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Phantom permissions
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Daybreak continuity only.
Phantoms are one of Rex's signature creations. They are essentially artificially created spirits, capable of taking physical form and crafted to his specifications. Each Phantom has a core, analogous to a soul, which is programmed to create a body. The bodies are made from spiritual matter, similar to Indrik, Hollows, physical ghosts etc. which imitate matter from the atoms up. As a result, a Phantom is physically indistinguishable from a real lifeform for the most part, but special senses which detect souls/minds have an easier time of discerning that a Phantom is not who they are imitating.
Phantoms do have real thoughts and feelings, but their personalities are relatively simple due to being created to imitate a real person and not developed over a lifetime. They have an intentional limitation which limits their personalities from changing or learning new skills, a design choice intended to prevent them from becoming uncontrollable. This limitation is very rarely overcome (see animogenesis). All Phantoms are programmed to like Rex as a person and obey his orders- if he asks something of them which is contrary to their nature, they may question him but will always defer to his judgement if he insists. The majority of Phantoms are replication models, designed to be doubles of lifeforms Rex knows of (be they friend or foe). Some are original models, created from scratch. All of them have wonderfully edgy names and a short title- for example, Phantom Rex is 'Omen of Disaster- Grim 13.'
Most Phantoms have three modes-
Immaterial Mode: In which their body is off, and they exist only as a core. This contains all of the data that makes up their mind and body. The core has little ability beyond mobility, and this mode is used solely for storage or to be on standby, ready to create a body when a specific condition is met. Often the core is linked to a physical object so it can be carried without special equipment. Whenever a Phantom's body is destroyed, the core is programmed to return to Rex where it can be reborn in a new body. A damaged body fades into nothingness, and a core cannot revive itself.
Standard Mode: Also called incognito mode in replication models, they are designed to as closely imitate the original lifeform as possible or otherwise be practical for non-combat roles. Phantoms based on people are often somewhat caricatured versions of them, with their key traits more apparent, and the more subtle parts of themselves that are not common knowledge missing.
Combat Mode: A form designed by Rex to emphasise battle strength. When in combat mode, most Phantoms became more obviously artificial and are designed to look intimidating. They shed anything unnecessary for battle, often lacking internal organs and taking on forms that nature could not produce. By crafting bodies that highlight the original's strengths, or cover their weaknesses, it becomes possible to produce results that exceed the limits of skill. They often possess runes as a part of their physical makeup.
A Phantom will not necessarily be stronger, or even as strong as the original. Rex must be able to understand how someone does something to be able to replicate it, which may require a great deal of data. If he is unable to reproduce something, he may choose to imitate it instead- producing a similar result using a different method, which is usually inferior to the original. Some things simply can't be replicated or imitated. In many cases, a Phantom will be more powerful than the inspiration, but Rex's shallow understanding of what made the original strong in the first place will result in them being less effective e.g increasing the strength of a Judo master that uses others strength against them does not increase performance and just makes them less flexible.
In general, abilities obtained through biology, physical traits or equipment without unique characteristics are easy for him to replicate. Spells of any sort are reasonably simple, as even if Rex can't cast them himself, he can usually understand their mechanics. More abstract sources of power can be more difficult- the more mysterious powers, such as Candles and Second Sight, currently elude him entirely and must be imitated instead. Rex managed to obtain a basic understanding of Wist's memory magic that allowed them to recreate a person from their memories but has yet to be able to use it to the extent necessary to drastically improve Phantom production.
Animogenesis-
When a Phantom breaks free of the programming designed to limit its development, it is called animogenesis. Becoming a complete person, they are free to grow and learn with true free will. It is extremely rare and only occurs with Phantoms to whom breaking their limits is fundamental to their personality. Even amongst Phantoms in which this is the case, it only occurs in exceptional circumstances, such as when in a fight they feel they cannot lose under any circumstances or experience crushing despair at being unable to succeed as they are. Animogenesis lasts for one life- upon the destruction of their body, a new Phantom made by the core will not possess free will. Due to the fact they usually break their limits in dangerous circumstances and lose themselves upon destruction, a Phantom that achieves animogenesis usually lives only a brief, brilliant life with free will.
Some examples of Phantoms, from Daybreak primarily, can be seen here.
Permissions/Suggestions
Daybreak continuity only.Phantoms are one of Rex's signature creations. They are essentially artificially created spirits, capable of taking physical form and crafted to his specifications. Each Phantom has a core, analogous to a soul, which is programmed to create a body. The bodies are made from spiritual matter, similar to Indrik, Hollows, physical ghosts etc. which imitate matter from the atoms up. As a result, a Phantom is physically indistinguishable from a real lifeform for the most part, but special senses which detect souls/minds have an easier time of discerning that a Phantom is not who they are imitating.
Phantoms do have real thoughts and feelings, but their personalities are relatively simple due to being created to imitate a real person and not developed over a lifetime. They have an intentional limitation which limits their personalities from changing or learning new skills, a design choice intended to prevent them from becoming uncontrollable. This limitation is very rarely overcome (see animogenesis). All Phantoms are programmed to like Rex as a person and obey his orders- if he asks something of them which is contrary to their nature, they may question him but will always defer to his judgement if he insists. The majority of Phantoms are replication models, designed to be doubles of lifeforms Rex knows of (be they friend or foe). Some are original models, created from scratch. All of them have wonderfully edgy names and a short title- for example, Phantom Rex is 'Omen of Disaster- Grim 13.'
Most Phantoms have three modes-
Immaterial Mode: In which their body is off, and they exist only as a core. This contains all of the data that makes up their mind and body. The core has little ability beyond mobility, and this mode is used solely for storage or to be on standby, ready to create a body when a specific condition is met. Often the core is linked to a physical object so it can be carried without special equipment. Whenever a Phantom's body is destroyed, the core is programmed to return to Rex where it can be reborn in a new body. A damaged body fades into nothingness, and a core cannot revive itself.
Standard Mode: Also called incognito mode in replication models, they are designed to as closely imitate the original lifeform as possible or otherwise be practical for non-combat roles. Phantoms based on people are often somewhat caricatured versions of them, with their key traits more apparent, and the more subtle parts of themselves that are not common knowledge missing.
Combat Mode: A form designed by Rex to emphasise battle strength. When in combat mode, most Phantoms became more obviously artificial and are designed to look intimidating. They shed anything unnecessary for battle, often lacking internal organs and taking on forms that nature could not produce. By crafting bodies that highlight the original's strengths, or cover their weaknesses, it becomes possible to produce results that exceed the limits of skill. They often possess runes as a part of their physical makeup.
A Phantom will not necessarily be stronger, or even as strong as the original. Rex must be able to understand how someone does something to be able to replicate it, which may require a great deal of data. If he is unable to reproduce something, he may choose to imitate it instead- producing a similar result using a different method, which is usually inferior to the original. Some things simply can't be replicated or imitated. In many cases, a Phantom will be more powerful than the inspiration, but Rex's shallow understanding of what made the original strong in the first place will result in them being less effective e.g increasing the strength of a Judo master that uses others strength against them does not increase performance and just makes them less flexible.
In general, abilities obtained through biology, physical traits or equipment without unique characteristics are easy for him to replicate. Spells of any sort are reasonably simple, as even if Rex can't cast them himself, he can usually understand their mechanics. More abstract sources of power can be more difficult- the more mysterious powers, such as Candles and Second Sight, currently elude him entirely and must be imitated instead. Rex managed to obtain a basic understanding of Wist's memory magic that allowed them to recreate a person from their memories but has yet to be able to use it to the extent necessary to drastically improve Phantom production.
Animogenesis-
When a Phantom breaks free of the programming designed to limit its development, it is called animogenesis. Becoming a complete person, they are free to grow and learn with true free will. It is extremely rare and only occurs with Phantoms to whom breaking their limits is fundamental to their personality. Even amongst Phantoms in which this is the case, it only occurs in exceptional circumstances, such as when in a fight they feel they cannot lose under any circumstances or experience crushing despair at being unable to succeed as they are. Animogenesis lasts for one life- upon the destruction of their body, a new Phantom made by the core will not possess free will. Due to the fact they usually break their limits in dangerous circumstances and lose themselves upon destruction, a Phantom that achieves animogenesis usually lives only a brief, brilliant life with free will.
Some examples of Phantoms, from Daybreak primarily, can be seen here.
Permissions/Suggestions
no subject
Can Rex create a Phantom of your character?: Yes.
If yes, what can he replicate/imitate? Ekkehardt's ability to heal and stabilize is up for imitation, as well as the bandages he uses to contain target/restrict movement.
And what can't he replicate/imitate? Pretty much anything Ekkehardt hasn't tipped his hand on yet, so no pursuit acrobatics/knife-fighting skills/definitely not the lich thing. His Phantom would probably be best suited as a healer/support spec at this point based on what's actually known about him but knowing Rex he'll do some wacky bullshit so feel free to disregard this point.
What would you like to see in their Phantom? oh god do whatever you like tbh i'm down for anything
Misc suggestions: If you want to see him be vaguely offended give it the most extra over the top name possible.