Variation

Variations are the supernatural powers Deviants acquire when they undergo the Divergence.

Overview

The Divergence cracks a human soul, but it's not clear whether that crack is the result or the cause of the Deviant's Variations. The incredible power unlocked by the Divergence twists the Deviant's body and mind; they acquire both unique and powerful Variations and painful Scars in the process.^[1]

Most Progenitors are trying to induce specific Variations, or types of Variations, in their victims. However, every Divergence is unique, and even highly refined techniques can still result in unexpected Variations. Less refined techniques and accidental Divergences are even less predictable.^[2] New Variations can emerge long after the original Divergence, or existing Variations can strengthen and mutate, especially when a Deviant's Stability is strained.^[3]

Deviants who remain under the thumb of a conspiracy after the Divergence often get training and assistance in understanding their new powers. Those who don't are resigned to mastering their Variations through trial and (potentially destructive) error.^[4]

A Deviant's Clade is usually reflected in the type of Variations they possess: Cephalists have Variations related to psychic powers and mind reading, for instance, while Chimeric variations are manifestations of their foreign biology. This is not a hard and fast rule, though, and some Variations commonly occur in multiple Clades. A Chimeric who flies with organic wings, an Invasive who uses a jetpack implanted on his spine and a Cephalist who moves her body with the power of her mind are all using, effectively, the same Variation.^[5]

Systems

Variations have a dot rating called Magnitude. Every Deviant starts with one Scar-free dot of Magnitude, plus additional dots based on the chronicle's threat level, to distribute among Variations.

Every Variation (except for that one Scar-free dot) has to be entangled with a Scar. The Scar often determines some mechanical factors about the Variation, such as the cost to activate it or what dice pools are used. For example, a Variation that relies on Scar Finesse might use Dexterity, Wits or Manipulation depending on whether the entangled Scar is Mental, Physical or Social. Multiple Variations can be entangled on one Scar.^[5]

Like Scars, Variations come in Controlled, Involuntary, and Persistent varieties. They can also be either Overt or Subtle. An Over Variation is obviously supernatural; using one draws attention to the Deviant and can increase the odds of a conspiracy tracking them down.^[6]

For most purposes, a Deviant's Supernatural Tolerance is their Acclimation plus the Magnitude of their most powerful Variation.^[7]

References