The Sword and Laser discussion

The Rook is full of characters with interesting powers. If you could have superpowers what would they be? They don't necessarily need to be limited to the book.

Since I started this thread I'll go first... There are so many things I would love to do, like teleport, but I think the one set of powers I would like to have would be able to breathe underwater, withstand pressure of the ocean depths, and to be able to swim faster. Basically be a dolphin in human form, or a merman.

I used to think I'd want to be telepathic, but now I realize I really don't want to know what others are thinking. I think I'd go with teleportation. I'd love to easily travel all over the world.

I'd like to be able to freeze time so I can get more done in a day.

I've always assumed mine would be something like animal communication or control over animals, it would be super helpful in my job (veterinarian). Barring that, I'd love to be able to fly.

Convincing people to do what I want.

Your minds went straight to the gutter, but my intent is more high-minded: end all human conflict and find solutions to the problems we face.

Rebecca wrote: "I've always assumed mine would be something like animal communication or control over animals, it would be super helpful in my job (veterinarian). Barring that, I'd love to be able to fly."

Joyce wrote: "I'd like to be able to freeze time so I can get more done in a day."

What, no Purple Man for me?

Charles wrote: "Since I started this thread I'll go first... There are so many things I would love to do, like teleport, but I think the one set of powers I would like to have would be able to breathe underwater, withstand pressure of the ocean depths, and to be able to swim faster. Basically be a dolphin in human form, or a merman."

Suzanne wrote: "I used to think I'd want to be telepathic, but now I realize I really don't want to know what others are thinking. I think I'd go with teleportation. I'd love to easily travel all over the world."

Trike wrote: "What, no Purple Man for me?"

Well, he's from a comic book and he's not very nice. I drew a blank on altruistic compulsion.

Mark wrote: "Trike wrote: "What, no Purple Man for me?"

Well, he's from a comic book and he's not very nice. I drew a blank on altruistic compulsion."

Why is that? Why are all silver-tongued folk called "devils"? There have been some who have used their powers for good. Martin Luther King Jr., Fred Rogers, Mahatma Gandhi.

It reminds of that Drew Carey routine: "How come the voices in people's heads always make them do bad things? Why do they never say, 'Hunt down the President... and tell him what a great job he's doing!'"

Hahaha, exactly Mark, I wanted to be Doctor Dolittle so bad when I was growing up!

I feel like Dr. Crisp in The Rook was a pretty good example of altruistic compulsion, although he doesn't have complete control. I think it's one of those powers where I feel like it would be really easy to accidentally cross the line into abuse, thinking you're still doing good.

Rebecca wrote: "Hahaha, exactly Mark, I wanted to be Doctor Dolittle so bad when I was growing up!

I feel like Dr. Crisp in The Rook was a pretty good example of altruistic compulsion, although he doesn't have co..."

I also read Dr Doolittle while growing up. One of my favorites and possibly a gateway drug to science fiction and fantasy!

Trike wrote: "Why is that? Why are all silver-tongued folk called "devils"? There have been some who have used their powers for good. Martin Luther King Jr., Fred Rogers, Mahatma Gandhi."

It just feels like the exceptions would be far outnumbered by those who simply want things their own way, and like Rebecca, I feel there is a slippery slope for this kind of power.

Now we need more powers and more book covers to go with them.

I've seen people use the random function of the superpower wiki to assign themselves powers elsewhere... might be a fun addition.

If I had to pick, I'd probably choose teleportation. Commute's a pain. Though realistically I expect I'd get stuck with the ability to turn purple in the presence of Marxism or something.

I'd go with something akin to Wolverine's healing ability that also staved off aging. Getting rid of that pesky fear of getting hurt opens up a whole world of new things to do/accomplish. And drastically extending my lifetime means there's no end to what I'd be able to experience. Hell, I could probably finish my To-Read list!

Actually. I really liked Gestalt's powers until I had a massive mental recoil at the (view spoiler)[self-sex/additional baby-body/immortality thing (hide spoiler)]. I've wanted to be able to clone myself at times, though that led to the control of clones problem, which his powers seemed to negate. Then I can go to work/study, pursue all my hobbies, work my way through my to-read/to-watch list and speed through my chores so fast, sleep and still get things done, etc. But most recently, I have wanted another set of arms because then I could wash my long-ass hair and shower the rest of me at the same time, cutting down bath-time; turn the pages of a book, while eating with two utensils; play duets on the piano by myself, etc. The only thing I'm trying to work out is where I would attach them. On my back like the idea of angel wings? On top of my shoulders? Under my first set of arms/in my armpit? Ideas? I just want to be able to multi-task to the next level! One of the things I debate about when discussing superpowers with friends is the drawbacks to superpowers. For example, if you want to be invisible, probably specify being invisible to others because if you can't see yourself either it would be hard learning how to move yourself through spaces without bumping into people/things, and that you can control the invisibility, because being invisible always probably won't be fun.

Robert wrote: "I'd go with something akin to Wolverine's healing ability that also staved off aging. Getting rid of that pesky fear of getting hurt opens up a whole world of new things to do/accomplish. And drast..."

Wouldn't you still feel pain even if you healed? Would that get rid of your fear of injury?

Super strength/Invunerability would be awesome, I'd be fine with Luke Cage level, wouldn't need to be Superman

Sarah wrote: "Robert wrote: "I'd go with something akin to Wolverine's healing ability that also staved off aging. Getting rid of that pesky fear of getting hurt opens up a whole world of new things to do/accomp..."

I think the biggest component of that kind of fear is the potential for chronic ongoing pain that would live with you for the rest of your life. Wolverine basically goes back to as pristine condition as his body will allow (his adamantium skeleton is constantly causing damage that his healing factor takes care of) so without the pesky skeleton there'd be no lasting pain because the nerves would repair themselves. I think I could endure anything for a short period and if the pain was too much, I'd blackout and wake up refreshed!

I typically say Flying, but when I think about it the potential for hitting bugs and birds while flying around, it doesn't sound too fun. You'd have to wear a helmet and goggles, or maybe even body armor. Teleportation would be safer as long as you don't teleport into a solid wall...