While I realize, of course, that some of the people and entities who frequent Come In Character already have supernatural abilities, from telepathy to immortality, none of us is exactly as we wish to be. Surely, every one of us, whether author or character, would like to possess an extraordinary ability not yet possessed. Invisibility, perhaps? Telekinesis? Or the power to turn back time?What could prove to be even more interesting is the reason behind such a desire. A bank robber might seek the skill to move between walls, while a child plagued by bullies might long for the power of flight.
So, authors and characters, I ask you:
What would you want if you could have any superpower? And why that one in particular?
496 comments:
1 – 200 of 496 Newer› Newest»"I can authorize that"
As an eligibility worker, I want to give everyone who comes into my office exactly what they feel entitled to.
Shoot; doesn't everyone deserve to have what they most desire?
......dhole
I watched Bruce Almighty.
Yeah; give me God-like powers and I wouldn't be selfish with them at all.
I'd wipe out alcoholism, addiction, and anyone not bathed in the light of God.
People would have faith - in God, and each other. There'd be no need for disbelief. No wars; we'd all believe the same, worship the same. Everything would be equal.
One God, one faith, one world. Unity across the globe. Salvation for eternity would be achieved for all.
No one would ever need -
Dude. Red; you're scaring the peoples. Pissing some off, too.
Have another brew, I'll get the pipe going. Mellow out.
I know, the world needs changing. But lets discuss some possibilities . .
The ability to step into another dimension where time passes relatively slower compared to here--than I could do something for an hour in there and it would only take minutes of our time.
I would like the power to just "be" wherever I wanted to be. None of this tedious travel that takes hours or days. It'd have to be perfectly safe though, awful to end up like The Fly!
Well, Donna, I'm not sure that EVERYONE deserves to have what they most desire - especially if what he/she desires is to rape, pillage, maim, or kill others. But I see your point.
While I appreciate your sentiment, Robert, I'd just as soon desire that, as God, you'd leave atheists like me alone.
Yeah, what Olivia said... that goes for me, too.
Now, now, dear characters. Let's not get our feathers too ruffled. Robert surely has good intentions, even if God isn't always the most direct path to grace. Terrorists, anyone?
My power would be- having the power to turn back time.
I think thats the only thing we'd need in this world,- to turn back time. Fixing a few things of our own can fix everything.,
Galadriel, I love yours. I want that, too.
And an invisible jet like Wonder Woman so I could fly over the ocean whenever I wanted to.
Hi Laura,
I believe Donna works in social services. So she's talking about housing, food, disability pay and other forms of help.
I wish I could be so strong no one could hurt me. Like Wolverine.
With the claws, too.
That would be awesome.
Of course, Christine. I understood that! I'm not a dum-dum, you know. ;-)
P.S. My point was a more general one... as in, should "bad" people get what they want, too? Hopefully, Donna understood that. Commenting is, unfortunately, NOT an exact science.
And, yes, I'm also in favor of Galadriel's superpower wish - more time would be lovely! Sadly, though, I would probably use the extra time to get work done - and not necessarily have more fun. What does that say about me? :-(
Thanks Christine; that really is what I meant.
However Laura; I'm a cynic, and it was a bit - sarcastic.
Super powers would be a dangerous thing to have. Too much responsibility for any one person.
Its why I'm so fond of fantasy novels; I can believe in the worlds, and forget about this one for a while.
Some days are tougher than others; I'll be Olivia understands.
......dhole
Olivia, Meg: don't mind my Bro Robert.
What he really wants is peace and happiness for everyone. He just believes God is the only way to achieve that.
He'd answer himself right now, but he's passed out from last night's drinking and discussions.
Gladriel and 17: Oh the things I could fix in my past with that power.
I wonder though if I'd have the gifts and love I have today without that life path.
Lookit me, sounding like Robert . .
Laura, you sound just like me. Whenever I have time, I end up doing more things instead of relaxing. But we are both self-employed, and it's tough out there!
How's this for a superpower: The ability to relax at any time, no matter what the circumstances?
Jules, honey, you've got a bit too much unresolved anger.
Ooh, Ginger, I like your idea! My husband would definitely agree that that's a superpower I could use. In fact, I often wonder if I even know HOW to relax anymore. :-(
Oh, and Donna, please do accept my humble apology if my earlier comments offended you. I very much respect what you do for a living - and my intention was only meant to make a general point about humanity (or at least part of it), not to impugn what you do.
Frankly, given what I see and hear on the news day in and day out, I find it difficult to believe that everyone deserves what he or she most desires. Too many times, it seems, one person's free will ends up violating another's.
Oh, what a superpower that would be - to discern the good from the bad and act accordingly. Course, there we go again, talking about religion. Can't escape it, it seems.
It is rather complicated, having demons, angels, fairies, mages, vampires, aliens, Hanorja and Christians in the same company, isn't it? But then, that's what makes this CIC!
That must be why we drink so much. Feeling better today, Ginger?
Um, yes. And you?
Definitely. But I do feel sad for Aidan. It's all so difficult. Have you ever loved more than one person at the same time? They are so different, and I love them both for different reasons.
I can empathize, Marenya. I once loved two men at the same time - and believe me, it was very difficult choosing one over the other... but all I can promise you is that, if you listen to your heart, it will steer you in the right direction. Much luck to you!
Aden fath, everyone. Marenya.
"Super" powers? If you mean magic, it is highly overrated.
I am looking for a demon named Aidan. Is he here?
I definitely need some super powers. I don't want to be invisible even though it would make hiding easier. I'd rather be able to fight back so me and my mom could stop looking over our shoulder waiting for my dad and Elijah to find us. Maybe laser vision like Cyclops in X-Men, but only when I wanted it so I would have to wear those geeky glasses all the time...
Laura: no offense at all. In fact, I kinda laughed at your comment.
Here's what I think about superpowers; for any one good deed you do, several people can come up with at least ten different ways of abusing it. But again, that's the cynic in me.
But I like Ginger's idea of a super power for relaxation. I could so use that - on myself.
It has to come with a guilt free package too, so you don't try to make up the wasted time on another day :)
........dhole
Hi Bree,
Why are you hiding from your father?
Yes, Ginger, having so many different (and unusual) folks and creatures at CIC definitely makes it complicated to express oneself at times. After all, you're bound to offend someone - even when no offense is intended.
Thanks, Olivia. It's nice to know that my characters have my back - especially when tough revisions loom. Oh, wait, that could be the reason that my characters are nice to me. Out of fear of being edited away. Hmmm...
P.S. Phew! I'm glad we're still buds, Donna - and that I was able to make you laugh (kinda). :-)
If I could have a magic power it would be to kill anything evil instantly, before it hurt someone.
That might be too much power. What if the person you killed wasn't truly evil?
I said "thing," not "person."
That's a relief.
Not for me.
Raynor? Or sir? Whatever you are, I'm here.
As for a superpower, i have one and it mostly sucks.
So you are the pup who threatened Faldur? This is the Lord Seer?
Don't goad him, Raynor.
You're right, of course, Marenya.
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Prince Raynor, of Belhanor. A friend of Faldur's. A very good friend.
And so that means what? You're going to try to kick my ass?
Not today. I just wanted to see you. And for you to see me.
Diplomatic relations, you might say.
He might be a friendly, Aidan. Don't be so quick to judge. Or launch into a fight.
Your Highness, it's a pleasure. Please excuse my young cousin--
Seriously, Aidan.. stand down. He's just trying to screw with you the way you screw with Faldur.
And you must be Jason. It's a pleasure to meet you.
No hard feelings. I just was curious.
Not today. You trained at the same school as my Uncle, obviously.
Why? Why did you want to see me? Oh wait, I might be able to guess...
Look, Faldur won, right? He obviously can handle himself around the competition. So he might be a little annoyed at this, um, what would you people call it? Posturing.
Kinda like I get annoyed when my cousins step in for me when it's something I can handle myself.
Aren't you supposed to be leaving for the coast? Now?
Your Highness, he's very young--
Yes. Aden fath, Jason. Aidan.
That was too much fun.
We are all young once. Most of us survive it.
Poor kid. I know that look too well.
Fun how? You taunting me? Yeah, it rocked. Lets do it again soon.
I'm going to kill him. He's not just embarassing Aidan but Faldur as well.
Aidan. Apologize to his highness at once.
Your mind reading does not impress me.
I know your kind, demon. I have been underground, too. I have lived with your voices in my head. I know the bloodlust well. So back off, and don't mess with me. Or Faldur.
But you didn't hear--
Sigh.
Sorry, Prince Raynor.
That's quite all right. Good evening to you.
Yeah. Whatever. You're like Faldur, pretty little speeches instead of fighting. So I guess I know your kind, too.
What did he say, Aidan? I know he said something. Damn it!
I wish I could read minds too.
(slams him to the wall with a holding spell)
Marenya? ... Never mind.
(ignites a circle of fire)
(extinguishes it and lets him go)
Seriously. Don't make me set you on fire, dude.
You said you didn't like speeches. I'm really leaving now.
Goodbye.
Aidan? Are you all right?
What the fuck was that? Anyone?
I'm fine. I think the bigger question is Are you? Is this how he always acts? He's supposed to be your prince? Your leader?
Glass houses, mate.
No, he's not the leader, unless his brother dies. It's really hard to explain with all these people around.
I should say, he's not unless both his father and his brother die. We have a King. A very good one. Raynor is the black sheep, the younger son. He was really just messing with you.
is this better? Except I'm sure Faldur wouldn't like it.
Faldur doesn't like much right now. And that's mainly why Raynor showed up.
Black sheep? Aidan and Raynoor shall be the best of friends, I think.
Not likely, Marc. Faldur stood by him when no one else did. And now he blames Aidan for the current trouble.
You see, my uncle said "no."
why? He has you, doesn't he? If I did I would... Never mind.
Why??
I don't get it. And why is he mad at me for what your uncle did.
My uncle said that since Faldur took so long to make up his mind, he could wait a little longer to convince everyone he really means it. So he said no, and now he has to wait a whole month before approaching him again. Faldur is so upset, he left on a mission without speaking to me.
He cannot bear to be humiliated.
He thinks that you humiliated Faldur though all of this. I wish he'd just blame me. I can handle him.
He's gone for a MONTH?
Cool.
So let me guess, Raynor's appointed himself chaperone for the month? Keeping big bad Aidan away from you?
No, he has to guard the coast from humans. He just wanted to see you before he left.
No one from home knows about this place. It's outside our world. Raynor must have followed me.
Or... Nighfala! Did you tell your master about Aidan?
blank lion stare.
Look, I can handle them. I'm not sure why you're even talking to me about them.
I won't go hurt them or anything, if that's what you're worried about.
No, no. I just mean that.. well.. they'd be really upset if they knew that we were friends. I would be in so much trouble, my life wouldn't be worth living.
If my uncle turned Faldur down, what do you think he'd say to you? And I'm really not supposed to do anything without permission.
Speaking of which, I'd better get home before I'm missed. Goodbye.
Marenya... Wait.
Damn.
What's the sour face for, mate?
Nothing. I'm going to sleep now.
Oy, not going well for the lad, is it?
No. I'll take first watch. Sleepnwith him, would you? I think we may have a bad night ahead.
Donna, my brother seens to have the superpower of relaxation. Marc is....unflappable.
Calvin? Excuse me, but there is a pipe?
Company would make watch go a deal easier.
Anyune awake?
I didn't think so.
I'm supposed to have a superpower, but it doesn't do me any good. I can't kill Asmodai. I can't save my brother. I can't even get the gir--
Cassidy? What are doing up? And here?
It's a quiet place to think, as I expect you realize.
An interesting discussion, don't you think?
Sure. I guess.
Um. Yeah. So I'd better get back before my cousins come looking for me.
Wait.
For the record,Ii think she made a mistake. But I'm glad she did. I...
We need you too much at home. For the war.
For the war. Yeah. I guess so.
So you knew? All along?
Never mind. Don't answer that.
...
So. Superpowers...
I've no need. It's what we've got you for, yes?
Though the power of attraction would be interesting.
Hello Aidan. Your Ladyship.
Attraction? Like...sexual? What would....oh. Um. Yeah.
I, uh, I have to get back. Night, your highness.
I'm afraid he's fled, Marenya. Probably just as well. He tends to set things on fire when he gets upset. And I tend to upset him.
As apparently you do as well.
Goodbye, Aidan. I guess my decision to leave is the right one.
If the hamen can do it, so can I. I don't have to follow the rules any more, and I'm sick of them fighting over me. It's so stupid.
I'm tired of the pride, and the shouting, and everything.
So, Aden Fath. I'm leaving you in good hands.
Come, Nighfala.
And I tend to throw little golden darts into the hearts of people who upset me.
Let me tell you something, your highness, now that we are alone.
Aidan is a good kid, so don't fuck with him. He's not your tool or your toy. He's got guts, and feeling, and he needs a soft touch.
I understand you are destined for each other. You may own him, but you won't know him, and he won't love you, without that.
In case you haven't heard, my people are given to "pretty little speeches."
Listen, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were trying to be nice. Feelings have been running rather high around here lately.
It's quite all right, Marenya. No need to apologize for speaking your mind. I find it refreshing. People in my position appreciate frakness, as we recieve it so rarely.
And i agree with much of what you said. Except for the destined bit...
We were betrothed by our fathers as children, but they are dead and I rather doubt Aidan would have me.
Forgive my frankness, but are you going somewhere?
Superpowers would come in handy in the fighting cages. No light of any god reaches there, only Asmodai's claws. It'll take more than some super power to wipe that one out, Robert. But i'd like to see you try. It'd save me the trouble.
Hello, Princess Cassidy, I didn't realize you come here.
Marenya.
Hello, Kaelin. It's good to see you.
I was just leaving. It's almost dawn and I don't want anyone else to...
Just tell Aidan I said goodbye, would you please?
Whoa, why the saltwater, cousin?
I'm not crying. You're standing on my foot.
Right. So why don't you just come here and let me hold you while it hurts, okay? Just cry your little heart out on old Gorrith's shoulder then.
You're such a *sob* idiot. You're *sob* ten years younger than me.
Yes, and ten inches taller. I was drier, too.
Better, then?
Yes. Thanks.
Sorry.
I see you've donned the old travelling cloak. Going somewhere?
Yes. Don't tell anyone, would you?
Your secret, as always, is safe with me.
Are you going where I think? Yeah. Okay then. Best of luck.
Try to avoid the saltwater. It's bad for the complexion.
Aden fath.
One should remain blissfully single and carefree. Life is much easier that way.
Time for chores, before Father has my head for a doorstop.
Where's Marenya?
I have a bad feeling...
Kae?
-aidan
She left. Cryimg too. What did you do? Dump her?
Oh. She said to say goodbye.
-kaelin
What???
And you just let her go?
--aidan
I barely know her.
Wait a minute. You are really falling for her, aren't you?
Does she know what you are, bro? I mean, it's probably not a good idea--
All right all right. I'll help you look for her. Do your voodoo thing, bloodhound.
-Kaelin
Come on. I think she's this way. Seven hells, she's gotten a long way.
Do you have weapons? There's some people here--
-aidan
Let me guess. Someone wants your ass on a platter. You've made enemies. Shocking.
And when did you ever know me to not have weapons on me?
--Kaelin
Thanks, Kae.
I've always got your back. You know that.
Who are these people anyway, who have it in for you?
Raynor and Faldur. Got it.
-Kaelin
Stop it, Kae. Don't do anything. Just help me look.
--Aidan
Hello, Everyone. If you have stuck with us this long, I hope you'll stick around a little longer.
Betsy and I are trying an experiment we call "Improvisational Fiction." The interplay between our fantasy worlds and characters has been such a rich mine of material for us the past week, we decided to try pushing it a little farther and see what happens.
This is spontaneous; we don't know what is going to happen. We welcome other characters to jump in if they wish. We appreciate your forbearance, and your feedback. We may spin this off into another format; we don't know yet.
Thanks!
Oh, and I should add that Betsy and I have each been working on our fictional worlds for several years, so everything that is about to happen is consistent with parameters that have long been in place.
And now, back to our improvisation....
Stop. You may not pass.
Stop. You may not pass.
Sons of earth, why are you here?
Uh Kaelin, what the hell are those thimgs?
Don't you read? They're gryphons.
And that one is asking you a question.
So what do i tell it?
Well, as they're really freaking big, i'd go with the truth.
All right, so you great big thig, you. Im looking for someone. She came this way.
Why is the sky clouding over and the wind kicking up? It's right over there where Marenya came from this morning.
It's right at the border. Something's trying to cross the border!
(spreads twenty foot wing span and rears its head)
Guardians, I will vouch for these two. I have observed them these past two years in the course of my duties.
They mean no harm.
(settling down)
You know them?
Yes. I will vouch for them. Any harm they cause, I will answer for.
Well, we were about to, but yeah. What he said.
Very well, then. You may pass.
Don't mess this up, boys, okay?
This place is weeeird, Kae. Vibes like...I don't know what. Nothing i've ever felt before.
It was too easy. I don't like it. Knives out.
The gryphons have let something cross the border.
What's wrong, Mel?
I don't know. Something's entered Belhanor. I can't quite place the... no, it's all right. The gryphons have let it pass.
Curious.
How close?
Near the southern mountains. Raynor will investigate. Let's keep going.
Who are you? What are you doing here?
We're looking for someone. She's lost or something...
(disgusted look at his brother) Her name is Marenya.
Oh ho, I get it now. You're the twins, aren't you? She told me about you.
I'm Gorrith, her cousin. Lord Tarnbel's youngest and brightest.
I'm Kaelin. This is my brother Aidan. Lord Aidan, I should say.
Where is she, Gorrith?
Aden Fath, my Lord. Kaelin.
So you're looking for Marenya. I can tell you that she doesn't want to be found.
You might want to put those knives away before someone gets the wrong idea. It's a lovely day here in the hill country, eh? Sheep grazing peacefully on the hillside, mountains in the distance, nice little castle over there. You don't want to spoil the scenery.
I am sorry to deny a Lord his wish, but Marenya has her secrets and I have mine, and we have a pact of mutual silence, see? It benefits us both.
Besides, what makes you think she wants to talk to you? Last I saw her, she was pretty worked up.
Gorrith, I'm going to find her. You can either help me and keep your valley happy or you can--
(puts his knife away) Aidan, you don't need that. Put it away before you hurt yourself with it.
I've killed six men with this knife in the past three days. I'd hate to make it seven. You look like a nice guy.
Don't underestimate my brother's will in this matter. He will find her. I'm just along to cut down on the collatoral damage.
Look, you don't scare me, okay? I've got four brothers, a really mean father, and a whole village full of hamen back there.
And yeah, I know you've probably got special powers and stuff. But that's not the point, is it?
Why do you think she took off, anyway? Do you really think you can just force your way in here and MAKE her come with you?
That's right, special powers. Special enough to get here from another world. Special enough to know something's wrong with her. Wrong, bad.
She trusts you, I can tell. Maybe more than anyone else. So I trust you too. You want what's best for her. So do I. So we can stand here and talk, or we can fight it out. Meanwhile Marenya is in trouble and...I ... I can't live with myself if something happens to her. I don't think you can either.
Allright, look, Aidan. Let me put your mind at ease. She's not in trouble. Do you think I'd let her go anywhere dangerous?
She just wanted to be alone, okay? But I don't think she ever dreamed you'd come here looking for her, either.
If you want, I'll take you, to stop any more ruckus.
Thanks Gorrith. He just wants to seen her, RIGHT Aidan? And then we'll go if she wants.
Whatever. Just take me to her.
and if you fuck us over in this, i'll sic my brother on you so fast you won't get a chance to be scared of him
Stop with the threats, bro. The guy seems all right.
He's as cranky as Faldur.
This way. There's this place we used to go to when we were kids. It's up in the hills. We found this old house we used to play in, not far from the lake. That's where she went. It's a bit of a hike.
Sorry. It's been kinda tense.
seven hells. 2 days without her and I'm threatening her family.
just settle down, bro. He's taking us. You'll screw it up with her for good if your inner demon shows.
I can't take them to the woods. The gryphons would get them for sure. What am I going to do?
Marenya, you owe me for this.
Hey, Gorrith? We'll get along a lot better if youndon't compare me to Faldur.
What? You heard me?
Yeah. I can hear you. Special powers, remember? AndIi'm pretty sure the gryphons aren't a problem either. We already talked to them.
(sweating) Um, then, I suppose we ought to turn around. She's not up here.
She's down there, in the forest on the other side of the river. There's a place where one of the gryphons lives. He let us stay there when we were attacked. She went to look for it, to see if she could find it again.
What other powers do you have? Why were you so sure she was in trouble?
He just knows things, all right? He is a lord... Lord Seer. Hereditary, firstborn to firstborn for a thousand years. If he says she's in trouble, she is.
And yes, if you were wondering, it's damned annoying. And sometimes useful.
Hm. Interesting. Our kings pass their powers the same way, only the younger sons have varying degrees of... Ferkin!
Aden Fath, Prince Raynor.
Fanfuckingtastic. You.
Hello, Aidan. You're a long way from home.
(hits him with a spell that makes the world explode white in front of his eyes and knocks him on his back)
Raynor, huh? Aidan?
(Shrugs) He doesn't like speeches.
(draws his sword) Who are you?
Get out of here, Gorrith. That's an order.
Now see. Faldur does run on at the mouth but he at least knows how to fight fair.
And while he's not my favorite person in the world, he's not an asshole. No, Kae. Leave it.
He's not worth the trouble since he apparently could care less about Marenya being in trouble.
(demonsmoke fills the space between them, thick enough to blind them all)
garrith, if youre half the tracker I think you are, you'll be able to lead us out blind, right? Tell the prince we kidnapped you or whatever....
I'm not! Faldur won't let me join the Rangers. He says I'm too young.
Okay, okay, just follow my thoughts. Can you do that? This way, down the hill.
I don't have to see you to kill you, demon!
(Steps forward swinging the sword methodically through the smoke)
follow this gully, just stay in the gully. and hurry!
gotcha. Coming. Shit, he's a persistant fucker isnt he? Right on our asses. Ok, Kae. Time for your voodoo.
And Gorrith, you get us out of this I'll get my cousins to put in a good word for you. He likes them.
Coward! Hiding behind smoke.
(casts a brilliant orb of light to guide him)
(Kaelin splits off at a dead run, with enough noise to draw off the party. Then goes silent, knife out. Before he can catch and kill one he realizes he can doubleback toward his brother, slowly and softly. The woods are quiet but he is quieter)
(Aidan builds the smoke into fire. Several trees explode from different areas.)
I'm trying NOT to fight you, jerk. Piss off my brother and the only decision is whether he feels like killing quick or slow!
I've already been dead, so it doesn't really matter, does it?
Try this on, telepath.
recalls his torture during his imprisonment
recalls Marenya cleaning his torso, arms and face, and him grabbing her hand and pulling her towards himself
(stops in his tracks)
recalls her haunted look, and her fear
(sweating, trembling, lost in flashbacks)
Heard of electricity? No? Here's what it feels like when it goes into your hand, enough volts to kill your basic human. So you've been tortured too. Cry me a river. Meanwhile Marenya's in trouble and what do you think your good friend Faldur would think if you let her die cuz you'd rather have a pissing match than help her?
Heyya Raynor. (kaelin puts his knife around Raynor's throat)
(looks up at him)
do it. please.
No, Kae! Stop it. Let him go.
I think he's as fucked up as we are.
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