Amended - Anomalous Augmentation
To access the Alter, one must be augmented in the heaviest forms. Because of this, many are not physically suitable to be Amended. When one undergoes this process, they are exposed to a dreadful amount of physical change which integrates exotic and multidimensional matter into their arsenal of capabilities. Some set backs to being Amended are physical disfiguration ranging up to loss of previous personality traits. Early experiments of Amended included the subjects going entirely feral and animalistic. Because of how dangerous this process is, dirty augmentation is heavily frowned upon, unethical and avoided in most cases. There are some ways to be naturally Amended, however, this is usually accidental. There is no way to predict the outcome of natural Amendment. Technically, Amended are classifiable as Anomalies due to their effects and how they affect exotic matters and sometimes multidimensional elements.
Process Overview
The process of becoming amended begins with introducing the body to an array of exotic material and particles. While the body undergoes this stress, it is then forced to hyper evolve to adapt to the new, highly dangerous particles being packed into the individual. Which particles and raw matter are introduced to the subject will affect the outcome. Due to the process however, it required the subject to "step into the void" so to speak. Slipping outside of reality in a sense only just far enough for time and space to not allow the subject's body to find a way to die via spatial stasis. This is effectively the opposite of the kind of process ships use to travel interstellar distances. Those who survive this ordeal must "walk" within the void, finding a way to mentally fortify themselves, as well as force their body to process normal bodily functions despite the harshness of their new forms and conditions the must now live with.
Result
The outcomes of being amended varies dependent on which combinations of matter and energy are used to infuse with the subject. Only a triad of elements may be used as any more guarantees death with three items being the most dangerous. Possible outcomes include manipulations of spatial and elemental influences.
- Leaping: Leapers have the ability to leap from one point to another by creating a "hole" around one's self to slip into a subdimension where space is calculated and measured differently. Typically this is an incredibly difficult process and requires a kind of particle acceleration device which the Leaper must wear to actually do this.
- Ripping: Rippers can yank dimensional walls apart. Not for travel, but more so breaking the concept of Euclidean concepts. While a ripper can only manipulate spatial affects around their immediate selves, it is possible that if one were hooked into a large enough power supply, they could create and sustain non-Euclidean space of a one kilometer diameter.
- Listening: Listeners are mentally aware on a multi-dimensional level and can even process broadcasted thoughts. Similar to the idea of a Psionic, a listener could either project thoughts, ideas, or even their own voices into someone's head, or read one's mind if they are sufficiently weak willed. In some rare cases, it is even possible for a listener to process the ambient thoughts or remaining mental output of people who have already died from locations they have been while still living. For people of sufficient self-awareness, a listener can not access their immediate and direct thoughts without being sensed by their target. Listeners can however, push very subtle and basic ideas into their targets heads without being detected in some cases.
In the end, all Amended are capable of most of the above items to some capacity. However, their primary is always observably present, the rest are mostly so incredibly small in their effects that it is simply negligible. In the end, there is only amended, and what they wind up being able to do well enough to be worth focusing their training on. The one thing most amended can usually access to one extent or another is The Alter (WIP - do not solidify reference), sometimes also making them a Caster. The Alter is an alternate dimension which a certain kind of energy is the foundation of all properties there. Because this energy is multi-dimensional, it can be harnessed by all Amended to some extent. The energy from the Alter (Often itself referred to as "summoning the Alter") comes in a few forms including Flare, Warp, and Arc.
Casters can grip and accumulate exotic matter and throw the concentrate, allowing them to throw energy or matter in particular states like projectiles. In general, casters can only conjure energy in various states or the effects of matter in certain highly energetic states. Lightning, fire, plasma, frost, and some other similar basic states of matter and energy are available to most casters, but usually only one or two will prove well enough attuned and practical. On top of this, Casters are the only Amended who can to at least some extent, conjure more exotic types of energy or states of matter as more are discovered.
People who study the art of amended call the field itself Mysticism, referring to the deepest delvers of Amended studies and lore; "Mystics".
Side Effects
Amended side effects, similarly to their abilities, reflect the kind of process undertaken to become amended. Leapers for example, have heavily scarred skin from stretch marks and skin tearing due to their having to attune to spatial relocation and keeping their body from being ripped apart. Some of these scars even glowing like cracks. Rippers lose all pigmentation in their body, appearing as shades ranging from black to gray. Listeners have a black, biological excretion which leaks from their eyes and sometimes nose when using their abilities in greater volume. Casters often suffer from incredibly shaky hands and arms, making their aim far less effective and forcing them to rely on honing their ability to cast for projectile use. An amended who only suffers from physical side effects is lucky. Most endure severe psychological trauma, and some physical. Many who undergo the process in imperfect conditions simply die or do not emerge from the dimensional transition.
Culture
Many of the Amended mentally exist on more than one plane of existence. As a result, most of them are often bombarded with multiple inputs to their sensory. Many will keep to themselves or their own kind. This combination causes an adjustment to their mental state, and sometimes, their personality.
The Amended will, over time or depending on how they are raised, begin adopting certain ritualistic tendencies to help ground themselves in the "here and now". Some are as simple burning incents, others extend to add on mantras or physical motion similar to Yoga or Tai Chi, some even going into full Specialized Martial arts. Some Amended have been known to get Tattoos to reflect depictions of the extradimensional imagery and visions they receive in dreams.