Work Text:
I decided to post this as a guide to how the classification system in this AU works There are three headspaces: caregiver, neutral, and little
Caregiver: Caregivers are stronger than a normal human, and have better hearing. Their strength allows them to pick up littles without much exertion, and to prevent trouble. If a little were climbing on an unstable bookshelf, for instance, and it began to fall, a caregiver would be able to stop the bookshelf from falling, and so ensure their little wouldn’t be hurt. Their better hearing lets them know when a little is in distress, even if far away. Some little run away after tantrums, and by listening to where they are a caregiver can find them easily.
They have hard-wired protective instincts to those who they consider close to them. This may present itself in ways like cooking meals to make sure others eat (Vex and Kelyth do this) or tending to wounds (Pike does this). In their headspace, these instincts ramp up, and, if left unchecked, can be bothersome to others or detrimental to themselves. Pike once insisted on healing every single cut or scrape, no matter how small it was, which caused her to drain her magic for when she really needed to use it; by doing so, she was at a disadvantage in battle, and while healing the party’s wounds after it, collapsed due to overexertion.
The caregivers in Vox Machina are: Vex, Vax, Kelyth, and Pike
Neutrals: Despite having none of the caregiver advantages and less of a burning desire to protect and care, neutrals function as babysitters or a nanny if a caregiver is away. They serve as a second line of defense when it comes to ensuring a little’s safety. Because of this, however, they have been known to have occasional episodes of hysterical strength (which functions the same as it does in our world), and hysterical spells (works the same as strength, but applied to magic). Scanlan once used his bigby’s hand to act as a shield for a little, and it was so strong that any weapons, even bullets, and other spells couldn’t pierce it.
Vox Machina’s neutrals include Grog and Scanlan
Littles: Littles are a bit weaker than an average human, so are seen as such by most of society. This isn’t always the case, however, as through a buildup of muscle they can get to the strength level of a regular person. Littles also have a more childish face and shorter stature. Another biological trait of the little is the dislike of strongly-spiced foods, it's too harsh for a little’s taste buds. Naps also help keep a younger little functioning well, so it is recommended they take one. There is a range of ages regressed littles can fall into, from newborn even up to preteen years. While in their headspace, a little is dependent on a caregiver or neutral to watch over them, as they function the same as any child would.
The sole little in Vox Machina is Percy