Abilities

Abilities are surgical enhancements granted only to participants of Game. Discovered by scientists in XXXX, it is a neurological surgery that allows the participant complete control of their bodies latent strength, normally only tapped into when in severely stressful situations. Like the woman who lifted a whole car off of her young child. She was under extreme stress and adrenaline in that moment, her body acting with strength a person would normally never be able to exert themselves. This latent power is accessed in progressing levels, where the more amount of power is used, the higher the physical repercussions later. Additionally, the effectiveness of this surgery and its results is based on a participants Affinity level.
Activation of abilities is characterized by the eyes turning red, and veins glowing and becoming raised. While providing an overall boost to a participants physicality, it's main purpose is to enhance a specific part, or function of the body. For example, Arata's ability enhances his marksmanship. This provides an incredible boost to his eyesight, allowing him to zoom into far distances. Additionally, he has slight night vision capabilities, and further control of motion to reduce shakiness, allowing better accuracy. Every participants power, and therefore strength of their abilities, is gated by their levels. Levels range from 5%-100%, and anything past 100 is called "Overclocking" and will always lead to death. Picture a thermometer, for example. Participants are normally not able to hold a constant, stable level of their power. Instead it fluctuates around a certain point. This fluctuation, if not carefully monitored, can lead to great strain, higher than the participant intended. Only one person can hold a constant, consistent level. The higher the level, the greater the effect of the ability, and overall strength output by the participant.
Affinity is the biggest deciding factor on how powerful a participant can be. Affinity is the compatibility between participant and their ability. As a participant trains their body and uses their ability, their affinity can increase, however those with a lower base affinity will almost always have a lower affinity when compared to those of a naturally high affinity, no matter how much they train. Affinity effects how easily and how quickly abilities can be activated, and how powerful abilities can be.
When a participant first receives their ability, they are clumsy and not able to control it well. Many people die quickly from this, from overexertion leading to Overclocking, wearing themselves out causing them a fatal loss, or simply not being able to muster the power necessary for their survival. The final example being most common for those with low affinity. Those who grow to master it however, become those who last the longest. Affinity is not typically affected by the quality of the surgery.

Transmission & Vectors

An Ability is only acquired by undergoing a specific neurological surgery. The only surgeons capable of such surgery are employed and trained by the Minister of the Facility.

Causes

N/A

Symptoms

Upon activation, the participants veins swell and appear to bulge out of the skin. If an ability affects a certain part of the body more than other areas, the bulging will be more prominent there. Every participant, along with the ability requested, have general performance enhancements added to their bodies. This includes an overall increase to strength, agility, the senses, and even regeneration.
The higher the percentage of power used, along with length maintained, means greater physical repercussions following deactivation. Symptoms vary from person to person, due to abilities being so different. However, general symptoms include headaches, body aches and pains, and shortness of breath.
Upon a participant pushing their limit over the maximum 100% - "Overclocking" - death will always occur within 5 minutes to 24 hours. The higher the effort and strain, the quicker the death. Affinity also affects the quickness of death. The immediate sign of Overclocking is unstoppable bleeding from the eyes, ears, and nose; the brain and blood vessels in the head begin to break down and hemorrhage. This extends to muscles disintigrating, joints and bones weakening, and further bleeding from other orifices. Essentially, organs begin to break down from severe overexertion. Areas of the body most affected by a persons ability will deteriorate more rapidly.

Prognosis

Condition will remain for the rest of the persons life. Affinity will likely decline with age.

Sequela

After the surgery, participants may feel severe headaches and body aches for a time, along with general sickness and pain in areas most affected by their abilities.

History

WIP

Cultural Reception

Perceptions of ex-participants and Champions are mixed. Some revere them, others fear or hate them. However, normal civilians typically fear the power and strength of those with abilities.

Type

Physiological

Origin

Engineered

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Unique