Lore: Exact Ability Measurement (Patreon)

Hey everyone, it’s lore time!!

Since so much of the unOrdinary world revolves around abilities, I’ve decided to write about Ability Gauging and Ability measurement to start things off. This is my first time writing lore, so we’ll see how this goes :D

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Abilities are gauged using a standardized method determined by the authorities. Multiple specialists (evaluators and analysts) are required for a complete and thorough measurement.

Exact Ability Measurement (ExAM) is done using a two-part process.

The first part of the process is the stat assessment. It requires an individual to perform a series of tests to determine the individual’s skill in each stat category. Stat categories are as follows: trick and the 4 primary stats (power, defense, speed, recovery).

Let’s start with Trick:

Trick tests are complex and conditional. The user is allowed to demonstrate their ability in ways that can not be captured in any standardized tests. Most commonly noted results are user ingenuity, non-physical interactions, and *cross-application. In most cases, the result of the trick test is used as a modifier for the primary stats.

*Cross-application occurs when an individual uses one stat category to enhance another. Example: Using a running start to hit a target harder (speed applied to power)

Tests for primary stat categories are more straightforward:

Power tests involve the user hitting a target/targets. Most commonly noted results are maximum impact, prolonged impact, control of strength, and area of effect.

Defense tests involve the user being hit in various situations. Most commonly noted results are maximum impact received, prolonged duress, and coverage.

Speed tests involve the user traveling along a measured track. Most commonly noted results are maximum speed, stamina, acceleration, and directional control.

Recovery tests involve the user returning to full strength. Most commonly noted results are physical healing, stamina recovery, aura regeneration, tenacity, and application to others.

All tests are to be performed at full strength. The individual is allowed adequate time to rest and recover before each test. In some cases, tests are repeated for consistency. The evaluator is then able to complete the stat assessment.

The second part of the process is ability characterization. It requires an analyst to determine an individual’s ability level and name. Analysts refer to previous measurements, **estimation documents, and the latest test results/footage to obtain a deep understanding of an individual's ability.

**Estimation documents are records of an individual’s ability growth between ExAMs.

A brief interview is then held, where the individual is asked a series of questions to flush out any specifics or uncertainties. Finally, all information gathered is analyzed and assessed. Taking everything into consideration, the individual’s ability level is determined, and an ability name is given, completing the ExAM.

The authorities keep an updated record of an individual’s ability level and description. But because ExAMs are both intensive and time consuming, they're only done once every couple of years. An ExAM is typically required at certain benchmarks of life: right before entering new middle or high school, universities, starting new jobs, home loans, etc.

Due to the gaps between ExAMs, it’s recommended to get an ability estimation once a year.

Estimations can be determined using less intensive tests, analysis of records, meeting with ability gauges (example: the one at Kovoro Mall, EP8.) These results can be used later as estimation documents. Ability estimation services are generally provided by respectable organizations (schools, universities, corporations, etc)

More notes:

Stat charts in the story are real-time stats for your eyes only. They correspond to the ExAM of a character at that point in the story. Authorities don’t always have the most updated measurements. Example: Blyke’s 5.0 and ‘Energy Discharge’, EP199

In EP48, when Remi’s ability was gauged at Kovoro mall, she was confused by the result because it was inconsistent with her most recent estimation. (FYI, the Kovoro mall gauge’s estimates are not very reliable; he just got lucky with Sera’s reading lol)

Authorities will make a high-accuracy estimation on high-threat individuals to help determine their treatment. Example: John, right before his expulsion from New Bostin

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That’s all for now! I had a lot of fun writing this! Hope you all enjoyed it as well!

- uru