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Mitochondrials as a subspecies
Mitochondrials emerged as a true, viable subspecies early in human evolution. Unlike most other species (humans included) they have no affinity, in fact, most show at least a mild allergy to, magic. They evolved powers similar to effects created by magic, but the source is entirely internal. Cellular in fact, a complete mitiochondrial bonding.
All mitochondrials, active and inactive, have a slightly higher metabolism than humans. This results in slightly higher body temperatures at most times (averaging about 100 degrees Fahrenheit in most). All of them show a healthy resistance to illness and a faster recovery rate from injury than normal humans. It is possible for mitochondrials to get sick, especially when young, or when faced with magic based diseases. Active mitochondrials, those able to consciously channel their cellular energy, have less chance of becoming ill.
In cases of extreme injury, Mitochondrials can be given blood transfusions of human blood, though it is not suggested the transfusions exceed two units of blood (O preferred). Mitochondrials are also known for moderate to severe allergic reactions to things new to them. Most adjust within a few experiences with a new flower/ingrediant/etc.
Bio-sympathy: Due to the nature of their power source, mitochondrials are very firmly tied to the life around them. To some degree or another they tend to 'stimulate' or communicate with nearby cells. This is not a detrimental effect. Far the opposite. Most people spending time with a mitochondrial will experience a gradual health improvement, or a metabolism boost. The duration of these effects vary depending on the strength of the mitochondrial involved, degree of contact, etc. but most effects last for at least two hours after parting company.
The area of effect for each mitochondrial varies as well. Most mitochondrials must touch other beings and find careers such as massage therapist, personal trainer, and the like very rewarding. Some stronger, active, mitochondrials tend to have as large an area of effect as a moderate sized room. Active mitochondrials may also be able to scan, or read, the health of an organism they encounter. Many actives, predictably, end up in medical careers.
The drawbacks of this racial ability are varied. Some cannot tolerate eating fresh meats, vegetables, and anything that may still contain cellular activity. Some mitochondrials have trouble adjusting to the feel of strangers and avoid social situations. Others report aversions to areas with little to no cellular activity, industrial areas where few things are able to live. In effect, the drawbacks can be as unique as each mitochondrial.
Actives and Inactives: Mitochondrials are not common, their cells having as much to say in mates as the mind or heart, meaning that each large city may contain upward of twenty, but usually only harbors five to ten. Most of these will be inactives, or those who know they are mitochondrials, but cannot directly access their powers. It takes a strange combination of circumstances and events to tap mitochondrial power. These usually include 'amplification' which is the presence of multiple mitochondrials in one area with the cells somehow playing off each other to cause a trigger in one or two present, near-death experiences, and hormonal imbalances during puberty.
Like any person showing unusual degrees of magical skill, mitochondrials are trained when they become active. Unfocused mitochondrial energy can be dangerous. Actives never truly finish learning, most continuing to visit 'gyms' well into adulthood to bleed off energy, and hone skills.
Maya and Aya: The twins are a unique circumstance. They amplify each other to a high degree, and no doubt would have become active in their teens were it not for a car accident early in life. No one was killed, though most of the family was badly wounded. Each of the girls bear some scars from the incident, but the switch to 'active' allowed them access to energy to heal more completely than would otherwise have been possible.
Training was like karate class. They'd go to the gym three nights a week and learn. This version of Aya never had a reason to pick up energy shot, but the girl's shields are superb. They excel more at the defensive, and healing powers, but can use most offensive abilities in moderation when pressed (for example, an attempted mugging).
The bio-sympathetic field the women generate between them is stronger than most, and at times people can literally feel a difference when stepping between them. They often take advantage of this boost effect with their patients, as anyone they end up seeing could surely use the help.
Mitochondrial theories: There are rumors of resurrection, and some small cults based around these rumors, but no mitochondrial has ever been reported as returning from the dead.
Studies of mitochondrials as they use their abilities have led to the odd observation that their cells show an odd elasticity. An able to stretch, somewhat, without rupturing, then return to form. It is theorized that given sufficient cause, and energy, a mitochondrial could fully alter their body in some way, then return, but no such occurrence has yet been documented.
Mitochondrials emerged as a true, viable subspecies early in human evolution. Unlike most other species (humans included) they have no affinity, in fact, most show at least a mild allergy to, magic. They evolved powers similar to effects created by magic, but the source is entirely internal. Cellular in fact, a complete mitiochondrial bonding.
All mitochondrials, active and inactive, have a slightly higher metabolism than humans. This results in slightly higher body temperatures at most times (averaging about 100 degrees Fahrenheit in most). All of them show a healthy resistance to illness and a faster recovery rate from injury than normal humans. It is possible for mitochondrials to get sick, especially when young, or when faced with magic based diseases. Active mitochondrials, those able to consciously channel their cellular energy, have less chance of becoming ill.
In cases of extreme injury, Mitochondrials can be given blood transfusions of human blood, though it is not suggested the transfusions exceed two units of blood (O preferred). Mitochondrials are also known for moderate to severe allergic reactions to things new to them. Most adjust within a few experiences with a new flower/ingrediant/etc.
Bio-sympathy: Due to the nature of their power source, mitochondrials are very firmly tied to the life around them. To some degree or another they tend to 'stimulate' or communicate with nearby cells. This is not a detrimental effect. Far the opposite. Most people spending time with a mitochondrial will experience a gradual health improvement, or a metabolism boost. The duration of these effects vary depending on the strength of the mitochondrial involved, degree of contact, etc. but most effects last for at least two hours after parting company.
The area of effect for each mitochondrial varies as well. Most mitochondrials must touch other beings and find careers such as massage therapist, personal trainer, and the like very rewarding. Some stronger, active, mitochondrials tend to have as large an area of effect as a moderate sized room. Active mitochondrials may also be able to scan, or read, the health of an organism they encounter. Many actives, predictably, end up in medical careers.
The drawbacks of this racial ability are varied. Some cannot tolerate eating fresh meats, vegetables, and anything that may still contain cellular activity. Some mitochondrials have trouble adjusting to the feel of strangers and avoid social situations. Others report aversions to areas with little to no cellular activity, industrial areas where few things are able to live. In effect, the drawbacks can be as unique as each mitochondrial.
Actives and Inactives: Mitochondrials are not common, their cells having as much to say in mates as the mind or heart, meaning that each large city may contain upward of twenty, but usually only harbors five to ten. Most of these will be inactives, or those who know they are mitochondrials, but cannot directly access their powers. It takes a strange combination of circumstances and events to tap mitochondrial power. These usually include 'amplification' which is the presence of multiple mitochondrials in one area with the cells somehow playing off each other to cause a trigger in one or two present, near-death experiences, and hormonal imbalances during puberty.
Like any person showing unusual degrees of magical skill, mitochondrials are trained when they become active. Unfocused mitochondrial energy can be dangerous. Actives never truly finish learning, most continuing to visit 'gyms' well into adulthood to bleed off energy, and hone skills.
Maya and Aya: The twins are a unique circumstance. They amplify each other to a high degree, and no doubt would have become active in their teens were it not for a car accident early in life. No one was killed, though most of the family was badly wounded. Each of the girls bear some scars from the incident, but the switch to 'active' allowed them access to energy to heal more completely than would otherwise have been possible.
Training was like karate class. They'd go to the gym three nights a week and learn. This version of Aya never had a reason to pick up energy shot, but the girl's shields are superb. They excel more at the defensive, and healing powers, but can use most offensive abilities in moderation when pressed (for example, an attempted mugging).
The bio-sympathetic field the women generate between them is stronger than most, and at times people can literally feel a difference when stepping between them. They often take advantage of this boost effect with their patients, as anyone they end up seeing could surely use the help.
Mitochondrial theories: There are rumors of resurrection, and some small cults based around these rumors, but no mitochondrial has ever been reported as returning from the dead.
Studies of mitochondrials as they use their abilities have led to the odd observation that their cells show an odd elasticity. An able to stretch, somewhat, without rupturing, then return to form. It is theorized that given sufficient cause, and energy, a mitochondrial could fully alter their body in some way, then return, but no such occurrence has yet been documented.
