Mutate

'''Mutate, noun. Plural: mutates.'''

A mutate refers to an individual entity or organism who's species-baseline physiology has been modified on the genetic level through an external influence. These modifications also need to be outside of the limitations of what said species' are capable of in optimal conditions.

Mutates differ from mutants since they are not usually born with their genetic deviations, but gain them through exposure via outside phenomena, such as magic, exotic radiations, animal-based genetic augmentions, etc. However, this is on the genetic level; practioners of chi or magic, those with bionic enhancements or so on are not considered mutates. However, mutates can pass down their genetic deviation onto their offspring. Said offspring would still be considered a mutate.

Additionally, the properties or capabilities gained from the exposure must be different than the genetic baseline of that species or sub-species.

While the origins of mutates vary extensively, there are a few that have consistent patterns and stand-out compared to the others:

Gamma Mutates: Gamma mutates refer to mutates who gained their additional powers from exposure to certain exotic forms of gamma radiation. Bruce Banner/The Hulk is the primary example of a gamma mutate. Intiailly, the cause behind gamma mutates remains unknown as the individual exposed to it is not guranteed to gain the abilities associated with gamma mutates. The prevailing theory was that certain genetic quirks, dormant in certain individuals become activated in exposure to gamma radiation, allowing them to survive and gain the powers associated with gamma mutates.

However, recent discoveries of research by the disgraced gamma scientist Dr. Brian Banner, indicates the existence of a tertiary form of gamma energy, beyond wave or particle. While the research has been marred with rantings and concerns, the research indicates the third form of gamma energy is associated with "mystical" properties and potentially linked to the supernatural. This third form of gamma energy is likely what triggers certain genes within the person to become a gamma mutate and may be linked to the nature of the transformation.

The transformation of a gamma mutate varies from person to person, especially if they have been exposed to other radiation in the process, but ultimately follows a core similarity. The tranformed state of a gamma mutate is linked to the mutate's subconcious. Repressed desires, aspects and motivations form the primary shape and driving force of the transformation. Some rage from mild muscle mass increase and green hair coloration or as drastic as extensive muscle and body mass along with differing coloration of the skin. For some, it is a manifestation or increase of their id or a single desire. In more serious cases, this could worsen certain conditions, notably Dissociative identity disorder by providing different forms for the "alters" and thus impeding the possibility for recovery as seen with Bruce Banner.

One last note is the potential regenerative properties of gamma mutates. Likely linked to the third form gamma radiation, the healing properties of gamma mutates are so extensive that it has been hypothesized that gamma mutates possess a form of retroactive immortality; they resurrect from death after a certain period of time and only if guarded from differing forms of radiations (such as solar radiation) above a certain threshold (i.e. the lower levels of sunlight during the night.) Gamma mutates do not remember this process traditionally during extensive deaths and resurrections have led to the revelation of a so-called "Green Door", a metaphysical construct that allows gamma mutates to return to life. The source of this metaphysical phenomena has been linked to an entity known as "One Below All."

Cosmic Radiation Mutates: Mutates created from exposure to "cosmic radiation", a spectrum of exotic radiation originating from certain areas within deep space as well as certain types of "cosmic storms." Unlike most mutates and their sources of powers, cosmic radiation mutates remain the most unknown though some have speculated that other cosmic heroes rely on cosmic radiation in some form and fashion for their powers, even if through indirect means (such as cosmic radiation being linked to the Nova Force of the Nova Corps and being the primary means of the "evolution" of the High Evolutionary.)

The most well-known mutates of cosmic radiation are the Fantastic Four though others have attemtped to imitate their accident through machines recreating the cosmic radiation. Additionally, it's implied cosmic radiation may actually refer to a spectrum of exotic space-based radiation (and thus may include other exotic forms of radiation, such as that of the Negative Zone.)

Darkforce/Lightforce Mutates: Mutates who trace their powers through exposure and or connections to the extradimensional realms known as the Darkforce and Lightforce Dimensions. For more information, read up the entry on the Darkforce and Lightforce. It should be noted that there are more Darkforce-based mutates than Lightforce-based ones and other superpowered individuals can draw on their power through an indirect means (through magic, technology, etc) and thus, not be classified as mutates.

Other mutate-based sources include but not limited to: exposure to certain magical items, exposure to genetically and or radioactively modified specimens, consumption of exotic flora and fauna, other lesser-known radiation, etc.

Mutates are, for the most part, not treated with discrimination unlike mutants. This has led to large debates and accusations of double standards on both sides.

* =It has long been debated whether the "Super-Soldier Serum" along with the "Vita-Rays" radiation treatment on Steven Rogers (Captain America) should include him in the classification of mutate. However, with the existence of Micheal Van Patrick (the great grandson of Dr. Erskine, creator of the serum and head of "Project Rebirth") who achieved his peak human performance through a lifetime of a certain diet and rigorous exercise routine, it has been decided that Steven Rogers is not a mutate since while the means were unorthodox, they are within capable of human reach.