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Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Rogue Groups > Unusual Family
The “Unusual Family” is a family consisting of forty-two siblings who are all noted or suspected to have parahuman abilities. The data featured in this folder comes from the Parahuman Studies department at Inkwell University, recordings depicting Maxwell and Lily Unusual’s interactions with Justice League members, Protectorate files on Unusual Family Protectorate and Ward members, and PRT files on Unusual Family villain encounters, with confirmation and additional details provided directly from Ludwig Unusual.
The Unusual siblings are all born to Edgar and Julie Unusual. Edgar and Julie were archaeologists and explorers active in the 1970s before retiring in 1980 [Note: correlation with the divergent point from Earth Aleph is unknown but unlikely]. They purchased a countryside home in southeastern Pennsylvania between Capital City and Hyphen Heights by selling a number of artifacts found during their adventuring days. They raised forty-two children there, beginning with Edwin Unusual [Born 1981] and ending with Tots Unusual [Born 2003]. Edgar and Julie disappeared in 2011, and all Unusual Family members who had been living at their house moved to Edwin’s farm.
After Edgar and Julie’s disappearance, Ludwig and parahuman researchers at Inkwell University alerted Dragon that they had suspicions about Edgar and Julie, particularly about the prevalence of parahumans in the Unusual Family. Edgar and Julie reportedly gave each of their children a “magical object” that granted them unique abilities. Many of the older members of the Unusual Family later determined they didn’t require these objects to use their powers, which they confirmed with each other after their parents were gone.
Inkwell parahuman researchers determined that the “magical objects” serve as a focus for the Unusual Family members’ powers, making it easier for them to use their powers. However, this is likely a placebo effect, the objects having power because the wielders believe they have power. Ludwig suspects crediting the family’s powers to the “magical objects” was Edgar and Julie’s way of hiding the powers’ true origin.
These objects also make it easier for Unusual Family members to utilize “Starites,” an object of unknown origin identified with Ludwig’s powers. Ludwig’s powers relate to sensing and understanding trigger events [see: Chevalier], agents [see: shards, also known as passengers and faeries], and cores [see: Endbringers].
Little is known about Starites, but those who are aware of them can collect them and their shards, which are generated during specific, positive events. Using a Starite allows for a parahuman’s powers to grow exponentially for a period of time, referred to here as a Starite boon, but losing or giving up a Starite causes extreme psychological effects. Ludwig suspects that Starites reside in the core that the passenger is linked to [more data needed].
Due to the prevalence of parahuman abilities, a high number of children in the Unusual Family, and Edgar and Julie’s disappearance, Edgar and Julie are suspected to be affiliates of Cauldron. However, Ludwig does not believe he or any of his siblings drank a Cauldron vial or experienced a trigger event [more data needed]. Furthermore, many of the Unusual Family children’s names relate to their powers, suggesting an intentionality.
The Unusual Family is not known to the public, the Protectorate, or the PRT. Members of the Unusual Family affiliated with the Protectorate and Wards program use false names, and there is no Protectorate or PRT record of relation between them. However, PRT analysts have tagged some Unusual Family member files with the label “Rooser Hat” after Maxwell’s appearance. The meaning behind wearing these rooster hats is unknown, but all Unusual Family members wear them frequently. Unusual Family capes often stop wearing their rooster hats upon reaching adulthood to hide their affiliation.
Protectorate and PRT gained an interest in Maxwell and are actively seeking more information about him due to his public use of his powers in late 2009 and appearances with the Justice League in mid-2010. Ludwig reports that Maxwell was collecting Starites in 2009 to “save Lily from a curse” [more data needed]. Details of the 2010 Justice League interactions are unknown, but Maxwell and Lily are often documented by PRT equipment in Metropolis and Central City. Maxwell is seen frequently with the masked Green Lantern, and both Maxwell and Lily have been recorded by civilians in Gotham.
The names, powers, and effects of Starite boons have been provided by Ludwig. The majority of the data on the Unusual Family’s powers and Starite boons comes from Ludwig’s memories of his siblings practicing their powers upon first getting them, so data on some members may be incomplete or outdated. Inkwell parahuman researchers and Dragon have agreed to keep this information hidden from the public, Protectorate, PRT, and Unusual Family members until the Unusual Family becomes a necessary ally or becomes a significant threat.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Rogue Groups > Unusual Family > Ludwig
Name: Ludwig Unusual
Alias: Orchestramaestro [pseudonym in research files]
Age: 28
Affiliation: Unusual Family, Inkwell University Parahuman Research Division
Power Classification: Trump 8, Thinker 5 [Subtype: Sense]
Power Description [brief]: Sound-based supernatural senses related to trigger events, passengers, cores, and Starites.
Power Description [extended]: Ludwig can communicate with agents. The details of how and to what degree are unknown. This also allows him to see others’ trigger events [similar to Chevalier] and locate Starites and Starite shards. Ludwig can use these powers to manipulate the connection between someone’s core and their agent or Starite, which poses the risk of physical harm, psychological damage, and nullification of powers.
There are likely more uses of Ludwig’s sound-based abilities, such as Master or Blaster abilities, but Ludwig has not explored combat applications with or without Starite boons. Using a Starite allows Ludwig to communicate more clearly with an agent and better understand others’ trigger events, but doing so began causing him psychological distress after his magical object was broken.
Object: Flute [broken]
Details: Ludwig is affiliated with the Parahuman Research Division of Inkwell University. His work surrounding agents is kept private, including from the PRT and his family. Ludwig also has the power to share the ability to locate Starites, which he has shared with his siblings and only one Inkwell researcher to confirm Starites’ existence.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Rogue Groups > Unusual Family > Maxwell
Name: Maxwell Unusual
Alias: Scribblenaut
Age: 15
Affiliation: Unusual Family, Justice League [more data needed]
Power Classification: Trump 8 (Subtypes: Null, Ten), Master 7, Shaker 6, Tinker 6, Changer 5, Blaster 4, Brute 3, Mover 2, Stranger 2
Power Description [brief]: Reality manipulation by writing nouns and adjectives
Power Description [extended]: Maxwell’s primary ability is to summon objects and beings, classified as writing nouns. He can modify himself and others to mimic many power classifications, classified as writing adjectives. His modification power makes him a high threat, as he can both grant and remove powers indiscriminately.
Maxwell has no known boost from Starites, but he can generate and collect them more effectively than other members of the Unusual Family. There are limits to Maxwell’s abilities, such as copyrighted and vulgar material, but not on the power of his creations, making creativity the true limit of his powers.
Object: Notebook
Details: Maxwell is not considered a superhero by the PRT. He uses his powers in daily life to help people and has been observed working with the Justice League, but does not appear to be interested in typical superhero activities. Possible affiliation with the Green Lantern Corps. It is unlikely he would become a threat, but he would pose a great danger if he did. No known countermeasures.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Rogue Groups > Unusual Family > Lily
Name: Lily Unusual
Alias: N/A
Age: 15
Affiliation: Unusual Family, Justice League [speculative, more data needed]
Power Classification: Mover 3 [more data needed]
Power Description [brief]: Basic teleportation within line of sight and to some familiar locations
Power Description [extended]: Lily’s powers are significantly enhanced by Starites, supposedly allowing her to teleport large groups of people to other planets and dimensions easily without having been there prior. It is unknown if Lily can return to locations on other planets and in other dimensions without a Starrite boon. Secondary powers and effects related to her teleportation are currently unknown.
Object: Globe
Details: Lily is the only daughter in the Unusual Family. She is the twin sister of Maxwell. She has been seen interacting with capes, most notably the Flash and Superman, but has never been recorded using her powers in a fight beyond escape. Ludwig claims she was “cursed” at one point [more data needed].
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Rogue Groups > Unusual Family > Farm > Edwin
Name: Edwin Unusual
Alias: N/A
Age: 30
Affiliation: Unusual Family
Power Classification: Striker 6, Tinker 5, Master 4, Thinker 3 [Subtype: Proficiency]
Power Description [brief]: Touch-based biokenetic “wet” tinker
Power Description [extended]: Edwin’s power increases his understanding of all carbon-based life forms’ biology and grants him the ability to directly manipulate their growth, making him a “wet” Tinker [similar to Blasto] and biokinetic [similar to Panacea]. He can create advanced plants and animals with time and effort [no details on these creations, more data needed] and communicate on a low level with some animals and plants. Edwin avoids using his Tinker abilities and satisfies his need to use his powers by running his farm.
Object: N/A [Unknown, assumed lost or broken]
Details: Edwin is the eldest child of the Unusual Family. He owns a farm, which he maintains using his powers. He has no record of being involved in cape life. Ludwig reports he experimented with his Tinker powers as a teenager, but has not in many years. Effect of Starite boon unknown, suspected enhancement of Master abilities.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Rogue Groups > Unusual Family > Farm > Bubbles
Name: Bubbles Unusual
Alias: Plunge
Age: 22
Affiliation: Unusual Family
Power Classification: Blaster 6, Shaker 5 [varies with setting], Changer 1, Master 1 [speculative]
Power Description [brief]: Waterbreathing, Hydrokinesis
Power Description [extended]: Bubbles can breathe underwater and survive dives to great depths using a self-contained aura that provides oxygen and protection from high water pressure. He has standard hydrokinesis powers, including abilities such as using water to propel himself, generating water blasts, and manipulating bodies of water, including clouds, water in the air, water inside the body, and the ocean. He may have low-level Master abilities to prevent conflict with aquatic life [speculative].
The Starite boon greatly enhances how much water he can control and generate, potentially allowing him to use water to heal or granting him Master abilities utilizing finer control over water in the body [speculative]. Using a Starite alters the way his hydrokinesis appears, making it more bubble-like, but this may be a result of increased control and a desire for a distinct aesthetic.
Object: Scuba suit
Details: Bubbles resides at Edwin’s farm, but frequently leaves to visit the ocean. Ludwig reports that Bubbles has the most frequent contact with members of the Unusual Family who don’t live at the farm.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Rogue Groups > Unusual Family > Farm > Glum
Name: Glum Unusual
Alias: Keeper
Age: 16
Affiliation: Unusual Family
Power Classification: Master 8
Power Description [brief]: Transform animals into mythical creatures
Power Description [extended]: Glum can inflict transformations upon animals [similar to Hellhound] that greatly increase their physical capabilities. Glum is able to give these creatures direction, but has greater control if he is familiar with the animal. The type of monster that the animal transforms into is not restricted by species, but the type of monster typically shares some characteristics with the original animal.
Some monsters he can create include dragons, basilisks, werewolves, vampires, and more. These monsters have the abilities they have in myths and legends, such as a basilisk’s stone glare, so there is a high risk potential. A Starite boon allows him to make his monsters more powerful and exercise finer control over them, as well as gain Changer abilities and give himself monstrous traits.
Object: Wristbands
Details: Glum assists Edwin with the care of the livestock. He only has one animal that is exclusively his, a lizard named Spike, but he frequently transforms the farm’s dog, Lady, and a chicken named Hetty.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Rogue Groups > Unusual Family > Farm > Stunt
Name: Stunt Unusual
Alias: Cannon Ball
Age: 21
Affiliation: Unusual Family
Power Classification: Breaker 7, Blaster/Striker 6 [Subtype: Impact], Mover 4 [Subtype: Rocket], Shaker 2
Power Description [brief]: Invulnerability, long-ranged torpedo-like attack
Power Description [extended]: Stunt has an aura of invulnerability surrounding his body that he can share with others to a limited degree [similar to Siberian]. He can use himself as a projectile to fly at high speeds, but he cannot control his direction when he does so. A Starite boon increases the power of this attack, enhances his ability to share his aura, and lets him control his flight path.
Object: Helmet
Details: Stunt was previously a pilot with the PRT but quit and returned to the farm after his parents’ disappearance. He worked with his brother Tanc, a Tinker with a plane specialty, who remained at his position with the PRT.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Rogue Groups > Unusual Family > Farm > Gorge
Name: Gorge Unusual
Alias: Gourmand
Age: 25
Affiliation: Unusual Family
Power Classification: Breaker/Changer 8, Striker 8, Brute 7
Power Description [brief]: Enhanced strength, ability to consume anything, rapid growth
Power Description [extended]: Gorge can eat and digest anything. He stores the energy from what he eats and converts it to enhanced size with proportionate strength. An upper limit to how much he can grow has never been recorded, limited only by how much Gorge has eaten. Gorge can return to his usual size at will. Gorge’s Starite boon is unknown, but it can be assumed to relate to his growth.
Object: Cloth bib
Details: Ludwig suspects Gorge, along with Jack and Tempo, were the first group of Edgar and Julie’s children born with the intention of being given powers and/or being used for Cauldron experiments.
Ludwig suspects Gorge is the first of the Unusual siblings to experience negative effects as a result of gaining powers. Gorge is almost constantly eating, though he can also go long periods without eating and sometimes chooses to do so. Ludwig suspects his agent has an unwelcome effect on his appetite [more data needed]. He uses his powers to help on the farm, but does not frequently use his growth power, and is not interested in experimenting with Starites. Maxwell and his brothers with Tinker abilities related to food often try to create new, more calorie-dense and interesting foods for him.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Rogue Groups > Unusual Family > Farm > Tiny
Name: Tiny Unusual
Alias: Mondo
Age: 22
Affiliation: Unusual
Power Classification: Brute 7, Breaker/Changer 6
Power Description [brief]: Enhanced strength and durability, ability to increase in size
Power Description [extended]: Tiny’s powers are very similar to Gorge’s, only he does not need to consume to grow, and he is far stronger and more durable, regardless of size. However, Tiny cannot grow to the same sizes as Gorge. Tiny typically grows to twelve feet tall, and can grow taller with difficulty, though doing so causes damage to his body. Tiny, like Gorge, has proportionally increased strength as he grows and can return to his usual size at will. His Starite allows him to grow to greater heights and strengths without strain.
Object: Umbrella
Details: Tiny was flagged as a parahuman by PRT officials while he was living in Ampersand Beach, using his powers to perform odd jobs in exchange for room and board. Tiny stated he only wanted to live an easy life and was not interested in joining cape life. After his parents’ disappearance, he returned to the farm to help Edwin care for their younger siblings.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Protectorate > New York Team > Metallico [Tag: Unusual Family > Cape > Milo]
Name: Milo Unusual
Alias: Metallico, Milo Eisenhardt [lived name, pseudonym listed in PRT records]
Age: 24
Affiliation: Unusual Family, New York Protectorate
Power Classification: Shaker 8, Mover 6 [Subtype: Fly]
Power Description [brief]: Magnetism manipulation
Power Description [extended]: Milo controls magnetic fields, allowing him to control metal telekinetically for a variety of purposes. He can also use this power to fly and create force fields. His Starite boon is unknown, but potential enhancements include electromagnetic spectrum manipulation, control of metals within the body, and influence over the Earth and the environment, assuming Milo does not already have these powers and has not shown them.
Object: Metallic antenna
Details: Milo was part of the New York Wards Program before graduating to the Protectorate, using the name Milo Eisenhardt and joining with signed permission from Edwin Unusual [pseudonym used]. Affiliation with the Unusual Family was unknown before Ludwig shared his data. Milo is still in contact with his family but has not participated in any of Ludwig’s research on Starites, though Ludwig did share the power to see and interact with Starites with Milo.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Protectorate > Brockton Bay Team > Blackout [Tag: Unusual Family > Cape > Shadow]
Name: Shadow Unusual
Alias: Blackout, Shaun Row [lived name, pseudonym listed in PRT records]
Age: 23
Affiliation: Unusual Family, Brockton Bay Protectorate
Power Classification: Blaster 5, Breaker 5, Mover 5, Stranger 4, Master 3
Power Description [brief]: Merging with shadows, manipulation of shadows
Power Description [extended]: Shadow can enter a shadow state [similar to Shadow Stalker] that allows him to merge with shadows, including the shadows of people. He can move much faster in this state and can be nearly invisible. He can also manipulate shadows to move them, make them tangible, and use them offensively. He can also manipulate the shadows of people. He can affect the movements of people [similar to Regent], but has not experimented to see if he can assume fine control of a person with or without a Starite boon. Observed uses of a Starite increase Shadow’s control and use of shadows, expanding his Mover and Blaster abilities.
Object: Red headband
Details: Shadow is a member of the Brockton Bay Protectorate and is known to be the legal guardian of Flux [aka Scene]. Due to the similarity with Shadow Stalker’s powers, Director Piggot and PRT officials have placed Shadow as Shadow Stalker’s mentor in the Wards Program. Shadow was receptive to this responsibility, but reports having little success working with her.
Dragon’s Files > Parahuman Groups > Wards > Brockton Bay Team > Scene [Tag: Unusual Family > Cape > Flux]
Name: Flux
Alias: Scene, Felix Row [lived name, pseudonym listed in PRT records]
Age: 17
Affiliation: Unusual Family, Brockton Bay Wards
Power Classification: Shaker 4, Master 2, Trump 2, Stranger 1
Power Description [brief]: Illusions, memory alteration
Power Description [extended]: Flux can cast basic illusions on a crowd or create more complex illusions focused on an individual, including altering his appearance, blinding opponents, and creating false foes. These illusions work best when prepared in advance, though they can be adapted on the field. This is a combat application of his true power to create “scenes” in people’s minds, suppressing memories and creating false ones to influence current behavior.
These altered memories can be used to create a sense of shared history and secure loyalty, but Flux is not able to assume control of anyone using this power. If used correctly, memory alteration can be used to interfere with parahuman abilities and inflict emotions upon targets. A Starite boon allows his illusions to be more complex and have physical effects on people, such as causing pain. It is likely he also would have a greater effect on memories, but Flux has not experimented with this application of a Starite boon.
Object: 3D glasses
Details: Flux joined the Brockton Bay Wards shortly after Shadow joined the Protectorate. PRT training files note that he seems to enjoy practicing his powers, but struggles with combat applications, impacting his performance. Flux and Kid Win work together frequently to test Kid Win’s technology and Flux’s illusory scenes. Director Pigot believes Flux and Kid Win benefit from each other, and is considering delaying Flux’s graduation to the Protectorate until he gains more confidence with his powers.
Dragon’s Files > Brockton Bay Villains > Coil’s Organization > The Dancer [Tag: Unusual Family > Cape > Tempo]
Name: Tempo
Alias: The Dancer
Age: 25
Affiliation: Unusual Family, Bogeys [former], Coil [more data needed]
Power Classification: Master 7, Thinker 2 [Subtype: Proficiency]
Power Description [brief]: Hypnosis
Power Description [extended]: When practicing his powers with his brothers in his youth, Tempo typically focused on the physical aspects of his powers over the mental ones, controlling his brothers’ movements to make them dance. The extent of his mental influence is unknown, but psychological applications of his powers have been observed since moving to Brockton Bay.
Tempo uses movement to put targets in a trace that makes them susceptible to influence. Given time, Tempo can assume greater control, though how much control he has is unknown. His Thinker abilities are linked to movement, understanding how the body moves, and allowing him to learn physical techniques more easily.
Object: Cane
Details: Tempo arrived in Brockton Bay alongside Brusier and Duce as minor criminals [referred to as the Bogeys] before joining Coil’s organization. Tempo is suspected to be overseeing various business fronts, but the PRT has limited information on his operations. The Brockton Bay PRT has flagged similarities between the Master applications of Tempo, Elf, Flux, and Duce’s powers, but has not spoken to Shadow about it.
Dragon’s Files > Brockton Bay Villains > Coil’s Organization > The Boxer [Tag: Unusual Family > Cape > Bruiser]
Name: Bruiser
Alias: The Boxer, Buster Wales [Payper N. Penitentiary records], Shiner [nickname]
Age: 23
Affiliation: Unusual Family, Bogeys [former], Coil
Power Classification: Brute 7, Thinker 4 [Subtype: Combat]
Power Description [brief]: Enhanced strength and fighting ability
Power Description [extended]: Brusier’s powers are very straightforward, though the upper limit of his strength is unknown. Like Lily, Bruiser greatly benefits from the application of a Starite. With a Starite boon, Brusier gains mid-range telekenesis and can move objects with great force. Brusier lacks fine control with his telekinesis, but gains greater control and can cause more damage if he makes physical contact with the object before using his telekinesis [tactile telekinesis]. It can be assumed that his physical strength increases as well.
Object: Boxing Gloves
Details: Brusier had a criminal record prior to coming to Brockton Bay and briefly served at Payper N. Penitentiary under the name Buster Wales. He arrived in Brockton Bay alongside Tempo and Duce, serving as the muscle of the group, though he is a skilled strategist in combat as well. Details about his work with Coil are unknown.
Dragon’s Files > Brockton Bay Villains > Merchants > Fright [Tag: Unusual Family > Cape > Duce]
Name: Duce
Alias: Heebie-Jeebie [previously], Fright
Age: 12
Affiliation: Unusual Family, Bogeys [former], Coil [former, more data needed], Merchants
Power Classification: Master 4, Thinker 1 [Subtype: Social]
Power Description [brief]: Fear infliction
Power Description [extended]: Duce can cause targets to experience heightened fear to the point they may have hallucinations and detrimental physical effects. Using his powers gives Duce a greater understanding of his opponent, particularly their fear, which allows him to use his powers more effectively. The longer someone is influenced by his powers, the greater the effect. The power is limited by the area of effect, not by how many people Duce is affecting. A Starite boon allows him to make his target’s fears “real” [similar to Flex’s illusions].
Object: Mask
Details: Upon arriving in Brockton Bay, Duce used his powers to alter his, Brusier, and Tempo’s appearances during criminal activity, earning the trio the name “the Bogeys” after the myth of the bogeyman. He was seen working with the Merchants shortly after Tempo and Brusier began working for Coil and changed his alias from Heebie-Jeebie to Fright. Whether Duce joined the Merchants by choice or to assist Coil’s operations is unknown.
Dragon’s Files > Brockton Bay Villains > Faultline’s Crew > Tyranno [Tag: Unusual Family > Cape > Rex]
Name: Rex
Alias: Tyranno
Age: 22
Affiliation: Unusal Family, Fauntline’s Crew
Power Classification: Breaker 5, Brute 3
Power Description [brief]: Dinosaur transformation, enhanced strength
Power Description [extended]: Rex can shift into a variety of dinosaur forms, enhancing his strength, durability, and mobility, and gaining any abilities associated with the dinosaur he chooses to shift into. He can also partially transform to gain a single characteristic while remaining relatively human. Using a Starite allows him to mix dinosaur characteristics and transform more easily.
Object: Bow
Details: Rex is labeled as a Case 53 in PRT files, though it is unknown if he is a true Cauldron Case 53. His “human” form has excess hair, and he grows teeth-like spikes from his skin on much of his body. He joined Fauntline’s Crew recently with his brother, Larp.
Dragon’s Files > Brockton Bay Villains > Faultline’s Crew > Elf [Tag: Unusual Family > Cape > Larp]
Name: Larp
Alias: Elf
Age: 11
Affiliation: Unusual Family, Faultline’s Crew
Power Classification: Thinker 3 [Subtype: Proficiency], Master 2, Stranger 2
Power Description [brief]: Ability to learn physical skills more quickly, alter thoughts on a minor level, and perform short-range teleportation
Power Description [extended]: Details about Larp’s powers are unknown. Larp can learn skills, particularly those related to entertainment, more easily. With close proximity, he can alter thoughts, and he can teleport at short ranges with a confetti effect.
Object: Gold bracelets
Details: Rex brought him to Brockton Bay shortly after he gained his powers, preventing Ludwig from collecting data about his powers or experimenting with his Starrite boon. Larp, like Rex, is labeled as a Case 53, though it is unknown if he is a true Cauldron Case 53. Larp is young, but his powers made him much smaller than he should be for his age. He has pointed ears and green skin.