Re: Horror Scenario: Babies without souls
If I was going to create a world background that utilizes a concept of Soul-less, I think I'd take a cue from Brandon Sanderson's "Warbreaker".
He presents the concept of "BioChromatic Breath" as an essence that everyone has, and is the basis for magic powers in that world. A person can actually give over this essence to another person, and become Colorless. They kinda look pale-grey and sickly, become depressed, the light and spark leaves their eyes, there's a dull demeanor, they move kinda slow... it's what I'd imagine giving up your Soul (or part of it) would be like, like the description of a thrall in Viking times, or a burned out drug addict in today's world.
A main character gives away Breath and you get an inside view of what it feels like. Dim, incurious, uninterested in life (or anything really). Almost a zombie mentally maybe. In GURPS terms, perhaps -2 IQ, -3 Will, Low Empathy or Callous, unnatural Feature: "gray and tired looking all the time", -2 FP, -1 HT, -1 ST, Confused. It's rough living.
For anyone curious, having extra Breaths gives you Vitality and Stamina and basically super powers if you have enough. Rich folk pay mightily to get the poor's Breath. Giving up your Breath could set up your family financially for life! Oh, and it can't be taken by force; it has to be given up willingly. Worth the read if the concept sounds interesting btw
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