Sourced from The Conflict Thesaurus, Volume 2
EXAMPLES:
Hearing other people’s thoughts
Everything the character touches turning to dust
Seeing the deceased in spirit form
Having acute hearing that can’t be shut off
Physically feeling others’ pain
The character being able to grant other people’s wishes (but not their own)
Being invisible
Having a fantastic singing voice, but only when the character is alone
Being immortal, even if the character has severe wounds
Smelling things more strongly than what is normal
Having visions of the future
Seeing how people are going to die
Spontaneously time-warping or teleporting without any control
Strong emotions affecting the weather
Being a powerful empath who senses every emotion
Being able to do something that other people wish to exploit
MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Lacking the ability to control the power
Difficulty communicating with others
People asking insensitive questions
Repeatedly being asked for a demonstration
Breaking something or destroying it
Having physical ailments related to the power (headaches, ringing ears, nausea, etc.)
Not being able to sleep well
Feeling or being treated like an outcast
The character’s senses being overloaded
Being treated like a spectacle by others
Friends and acquaintances being afraid of the character
Being gossiped about
People making assumptions about the character because of the power
Having to take uncomfortable or inconvenient precautions so the power isn’t used accidentally (wearing earplugs, not being able to touch people, having to avoid places with strong smells, etc.)
Needing to be hyperaware of triggers and avoid them
POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
Using the power to do something awful and not being able to undo it
Accidentally hurting a friend
Being avoided by everyone
Losing a significant other who doesn’t know how to deal with the character’s abilities
Using the power in anger against an enemy, and something terrible happening
Being completely isolated, with no friends or supporters
Being hunted by people who wish the character ill
Having no way to get rid of the power
The character accidentally destroying the world
RESULTING EMOTIONS: Anguish, Anxiety, Appalled, Bitterness, Concern, Defeat, Despair, Desperation, Devastation, Envy, Frustration, Grief, Guilt, Humbled, Hysteria, Loneliness, Longing, Overwhelmed, Paranoia, Self-Loathing, Self-Pity, Shame, Tormented
POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
Wanting someone to talk to but being afraid of rejection or not being believed
Wanting to make the power stop but not knowing how
Trying to make friends but worrying about what others will think
Struggling to relate to others
Sinking into despair and negativity
The character struggling to contain their frustration so they won’t take it out on others
The character feeling like they’re unlovable
Being hyperaware of the power and how it could embarrass them or cause problems for others
NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT MAY WORSEN THE SITUATION: Controlling, Cruel, Cynical, Devious, Greedy, Hostile, Humorless, Impatient, Impulsive, Know-It-All, Manipulative, Mischievous, Nosy, Reckless, Self-Indulgent, Temperamental, Unethical, Vain, Vindictive
IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
Self-Actualization: A power that makes the character’s goals harder to reach will hinder them in achieving their full potential.
Esteem and Recognition: If the power a character has is harmful or embarrassing, this could lead to others judging them or avoiding them, damaging their self-esteem.
Love and Belonging: Having a power that makes the character different from everyone else can jeopardize their sense of place and belonging. It might also become something that others want to possess and control, meaning people may seek relationships with the intent to take advantage.
Safety and Security: Depending on the power, the character could endanger themselves without meaning to.
POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE: Adaptable, Bold, Charming, Confident, Creative, Disciplined, Discreet, Friendly, Funny, Generous, Imaginative, Industrious, Inspirational, Optimistic, Organized, Quirky, Resourceful, Talented, Uninhibited, Whimsical
POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
Finding a cure for the affliction or power
Learning to use the power to help someone
Using the power to entertain others or make money
Finding purpose in the power
Finding someone who is able to love the character unconditionally
See the complete lists of entries for Volume 1 and Volume 2.
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