Mutant traits and Ectoplasm

Before entering into a discussion about the specific divergences seen in each of the common mutant traits, it is perhaps, important to understand the scope and breakdown of those traits and their commonalities. While to the layman, it might seem as each power must be a unique development from the fundamental core that is humanity; this could not be further from the truth.

The key here lies in understanding that despite humanity's basic perceptions revealing to us the elements of three dimensions and we are able to grasp to some limited means a fourth dimension through the interpretation of the change in the three we do perceive well; we exist and are, ourselves, present in a universe of many dimensions. At least ten, perhaps thirteen, or likely far more. Mathematics certainly gives us evidence of this but outside of the paranormal community; our experience with such things is theoretical at best. But, within the paranormal community, evidence of these additional dimensions, and our 'shape' within them is actually a fundamental measure of what we are.

Psychics and Mages throughout the millennia have worked to perceive the human existence from outside the limitations of physical senses. What they have found is that on these higher levels, just as there are on our lowest levels as we evaluate DNA, are maps and templates that define how we fit into the universe. Where DNA tells our biology how to grow, what talents to give us, these higher order templates and 'database entries' map out our place within the context of fate, lining us up for the discharge of karma, for learning important lessons, and for the integration of our higher self with these gross pieces of flesh.

In mutants, we see a far more active integration of these higher order templates and database entries with their physical nature. In some cases, perhaps even in 'many' cases, what should be a purely normal human template has somehow been integrated with or replaced by something 'more.' Whether these are a natural evolution in humanity or a breakdown in some sort of cosmic record keeping is difficult to be certain of, there are certainly catastrophic events in our history that could have introduced such problems into ancient records. However, it is more likely that this is a simple case of necessity... that humanity's fate was in need of something more than simple biological evolution at this stage of our development.

Whatever the reason, understanding and accepting the existence of this additional layer in which our nature is defined is the necessary first step in understand the commonality of the traits mutants express. The second is to understand that no mutant power exists in which that power is completely an aspect of genetic biology. This is, to some degree, why despite the awareness of the mutant gene complex; no science founded purely in the understanding of third or fourth dimensional physics can reliably map and measure, or for that matter trigger, what individuals will manifest and which will not. Or even, without seeing the outcome (observing the powers, seeing the discernible difference in eye color, etc), even reliably identify that one individual has manifested while another has not.

The first point of divergence from existing trait identification

It is important to note that what we refer to as a power trait... a mutant ability... is not the product of one single mutation, a single evolutionary step in one organ or body part. Each trait is a combination of evolutionary trends which, in concert, provide a unique ability to use the body or mind. So where the casual observer sees the ability to generate and channel electrical energy in the form of small lightning bolts and believes that this mutant has evolved that one trait via a specific set of genes that we might identify as an Energizer? He is woefully mistaken... in fact, even low ranking Energizers tend to have evolutionary advances in their nervous systems, their sensory capabilities, the organs that make up the channels and reservoirs for the energy to flow through and charge (without which that power would flow unchecked through normal organic tissue), and the means by which they connect with their power source. This nodal gateway is only partially biological... a great part of its nature is hidden from our science in the higher dimensions. However, the parts we understand are surprisingly similar to the Hallow of an Avatar or the Well of a Mage.

It is in the combination of these various improvements that we see powers emerge. And, in many cases, the successful mutations reoccur frequently. Some evolutionary steps occur only rarely... and appear only in combinations that produce unique or unusually powerful traits. Some components do not seem to complete their transformation... as if they are impaired by lack of energy or in conflict with other elements of the individual's nature. These often result in GSD or more life threatening manifestations (often referred to as burnout). Ultimately, the study of records for the last two to three decades show that the most common and successful evolutionary steps combine to produce the foundation traits that we test for in their commonly found ranks (to ranks four or five). Some lesser known and unsuccessful processes still occur in more unique traits, especially those defined as Warper abilities, or in ranks above five.

In investigation, it is often said that if one follows the money back; all crimes become clear. In the study of mutant traits, the key is in finding where the power originates and then mapping out where it is applied. On the most basic level, the power at a mutant's disposal is either generated Internally (from a purely biological source, or by means of another non-human energy generating means) or it is provided by an External source and the mutant is the means through which the power flows. From this source, power is applied typically in one of four ways. It may be used from within (part of the physical body), it can be used within the aura (the mental sheath, or energy self that is the higher dimensional parts of our self), it can be projected outside and away from the self, or it can reach into the 'universe' itself. And from these combinations of source → purpose, a greater understanding of every trait is possible. As is the all important goal of developing training programs viable for power traits that have never before been observed, due to their similarity to those measured in the past.

The Argument for the Veil as a Source of Mutant Energies

While several known energy sources exist to be used by humans and mutants alike (Psionic energy generated through mental activity where thinking sentient beings exist, magick Essence for manipulation by mages, spiritual energy as used by planeswalkers, spirits, and totems; divine force as manipulated by those we classify as 'gods' and the forces of mythos which are best left to the Outsiders and their minions), human mutants tend to draw on the energies and laws that bind the world(s) together. Reaching outside of the construct that is the physical reality, they bring this energy of the world barrier (the Veil) back into the physical realm where it inherently takes on the form of ectoplasmic goo.

This goo is completely inert. It has only those characteristics that are imposed upon it. But it IS energy of an extremely concentrated sort (sufficient to appear as nearly matter). It is most visibly used by those mutants classified as Manifestors, who draw objects from nowhere (often weapons or armor), that are fantastically strong, sharp, or resilient. In this summoning process, we often even see the intermediate stage as the ectoplasm appears and takes shape and form as the desired object. More capable Manifestors even animate the goo into cartoon shapes capable of making sound and taking action. When released, the goo reverts to uncontrolled energy and dissipates.

However, not all cases are so obvious. While some instances of Regeneration draw energy directly from the Internal biological sources, with the potential of consuming the body's resources in the process of trying to repair it; most powerful versions of Regeneration require significant replacement of bio-mass and energy to manipulate it. Like versions of Shifting that see variation from form to form, this mass has to come from an outside source. That source appears to be Manifested Veil energy. Similarly, Energizers have long been believed to tap into a massive electrical field of the Earth... but this theory doesn't support those mutants who are much like Energizers but operate with power other than electricity. Instead, any one of these Energizer types can be accounted for through the use of Manifested ectoplasm being the original form of their energy... which is then manipulated to a form usable by other traits.

While testing and coordinated analysis is still underway, initial results support this theory of many mutant traits being a combination of the process of using this most common type of 'Warping' that allows for changing our universal law/boundaries just enough to allow energy from the Veil to be pulled into the world and some type of Psionic imprinting to turn the ectoplasm into another sort of useful energy or matter. While this doesn't account for ALL mutant types (Mages and Avatars are defined by their ability to draw 'other' types of energy... Essence or Spirit)... nearly every trait can be explained as a psionic ability using ectoplasm in some way.