Hooper

From Earth Central

Hoopers are humans infected with the Spatterjay virus. As is the case with other organisms, this results in Hoopers having greatly enhanced physical strength, resistance to pain, and virtually unlimited lifespans. They also display enhanced resistance to most diseases and toxins (with the notable exception of Sprine). Hoopers can easily survive wounds that would kill an unmodified human (although damage to the brain can destroy the Hooper's persona). David McGrooger, a hooper sent to an out-Polity civilisation, was also able to tolerate radiation exposure that would easily kill a human.

As hoopers age, their physical strength and resiliance increases; the oldest, known as "Old Captains", have been altered so drastically that most injuries they experience simply heal up immediately. Their extended lifespans, however, may lead to extreme ennui (a common problem in the rest of the Polity)- the Old Captain Ambel states that hoopers susceptible to ennui tend to die at around 300 years of age, usually as a result of excessive risk taking.