Hi all! The other admins and I have noticed that it may be unclear what each special ability entails as it pertains to the Harry Potter universe and to the Wizarding universe our group has established. Since that's the case, we have compiled a list of the approved special abilities and their descriptions, attributes, and limitations. Please note that any character that wishes to have a special ability that varies/differs from the description below must have it approved by an admin (starting with the 6th term and going forward).

We have also decided to categorize the special abilities into 3 groups: inherited abilities, special breeds, and learned abilities.

INHERITED ABILITIES

Empath Empaths are wizards born with the ability to read the moods/feelings of others around them. Since they are able to read the mental and emotional state of others, it is often that the mood/feeling of the empath is influenced by those around them. It takes a higher level of control to pick out the mood of a certain person from a crowd and an even higher level of control to block out any incoming feelings. Empaths do not have the ability to influence the moods/feelings of others.

Legilimens Legilimens are wizards that are able to inherently read the thoughts of others around them. They are able to control their ability to the extent that they can close their minds to said thoughts, but cannot choose what thoughts and memories they are able to read like wizards using the legilimens spell. The thoughts and images they are able to read are most likely current thoughts or memories recalled by the wizard at the present moment. Wizards born with the legilimens ability also do not possess the ability to manipulate thoughts like those that use the legilimens spell.

Metamorphmagus Wizards born with the metamorphmagus trait can change their appearance at will. When they are little, they are unable to control their ability, but as they grow up they can change or maintain their appearances with greater control. While they can change almost any asset of their appearance, some attributes are easier than others. For instance, changing hair color, eye color, and facial features may be easier than changing body build and height. Metamorphmagus can also change their appearance to mimic creatures as well, however these are difficult to control and maintain. It’s not impossible for a metamorphmagus to shift completely into an animal appearance, but it is not advised as it may cause bodily harm to the metamorphmagus.

Parselmouth Parselmouths are wizards that have the ability to talk to snakes using the language parseltongue. Parseltongue will sound like hissing to those who are unable to speak parseltongue, though will sound like English (or other native tongue) to the parselmouth.

Seer Seers are wizards who are able to naturally predict the future using their Inner Eye. While all wizards may be able to predict the future using divination practices, they do not have the inherent ability that seers possess. Seers can also predict prophecies, though it appears that they do not always have control over when they divine prophecies or the subject matter.

SPECIAL BREEDS

Centaur Centaurs are inherently half-breeds, being half human and half horse. Centaurs started being allowed to attend Hogwarts a few years after the Battle of Hogwarts, after certain half-breed legislation was passed allowing them to carry wands--though not many choose to do so. Centaurs are very attune to divining the future from the stars and have a slightly higher resistance against spells than humans. However, the drawback to this breed is that they are often aloof.

Ghost Ghosts are defined as being disembodied spirits of once-living wizards and witches. Like all ghosts, they are able to glide through objects and fly, while most spells have no effect against them. While a departed student cannot age, their soul is still able to learn. For our group’s purposes, they are also still able to harness magic (to an extent), though they may not be physically able to tend to plants and creatures or brew potions. No student under the age of 11 will be admitted to Hogwarts, and this extends to ghosts.

Part-Fae Part-Faes are those that are born with both human and fairy parentage. Part-Faes are usually smaller than most humans. While their full-blooded counterparts possess wings, part-faes typically do not. Part-faes possess a magic similar to their kin (which is used to evade predators and help with survival in forests), which can be used without the use of wands. However, it is weaker without wand use, and wandless magic is restricted to the magic of the fae. Part-Faes also tend to inherit the intense vanity of full-blooded fae.

Part-Giant Part-Giants are those that are born with both human and giant parentage. Part-Giants grow to be much taller and larger than humans and at a faster rate. They also have a much higher resistance to spells than humans and have great physical strength. However, wizards often fear part-giants, as full giants are often mean and violent. This makes it difficult for part-giants to assimilate successfully. There have been efforts to change the popular opinion since the Battle of Hogwarts, but there are still those who cannot see past their fears.

Part-Goblin Part-Goblins are those that are born with both human and goblin parentage. Part-Goblins are usually smaller than most humans and generally have a higher intelligence. Part-Goblins possess a magic similar to their kin (including an aptitude with metalsmithing), which can be used without wands. However, it is weaker without wand use, and wandless magic is restricted to the magic of the goblins.

Part-Vampire Part-Vampires are those that are born with both human and vampire parentage. Unlike a full vampire, they are not considered to be undead or immortal. They are living beings, but they age at a slower rate than most humans. Part-Vampires are also sensitive to sunlight and garlic, though not to the extent of full vampires. Part-Vampires do not require a potion to go out in the sunlight, however most find it helpful in relieving some of the sensitivity. Part-Vampires are able to eat and drink as humans do, but some find that they prefer the taste of blood and the level of nourishment it provides. Part-Vampires, unlike their counterparts, cannot turn humans into vampires. Any student attending Hogwarts as a part-vampire will be required to refrain from biting others.

Part-Veela Part-Veelas are those that are born with both human and veela parentage. The majority of part-veelas are female, however there have been known to be male descendants of veelas. Part-Veelas are known to have unparalleled beauty and silvery-blonde hair. Part-Veelas seem to draw members of the opposite sex, though it is unknown if it is due to their veela blood or to their enhanced looks. Part-Veelas are unable to turn into birds like their full-blooded kin.

Vampire Vampires are humans that are considered “living dead”, being neither alive nor dead. Vampires survive by feeding on the blood of humans (and animals, though not as preferable to most vampires). Vampires have an aversion to garlic and are usually unable to go out in the sun. Thankfully, there has been a recent discovery of a potion that allows for vampires to go out in the sunlight. Vampires are not born undead, but are turned into vampires by being bitten by another vampire, much like their werewolf cousins. It is uncommon for a vampire to survive being bitten at a young age, though it is not impossible. Vampires also do not age. No student under the age of 11 will be admitted to Hogwarts, and this extends to vampires. Any student attending Hogwarts as a vampire will be required to refrain from biting others.

(Please note that vampires with mind powers will NOT be approved.)

Werewolf Werewolves are humans that on the nights of the full moon turn into a near-wolf. Most werewolves are born fully human, but are bitten by a werewolf in their near-wolf form during the full moon, infecting the bitten with lycanthropy. However, there are werewolves that are born with lycanthropy if born to at least one werewolf parent. Werewolves also have a heightened senses and are stronger/faster in their near-wolf form. Werewolves have no control over when they transform, and when transformed they do not remember who they are. They virtually have no control over their mind. They do not remember their friends or acquaintances and will attack the humans they cross. They can also not communicate in any human languages when in their near-wolf form. When they transform back, they recall everything that happened while in their near-wolf form.

The Wolfsbane Potion, however, is a potion that helps alleviate some of the danger of lycanthropy. It allows for a werewolf to keep their mind while they are transformed so they are able to better control the need to hunt and harm humans. Any student attending Hogwarts as a werewolf will be required to take their Wolfsbane Potion regularly.

(Note: While werewolves born with werewolf and human parentage may be considered as part-werewolves, they are not commonly referred to as such since lycanthrophy is an infection that is passed down and does not lose potency when inherited.)

LEARNED ABILITIES

Animagus An Animagus is a wizard who has learned to shapeshift into an animal at will through transfiguration. It is a difficult piece of magic to master, taking years of practice. The wizard does not have the ability to choose what animal they turn into, as it is based solely on their personality. Their animal form will also have markings that may match their appearance as humans. Animagi are also unable to speak human languages while in their animal forms.

Legilimens Wizards who learn how to read minds using the legilimens spell are different from those who are born with the gift. While anyone can use the legilimens spell, it takes a mastery to be able to use it to its full potential. Wizards who do not have a mastery will see flashes of memories or thoughts, while accomplished Legilimens will have the ability to bring specific memories and thoughts to the forefront. This is the extent that wizards of school age will be able to master.

Adult wizards who have pushed their mastery even further may be able to manipulate thoughts and memories. For example, Lord Voldemort used the legilimens spell to manipulate wizards into turning against each other or to cause wizards to experience fabricated thoughts that would cause fear and pain. (This is provided for informational purposes ONLY. The practice of manipulating minds is banned from the group.)

Occlumens Occlumens, simply put, are wizards that have mastered the occlumens spell. Wizards use the occlumens spell to counteract those who can read minds either through the legilimens spell or the inherited legilimens ability. The occlumens spell acts as a barrier to the mind, blocking any unwanted wizards from gaining access to the caster’s thoughts or memories. The spell requires a mastery of control of the mind and emotions; a clear mind is key.