Supernatural Range

Background

Supernatural Range is the ability or effect that allows a character’s attacks—typically melee or close-range—to extend well beyond their normal physical reach. This is often achieved through invisible forces, projected energy, or spatial distortion, making the attack appear deceptively fast or unpredictable. These extensions can manifest physically or metaphysically, sometimes bypassing conventional spatial boundaries or even conceptual barriers.

While often mistaken for speed due to the range at which impact occurs, supernatural range actually exploits mechanics that project the attack itself, rather than relying on physical movement. This ability can apply to punches, weapons, or any form of direct offensive action, and is frequently combined with enhanced perception or precision.

Applications

• Physical Extension: In this form, the user generates visible extensions of their physical attacks, such as energy slashes, pressure waves, or weapon trails. Though powerful, these projections are still subject to physical laws like inertia, speed, and visibility.
  • Users: Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer), Pit (Kid Icarus), The Knight (Hollow Knight)

• Metaphysical Extension: The user attacks through non-physical means—such as invisible forces, distortions, or dimensional overlays—that allow them to strike targets without any tangible contact. These attacks may bypass armor or conventional detection entirely, catching opponents off-guard.
  • Users: Kris Dreemurr (Deltarune), The Empress (A Hat in Time), The Player (Minecraft)

• Aspatial Extension: The most potent variation, this enables the user to extend their attacks beyond spatial constraints—reaching across dimensions, targeting abstract concepts, or striking beings who do not exist in a fixed location. These attacks may affect space-time or metaphysical constructs directly.
  • Users: Asgore Dreemurr (Undertale)

Practical Uses

• Allows the user to surprise enemies by attacking from unexpected distances.
• Grants a pseudo-speed advantage, as the attack lands faster than physical movement would allow.
• Can hit multiple targets in a line or area without needing to reposition.
• Enables fighting from a safe distance while retaining melee-level power.
• Useful for countering stealthy or evasive opponents who rely on staying out of reach.

Possible Limitations

• The user may still suffer recoil, strain, or vulnerability as if they physically performed the attack.
• Some extensions may be nullified or deflected by barriers, force fields, or abilities that counter energy or spatial manipulation.
• Invisible attacks may require fine control and precision to avoid unintended collateral damage.
• Range extension might only apply in specific conditions (e.g., only with a certain weapon or technique).
• Aspatial or metaphysical extensions may be resisted by entities with abstract immunities or concept-level defenses.
• May be misinterpreted as teleportation or speed, which can lead to underestimating the ability's limits.