A little help needed.

Fel · Post by **Fel** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 8:29 pm

I was writing a backstory/bio for my character, but ran into a little conundrum.

I think the best way to explain it would be to use Clark Kent/Superman as an example since everyone is/should be familiar with that character's backstory.

Clark Kent comes from the planet Krypton where everyone, while technologically advanced, are as normal as you and I (AFAIK). Upon coming to Earth Clark Kent develops superpowers due to our yellow sun.

Would that be a natural origin or a mutation?

A friend of mine, who I'm bouncing ideas off of, says that Clark Kent's powers are a mutation because he didn't have them before. In essence, the sun "mutated" him genetically, physically, mentally, whatever, and as a result he gain powers.

I don't disagree with her because that explanation does make some sort of sense, but on the other hand I keep thinking to myself that since the sun is part of nature that any effects gained from it would be of natural origins.

Then I got to thinking; what if the individual already had some sort of powers and that the sun or some other natural part of our environment somehow amplified their powers and/or unlocked others. Would that be a natural or mutation origin?

I'm sure I saw something about this sort of predicament somewhere on the SJS website, but I can't for the life of me find it again.

Anyways, thanks in advance for the help getting past this road block.

-Fel

Vesper Fiend · Post by **Vesper Fiend** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 9:17 pm

I could be wrong, but as I recall the story of Superman, the strength of his powers is determined by how much radiative energy his cells have absorbed from a yellow sun. I don't recall the story indicating that his physiology was altered by that exposure. Consequently, I'd claim natural.

However, it's really up to you. If you were creating an alien character that gains powers from say... being exposed to a nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, is it simply because that's what happens (natural) or because he is changed by it (could be argued natural or mutation)?

In the end, the overall concept is far more important than in-game origin. The origin just needs to "make sense" given the concept.

Fel · Post by **Fel** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 9:35 pm

Vesper wrote:I could be wrong, but as I recall the story of Superman, the strength of his powers is determined by how much radiative energy his cells have absorbed from a yellow sun. I don't recall the story indicating the his physiology was altered by that exposure. Consequently, I'd claim natural.

However, it's really up to you. If you were creating an alien character that gains powers from say... being exposed to a nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, is it simply because that's what happens (natural) or because he is changed by it (could be argued natural or mutation)?

In the end, the overall concept is far more important than in-game origin. The origin just needs to "make sense" given the concept.

My concept was that my character came from a race of aliens that all exhibit certain abilities on their homeworld. They are a cat-like humanoid race, so their natural abilities are obviously of a cat-like nature (agility, reflexes, etc). However, for reasons unknown (research is still ongoing) the inhabitant of this planet manifest different/enhanced/changed abilities when on different worlds. It is theorized that the cause of this change has to do with the different atmosphere and/or gravitational forces.

Anyways, that's my basic concept. There are a few details I left out, but that's because they are subject to change and/or complete re-writing.

I was just worried because I don't want to have a character of natural origin with a backstory better suited to a mutation origin. It would scream of incompetence on my part.

Cryogene · Post by **Cryogene** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 9:48 pm

Definitely natural in Superman's case. Put him on a world with a red sun and he'll be no stronger than any other human. More importantly, anyone else from Krypton will see the same results if they come to Earth. It's something about yellow stars in particular that do it to Kryptonians.

So the question for your character is two-fold:
1) If someone else from his species arrives in the same environment, will they get the same powers?
2) Is the change permanent? If your hero leaves the environment in question, will he remain superpowered?

If 1 is true, then it's natural. Anyone of his species can do what he does if they want to.

If 1 is false but 2 is true, then I'd actually call it a science origin: an exposure to odd radiation (odd for him, anyway) changed him forever. Think Fantastic Four.

If both are false, call it a mutant: something about him in particular gets power from the environment, but it's not normal for his species. For example, Cyclops' laser beams are also solar powered. Other humans don't get the same result. Why? Because Cyclops has a unique mutated genome that he was born with.

Of course, the lines between a lot of these can be blurry, especially the mutant/science one (were genes altered by the exposure, or were the genes already there waiting for the radiation to give them power?) But that's my understanding.

Misericorde · Post by **Misericorde** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 9:52 pm

It has been established (usually anyway) that the "yellow sun" ability is an ability inherited by all Kryptonians, not simply Superman. If it is natural for his race, that would make him a "Natural" origin. I guess.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 10:00 pm

Cryogene wrote:Definitely natural in Superman's case. Put him on a world with a red sun and he'll be no stronger than any other human. More importantly, anyone else from Krypton will see the same results if they come to Earth. It's something about yellow stars in particular that do it to Kryptonians.

So the question for your character is two-fold:
1) If someone else from his species arrives in the same environment, will they get the same powers?
2) Is the change permanent? If your hero leaves the environment in question, will he remain superpowered?

If 1 is true, then it's natural. Anyone of his species can do what he does if they want to.

If 1 is false but 2 is true, then I'd actually call it a science origin: an exposure to odd radiation (odd for him, anyway) changed him forever. Think Fantastic Four.

If both are false, call it a mutant: something about him in particular gets power from the environment, but it's not normal for his species. For example, Cyclops' laser beams are also solar powered. Other humans don't get the same result. Why? Because Cyclops has a unique mutated genome that he was born with.

Of course, the lines between a lot of these can be blurry, especially the mutant/science one (were genes altered by the exposure, or were the genes already there waiting for the radiation to give them power?) But that's my understanding.

Well 1 is true, but the effects are as unique as the individual.

2 is false. When the individual leaves the affected area they return to how they were. If the same individual visits 3 planets, the abilities manifested will be different unless all three have the exact same atmospheric composition and gravitational force.

Fel · Post by **Fel** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 10:02 pm

Gah I forgot to put my name on that last post. lol

I also wanted to add that I guess if 1 is true and 2 is false that could still be natural (even if it's still undiscovered WHY it happens).

Nova · Post by **Nova** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:03 am

As a Comic nerd I can assure you he is natural. If anything I think they had some stories about how he is a descendant of a Krypton God or something... (explaining some of his insane upper limits)

Post by **Mimi** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 9:17 am

Sounds like you guys have this well in hand. I have nothing else to add to the conversation except "kneel before Zod!"

Fel · Post by **Fel** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:55 am

Well, I finished writing it. To my dismay only half of it fits in the in-game box, which pretty much sucks. lol

Elly · Post by **Elly** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:50 pm

Well, gotta save SOMETHING for your board biography.

Gabriel Templar · Post by **Gabriel Templar** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 6:38 pm

A brief guide to Origins:

Science: Powers result from a scientific process and are a permanent change. The most common is probably the accident (Eg: Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk) The only exception might be an accident or occurance that fuses someone with technology (like Doctor Octopus) which might qualify as either tech-O or Science. Intentional exposure to fantastic forces also qualify.

Mutation: A natural genetic malformation that gives powers. Examples: any of the X-men except Wolverine (who could be either Tech, Science or Mutation-O depending, he has natural mutations augmented by his adamantium bone lacing and other travesties against nature)

Technology: Power from devices, not usually accepted to SJS, so it's kinda a moot point, but a case could be made for some combination-type origins (like a Wolverine-type, mutant augmented by technology/science) or someone fused into technology or bound by it (IE Positron (who is actually mutation-O because of his actual powers, but could be called tech-O probably too) or Doctor Octopus). Someone who IS technology would also qualify (like Luminary or Citadel).

Natural: Either doesn't have powers, or the powers are perfectly normal for what the character is (their race, typically). The first doesn't fit for SJS, but examples would include Batman or the Punisher. The second would encompass Superman I think, but he could be called mutation as well. Examples of the second, which I think would be another natural fit for SJS (no pun intended) would be like a catgirl that's a claw/SR scrapper or any Kheldian or member of a strange race.

Magic: Somewhat obvious, they get their powers through non-technological artificial means. This could be as a result of a magical device (like the Green Lanturn) but if you're in SJS the device better be bonded to you or something, or it could be a result of a lasting change from magical exposure (see any H.P. Lovecraft protagonist).

Honestly a lot of concepts fit in multiple categories. Look at Gabe, he could be called natural-O, since his abilities are normal for his race (or the race he was a part of) or magic-O since he uses magic to do his electric powers. Half his powers are racially inherent (natural) the other half are magical... so a case could be made. In this case I liked the idea of him having a connection to the entities and using magic trinkets (magic SOs and DOs) as opposed to devices and military training (natural DO and SOs) so I went with Magic.

Fel · Post by **Fel** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 6:52 pm

For those who, like me, have an overwhelming sense of curiosity I'll post what I've written here.

I tend to also have the need to fix things (that aren't always necessarily broken) or try to make them "better", so I've got to fight my urge to want to constantly re-write the whole thing.

I've probably still got a few Kinks to work out though. Anyways, let me know what you think.

Felineia hails from the planet Amehe Tertius, the seventh planet in a solar system found in what Earthlings refer to as the constellation of Orion. A planet populated by a peaceful race best described as cat-like humanoids. Naturally possessing astonishing agility, keen reflexes, and acute senses of hearing, sight, and smell. However, under different atmospheric and gravitational conditions these abilities seem to undergo dramatic changes.

Back on Amehe Tertius, research is still being done to explain why these changes occur. No concrete explanation has yet been found. The only thing that is for certain is that the changes manifested are as unique as the individual and the environment in question, and the subject returns to normal when they leave the area. No co-relation has been found between the atmospheric composition, gravitational forces, and the powers that will manifest. Therefore, there's no way to predict who will develop what abilities under a certain condition. Luckily, it appears that none of the manifested powers have unintentionally caused any harm to any of the affected individuals or those around them. It is widely believed that this stems from the fact that Amehe Tertius-ians are peaceful in nature, and therefore are incapable of manifesting abilities that would unintentionally do harm to anyone.

Felineia finds herself on Earth is due to yet another cat-like characteristic all Amehe Tertius-ians share; curiosity. Every in habitant of Amehe Tertius shares the same, sometimes overwhelming, curiosity that drives them in their search to acquire new knowledge, explore new worlds, and just experience as many things as they can. Both for self-benefit and for the benefit of the race as a whole. In short Felineia came across Earth in her search to quell that vast curiosity of hers. Earth has plenty of things for her to explore and experience. It's enough to keep her busy-- At least for now.

One thing I'll probably change right off the bat is the planet's name. I just have to find a better, easier to pronounce one.

Cryogene · Post by **Cryogene** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:42 am

Yeah, I would definitely call that a natural origin.

Timothy Bastian · Post by **Timothy Bastian** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 12:07 am

Hi Fel, sounds like you've been making a lot of progress with your concept. Is this a toon you're planning to apply to join SJS with?