire you'll burst into flames, or if she sees you through a cup of water, you'll start to feel like you're drowning. You'll freeze to ice if she sees you through a ice cube, and she can cut you to pieces if she sees you through a broken mirror.

These are my two favourites, really proud of them cause the people I told about them actually seemed interested when they usually just blow me off lol, wondering what cool stuff others have come up with.

I have recently wrote a sequel about a less explored aspect of my story, it's like soul bound weapons (though can be anything, even a toilet bowl), and one of my favorite is the one where there's a ball point pen that messes up with the proton balance of a conductor and absorbs the electron and transfers it to the conductor so that the conductor will get electrocuted. It's an application of my studies in college so it left me pretty satisfied.