Variant Cappa 2 Universe
From Hyfenwiki
The Variant Cappa 2 Universe is an alternate timeline/universe to Baseline in the canon of the Freikorps Universe. It is nicknamed the "High Fantasy Universe."
VC2, unlike Baseline and most other timelines in the multiverse, has the availability of magic as an energy source and tool. Sentient species in VC2 include elves, humans, nymphs, dwarves, vampires, and demons. Interestingly, the planets and interstellar space often found in other universe are equivalent to islands/continents and seas/oceans respectively in VC2. Space itself does not actually exist in this universe, and the "globe" is not actually a globe at all, or even a planet. The structure of the universe is such that it can operate without them.
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Universe
In the world present in the "High Fantasy Universe" the entire universe is smaller--as is population and such-- and though we may find it difficult to comprehend, the whole of that universe is exactly what we see: water, land, and sky. The water and land is not on a planet, and the sky does not open into some larger space. You may try to wrap your brain around the old concepts preached so assuredly before people knew the world was round. It is flat, and the stars and moon and sun are all set in one place (perhaps a solid curtain hanging just above the sky, who knows?) and turn about the universe/world below. And yes, the sun and moon are indeed the same size. Are the stars just holes in that skyward tapestry, letting down light from heavens? Possibly.
Variant Cappa 2 is not only a rarity in the fact that it is a single plane, spaceless universe with no planets or curvature to its surface, but also in the fact that it is divided into 2 distinct planes or realms. Apart from the “normal” realm that the elven, human, and nymph species inhabit, there is another realm that is recognized as “Flipside” by Baseline, and as “The Netherworld,” or “Underworld” to the inhabitants of VC2.
Sentient Species in Variant Cappa 2
Sentient species in VC2 are divided between Flipside Species and Normal Realm Species. The species in each have counterpart species in the other realm. It should be noted that not all of the information presented in this wiki article is known within the canonical VC2.
Normal Realm Species
Elves
Main article: Elf(Species VC2)
Life Expectancy: 200-300 years
The most obvious difference between humans and elves is, of course, the pointed ears. Other generalized differences include elven features being sharper and more angular than humans, though it is not uncommon for elves to also have rounded features and humans sharp. Elves also tend to have fairer skin tones than humans, and in interesting contrast, darker hair colors are more common in elves than humans. Elves on average, as compared to humans, are slightly taller, though the difference is slight. The average elf is approximately a single centimeter taller than the average human. Whether or not this statistic will change in the near future is unknown, as census trends show that both species seem to be getting gradually taller with each successive generation. It’s interesting to note that while slightly overweight elves do exist, there has never been a reported case of obvious fatness or obesity in all of elven history, and so on average, elves also tend to be leaner. Strong musculature is generally hidden and compact, lending again to the leaner figure, not pronounced and bulging as in humans.
The biggest reason besides longer lifespan that elven population has been consistently lower than human, is the fact that elven couples can only conceive child every ten years. After conception, the male elf’s reproductive system effectively shuts down for approximately that amount of time. This does not mean that they cannot, um, “do it,” but simply means they cannot father another child until that period of time has elapsed. The time varies per individual, but remains very close to the ten-year average, within weeks.
Elven females, unlike their human counterparts, have a gestation period of approximately 360 days, and afterwards, their reproductive system also slows, though nowhere close to the time that males do, averaging about three or four months.
Allergies are exceedingly rare amongst all of the species in VC2, but it does seem that approximately 25% of all elves and elf hybrids suffer from an acute coffee allergy.
Humans
Life Expectancy: 70-80 years
Hopefully enough is known about humans for a real explanation about them isn't needed. They’re humans, plain and simple. Perhaps a few statistics however:
- Lighter hair colors and eye colors are more common in humans than elves.
- Humans are more adept at gaining muscle mass than elves, and a stockier build that is more present in humans equips them better for larger, bulging muscular physiques, while elven strength comes from slight, but well toned musculatures and species specific physiology.
- Humans have a higher tolerance for alcohol, though they seem to have a weakness towards some stronger elven recipes. Tolerances for such dishes and beverages (like ambrosia bread and nectar) vary widely amongst humans, but is decidedly unacceptable for humans in their strongest forms. The reason for this is yet unknown, but one theory states that because elves have more sensory input and mental ability for sensory input (keener senses), these foods and drinks are simply too much for the human brain’s sensory center to handle at one time. This theory is highly contested.
Elf-Human Hybrids
Life Expectancy: ~120-150 years (highly variable)
Hybrids of elves and humans, while traditionally rare, have been on the rise as years go by. Overall, human traits and genetics are usually dominant, though there are slight differences according to parentage. If an individual has an elven father and human mother (less common), then they will have a decided leaning to their human ancestry, while a human father and elven mother (more common) allows more elven traits to show in the offspring. In either case, a hybrid is usually easily discerned if examined with any sort of interest, by the fact that their ears, while still pointed, have a decidedly more curved edge before getting to a tapered point than do pure elves.
It’s worth note that while hybrids are not sterile, and can have offspring, the original hybrid does not have the same loss of reproductive ability after conception as do pure elves, though reported cases of barren females have a higher percentage among elf-human hybrids than do either elves or humans.
Nymphs
Life Expectancy: ???
Nymphs are a highly unknown species. While it is gathered that they are indeed humanoid, it is undetermined if this is their base form, or just a secondary form that they have the ability to take. It is known that nymphs are unique in their ability to easily and fluidly exchange physical forms. Floating petals and leaves in the shape of an individual, sand/earth, water, and tree are all forms that have been identified as available to nymphs. It’s been observed by Baseline scouts that nymphs appear to have the ability to seamlessly “meld” and separate from these elements and others in nature with ease and on a whim, nymphs sometimes jumping from being one with a tree into their humanoid form and then melding into a nearby pond and assuming a watery form.
The humanoid form itself seems comparable to neither elf nor human in it’s entirety, though it does seem to hold some things in common. Nymphs have rounded ears, with no evidence of any elven-like point, just as humans do. They also to seem to have a very wide variety of skin tones and hair and eye colors, surpassing both elves and humans in variety. Like Elves though, nymphs seem to be of slight, sinewy build with little visible evidence of whatever muscle mass they have. Whether they share the elven trait of seemingly unnatural strength despite this lack of bulging musculature is unknown, but highly doubted, as nymphs seem to atone for their extreme magical abilities with a frail, petite, and weak build overall. As is noted in almost, if indeed [i]every[/i] story, tale, legend, myth, lore, etc. about them, nymphs are of striking and almost mind-blowing physical beauty, that almost seems to have a hypnotic effect on many individuals of the other species, regardless of sexual attraction.
There has apparently never been a male nymph. All nymphs are of the female gender, and this in combination of there never being a study of any nymph specimen, makes it unknown how nymphs reproduce. No children or adolescents have ever been reported or observed.
Flipside Species
Dwarves
Life Expectancy: ??? (Presumed less than 250)
Dwarves are the Elven Counterpart in Flipside. Unlike elves, who have very fine and deceptively delicate looking features, with very little body hair, dwarves are rough, burly, and hairy. Contrary to popular belief, dwarves do not suffer from…dwarfism. On average, dwarves are about 3 centimeters shorter than the average vampire, but are not ridiculous midgets. Dwarves, like humans and not elves, are very stocky and heavily built, with pronounced and visible musculature.
Though not strong magic users, out of all the species in VC2 (Normal Realm and Flipside), the dwarves seem the most technologically advanced.
Similar to elves, but not to the same degree, is the dwarven reproductive system. Dwarf couples can apparently only have a child approximately every 3-6 years. However, where as elven males bare the responsibility of this delay in their species, it is the dwarven females’ reproductive capacity that is reduced after conception. Males appear to have no down time at all, and if not for social taboos, could father children continuously, one after the other, well into old age.
Vampires
Life Expectancy: ??? (Presumed less than 150)
Though Baseline authorities on the subject disagree on an exact classification of the Human Counterpart in Cappa Two Flipside, the common term nickname, and generally recognized term for them is “Vampires.” This is due to the fact that they resemble the mythical vampire figures in Baseline fiction, though they are very different in several aspects.
Vampires do have a definite white and sickly pallor to them, which makes them appear bloodless and as if they have never been exposed to sunlight. It is a fact that the species does indeed prefer dark lighting over brightness, but contrary to the stereotypical Baseline vampire, they do not combust on contact with sunlight. These vampires have an extremely high tolerance to UVB rays, which accounts for the white skin tone, as they literally do not tan at all. This may be aided by the fact that Flipside does seem to receive less visible sunlight than the Normal Realm of VC2, but higher doses of infrared/heat, as well as UV rays, which a higher tolerance for UVB would be ideal for. Why this higher tolerance leaves a white skin tone rather than a black skin tone, is unknown, as one would suspect that a higher melanin content in tissues would be desired to make better use of the lessoned light available. In any case, this bleached skin color is very likely the reason behind the stories of ghosts and ghouls associated with the Flipside.
Vampires do appear to have larger than average fangs, which is analogous to the Baseline vampires of fiction. However, these fangs are most certainly not used for draining bodily fluids, and appear to just be…well, teeth. The build of this Human Counterpart actually seems closer to elven physiology than human. While the ears are in fact rounded like a human, the build is slight, and strong musculature is generally hidden and compact, not pronounced like in humans, but rather similar to elves. Also similar to elves, darker hair and eye colors are more common than lighter varities. The average vampire is approximately the same height as the average human.
While young and adolescent vampires have been reported and observed, facts as to reproduction among vampires are scarce. It is safe to assume that since some vampire families have children less than a couple years apart, they do not suffer from the reproductive “down time” that elves do.
Demons
Life Expectancy: ??? (No really, we have no clue)
Demons are the Nymph Counterpart in Flipside. Like nymphs, demons are the magical superpowers of the realm. They almost seem to have god-like abilities, which is not just because of their magical abilites, but also due to the fact that unlike nymphs, demons have both magical prowess and incredible strength. Towering over the other species, the average demon is about 10 centimeters taller than the average vampire. With huge, distinctly bulging musculature that develops very soon after birth (approximately 1 year), demons are immensely strong. While children and adolescents of the species have been reported and observed, it is truly a mystery as to how demons reproduce. Appearing to have neither distinctly male nor female differences among different individuals, there is either a very subtle difference between the two sexes, or demons are a unisex species. In any case, there are very, very few demons. This isn’t always immediately apparent however, because unlike their nymph counterparts, demons are not so intent on hiding themselves or avoiding contact with the other species.
Demons suit their stereotyped image very well. They have red, rough skin and yellowed eyes. All demons have curving, ram-like horns, that vary widely in size and jut forwards from the base of the skull after curving around the head. There is no body hair at all. Some demons, but interestingly not all, have small in place of fangs, whose points can only just be seen when the mouth is closed.
It should be noted that demons are not always barbaric animals that yell, scream, and rip-apart the limbs of their cornered victims whom they chased down regardless of danger to themselves. As with other species, this is only one of the various personalities evident in the culture, and you’re just as likely to encounter a demon who will do this as you are to meet a vampire, elf, dwarf, or human who will do. Interestingly, Flipsides inhabitants seem to note demons more for their calm, level headed, business-like attitude and demeanor rather than the stereotypical crazed beast mentality, which seems to be mostly a complete myth originating in human culture in the Normal Realm.
Magic in Variant Cappa 2
Main article: Magic System VC2
Magic in VC2 is a complex system with several individual parts, some that don't even connect to each in any other manner other than that they are manipulated via the "art of magic." The three main systems of magic within the overarching Magic System VC2 are Life Force (magic itself), Aura, and Pure Life Force.
Life Force is essentially the generalized "magic" that flows throughout the VC2 universe. Life Force is continually regenerated, albiet slowly. So while you can run out because you use it too quickly and it does not have time to recoop, you can't use up all the life force in the world by some huge magical feat. And it is not only created when life is created. Life continues constantly, it grows and matures, as if the it is the Pure Life Force of the universe itself.
Aura itself is a difficult thing to define exactly, but the closest descriptor is “a combination of ambient life-energy unique to an individual, and the individual’s personality and temperament.” What can “ambient life energy” be, you ask? Well, quite frankly, nobody has any idea, but it is linked to magical ability (whether the individual can use magic or not is irrelevant), pure life force of an individual, and the nature of what one may call “the soul.” Auras CAN change, but if one were to consciously attempt to change their aura they’d have to:
- Change their behavior
- Change their lifestyle
- Change the way they actually think and view the world, a next to impossible feat as it’s not exactly easy to change the way your brain works
- Magically alter the flow and form of their ambient life energy.
Pure Life Force is, well, just that. It is not energy that is taken from food, or electrical impulses in the brain, though altered levels of life force can have a profound effect on those things. It is a will to live, combined with the strength of character and stability, as well as vivaciousness of the individual and the health of that person. Will to live and health are key factors, with strength of character and general cheeriness of a person being only minor factors. It is very closely connected to aura. Also, the core of your Pure Life Force takes the form of a glowing ball of light when removed. Life force is all through your body, but your core lies beneath your breastbone, in the center of your chest, and it's color is always a different one than your aura, and varies according to species. In the same way as Life Force, PLF maintains a stable amount in an organism. If it is drained, it will heal itself like a human body heals a wound. If it is hale and hearty, it stops regenerating. This is similar to the "central pool" fact. You can't use up a "finite amount" because you can only draw on your own.
In addition to these systems, a combination of systems make up the being of an individual organism.
