Neohuman

Neohumans, known commonly as 'neos' for short are a genetically advanced branch of humanity defined by many scientific communities a 'deviant subspecies' of Human each naturally born with superhuman powers. Some are recognised by their peculiar eye colours thought to be linked to their radical DNA.

#### **Biology**

There are a few who know the real reason for their existence, notably Aeon Aesurans breeding with Humans very early on in history, this created hybrids (essentially proto-neos referred to in history books as 'demigods') and when these demigods mated with more humans in turn, created a counter-mutation in the Human genome that forced it to essentially defend itself from radical assimilation like a white blood cell; The result was some humans developing genes known as "neones" which gave the Human neonic capabilities without relying on mana or magic by forcing it to enhance metabolic functions and find alternate power sources. While these genes would remained 'switched off' in most Humans, maybe not even present, random mutations or environmental changes caused the genes that did exist in some bloodlines to activate in certain individuals and start re-writing their DNA. It is now theorised that Aesuran/Human breeding actually unlocked the DNA potential of the human genome and neohumans represent the true potential of human mutability.

These neone genes are vastly different from that of regular Humans and are a complete rewrite of the DNA and RNA patterns of their non-powered state beforehand, sometimes these cause slight mutations, such as unusual eye colour, but nothing that is considered as dramatic as the animal mutations of the 1st-gen cybrid. The neones did, however cause a dramatic shift in brain structure, mental and sometimes physical capabilities of the neo and completely altered the DNA of the human so that they were genetically no longer so. Each set of neones are different and unique to each neo and form complicated sequences and protein networks not found in normal humans.

An early study at genetics in the 1990's tried to manipulate the neone genes, that later gained the nickname the "n-genes", only to have subjects undergo rapid and tremendous increase in powers before self-terminating like the genes had an in-built self-destruct mechanism; to this end it is very difficult to harness and replicate their powers save perhaps through breeding programmes, while alt experimentation created only unstable powers via compounds like NHX. The neones were also responsible for the creation of a brainwave pattern unique to neos called the n-wave or '*neorhythm*' that was particularly powerful in psionics or those who manipulated energy.

#### **Development and Manifestation**

Neohumans are, technically, born with their neones active but develop slowly over the period of their childhood and teenage years, particularly accelerating at puberty until they manifest. Such a radical rewrite of DNA and RNA can cause the child to often have an intensely sickly or painful childhood, particularly head and body aches and the constant development of colds or prolonged childhood illness, often caused by their immune system systematically shutting down and restarting during the change. And even after manifestation the pain can last for months, sometimes years as their bodies finalise these neone sequences level-out hormonal and chemical changes; this usually stops after two years and control and understanding of their power begins to develop.

Neonic powers can vary and a neo can possess multiple abilities, from manipulation of various types or matter or energy, psychic powers, transportation such as flight or teleportation and enhanced sensory abilities or basic functions such as strength, speed or agility. The neone chromosome was also found to reduce the amount of time between recovery from exercise, allowing neos to achieve fitness in less time than a normal human would, of course they still had to maintain that level through constant exercise like any normal person, the only exception being if their neonic power was in itself enhanced fitness.

#### **Power caps, Immunities and Generation Capacities**

The bodies of neos would almost always become suited to their power; a pyrokinetic would be immune to flame, a cryokinetic immune to extreme cold, a flier immune to the rigours of the atmosphere during flight, even some hydrokinetics were known to unconsciously split oxygen from hydrogen and breathe underwater. Those with super strength often developed an equal development of the toughness of their bodies, although curiously there are neos known who display a vast degree of invulnerability but their strength levels, in terms of bench press, are not particularly superhuman.
Those that created or physically generated energy had what was known as a “generation capacity” which was linked in to their immunity and natural stamina levels. A neo’s power would not go beyond their capacity for their bodies to handle it, nor their mental stamina as a safety precaution, and their power would automatically, temporarily cut out, or they would even lose consciousness if they were to try to go beyond a certain level, there are, however exceptions, such as those neos whose powers are trans-dimensionally generated, like Volt, and while he is immune to the energy he creates, his generation potential is so great that it could exceed his own immunity. Such immunities to similar energies and their limits thereof are also linked to their generating capacity; an electrokinetic, for example, can be shocked by an exterior form of electricity and injured if he cannot generate over 20,000 volts, and the shock he receives tops 30,000v, although the damage would be reduced the closer the voltage (or whichever measurement of the related element or energy) is to the capacity limit.

#### **Levels**

Training and development of the power would raise these levels and as neos began to become more mainstream, these power levels became documented from a Level: I- Young or freshly activated neo with very little control, power and stamina, to level X (10) which was fully mastered.

#### **Permanent caps**

Of course it’s important to note that not all neohumans follow this basic line and not all can raise their powers to such extents, it may be inbuilt as part of their stamina traits, something genetic, or even a restrictive personality or mental state, while others are sometimes born at a powerful level and may stick to a high level long after their initial manifestation burst, but have no control or stamina at all.

#### **Low** **Magic Potential**

When the existence of magic was unofficially and somewhat ambiguously confirmed by VALER member Robin, neohumans were found to have next to no tuning potential; with no neo ever having the ability to tune and even some magi sensing magical aether as bending around them, it is easy to see why pre-Victorian magi saw them as unnatural. The truth is, however this happens because of the neones; the gene sequences developed as a resistance to being bred with a naturally magic-imbued species the Dragons of Aeos, likley via the Danu DNA present in Humanity. The result was a subspecies capable of great shows of power without being magic.

#### **Zenith-State Potential**

Recently there have been several neohumans who have achieved what has been called a 'zenith state', a temporary but extraordinarily powerful physical transformation that is essentially the manifestation of a neohuman's full, true potential, amplifying both their physical capabilities and their powers. Anri has suggested that some neos may be able to access the raw power of their ancestor's genetics and achieve such states, but requires unprecedented training, focus and a myriad of other factors including emotional state and situation. Some, such as Leo and Robin have suggested that in that instance, every neohuman has the potential to enter a zenith state. At the moment the information regarding such states is rare and limited to only two known potentials, Skyren, who achieved the state very briefly whilst fighting Clay in the 70's, allowing her to vaporise his arm utterly while her hair turned a dark metallic purple as did the whites of her eyes. And Volt, who was seem to momentarily attain an indigo-haired form whilst fighting an enhanced Zeroth, where the whites of his eyes became black and he attained slight blue markings on his face (possibly other parts of his body), and his electricity became darker, displaying an ultraviolet deepness. In this form Volt was extremely powerful in all aspects of his powers and physical form, but only lasted a minute before he passed out. He has never again attempted zenith.

#### **History**

While the greater scientific community is still relatively confused on the very early development of the genomes and gene sequences of neones, Anri and other Aeons have confirmed that it is likely the breeding of their Dragon, powerful god-like beings who share Aeos, nobly the mating of halfbreeds such as Taranis as far back as the Bronze Age. This is known as the Demigod Theory, which is also known to be documented in history via mythological texts, from the Greek myths to biblical accounts. The mixing of Dragon and already-present Danu DNA caused a response in Humans that caused them to develop non-magical but still just as powerful super-powered individuals, generating energies through biological processes rather than external magical frequencies, caused by the response in human biology itself, neohumans and magic users are essentially complete opposites.

Neos were thought to have had a high-point of births in the 17th century and those neo who came forth were seen as demons or witches and confused with actual magic users. Many mythical and biblical events can possibly be related to neohuman activity too. While neos and magi were often clumped together as evil demons and supernatural heretics in such times by religious organisations the world over, magi themselves were in fact particularly hostile to neos as well, seeing their ability to use seemingly supernatural powers without actually having magic potential, and without learning and studying ways to cast, and even having some repelling effect to aether as something demonic and dangerous. As such magi often referred to neos as 'malum' or 'devilborne'.

The 20th century saw a time of impressive and blindingly fast technological advancements, including the study of genetics, by the time the century was almost through only a few were aware of neos and the failed attempts of experiments on them began. Neos, along with some cybrids became more and more populace, the term "superhero" or "supers/supes" was also used to describe the early 21st century subculture who wore fanciful or comic-inspired clothing, regardless of their genetic status, along with a superhero A.E. (Alter Ego).