Semblance (ACWA)

—Professor Pomp
**Semblance** is a power exhibited by certain characters in *ACWA*. It is developed from a person's **Aura** and typically helps in battle against Grimm. Semblances are different between people and can range from super strength, to manipulating objects, to disorienting opponents.

## Description

A "Semblance" is the manifestation of one's innate and personal power as an ability unique to each individual, with the effects varying greatly from user to user. With the sheer number of people unlocking their Semblances, it can lead to unrelated people gaining similar abilities. The nature of one's Semblance is noted as representing an aspect of their character. However, a person's Semblance can be similar to the Semblances of their parents or other family members.

A person can name their Semblance when they fill out their application form for entering a Huntsman Academy. One example of this would be when Cinzento Abreu decided to name his Semblance Shellshock when filling out his application for Shade Academy.

Those that use Semblances are able to manipulate certain physical phenomena according to the nature of their power. Some individuals, such as Marcia Yale, can create variations in air pressure that generate some desired effect - the most prominent being sudden blasts of compressed air or bursts of momentum. Others have the ability to enhance their performance, such as Krupp von Erz, who are able to sacrifice Aura to greatly power up his attacks. There are also those who can generate and/or manipulate a specific aspect of nature, like Douglas Waker who can control water. However, there also exist Semblances that depend on external factors in order to function, such as T. Zoc, who gains enhance their strength by receiving cheers and praise.

Using Dust, certain individuals can modify their Semblances with elements, such as Sterling Khertet absorbing Dust crystals into his body to change his physiology.

Overuse of one's Semblance for prolonged periods may adversely affect its user at certain times. This is demonstrated by Douglas on several occasions where moving water for long periods of time or in large quantities requires a lot of effort and focus. This is particularly seen in Marcia's Semblance, which exerts an abnormally harsh physical toll on her body.

It seems that emotional turmoil or stress can affect one's use of Semblance, either negatively or positively, as exhibited in "Grudge Match", where Ortiz de Diamante uses his Semblance at an unusually large-scale level due to the intensity of his fight with Johannes Alizarin.

In the case of Cinzento Abreu, it is possible for a Semblance to be either uncontrollable or permanently active. Additionally, it may even be possible for a Semblance to affect one's surroundings.

Though specifics and details are not expanded upon, it is possible for someone to lose their Semblance. It is currently unknown if a Semblance can be restored or not.

### Unlocking

Semblances are unlocked during strong physical or emotional events. For example, Douglas unlocked his Semblance while fishing on the docks of his hometown. Auras and Semblances can also be unlocked due to severe emotional stress or turmoil. Johannes unknowingly unlocked his when he and his friends were trapped in a situation reminiscent of the destruction of his hometown during the Fall of Beacon. Some Semblances can also be unlocked by certain external phenomenon, such as Cherry Venetia, who instinctively unlocked hers when she caught her little sister who fell from a tree when they were younger.

There seems to be no age requirement for unlocking one's Semblances.

### Evolution

It has been said that Semblances are like muscles and are able to grow and evolve. A clear example is Douglas' increasing mastery of his water control over the course of the story. A Semblance can also grow to gain a unique new ability altogether, though this has yet to be seen explicitly in the story.

### Uniqueness

Whilst Semblances are often said to be completely unique there do exist some that are similar, such as those of Elonso Naranja and Coco Adel, who share Dust enhancement, but differ in both how they manifest (singular supercharging and an increase the effects and power, respectively) and overall potency; Elonso's Semblance creates stronger singular attacks than Coco's, though Coco's can enhance more than one piece of Dust at once. Semblances can be of the same type but if the visual effect is different they still both qualify as unique.

### Classes

Semblances come in a variety of power **types** including Clone, Control, Creation, Defense, Effect, Intelligence, Movement, Offense, Speed, Probability Manipulation, and Stealth.

## Trivia

* Not everyone discovers their Semblance despite being an active fighter, such as Maristela Lapis, or Jasper Pomp.
* Johannes is the only character who has unlocked his Semblance without knowing it.
* Mortis' Semblance is the only named Semblance in the series that is never actually seen being used.
* While most people see Semblances as a strength, few see them as crutches that make their users weak, or even as harmful. One example is Cinzento, who thinks his Semblance is a burden to himself and others.