COMMON

TERMINOLOGY

Welcome,

Ghostbusters, to the premier defense science of this decade. The following information will prove indispensable in your ghost hunting. Classification of ghosts, specters, haunts, and Things That Go Bump In The Night is the first step toward conquering these manifestations. With this starting list of paranormal definitions, you are on your way to a glamorous career full of adventure.

• You can see what the class system is in the Extreme Ghostbusters' world here.

(The following discussion of "Class" and "Trait" in the classification of spectral manifestations is excerpt from Dr. Egon Spengler's celebrated work, A Paranormal Taxonomy: Slimes, Spuds, and Other Mutants.)

Class I: These are undeveloped forms, insubstantial and difficult to see. Interaction with their environment is limited and enigmatic (e.g., spectral lights, voices and sounds, ectoplasmic vapors, etc.). Simple application of a proton pack beam is normally effective.

Class II: Manifestations focused in this time and space, Class II ghosts and up can physically manipulate things in this world. These forms are vague, inconsistent, or incomplete (e.g., floating sheets, ghostly hands, animated lips, etc.). Although a proton pack beam is normally effective, some Class II ghosts have the capacity to return attacks.

Class III: Anonymous Hauntings. Distinct human form and personality is evident, but former identity (i.e., as a living being) is not established. If established, ghost is reassigned as Class IV. Often difficult to deal with, Class III ghosts generally possess sophisticated means of defense.

Class IV: Identity is established. They have a distinct human form and personality with known identity, such as General Custer or Cleopatra. Economic disposal methods include research into the background of said entity, as well as possible communication with it.

Class V: These are ectoplasmic manifestations of definite but non-human form. Speculation includes the theory that Class V's are formed from emotionally-charged events or as side effects from ritual summonings. (The spud Peter Venkman talks about so much was a by-product of the rituals that a cult held in the Sedgewick Hotel's basement.) These typically require extensive proton pack implementation to eradicate.

Class VI: Ghosts from lower life forms. A giant penguin was once seen attacking a mugger in Central Park. Later it was discovered that the penguin was a ghost. Unique solutions are often required to handle these entities, including research into habitats, allergies, natural enemies, etc.

Class VII: Metaspectres. Obsessively malevolent, exceptionally powerful, and exhibiting control over subordinate forms, such entities are potentially very dangerous. These are often identified by primitive cultures as "Demons". Entitles which fit this classification include Gozer and Zuul. Neutralizing them is usually a problematical undertaking at best. Most standard procedures are futile. The most realistic plan is to take measures to prevent these things from entering the sphere of influence in the first place.

GHOSTBUSTERS Reference Files (c) 1986 West End Games, Inc.