Group Central discussion

How are we doing this?

boooo.

idk. That's the issue I had with it to begin with. How are you 'fairly' going to assign what level people are at? By age? By random.org ?

Students would automatically start at the bottom and work their way up. So partially by age. Do you also mean the characters who have not just gotten their powers/come to the school?

yeah. Because like there are 19 year old characters. They're obviously not just seeing they have powers.

Right. I'm thinking we could take it on an individual basis and talk to the creator on how far they think their character would have progressed before making a prognosis? I'm thinking me and whoever could reach an agreement pretty easily, seeing how they created the character and I assigned the power; we've probably got pretty similar ideas already. I just want to serve as a reality check to avoid the whole op (overpower -ed, -ing) scenario.

How does that sound? Also, how many levels should there be?

(Btw, different powers have a cap-off at different levels. Only some powers can make it all the way to the top. Ex. I have an idea that Diandra might be one away from the top, and maybe she's working with Leon to make that final step?)

I say give it a try!

Okay. How many levels do you think sounds like enough to give us enough variation? (I think the levels increase exponentially.) But not have too many?

I want to say between 3-5? Is that too few?

Five might be okay, but I'm not sure. Ahhhh! I don't know!

I like the fact that Dee will be working with Leon. Let's just say that's her ultimate goal. ;)

((Sorry, I'm not helping. :P))

I'm personally so confused on how you would implement it. I feel like its 1) newbie 2) you control it, it doesn't control you 3) you can manipulate it to do your will 4) you don't even have to think about it anymore it just happens

Wait teachers are part of the level system also?

I think teachers went through the system. So they know what's up. They'd obvi be at the highest? I think maybe not obvi?

Sarah wrote: "I like the fact that Dee will be working with Leon. Let's just say that's her ultimate goal. ;)"

;) I thought you might like it!

LBSinger wrote: "Wait teachers are part of the level system also?"

Everyone is.

Well I thought the students would be the only ones with level labels and the teachers would have dropped their labels because it's obvious that they're at the highest level since they're teachers.

Karina wrote: "I'm personally so confused on how you would implement it. I feel like its 1) newbie 2) you control it, it doesn't control you 3) you can manipulate it to do your will 4) you don't even have to thin..."

Well it would be how the learning system works. Maybe seven? Because seven is the magic number. Are you familiar with the X-Men power-stuff? (Like the highest is omega, and very few have that potential?) 'Cause I'm thinking of it kind of like that. I can find info on that and share it with you guys if that would help?

LBSinger wrote: "Well I thought the students would be the only ones with level labels and the teachers would have dropped their labels because it's obvious that they're at the highest level since they're teachers."

Not necessarily, because so few reach the top level. Also abilities have a cap-out where they can't progress any higher.

Find it because I'm not that familiar with the x-men things. Seven is soo many. I think five is good. And you can have like little goals in between each one. so like 5a, 3b. idk that's just more complicated nevermind.

I've heard of the X-Men level thing but I'm not really sure how it works. That would probably be a good thing to utilize.

I shall search. Off I go!

Ah yes, X-Men. That makes sense to me LOL. I love X-Men! And yeah, I think Sunshine, you mean there are levels of MASTERY of ones power and then there's POTENTIAL of ones power. Both should be defined and assigned IMO because one can be at say level 7 of their power (max-ed) but their potential is only 2 or 3 or whatever. Does that make sense?

Here is what I am referring to. They have different classes of mutants. See below:

Omega-level mutants
An Omega-level mutant is one with the most powerful genetic potential of their mutant abilities. The term was first seen in the 1986 issue Uncanny X-Men #208, but was completely unexplained (beyond the obvious implication of it referring to an exceptional level of power). The term was not seen again until the 2001 limited series X-Men Forever. Some abilities depicted by mutants described as Omega-level include immortality, extreme manipulation of matter and energy, high psionic ability, strong telekinesis, and the potential to exist beyond the boundaries of the known physical universe. No firm definition has been offered in comics. Examples of mutants that have been confirmed as Omega-level include Jean Grey, Vulcan, Rachel Summers, Iceman, Legion, Elixir, and Franklin Richards.

"Homo Superior Superior"
Introduced in Chris Claremont's X-Treme X-Men, a character known as Vargas claimed to be humanity's natural response to mutants. Vargas was born at the epitome of peak physical skill, having superhuman levels of strength, speed, reflexes, agility, stamina, and durability. Vargas also seemed to be immune to various mutant abilities (such as Rogue's absorption and Psylocke's telekinetic blast).

Externals
Created by Rob Liefeld, Externals are immortal mutants whose powers have allowed them to exist for centuries. Eventually, most of the Externals were killed by Selene. Gideon, Selene, and Apocalypse are examples of Externals.

Cheyarafim and Neyaphem
Cheyarafim and Neyaphem first appear in Uncanny X-Men #429. According to the character Azazel, the Cheyarafim are a group of angel-like mutants who were the traditional enemies of the Neyaphem, a demonic-looking group of mutants who lived in Biblical times. The Cheyarafim were fanatics who had a strict, absolutist view of morality which led them into conflict with the Neyaphem. This escalated into a holy war, causing the Neyaphem to be exiled into an alternate dimension. What happened to the Cheyarafim after this has not been revealed. The X-Man Angel is said to be descended from Cheyarafim, while Nightcrawler is supposedly the son of a Neyaphem, Azazel.

Dominant Species/lupine
Maximus Lobo claimed to be a part of a mutant sub-species of feral, wolf-like mutants, whom he called The Dominant Species. He later tried to recruit Wolf Cub into his ranks, to no avail. A few years later, another mutant, Romulus claimed that some human mutants evolved from canines instead of primates. Mutants who were a part of this group were Romulus, Wolverine, Daken, Sabretooth, Wolfsbane, Wild Child, Thornn, Feral, and Sasquatch. Other likely candidates being X-23 and The Native. These groups appear to be one and the same.

Changelings
Introduced in the second series of X-Factor, a changeling is a mutant whose powers manifest at birth. Jamie Madrox (Multiple Man) and Damian Tryp are examples of this sub-class.

Mutant aliens
Humans are not the only species to have mutant subspecies. Ariel, Longshot, Ultra Girl, and Warlock are examples of mutant aliens.

source: Wikipedia

s•u•n•s•h•i•n•e «§KENZ§» wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I like the fact that Dee will be working with Leon. Let's just say that's her ultimate goal. ;)"

;) I thought you might like it!"

I do, I do, I really do. :P

Sarah wrote: "Ah yes, X-Men. That makes sense to me LOL. I love X-Men! And yeah, I think Sunshine, you mean there are levels of MASTERY of ones power and then there's POTENTIAL of ones power. Both should be defi..."

Oh...! Yes!!! I do see! And I like it!

So there would be 5 degrees of power, but then 7 levels of mastery?

I like that.

Okay so I understand how there are different classes/types of mutants. But that isn't what we're referring to as levels are we?

It is similar, but not the same...

s•u•n•s•h•i•n•e «§KENZ§» wrote: "So there would be 5 degrees of power, but then 7 levels of mastery?"

Essentially, if those are the numbers you want to work with then yes. And the school would help all levels of "gifted people" (or whatever you're calling them) to reach their max potential.

Ah-ha! That makes so much more sense, thank you!

I FOUND WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR!!! I WAS WORRIED I HAD IMAGINED IT, BUT I FOUND IT!!!

it

:)

And each student would be treated with a degree of individuality that would be personalized to who they are and what their power is.

The Marvel Universe's Mutant Classification Levels
By Squares January 24, 2012 42 Comments

Mutant 'power levels' are a considerable source of debate among many Marvel fans, especially fans of the X-men. The system is fairly comprehensive, and it's reasonably logical, but what makes it a topic of much contention is the fact that they are almost entirely fan created and, as something of a byproduct, not every mutant in the Marvel universe is assigned a level. There are seven levels, which I will explain shortly, and every mutant in the Marvel universe can be evaluated as being one of them (more or less). While the definitions of each level can change depending on what source one uses, I did some reading and came up with this basic outline:


OMEGA LEVEL

I previously wrote a post about the thirteen Omega-level mutants in the Marvel universe, which can be found here. For a character to qualify as an Omega level mutant, only one thing is technically necessary- they have to be officially labeled as such. While this scale itself is largely fan-made, every member of the Omega level has been called such by Marvel, and theirs is the only authority that counts in this matter. Sure, there are actual traits that Omega-level mutants must possess, but they're usually vague at best; suffice to say that they have to be really, really, really powerful and able to change their physical body into another state, like psychic energy. Omega mutants are extremely rare (only thirteen exist in the entire Marvel universe) and are, either by coincidence or design, often telepathic. Some notable members of this level are Jean Grey, Iceman, and Franklin Richards.


ALPHA LEVEL

This is probably the class that ends up being the most contested, largely because it's made up of extremely powerful mutants, some of whom people will often argue should count as Omega-level, and they consist of roughly 10% of all mutants. Alpha level mutants are very powerful individuals whose mutation features no significant drawbacks. Note that while Alpha mutants aren't notably hindered by their mutation itself, they can possess other extraneous disabilities, impairments, and general encumberances; an example would be Professor X, who, while unable to use his legs (is he crippled right now? His ability to walk changes so frequently I tend to lose track...), is an extremely formidable telepath. Good examples of this class of mutant are Dazzler, Magneto, Storm, Gambit and Rogue (as she is currently, able to control her power-siphoning abilities). Note that this level also encompasses characters with abilities that are considered more powerful than average that have negative mutations, and therefore covers a very wide range of individuals.


BETA LEVEL

Beta Level mutants are pretty powerful beings, but they are minorly hampered by an aspect of their mutation in a fairly minor fashion- think Alpha level powers with a drawback. These drawbacks can be anything from slightly abnormal physical features (blue skin or fur, for instance) to the inability to turn their powers on or off at will. Controversy regarding this class often stems from deciding exactly what counts as a 'minor' drawback- Cyclops cannot turn his powers on and off at will, so some would classify him as beta-level, but this inability is currently stated to be due to brain damage and is therefore unrelated to the power level of his mutation itself (which is what we're measuring here). Beta level includes Beast, Mystique and Nightcrawler, among others. Wolverine is sometimes placed in this level.


GAMMA LEVEL

A Gamma level has a harmful mutation coupled with superhuman abilities that are above average. Often these mutants are unable to 'pass as human', making it difficult for them to lead ordinary lives. Rogue (apparently) USED to be a member of this category, since not being able to make physical contact with most other living beings makes for a pretty difficult existance, but no longer counts as Gamma level. Some mutants, like Marrow, have pretty minor mutations that cause them near-constant pain and render their appearance inhuman, while others, like Blob, have rather impressive abilities that just make their lives very difficult (he is very morbidly obese).


DELTA LEVEL

While their mutations bear no detrimental qualities, they also aren't all that powerful, but Delta level mutants appear, for the large part, to be ordinary humans. Individuals with highly specific powers are also placed in here, along with passive abilities (powers that are more traits than abilities, like Longshot's good luck or Cypher's omnilinguism). These are about 50% of mutants, and cannot, under most circumstances, really hold their own against their more powerful Omega, Alpha, Beta and Gamma contemporaries. Delta level mutants can have many types of powers, like Forge (who has the mutant power of invention (no, I'm NOT making that up)), Loa (who can pass through solid objects, which causes them to break apart), or Wallflower (pheromone control).


EPSILON LEVEL

To count as an Epsilon level mutant, you have to possess very little to no special abilities and a mutation that extremely negatively effects your day-to-day life. Some mutants of this level are killed by their mutations, like Sally Floyd's daughter, who around a few months of age began growing in reverse. Others have somewhat monstrous appearances, like Glob Herman or Beak. They often cannot function in society without aid, and can even end up hunted down as monsters, like The Worm (he's from District X and doesn't have a page). 20% of mutants fall into this category.


ZETA-LEVEL

The lowest level is home to latent mutants; humans whose children or grandchildren might end up being mutants but do not themselves classify as such. This level is a bit iffy- in some cases it's stated that they bear the x-gene themselves, but in others they just could have children with the gene. Whatever the case, the consensus is that they do not have 'mutant powers'; they may, of course, have other powers or abilities, but none that would come from being a mutant. Spider-man should technically qualify as a zeta-level mutant.


So that's the gist of it. Thank you to Jeff, who prompted me to write this list.

source: ComicVine

^^ Read this. This is super-important. This is almost exactly what I'm thinking of with potential.

(We would probably then have the five levels of mastery previously suggested by Karina.)

Yeah that's perfect.

I like this. (I'm saying that a lot today lol)

Okay that's what I thought we meant when referring to levels! Alpha/omega..etc. Cools let's roll with it.

Yayyyyyyayayayayayayy!!!!!!!!! So let's have that for potential. (And fuck it, [sorry if that offends anyone...] I'm stealing those names too. Alpha, omega, zeta, etc...) And than we will have five levels of mastery. Do those need names or will we just stick with numbers?

Do it, Sunshine! :D

Nah, just numbers is fine IMO.

So would one then be low or high?

(IMO?)

IMO = in my opinion

1 should be the lowest.

Okay. I'm going to play piano for a tad more and then get to work on getting that set up. Do you all have in mind where you think your characters should be?

Numbers are good. No not yet. I definitely have to look over all the levels then my characters current personality/background/description and see which one fits for them to begin with. So many factors to consider

I have a rough idea of what Diandra's potential is and her level would be what you suggested: 4th (since 5th is the highest one).