Classifications

The Classifications Used on this Site

These classifications are in ascending order:
Class D
Class C
Class B
Class A
Class S

Rationale

The Hastings Ecto-Taxonomy Model

The Hastings Model operates with consideration for both the power and attitude of any hypothetical spirit or aberration, and sorts them into one of five categories commensurate to the potential danger such an encounter might pose. These categories are listed below from the lowest threat level to the highest:

D-Class Threats

 

The most benign of ghosts and spirits fall into this bracket, lending either to their weak, or semi-natural strength, or an otherwise peaceful, calm demeanor. Qualities of a D-Class entity comprise:

• A friendliness, or non-violent disposition towards the living

• Powers or magicks of a playful sort, that pose no lasting or harmful threat to the living

• A willingness to aid and defend the living, without the requirement of severe or unequal recompense

 C-Class Threats

 

Slightly more hazardous than their D-Class counterparts, C-Class entities boast slightly stronger features, and or a more tenebrous personality. Qualities of a C-Class spirit include:

• A neutral and or  negative view on the living

• Abilities and features that have the potential to cause moderate damage on a victim

• A desire or motive to attack or harass the living

B-Class Threats

Unlike the earlier classifications, B-Class introduces a spirit that is almost exclusively self-interested, with advanced abilities that can cause seriously problems for the prospective paranormal researcher. The major qualities of a B-Class aberration are:

• A negative, hostile, or sadistic outlook on the living

• Combat-ready talents that can and will permanently injure a victim's mental and or physical facilties

• An visible enjoyment, and or occupation with the suffering of others

 A-Class Threats

 

The A-Class, much like its predecessor, is equally ill-advised in terms of mores, as well as their titanic strength and arcane prowess. Whereas a B-Class entity will leave a broken bone or two, such things are a passing fancy to the malevolent A-Class. Commonalities of the A-Class include:

• An indifferent, diminutive, or murderous stance on the living

• A slew of magical weaponry and physical composition that will most assuredly lead to death if encountered or provoked

• A carefree attitude towards murder, arson, theft, or destruction of souls

S-Class Threats 

The  demonic residents of the S-Tier are by far the most horrifying beings to stalk the earthly realm. Easily the most dangerous or their siblings, S-Class threats constitute a natural disaster in their own right. The calling-card of such entities are:

• A total indifference to all forms of life, living and undead alike

• Abilities and physical appendages capable of leveling entire villages, cities, and places of human residence

• Animalistic, feral, and on rare occasion, calculating personalities that see no issue with the utter annihilation of nature as we know it

These classifications are based on the following two criteria:

Power and Overall Strength

When investigating any haunted, or potentially-haunted space, personal safety must always be one's primary concern. For that purpose, one must keep the following in mind:

• The physical strength exerted by any specter or demon

• Any magical abilities or mystical talents exhibited by spirits or mythological beings

• The lethality of either sphere were compared to one's own mortal and mental physique

 Unique Attitude and Overall Temperament

Even the strongest spirit may be seen as docile if one encounters them on a good day. Emotional perspective is key to understanding a ghost or demon, yet it is even more valuable in terms of surviving a meeting with such an entity. Some things to keep in mind are:

• Whether or not the spirit is fond, or generally amicable towards humans

• If the spirit or monster in question was known to be vengeful in life, and may be tempted to  punish the living

• If the ghoul or sprite in question has been known to be particularly mischievous, or delights in teasing humans