1 GEISTESKRANKEN (THE DELUSIONAL)

Capgrast (Capgras Syndrome): Believe that a relative or spouse has been replaced by an impostor (often demonic in nature).

Comorbidic (Comorbidity): A person with multiple delusions that have reached the manifestation stage. Konig is a Comorbidic, as he is a Gefahrgeist, Doppelgangist, and a developing Mirrorist. Comorbidity often marks the final days of a Geisteskranken, as it signifies an increasingly decaying mental state.

Cotardist (Cotard's Syndrome): Believe they are dead. Often combined with the belief that they are rotting or missing internal organs.

Doppelgangist (Syndrome of Subjective Doubles): Believe a double of themselves is carrying out independent actions.

Dysmorphic (Dysmorphic Syndrome): These folks are overly worried about a perceived defect in their physical features. They want to look different so badly that their appearance actually changes. Due to their obsession, they are unable to see the changes and still think themselves defective. Many believe they are so unspeakably hideous that they are unable to interact with others. This will eventually spiral out of control. Most Dysmorphics eventually withdraw from society and end in suicide. Many become abnormally thin, muscled, large-breasted, or exaggerated specimens of physical perfection . . . in one area.

Fregolist (Fregoli Delusion): Believe various people are actually the same person in disguise.

Gefahrgeist (Sociopath): Sociopaths lack empathy (the ability to feel for the pain and suffering of others) and morality. They are driven by their need to achieve and rule in social circles.

Geisteskranken (Delusionist): Reality is responsive to the beliefs of humanity. Under normal circumstances, it requires large numbers of people—all believing the same thing—to effect change. The more people who believe something, the more real their belief becomes. Geisteskranken are capable of believing something so utterly and completely—are insane enough—to effect noticeable changes in reality all by themselves. Most are only mildly neurotic and can cause minor or subtle changes. A Geisteskranken's power is directly proportional to the strength of his or her delusions.

Halluzinieren (Hallucinations): These folks are capable of manifesting hallucinations in one or more senses. Minor Halluzinieren might just cause people to smell whatever the Geisteskranken is thinking about. Powerful Halluzinieren can hallcinate in all five senses and twist local reality.

Hassebrand (Pyromaniac): Set fires as an outlet for their repressed rage and loneliness.

Intermetic (Syndrome of Intermetamorphosis): Believe people swap identities with each other while maintaining the same appearance.

Kleptic (Kleptomaniac): Are compelled to steal things (usually of little or no value). They are often not even aware they've committed the theft.

Mehrere (Schizophrenic): Are so sure they are more than one person . . . they actually are! The various people they become can have wildly varying physical and mental traits. The truly deranged can be an entire crowd of people; either one at a time, or all at once.

Mirrorist (Eisoptrophobia): Some believe the reflection in a mirror is someone other than themselves. Some Mirrorists believe their reflections know things, can see the future, or travel freely between different mirrors (useful for long-distance communication). Others believe mirrors are portals to other worlds or dimensions. Some Mirrorists fear their reflections are trying to escape, while others fear their reflections are trying to drag them into the mirror.

Otraalma: Think they are possessed by demons or evil spirits.

Phobic: Anyone suffering a strong phobia.

The Pinnacle: The ultimate leveler of the playing field. Embracing one's delusions comes with a price. Sure, holding one's emotional scars tight and constantly picking at one's mental wounds might cause a Geisteskranken to grow in power, but embracing insanity is not healthy. As Geisteskranken lose their grip on reality, they become stronger, more able to utterly believe all manner of insane shite. As their sanity crumbles apart, the range and strength of their delusions increases. Eventually, however, those delusions come to completely define that Geisteskranken's reality. They take over. That moment, that teetering instant when delusion crushes sanity, is the Pinnacle, and for a brief instant, the Geisteskranken might become so powerful as to challenge the gods. Unfortunately (at least for them) they are no longer sane enough to do anything with that power. What happens after depends on the delusions in question. A Mirrorist might be dragged into the mirror by his reflections. The Doppelgangist might be replaced by a Doppel. The Hassebrand might incinerate herself in an orgy of flame.

Somatoparaphrenic (Somatoparaphrenia): Believe one or more limbs (sometimes an entire half of their body) belong to someone else. Often this means they have no control over that limb. In extreme cases, the limb develops a "mind of its own," with its own agenda.

Therianthrope (Therianthropy): Believe they are possessed by (or sometimes were born with) animal spirits. Many believe they can transform partially (or completely) into their animal form.

Wendigast (Wendigo Psychosis): An insatiable craving for human flesh. Typically the person will become a demonic monster, though still recognizable as having once been human. This is more common in the tribes to the far north, where every winter, starvation becomes an issue. In appearance they combine the emaciation of severe starvation—along with open sores—with demonic strength. They also stink of death and decay. Some turn into massive giants, growing in strength and size as they eat.

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