Legends of Windemere

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Now, I’m not talking about wielding great magic or superheroes with an array of abilities because those are rather heavy.  I’m talking about this minor abilities that some heroes in fiction have.  Maybe it’s an enhanced sense or the natural ability to read a dead language that is essential to the quest.  I’m struggling this morning to figure out an example here that isn’t from my own books.  Guess I’m stuck.

Luke Callindor has the ability to see sound, which is revealed at a pivotal moment.  It’s actually used without mention a lot throughout the series.  If he notices something moving or making noise that’s far away then he’s using this special sense.  Sari is another who has the ability to make her body immovable to the point where you can’t even pierce her flesh with a blade.  You can break her bones and she can’t move, but it comes in handy when people try to move her.

Are these plot essential abilities?  Not in the grand scheme, which makes one wonder what the point is.  Well, here’s my take on it:

They build the character and make them stand out.  A character with a special ability is more than their basic role.  Sari is not an average gypsy and Luke is not an average warrior simply by being main characters.  That isn’t really a thing in their world, so these abilities help increase their specialness in the world.  There can even be subplots that stem from them or development from utilizing the powers.  Everything for the cause of character development for me.

I do think one has to be careful and not make such a thing too powerful.  These abilities should have weaknesses and not be at the same level as full-on magic.  If you wanted that then the character should be a spellcaster instead of a warrior or should seek to learn such power during the story.  Never start out with high skills in sword AND sorcery.  Anyway, I prefer the weakness method here.  For example, Sari can’t move when her power turns on, so she’s left open to getting hit.  Loud noises and Luke don’t get along when he has his power turned on.  Also, the tips of his pointy ears are a lot more sensitive to pain than those of other half-elves and elves.

So, what do you think when you come across a character with a strange power and they’re not a superhero or wizard?