More on Variations

Throughout Ability User history, variations have occurred throughout all the eras. Variations are an odd thing, having existed for so long but not being completely understood. Because of this a detailed analysis can be difficult.

Though they have existed as long as abilities have, variations are often the topic of debate among those that theorize on the origin and nature of abilities.

Most theories have different ways of tackling the variations. Opposites theory states that when someone with a variation appears, it's natural opposite must also have appeared. Bloodlines theory states that the mixing of bloodlines might have produced certain variations, and that the mixing of abilities is the cause. Evolution theory states that it is the natural evolution of how abilities work and that more will appear over time. Sudden Appearance theory simply states that variations will appear just as other abilities and that there is no real concern over how they appear.

All of these theories seem to point that at some point, abilities have indeed changed. Those who research the origin of abilities point to variations being proof that the change indicates that there may be some lost ability variations that appeared and disappeared sometime in history. Regardless, some view these variations as some new ability by themself. Transformation Item User being one that is thought of as its own ability rather than a variation.

One trend that has been noted is that some variations became more common as the eras progressed. Mixes of powers from multiple abilities was noted early on, with Chemical Alchemist appearing soon after. Elemental mages have existed since the mage ability has, while something like the Weather mage is a little more uncommon.

Around the time software was being invented, the Programmer ability appeared, which some believe to be a variation more common than the ability it came from. This original ability is considered lost, though some think it must be out there somehow.

One variation that appeared later is Crystal technician. It is uncertain whether this is due to the nature of discovering the ability in the first place, or the required materials. It is possible this one existed but was never discovered until later.

Some variations are so rare they could have existed earlier in time and not have been documented. In this case it is hard to ascertain how long they have existed for.

It is theorized by ability evolution theorists that some abilities came from variations. One such theory states that the "programmer's lost ability" is the precursor to the Wordsmith, Artist, and Programmer abilities. This information comes mostly from rumors about how the ability used to work.

A little bit more about them. Ability variations awaken more commonly in those with bloodlines of abilities but may also appear in random individuals without them.

Another thing to note here, though only partially related is something called "Hybrid Powers". Some consider these as some kind of variation themselves. Hybrid powers are uncommon, but often exist in those with multiple abilities. Because people with multiple abilities are not too common, these hybrid powers are not completely documented. They vary from natural combinations of abilities to some more unique effects.