by R. L. Ullman
Due to the wide range of Meta abilities, superpowers have been further segmented into power levels. Power levels differ across Meta power classifications. In general, the following power levels have been established:
Meta 0: Displays no Meta power.
Meta 1: Displays limited Meta power.
Meta 2: Displays considerable Meta power.
Meta 3: Displays extreme Meta power.
The following is a brief overview of the nine Meta power classifications.
ENERGY MANIPULATION:
Energy Manipulation is the ability to generate, shape or act as a conduit, for various forms of energy. Energy Manipulators are able to control energy by focusing or redirecting energy towards a specific target or shaping/reshaping energy for a specific task. Energy Manipulators are often impervious to the forms of energy they are able to manipulate.
Examples of the types of energies utilized by Energy Manipulators include, but are not limited to:
Atomic
Chemical
Cosmic
Electricity
Gravity
Heat
Light
Magnetic
Sound
Space
Time
Note: the fundamental difference between an Energy Manipulator and a Meta-morph with Energy Manipulation capability is that an Energy Manipulator does not change their physical, molecular state to either generate or transfer energy (see META-MORPH).
FLIGHT:
Flight is the ability to fly, glide or levitate above the Earth’s surface without use of an external source (e.g. jetpack). Flight can be accomplished through a variety of methods, these include, but are not limited to:
Reversing the forces of gravity
Riding air currents
Using planetary magnetic fields
Wings
Metas exhibiting Flight can range from barely sustaining flight a few feet off the ground to reaching the far limits of outer space.
Often, Metas with Flight ability also display the complimentary ability of Super-Speed. However, it can be difficult to decipher if Super-Speed is a Meta power in its own right, or is simply a function of combining the Meta’s Flight ability with the Earth’s natural gravitational force.
MAGIC:
Magic is the ability to display a wide variety of Meta abilities by channeling the powers of a secondary magical or mystical source. Known secondary sources of Magic powers include, but are not limited to:
Alien lifeforms
Dark arts
Demonic forces
Departed souls
Mystical spirits
Typically, the forces of Magic are channeled through an enchanted object. Known magical, enchanted objects include:
Amulets
Books
Cloaks
Gemstones
Wands
Weapons
Some Magicians have the ability to transport themselves into the mystical realm of their magical source. They may also have the ability to transport others into and out of these realms as well.
Note: the fundamental difference between a Magician and an Energy Manipulator is that a Magician typically channels their powers from a mystical source that likely requires use of an enchanted object to express these powers (see ENERGY MANIPULATOR).
META MANIPULATION:
Meta Manipulation is the ability to duplicate or negate the Meta powers of others. Meta Manipulation is a rare Meta power and can be extremely dangerous if the Meta Manipulator is capable of manipulating the powers of multiple Metas at one time. Meta Manipulators who can manipulate the powers of several Metas at once have been observed to reach Meta 4 power levels.
Based on the unique powers of the Meta Manipulator, it is hypothesized that other abilities could include altering or controlling the powers of others. Despite their tremendous abilities, Meta Manipulators are often unable to generate powers of their own, and are limited to manipulating the powers of others. When not utilizing their abilities, Meta Manipulators may be vulnerable to attack.
Note: It has been observed that a Meta Manipulator requires close physical proximity to a Meta target to fully manipulate their power. When fighting a Meta Manipulator, it is advised to stay at a reasonable distance and to attack from long range. Meta Manipulators have been observed manipulating the powers of others up to 100 yards away.
META-MORPH:
Meta-morph is the ability to display a wide variety of Meta abilities by “morphing” all, or part, of one’s physical form from one state into another. There are two sub-types of Meta-morphs:
Physical
Molecular
Physical morphing occurs when a Meta-morph transforms their physical state to express their powers. Physical Meta-morphs typically maintain their human physiology while exhibiting their powers (with the exception of Shape Shifters). Types of Physical morphing include, but are not limited to:
Invisibility
Malleability (elasticity/plasticity)
Physical by-products (silk, toxins, etc…)
Shape-shifting
Size changes (larger or smaller)
Molecular morphing occurs when a Meta-morph transforms their molecular state from a normal physical state to a non-physical state to express their powers. Types of Molecular morphing include, but are not limited to:
Fire
Ice
Rock
Sand
Steel
Water
Note: Because Meta-morphs can display abilities that mimic all other Meta power classifications, it can be difficult to properly identify a Meta-morph upon first encounter. However, it is critical to carefully observe how their powers manifest, and, if it is through Physical or Molecular morphing, you can be certain you are dealing with a Meta-morph.
PSYCHIC:
Psychic is the ability to use one’s mind as a weapon. There are two sub-types of Psychics:
Telepaths
Telekinetics
Telepathy is the ability to read and influence the thoughts of others. While Telepaths often do not appear to be physically intimidating, their power to penetrate minds can often result in more devastating damage than a physical assault.
Telekinesis is the ability to manipulate physical objects with one’s mind. Telekinetics can often move objects with their mind that are much heavier than they could move physically. Many Telekinetics can also make objects move at very high speeds.
Note: Psychics are known to strike from long distance, and, in a fight it is advised to incapacitate them as quickly as possible. Psychics often become physically drained from extended use of their powers.
SUPER-INTELLIGENCE:
Super-Intelligence is the ability to display levels of intelligence above standard genius intellect. Super-Intelligence can manifest in many forms, including, but not limited to:
Superior analytical ability
Superior information synthesizing
Superior learning capacity
Superior reasoning skills
Note: Super-Intellects continuously push the envelope in the fields of technology, engineering, and weapons development. Super-Intellects are known to invent new approaches to accomplish previously impossible tasks. When dealing with a Super-Intellect, you should be mentally prepared to face challenges that have never been encountered before. In addition, Super-Intellects can come in all shapes and sizes. The most advanced Super-Intellects have originated from non-human creatures.
SUPER-SPEED:
Super-Speed is the ability to display movement at remarkable physical speeds above standard levels of speed. Metas with Super-Speed often exhibit complimentary abilities to movement that include, but are not limited to:
Enhanced endurance
Phasing through solid objects
Super-fast reflexes
Time travel
Note: Metas with super-speed often have an equally super metabolism, burning thousands of calories per minute, and requiring them to ea
t many extra meals a day to maintain consistent energy levels. It has been observed that Metas exhibiting Super-Speed are quick thinkers, making it difficult to keep up with their thought process.
SUPER-STRENGTH:
Super-Strength is the ability to utilize muscles to display remarkable levels of physical strength above expected levels of strength. Metas with Super-Strength are able to lift or push objects that are well beyond the capability of an average member of their species. Metas exhibiting Super-Strength can range from lifting objects twice their weight to incalculable levels of strength allowing for the movement of planets.
Metas with Super-Speed often exhibit complimentary abilities to strength that include, but are not limited to:
Earthquake generation through stomping
Enhanced jumping
Invulnerability
Shockwave generation through clapping
Note: Metas with Super-Strength may not always possess this strength evenly. Metas with Super-Strength have been observed to demonstrate powers in only one arm or leg.
META PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS
FROM THE META MONITOR:
In addition to having a strong working knowledge of a Meta’s powers and capabilities, it is also imperative to have an understanding of the key characteristics that form the core of their character. When facing or teaming up with Metas, understanding their key characteristics will help you gain deeper insight into their mentality and strategic potential.
What follows is a brief explanation of the five key characteristics you should become familiar with. Note: the data that appears in each Meta profile has been compiled from live field activity.
COMBAT:
The ability to defeat a foe in hand-to-hand combat.
DURABILITY:
The ability to withstand significant wear, pressure or damage.
LEADERSHIP:
The ability to lead a team of disparate personalities and powers to victory.
STRATEGY:
The ability to find, and successfully exploit, a foe’s weakness.
WILLPOWER:
The ability to persevere, despite seemingly insurmountable odds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
R.L. Ullman is the bestselling author of the award-winning EPIC ZERO series and the award-winning MONSTER PROBLEMS series. He creates fun, engaging page-turners that captivate the imaginations of kids and adults alike. His original, relatable characters face adventure and adversity that bring out their inner strengths. He's frequently distracted thinking up new stories, and once got lost in his own neighborhood. You can learn more about what R.L. is up to at rlullman.com, and if you see him wandering around your street please point him in the right direction home.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Without the support of these brave heroes, I would have been trampled by supervillains before I could bring this series to print. I would like to thank my wife, Lynn (a.k.a. Mrs. Marvelous); my daughter Olivia (a.k.a. Ms. Positivity); and my son Matthew (a.k.a. Captain Creativity). I would also like to thank the thousands of readers out there who have connected with Elliott and his amazing family. Stay Epic!
For Lynn, Matthew, and Olivia,
my superhero family
COPYRIGHT
Epic Zero: Tales of a Not-So-Super 6th Grader
Copyright © 2015 by R.L. Ullman.
Epic Zero 2: Tales of a Pathetic Power Failure
Copyright © 2016 by R.L. Ullman.
Epic Zero 3: Tales of a Super Lame Last Hope
Copyright © 2016 by R.L. Ullman.
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Published by But That’s Another Story… Press
Ridgefield, CT
Cover designs by Yusup Mediyan.
All character images created with heromachine.com.
ISBN: 978-0-9984129-1-7
Library of Congress Control Number: 2019916589