Placebo Effect

Background

The Placebo Effect is a phenomenon where belief alone produces real effects, often without any actual causal power from the object or method being believed in. In fiction, this concept is taken far beyond its real-world limitations. Characters may gain real enhancements, healing, or other benefits purely through their belief in something's efficacy—regardless of whether the thing itself possesses any actual power.

It functions as a psychological or metaphysical form of belief, with supernatural levels being a sub-power of Subjective Reality or Observation, though it can also exist independently. The power stems from the mind shaping one's body or environment according to perceived truth, not objective fact. While often comedic or minor in some settings, in others it can create profound enhancements or vulnerabilities.

A popular example in gag shows comes from characters walking off the edge of a cliff without realizing it yet still being able to walk on the air until they notice they're standing on air.

Also Called

• Belief Empowerment
• Psychosomatic Enhancement
• Mental Manifestation

Possible Applications

• Self-enhancement by believing in the effects of an object (e.g., becoming stronger after drinking "miracle water").
• Healing or regeneration by thinking a wound is already healed.
• False invincibility—believing one cannot be harmed, and thus becoming highly resistant to damage.
• Immunity or weakness induction—if someone is convinced they are poisoned, they may exhibit symptoms or suffer damage.
• Triggering other abilities via belief, such as awakening latent powers or restoring strength.
• Deluding others into experiencing placebo effects by convincing them something will happen (harm or healing).
• Potential synergy with illusion-based or suggestion-based abilities.

Practical Uses

• Combat bluffing: feigning the use of powerful items to scare or weaken enemies.
• Medical placebo: healing others through belief in fake medicine or rituals.
• Ritual empowerment: belief-based combat rituals that grant temporary boosts.
• Mental shielding: resisting attacks through belief-based confidence or perceived invulnerability.
• Training or growth: improving one's capabilities by believing in false limitations or enhancements.

Variations

• Self-Placebo: User experiences effects by believing something themselves.
• Induced Placebo: User causes others to experience effects through convincing or suggestion.
• Inverted Placebo (Nocebo): Negative effects manifest through belief in harm.

Possible Limitations

• Effects may vanish if the user or target realizes the truth.
• Requires a strong level of belief or psychological vulnerability.
• May not work on beings immune to mental influence or suggestion.
• Some effects may be psychosomatic and not replicate actual damage or healing in certain systems.
• Could backfire if negative beliefs are instilled instead.

Users

• Solid Snake (Metal Gear): Snake has his sea sickness cured after being told that the Pentazemin cures seasickness.
• Luigi Super Mario Bros.|(Super Mario Bros.)]]: Luigi is hypnotized into believing he is Mario greatly boosting his confidence.