Transhuman and Supers

[Lameth]

Originally Posted by Anthony

Thematically, transhumanism is about becoming more than human, and superhumans are more than human, so seeking out superpowers is a perfectly plausible thing for transhumanism. However, it depends a bit on what you mean by "supers"; do you mean superpowers, or superheroes?

A little of both. Superheroes and just powers. Low level marvel, but closer to classic Wildstorm comics or image.

[Lameth]

Originally Posted by (E)

What about turning the idea on its head, rather than a transhuman world with supers added you had a world that became a transhuman setting due to the influence of supers?

Mad scientists and the like advance the sciences to those of tranhuman space. Incorporating "super" biological processes is just another type of enhancement. But wild supers still exist.

Oooooooooooo...I like that ! Very interesting. Maybe mega corps also pushed it toward as well?

[AlexanderHowl]

Of course, it would be an interesting twist if only baseline humans are capable of developing powers. What happens if every unmodified human in the Sol System developed powers after a plague meant to sterilize unmodified humans only caused temporary sterility but triggered the awakening of ([ST + HT]*10) points of initial powers (abilities and talents)? Of course, the powered humans could receive future modifications, but every character point of future modifications would cost them a character point of existing powers (disturbing the holistic integrity of their bodies would interfere with their existing powers).

At that point, there would be a conflict between modified humans and powered humans, as the average unmodified human would possess 200 CP worth of initial powers and could develop additional powers through investing character points. As soon as the powered humans realized that modifications would cost them some of their existing powers, they would likely avoid investing in modifications. Modified humans would find themselves at a disadvantage, as they would have to depend on genetics and technology to even the scales.

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by Lameth

Oh I get that. But I have a want and an ask to also run a supers game, so I thought, "ok lets see if I can blend in a interesting way".

I get that, but I have to say I actually kind of prefer superhero campaigns that don't have the Super modifier. It feels like the very early Justice League story where Amazo the android copies Flash's speed, Green Lantern's power ring, Wonder Woman's lasso and Amazon battle training, Aquaman's aquatic powers, and J'onn J'onzz's Martian abilities, because they're all "super." Really, no, they aren't at all. I like different heroes having different power sources that give them different strengths and weaknesses and open up different power sets. And while I can see "Psionic" as being a category that can be interfered with by specific ultra-tech or abilities, I don't find it easy to think ot "Super" that way.

[Lameth]

Originally Posted by whswhs

I get that, but I have to say I actually kind of prefer superhero campaigns that don't have the Super modifier. It feels like the very early Justice League story where Amazo the android copies Flash's speed, Green Lantern's power ring, Wonder Woman's lasso and Amazon battle training, Aquaman's aquatic powers, and J'onn J'onzz's Martian abilities, because they're all "super." Really, no, they aren't at all. I like different heroes having different power sources that give them different strengths and weaknesses and open up different power sets. And while I can see "Psionic" as being a category that can be interfered with by specific ultra-tech or abilities, I don't find it easy to think ot "Super" that way.

Oh I’m sorry now I understand your question.. yes! I believe as you do. Various elements and origins for “abilities” or “gifts”. Various and many modifiers.

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by Lameth

Oh I’m sorry now I understand your question.. yes! I believe as you do. Various elements and origins for “abilities” or “gifts”. Various and many modifiers.

I played with a version of that setup in a Pyramid article, "Götterdämmerung," that ran in #102. I think I had specifications for 14 possible origins.