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A motivator is the extracted genetic material of an [[Epic]], used to power technology based off of that Epic's power set. Any given piece of [[Epic-based technology]] requires a motivator to function. Along with research material, motivators are likely the most important results of the high-level currency that is Epic mitochondrial DNA.
{{update|lux}}
 
{{quote
 
|Every one of these boxes is stuffed with bits of dead Epic.
 
|Zeff.{{book ref|lux|6}}
 
}}
 
A '''motivator''' is a device that replicates abilities from an [[Epic]]'s power set.
 
 
== History ==
 
[[Dean Knighthawk]] was involved in the development of the motivator, and his [[Knighthawk Foundry]] is among the most well-known manufacturers of epic-based devices.{{book ref|Calamity|10}} Very few people know how motivators actually work, and even Knighthawk does not fully understand certain quirks of the technology.{{book ref|Calamity|10}}
 
 
Because viable samples of Epic DNA are so rare, they are traded as high currency to the makers of epic-based technology through a black market run by dealers such as [[Diamond]].{{book ref|Steelheart|16}}{{book ref|Firefight|18}}
 
 
== Mechanics ==
 
Motivators are created by harvesting the cells of dead Epics.{{book ref|Firefight|18}} These cells must be collected within minutes of the Epic's death, as Epic DNA, which is required to make motivators work, degrades rapidly.{{book ref|Steelheart|16}}{{book ref|Calamity|2}} The motivator itself actually functions as a miniature incubator, keeping the cells alive for many years by performing tasks like feeding them, regulating their temperature, and dealing with any produced waste; a well-made motivator can keep the cells alive for decades.{{book ref|Calamity|10}} Without the motivator and these cells, any given piece of Epic-based technology is useless.{{book ref|Firefight|18}}
 
 
Each motivator can only provide a single Epic ability, no matter how many powers the source Epic had and trying to get more than one or two motivators out of an Epic's cells often results in significantly inferior technology.{{book ref|Calamity|10}}{{book ref|Calamity|36}} In order to actually duplicate an Epic power from the Epic's DNA, motivators simply run an electrical current through their cells; if an Epic had multiple powers, the voltage of the electricity used determines which power the motivator replicates.{{book ref|Calamity|10}} The "biological frequency" of electric current required for each motivator is different, requiring some experimentation to get just right,{{book ref|lux|8}} though experimentation is also dangerous and can result in large explosions or other severe accidents, if one is not careful.{{book ref|Calamity|10}}{{book ref|lux|6}} Motivators tend to be expensive and volatile.{{book ref|lux|6}}
 
 
Motivators can technically be made from the cells of a living Epic, but the Epic will be able to immediately sense their powers being used, causing them pain. The Epic will attempt to track down and destroy the device, often killing the user.{{book ref|Calamity|41}} [[Knighthawk Foundry]] no longer makes motivators from living Epics for this reason.{{book ref|Calamity|10}}
 
 
=== Coilers ===
 
Coilers are pieces of technology that [[Jax (Reckoners)|Jax]] invented with the help of [[Paige]]. Coilers reverse the electrical current in the motivators, and therefore reverses the effect of the motivator. Jax used them for several pieces of technology, such as boomerang and mitosis.{{book ref|Lux|9}}
 
 
== Use ==
 
Motivators can be used in a wide range of applications, including weapons, energy sources, construction, and communication. The technology is sometimes difficult and dangerous to use, and may require a great deal of practice to master.{{book ref|r2|23}} Some people are intuitively proficient with certain devices.{{book ref|r2|25}} Occasionally, a person is unable to use a certain piece of technology for no clear reason; this is more common when Epics try to use the devices.{{book ref|Calamity|10}} Additionally, if one person attempts to use multiple devices from different Epics at the same time, they may interfere with each other.{{book ref|Calamity|10}}
 
 
Motivators do not appear to be affected by the weakness of their source Epic. It is implied that some powers are harder to make into motivators; for example, cross dimensional powers are extremely hard to control.{{book ref|Calamity|6}}
 
 
Most motivators are fabricated in a way that allows the user to wear or transport the device, with some sort of interface allowing access to the Epic power. This can include vests, backpacks, gloves, control panels, and other attachments.{{book ref|r2|23}}
 
 
== Known Motivators ==
 
=== Boomerang ===
 
The '''boomerang''' allows its user to teleport in a chosen direction, then teleport back soon after. During his time at the Coop. Jax learned about the incomplete motivator, which was derived from an Epic named Slingshot, who had teleportation abilities. However, the last Reckoner to try to complete it had vaporized himself by accident.{{book ref|Lux|6}} About thirty seconds after teleporting, the teleported object's or person's molecules begin to disassemble, until there is nothing left. As far as Jax was able to figure out, the only way to keep the object from disintegrating was to smash the slingshot after teleporting it. The real breakthrough came when Jax invented coilers, which could reverse the power of a motivator. He applied the coiler technology to the slingshot, so that when he teleported something, he could then reverse the motivator and teleport the object back.{{book ref|Lux|9}} If he didn't teleport it back after thirty seconds, it began to disintegrate. Jax changed the name of the device to boomerang soon after.{{cite}}
 
 
Later on, Jax put the boomerang motivator into a more convenient model. He turned it into a watch, with a pressure sensor in the watch face. Pointing the watch in the desired direction and pressing the watch face teleports you up to thirty feet in that direction. Press the watch face again, and you teleport back to your original position. The distance can be adjusted using a small dial.{{book ref|lux|12}}
 
 
=== Fathom Radar ===
 
The '''fathom radar''', or simply '''fathom''', is a surveillance motivator made from the DNA of the Epic [[Fathom (Epic)|Fathom]]. The motivator is inside a drone, which can scan large areas and display them as wire-frame 3D models. Jax uses it to gain valuable schematics of [[Lux (city)|Lux]]'s layout, using fathom to scan the city from underneath.{{book ref|lux|15}}
 
 
==== Scorchnotes ====
 
The fathom motivator is extremely useful when a reversing coiler is added. It can emit a ray, which when it hits an object, causes that object to be come two-dimensional. The two-dimensional object appears as an outline drawn in ash atop whatever surface the object was on, and the drawing cannot be removed. Firing again at the object restores it to its original state, causing the surface on which it rests to burst into flames and disintegrate. This allows the Reckoners to hide weapons, gear, and even vehicles on scraps of paper, smuggling them into Lux and then restoring them later. These are called '''scorchnotes''', as they burn the notes with the motivator to restore the gear.{{book ref|lux|15}}{{book ref|lux|18}}
 
 
=== Rtich ===
 
{{for|Rtich (Epic)|the Epic of the same name|pre="Rtich" redirects here}}
 
The '''rtich''' is a motivator created by the Knighthawk foundry from the cells of the [[Rtich (Epic)|Epic of the same name]].{{book ref|calamity|9}} Like most motivators, it requires much training and practicing to use.{{book ref|Calamity|22}} The device is a glove that can manipulate mercury to form various shapes.{{book ref|Calamity|22}}{{book ref|Calamity|46}} Since mercury isn't very common, the user usually must carry it around in order to use its power. A thin layer of mercury it creates is able to stop bullets.{{book ref|Calamity|45}}
 
 
=== Sonic Snare ===
 
{{for|Sonic Snare|the Epic this motivator was derived from|pre="Sonic snare" redirects here}}
 
Perfected by Jax, the '''sonic snare''' can be connected to a sound mixer and used to listen to conversations or other sounds going on anywhere in a large area. Adjusting the frequency to the right setting allows the user to listen in on specific people or rooms. Jax uses it to eavesdrop on a conversation between [[Zeff]] and [[Prof]].{{book ref|lux|8}}{{book ref|Lux|9}}
 
 
When the Sonic Snare is reversed using coilers, it creates a bubble that keeps sound in, allowing anything done inside the bubble to be done with absolute silence.{{book ref|lux|21}}
 
 
=== Spyril ===
 
The '''spyril''' is a motivator created by the Knighthawk Foundry from the cells of the Epic [[Georgi|Waterlog]].{{book ref|r2|18}} The spyril consists of a circular device worn on the user's back, along with some canisters strapped to the calves, two specialized gloves, and various connections between the pieces.{{book ref|r2|23}}
 
 
The spyril works by teleporting water into itself using what [[Mizzy]] calls a "streambeam"; it then shoots the water out forcefully to function like a jet pack, propelling the user with great speed.{{book ref|r2|24}} It is very sensitive and difficult to master; unless the user steers precisely and carefully, it can be quite dangerous.{{book ref|r2|23}}{{book ref|r2|24}} The device cannot generate water and is best used near a large body of water, such as in [[Babilar]].{{book ref|r2|24}}
 
 
[[Sam (Reckoner)|Sam]] was the first to use the spyril effectively.{{book ref|r2|18}} After Sam is killed by [[Firefight (Epic)|Firefight]], the motivator goes missing from the device.{{book ref|r2|18}} Megan later gives the motivator to David,{{book ref|r2|22}} though he lies about where he got it to the rest of the Reckoners.{{book ref|r2|23}} David becomes very skilled with the spyril and uses it extensively when the Reckoners battle [[Regalia]].{{book ref|r2|46}} Regalia notes that David is naturally skilled at using the spyril{{book ref|r2|25}} and suggests that he might have similar powers if he became an Epic.{{book ref|r2|41}}
 
 
=== Crystallix ===
 
'''Crystallix''' is a motivator made from the Epic [[Crystallix (Epic)|Crystallix]]. It can form blue crystalline structures in the air that don’t fall. The motivator is unstable, and the crystals dissolve very quickly. Jax integrates the crystalix motivator into a motorcycle. Because the crystal path dissolves quickly, the rider has to drive at high speeds to keep in the air as the crystals disintegrate behind them. The crystalix motorcycle can’t slow down or turn sharply when in the air because of the nature of the crystals.{{book ref|lux|2}}
 
 
=== Other Motivators ===
 
{{anchor|Animated mannequin}}
 
; Animated mannequin
 
Created by the Knighthawk Foundry from the cells of [[The Wooden Soul]], this motivator powers [[Dean Knighthawk]]'s wooden mannequin, '''Manny'''.{{book ref|Calamity|8}}
 
 
{{anchor|Bombs}}
 
; Bombs
 
Created by Regalia from the cells of [[Obliteration]], these motivators use Obliteration's heat manipulation power to store up thermal energy which can then be released in an explosion. If the motivator is sufficiently charged, this explosion can be powerful enough to level an entire city.{{book ref|Firefight|11}}{{book ref|Firefight|49}} The detonators are small rods.{{book ref|Calamity|47}}
 
 
{{anchor|Crystal grower}}
 
; Crystal grower
 
Created by the Knighthawk Foundry, this motivator can quickly grow new crystal formations if attached to a pure crystal latice.{{book ref|Calamity|9}}
 
 
{{anchor|Forcefield jacket}}
 
; Forcefield jacket
 
Created by the [[Knighthawk Foundry]] from the cells of Prof,{{book ref|Calamity|39}} this motivator replicates his ability to create forcefields. Prof often gifted Reckoners he worked with a limited version of this power that would protect them from some harm as well, though he disguised it as a motivator in the form of a jacket to hide his nature as an Epic.{{book ref|Steelheart|14}}{{book ref|Steelheart|41}}
 
 
{{anchor|Gauss gun}}
 
; Gauss gun
 
Created from the cells of the Epic [[Rick O'Shea]], this motivator fires bullets that explode with disintegrating energy,{{book ref|Steelheart|16}} though it requires an external power source.{{book ref|Steelheart|20}}
 
 
{{anchor|Harmsway}}
 
; Harmsway
 
A generic term, originally coined by Jonathan Phaedrus, for any motivator that provides healing.{{book ref|Calamity|9}} Some harmsways are more capable than others, depending on the strength of the healing power of the Epic they come from.{{book ref|Calamity|10}}
 
 
{{anchor|Knighthawk mobile phones}}
 
; Knighthawk mobile phones
 
Created by the Knighthawk Foundry, these phones provide secure communication over long distances, even underground.{{book ref|Steelheart|11}} Unusual in that, unlike most Epic-derived technologies, the individual phones don't need their own motivators, but instead all run on a hub of motivators in Dean Knighthawk's lab. As a result, they are one of the few motivators he has been able to mass-produce.{{book ref|Calamity|36}}
 
 
{{anchor|Imager}}
 
; Imager
 
Another motivator the Knighthawk Foundry has been able to mass produce, this device creates nearly three-dimensional images, even when projected on irregular surfaces, without any shadows from those in the way of its projection.{{book ref|Calamity|36}}
 
 
{{anchor|Tensors}}
 
; Tensors
 
Created by the [[Knighthawk Foundry]] from the cells of Prof,{{book ref|Calamity|39}} this motivator replicates his ability to turn inorganic matter to dust. Prof often gifted Reckoners he worked with this power as well, though he would claim it was a motivator to hide his nature as an Epic.{{book ref|Steelheart|11}}{{book ref|Steelheart|41}}
 
   
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
 
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