ci·pher
plural: ci·pher-s
1 : one that has no weight, worth, or influence
2 : a method of transforming a text in order to conceal its
meaning
Ciphers are Changelings who are immune to mind reading powers
such as telepathy and empathy. Most Ciphers have no idea about
their ability, and often the only clue is that their body
language tends to be restrained and difficult to read. They
even lack hormones in their scent, causing substantial communication
difficulties.
Ciphers are highly sought after for important positions
in the private and public sectors, and some furs are beginning
to seek cipher priests out for confession. Many CCD agents
are Ciphers and there is an obvious bias towards them due
to the security benefits. However, even furs that are not
Ciphers can learn to partially block mind readers by repetitive
thought or by certain meditative exercises. All CCD agents
are taught these disciplines, though some are unable to make
much use of them.
Ciphers are the only form of Changeling that is not required
to register. Ciphers were 'considered' Purebloods after the
First Ease, though there is still some residual racism regarding
them. Infection by the Cipher version of the Changeling Plague
causes a very mild flu-like illness, and is generally easily
fought off by the body's immune system. There seems to be
no conscious way of spreading the Cipher Virus, which hops
from population to population without obvious carriers.
Ciphers are somewhat immune to the dreamy delerium that
Haemophages cause
in their victims, leading to suggestions that they themselves
may have difficulty understanding or interpreting the scent-cues
of those around them. They do not appear to react instinctively
to the terror generated by Werebreed,
and appear to be distasteful as prey to the same.
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