Post by Tulf on May 16, 2015 17:04:16 GMT
GENERATIONS
As hybrids develop based on the essence of the supernatural in humans, this essence can be passed down naturally through breeding like any other genetic material; albeit in this case in a magical sense rather than a wholly genetic one – however, this still leads to monstrous natures manifesting in different ways in different offspring. Even in very strong examples of supernatural essence in humans can lead to very odd manifestations of the original being’s traits; but in most cases the more ‘human’ a beast is the more straightforward its traits are. Demi-human examples such as vampires are some of the most straightforward cases, to the point of being defined outright as dhampirs rather than just ‘vampire hybrids’ and being prescribed to their own set of traits rather than just an association.
In the most recent century, there has been a noticeable split in the development of hybrids. Hybrid generations originating before 1945 tend to be more in control of themselves and less clearly affected by their inhuman nature; with most families simply attempting to blend into society instead of capitalising on their supernatural side. There are certainly examples of families trying to enhance their essences using rituals or more direct means, though; and some have developed their own family groups or schools of magic or martial arts – however, these ambitions have generally been kept secret as per the supernatural world of the time, and often proved futile given the attitudes of the Church and other anti-hybrid authorities.
However, beyond 1945 there was a gradual shift towards hybrids having more and more radical changes in their humanity via their essences – the exact reasons for this change are still vague in the eyes of the supernatural community, though many assume it has been linked to the outbreak in 1945... although many detractors of the magical community would rather blame their increasing operations instead. These hybrid generations have much more pure examples of supernatural essence within them compared to the diluted examples in the pre-1945 hybrids; which leads to both clearer traits from their inhuman predecessor but also a swifter descent into madness and other signs of falling to their monstrous nature.
These patterns have also appeared in hybrids that have been developed through unnatural or magical means such as the infusion of essence via rituals, or the fusion of an inhuman soul with a human body; so it can be assumed it’s something more related to the global state of the supernatural rather than anything on an individual or national level.
There are no defined rules on generations in regards to character creation, but try and consider how their mental state and abilities would be defined given this information; and create a brief history of the character’s essence based on the facts. They’re made to be flexible, but they should also give some inspiration!
MONSTROUS HERITAGE
As one would imagine, being inherently inhuman while being in a predominantly human world is generally not that good for one’s mental health. The natural concerns of difference, inability to fit in, and fear of being exposed are all exaggerated and made far more terrifying given the spite a large portion of humanity aims towards hybrids. Even the similar reactions of awe or worship are typically too much for hybrids – most humans are simply not prepared for that sort of life. Add to that the Church making their intentions of purging inhumans particularly clear, and life can be hard for hybrids to bear. Especially for those whom don’t entirely comprehend their supernatural nature, let alone its origins.
However, there is an additional layer to these threats in the form of ‘Monstrous Heritage’, a term describing hybrids’ tendencies to indulge in behaviour linked to their supernatural essence’s origins. Typically these behaviours are involuntary, and are minor traits – however, the more concentrated the essence and the more the hybrid uses and indulges in their inhuman traits; the more severe and uncontrolled these actions become. Eventually, the hybrid may as well be a different person; an example of their supernatural kind trapped in the body of a human.
This is not an inevitable fate, however; as many hybrids have managed their inhuman nature or simply become entirely in tune with it; although it is typically a long and exhaustive path to take. Ideally, the human already has an understanding of their supernatural nature early in life and lacks reason to be worried by it – it is simply a fact of life to them. They may have a personality or attitudes that simply interlink with their supernatural nature to begin with, making their mindset reasonably unchanged as they become more monstrous. However, these are just the most lucky souls.
That is not to say that this sort of state is impossible for most hybrids, as an understanding of one’s unnatural nature can be formed over time from teaching and experience – understanding the source of one’s traits, learning about their natures, accepting one’s inhuman traits as one’s own; these acts will do a lot for preserving one’s sanity as there is less of a ‘clash’ between the inhuman and human sides of the soul. Meditation, controlled practice of one’s powers, and introspective practices can also do a lot for hybrids in such a situation, as they learn more about themselves and the nature of their inhuman side. For a normal human who realizes their supernatural side, though; it can feel impossible to comprehend one’s inhumanity, let alone accept it – thus, many hybrids are driven to madness as they succumb the clash between their human and inhuman natures; typically being driven to suicide or homicide due to their Monstrous Heritage.