History Main / MagneticMedium

* In Creator/JamesHerbert's ''Literature/{{Ash}}'', Comraich Castle, lavish retreat of living threats to the reputation of well-connected clients, keeps, in its lowermost dungeon, several violently insane inmates, one of whom is the (so far as we know, fictional) unnamed, mentally and bodily disabled daughter of socialite Unity Mitford and [[spoiler: Adolf Hitler]]. Around her gather light-draining spectral orbs, seemingly drawn by her psychic buoyancy to the brutal history of the castle, the depravity of several clients, and the monstrously evil career of her father.

* ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'': Guts borders this and SupernaturallyDeliciousAndNutritious. The Brand of Sacrifice on his neck draws demonic spirits that want to eat him, but also lets him sense their presence. Anyone can see and fight these spirits - Guts's only advantage is being a badass. As the story goes on, Guts grows closer to Magnetic medium when he begins also sensing ''other'' supernatural creatures and passing through barriers designed to block {{Muggle}}s without noticing, supposedly as a result of his prolonged contact with the supernatural slowly making ''him'' more supernatural himself.

This is where the trope comes into play. If you're able to see ghosts or spirits, they're attracted to you (no, [[BoyMeetsGhoul not like that]]). They, of course, may just want someone who doesn't ignore them, but don't count on it. They may want you to become a WillingChanneler (or if you're uncooperative, a MeatPuppet) and, in more unfortunate forms of the condition, will want to eat you. Though there doesn't seem to be that much logic behind it, being able to see supernatural phenomena makes you a grand, shiny beacon for it to flock to you.

* Another necromancer/medium of sorts, in a teen series, ''really'' hated this, since not only could the ghosts notice that she could see and hear them (and vice versa) but they can physically interact with her too - which means that they can do her some ''serious'' harm, if they're unhappy.

* ''WebComic/MierukoChan'' is about Miko, an ordinary Japanese schoolgirl who suddenly gains the ability to see spirits and ghosts. She does her best to live her everyday life and not attract the spirits' attention, even as she seems to see more of them every day.

* In the ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' {{Fanfic}} ''Fanfic/{{Embers}}'', people who were attacked by spirits or deal with supernatural phenomena (shamans, benders, Dai Lee) on a regular basis, tend to attract spirits even more. This often leads them to become [[DoomMagnet doom magnets]] as well. This means the lives of Aang (the main medium between humans and spirits), his friends (mostly strong benders and victims of the Avatar’s WeirdnessMagnet zone) and Zuko (a strong bender and member of a family with massive bad {{karma}}) have a tendency to get complicated very easily.

* Ginko of ''Manga/{{Mushishi}}'' encounters a spirit ("mushi") every episode because it's his job to travel to places where they're causing mischief already, and he spends weeks of traveling between episodes to reach these locations. Mushi do indeed gather to Ginko if he stays in one location long enough, but that's used as a reason for him to keep moving after the job is done.

* In ''Manga/VenusVersusVirus'', being able to see a Virus also makes you a target for them, because Viruses specifically are attracted to people who can see them.

* Partially subverted in ''Manga/{{Mokke}}'', since while Shizuru can actually ''see'' the spirits, it's her younger sister Mizuki who gets haunted or even possessed by them.
* Because ''Manga/HellTeacherNube'''s titular character is such a powerful spiritualist and renowned exorcist, {{youkai}} and {{obake}} often show up on his doorstep to make his life miserable... even if they [[GhostlyGoals just need help]] or sanctuary. His students, on the other hand, have the preternatural ability to attract the attention of malevolent hauntings.

* ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'': Guts borders this and SupernaturallyDeliciousAndNutritious. The Brand of Sacrifice on his neck draws demonic spirits that want to eat him, but also lets him sense their presence. Anyone can see and fight these spirits - Guts's only advantage is being a badass. As the story goes on, Guts grows closer to Magnetic medium when he begins also sensing ''other'' supernatural creatures and passing through barriers designed to block {{Muggle}}s without noticing, supposedly as a result of his prolonged contact with the supernatural slowly making ''him'' more supernatural himself.
* Takashi Natsume of ''Manga/NatsumesBookOfFriends'' tends to attract [[{{Youkai}} Ayakashi]] that [[InvisibleToNormals only he can see]] for a number of reasons:
## He's in possession of a book (the Book of Friends) that happens to contain the name of ([[IKnowYourTrueName and therefore the power to command]]) hundreds of Ayakashi. [[{{Macguffin}} Many Ayakashi either want it for themselves]], or simply want their names ''out'' of the book.
## [[IdenticalGrandson He's a dead-ringer for his grandmother Reiko]], who spent most of her adolescence single-handedly making just about every Ayakashi in the region her bitch (hence why they're listed in the Book of Friends). Since most Ayakashi aren't very in tune with human sex differences or the passage of time, those with a score to settle instead take it up with ''him''.
## Nyanko-sensei (himself a powerful Ayakashi) claims that Ayakashi who are in trouble and have no one else to turn to will seek out humans who have a significant amount of SoulPower, and Natsume happens to be just such a human.
## He's SupernaturallyDeliciousAndNutritious, due to having so much SoulPower.

* ''Manga/AyakashiTriangle'': Ayakashi mediums' high level of LifeEnergy draws the eponymous [[OurSpiritsAreDifferent spirits]] to them, but also seems to be why mediums can see them. Other ayakashi-aware humans don't have the same level of "magnetism", but a flashback to Matsuri's childhood showed [[TheImp mischievous spirits]] take advantage of their visibility to torment people. One chapter has a malicious ayakashi waiting in the street for a human that could see it, because they're the only ones its [[PeoplePuppets powers]] affects.

* Another necromancer/medium of sorts, in a teen series, ''really'' hated this, since not only could the ghosts notice that she could see and hear them (and vice versa) but they can physically interact with her too - which means that they can do her some ''serious'' harm, if they're unhappy.
* In ''Literature/ShamanOfTheUndead'', the eponymous character has an Inner Eye which, if untrained, emits what ghosts describe as blinding light, beckoning them to her and causing her much trouble before she learns how to take it under control.
* ''Literature/TheMediator series'' is all about this. This trope applies to any mediator seen throughout the series, but especially main character Suze.
* In ''Literature/{{Pact}}'', supernatural creatures are bound by the Seal of Solomon, preventing them from going after the innocent. People that know of the supernatural, though, don't count as "innocent" and are fair game for all kinds of spirits.
* In ''Literature/ShamanBlues'', Witkacy's aura is visible to ghosts and makes them come to him, although it's not supernatural compulsion as much as it is knowledge that he's a {{Psychopomp}}.
* In Creator/JamesHerbert's ''Literature/{{Ash}}'', Comraich Castle, lavish retreat of living threats to the reputation of well-connected clients, keeps, in its lowermost dungeon, several violently insane inmates, one of whom is the (so far as we know, fictional) unnamed, mentally and bodily disabled daughter of socialite Unity Mitford and [[spoiler: Adolf Hitler]]. Around her gather light-draining spectral orbs, seemingly drawn by her psychic buoyancy to the brutal history of the castle, the depravity of several clients, and the monstrously evil career of her father.

** ''Series/{{MADtv}}'': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoEdFi4il_k Allison]]: Come on... Every week, always right. Dreams. ''Series/{{Medium}}''. Mondays. 10. 9 Central. Right after ''{{Las Vegas}}''.

* [[TabletopGame/GeistTheSinEaters Sin-Eaters]] have [[ISeeDeadPeople death sight]]. Ghosts can recognize those who have death sight. Do the math.
* ''TabletopGame/{{Shadowrun}}'': Astral perception makes the perceiver vulnerable to astral beings. In a location where the spirits are hostile, or intended to be part of the security, viewing them will likewise draw their attention.

* An aspect of gameplay in ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou,'' as Noise (even the loose-cannon Taboo Noise) will only engage the player in battle if they "scan" them, i.e., actively look for them.
* The Sith Inquisitor from ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'' is heavily immersed in the more mystical elements of the Force and has a [[WeirdnessMagnet bizarre affinity]] for running into Force-Ghosts on a regular basis. Lampshaded by the ghost of their ancestor, who explains that this is actually a rare gift, allowing them to draw out restless spirits and draw forth their emotions. He even describes their mere presence as being akin to an overwhelming pull.

* Within ''Webcomic/AGirlAndHerFed'', all of the Agents (and a few others, like Mike and Hope) are more than capable of seeing ghosts, particularly famous ones. Some of them take it in stride, or manage to adjust. Others are justifiably concerned that so many powerful figures of the past want to be their friends... [[spoiler: and this led to the breaking point for Abraham Lincoln, who went unhinged due to the presence of so many ghosts during a war.]]
* ''WebComic/MierukoChan'' is about Miko, an ordinary Japanese schoolgirl who suddenly gains the ability to see spirits and ghosts. She does her best to live her everyday life and not attract the spirits' attention, even as she seems to see more of them every day.

* ''Manga/AyakashiTriangle'': Ayakashi mediums' high level of LifeEnergy draws the eponymous [[OurSpiritsAreDifferent spirits]] to them, but also seems to be why mediums can see them. Other ayakashi-aware humans don't have the same level of "magnetism", but a flashback to Matsuri's childhood showed [[TheImp mischievous spirits]] take advantage of their visibility to torment people. One chapter has a malicious ayakashi waiting in the street for a human that could see it, aiming for a victim who could hear its EvilGloating.

* ''Manga/AyakashiTriangle'': Ayakashi mediums' high level of LifeEnergy draws the eponymous [[OurSpiritsAreDifferent spirits]] to them, but also seems to be why mediums can see them. Other ayakashi-aware humans don't have the same level of "magnetism", but a flashback to Matsuri's childhood showed [[TheImp mischievous spirits]] take advantage of their visibility to torment people. One chapter has a malicious ayakashi waiting in the street for a human that could see it, because it wanted a victim who could hear its EvilGloating.

* ''Manga/AyakashiTriangle'': Ayakashi mediums' high level of LifeEnergy draws the eponymous [[OurSpiritsAreDifferent spirits]] to them, but also seems to be why mediums can see them. Other ayakashi-aware humans don't have the same level of "magnetism", but a flashback to Matsuri's childhood showed [[TheImp mischievous spirits]] take advantage of their visibility to torment people.

If a show is about characters who [[ISeeDeadPeople can see spirits or ghosts]] -- and have no other superhuman ability -- the show can stay interesting only if they come in contact with them about OnceAnEpisode. Now, one would think that, because usually even normal humans can sense these creatures a little ("Did anyone else get cold just now?", if nothing else), they wouldn't be all that common, or someone would have seen through the WeirdnessCensor by now ("Why is it ''always'' so cold?"). Yet somehow, unfailingly, there these spirits are, every single week.

* In Creator/JamesHerbert's ''Literature/{{Ash}}'', Comraich Castle, lavish retreat of living threats to the reputation of well-connected clients, keeps, in its lowermost dungeon, several violently insane inmates, one of whom is the (so far as we know, fictional) unnamed, mentally and bodily disabled daughter of socialite Unity Mitford and [[spoiler: Adolf Hitler]]. Around her gather light-draining spectral orbs, seemingly drawn by her psychic buoyancy to the brutal history of the castle, the depravity of several clients, and the monstrous career of her father.

* In Creator/JamesHerbert's ''Literature/{{Ash}}'', Comraich Castle, lavish retreat of living threats to the reputation of well-connected clients, keeps, in its lowermost dungeon, several violently insane inmates, one of whom is the (so far as we know, fictional) unnamed, mentally and bodily disabled daughter of socialite Unity Mitford and [[spoiler: Adolf Hitler]]. Around her gather light-draining spectral orbs, seemingly drawn by her psychic buoyancy to the brutal history of the castle, the depravity of several clients, and the cataclysmic evil of her father.

* Quite annoying to the main character of ''Film/GhostTown'', as he can see them and hear them, and they want him to tie up their loose ends of life.

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* Whoopi Goldberg's character in ''Film/{{Ghost}}'', Oda Mae Brown, attracted spirits because she could hear them. This is explained because originally she didn't know she had that ability until Sam showed up, and the ghosts began to flock to her when the word spread. Exactly ''who'' spread it remains a mystery for the ages.

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* Psykers from ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'' have a greater connection to the Warp, but are more likely to attract attention from the hellish beings that lurk there and are therefore more vulnerable to daemonic possession.

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* ''Manga/AyakashiTriangle'': Ayakashi mediums' high level of LifeEnergy draws the eponymous [[OurSpiritsAreDifferent spirits]] to them, but also seems to be why mediums can see them. Crossing over with SupernaturallyDeliciousAndNutritious, medium are not the ''only'' ones who can see ayakashi, and the others don't draw ayakashi to themselves the same way.

* In ''ComicBook/PS238'', Satori Deacon can see ghosts and other supernatural phenomena, and hates this because as soon as a ghost realizes it, she'll get bombarded with requests from beyond the grave.
** [[spoiler:Cecil's conspiracy theories about aliens turn out to stem from his possessing the ability to sense metahumans, which he thinks are aliens. Notably, he doesn't get a vibe from Tyler, whose parents seem convinced he'll get powers soon (this may be a hint by the author that they are completely wrong, or it may change if they ever turn out to be right), or Prospero, who is an actual alien.]]

* ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'': Guts borders this and SupernaturallyDeliciousAndNutritious. The Brand of Sacrifice on his neck draws demonic spirits that want to eat him, but also lets him sense their presence. Anyone can see and fight these spirits - Guts's only advantage is being a badass. As the story goes on, Guts grows closer to MagneticMedium when he begins also sensing ''other'' supernatural creatures and passing through barriers designed to block {{Muggle}}s without noticing, supposedly as a result of his prolonged contact with the supernatural slowly making ''him'' more supernatural himself.

** She's VERY literally a MagneticMedium. Well... in training for the position of "Medium" anyway. (Medium here means "intermediary for communication between groups, some of which are otherworldly in nature" and Magnetic means... she's a WeirdnessMagnet.)

* ''Manga/{{Dororo}}'': Hyakkimaru is born without traditional senses because his father [[DealWithTheDevil sells his body parts to forty-eight demons in exchange for power]], but instead has a powerful sixth sense. This, naturally, made him a target for spirits and monsters of all kinds.

* Hyakkimaru from ''Manga/{{Dororo}}'' was born without traditional senses (because his father [[DealWithTheDevil sold his body parts to 48 demons in exchange for power]]), but instead had a powerful sixth sense. This, naturally, made him a target for spirits and monsters of all kinds.

* [[Manga/{{Berserk}} Guts]] borders this and SupernaturallyDeliciousAndNutritious. The Brand of Sacrifice on his neck draws demonic spirits that want to eat him, but also lets him sense their presence. Anyone can see and fight these spirits - Guts's only advantage is being a badass. As the story goes on, Guts grows closer to MagneticMedium when he begins also sensing ''other'' supernatural creatures and passing through barriers designed to block {{Muggle}}s without noticing, supposedly as a result of his prolonged contact with the supernatural slowly making ''him'' more supernatural himself.

* [[Manga/{{Berserk}} Guts]] borders this and SupernaturallyDeliciousAndNutritious. The Brand of Sacrifice on his neck draws demonic spirits that want to eat him, but also lets him sense their presence. Anyone can see and fight these spirits - Guts's only advantage is being a {{Badass}}. As the story goes on, Guts grows closer to MagneticMedium when he begins also sensing ''other'' supernatural creatures and passing through barriers designed to block {{Muggle}}s without noticing, supposedly as a result of his prolonged contact with the supernatural slowly making ''him'' more supernatural himself.

* In ''WomenOfTheOtherworld'', ghosts can see a glow around necromancers, and therefore are able to tell who can see and hear them. As a result, they seek out and pester such people when they want something.

* [[Manga/{{Berserk}} Guts]] borders this and SupernaturallyDeliciousAndNutritious. The Mark of Sacrifice on his neck compels spirits to eat him, but also lets him sense their presence. Anyone can see and fight these spirits - Guts's only advantage is being a {{Badass}}. As the story goes on, Guts grows closer to MagneticMedium when he begins also sensing ''other'' supernatural creatures and passing through barriers designed to block {{Muggle}}s without noticing, supposedly as a result of his prolonged contact with the supernatural slowly making ''him'' more supernatural himself.

* Takashi Natsume of ''Manga/NatsumeYuujinchou'' tends to attract [[{{Youkai}} Ayakashi]] that [[InvisibleToNormals only he can see]] for a number of reasons:

* In ''Literature/ShamanBlues'', Witkacy's aura is visible to ghosts and makes them come to her, although it's not supernatural compulsion as much as it is knowledge that he's a {{Psychopomp}}.

* Mages in ''Franchise/DragonAge'' are living weaknesses in the Veil that separates the physical world from the world of spirits and dreams. This attracts spirits and demons to them like moths to a flame. This is actually why they can use magic: they invoke the power of minor spirits and wisps that are drawn to them. According to the spirit made flesh Cole, said wisps are particularly eager to be used this way by especially gifted and powerful mages like Vivienne. He claims they dance around her, begging her to use them. One of the major dangers a mage faces, one that is often used as justification for quarantining/lobotomizing/killing them even if they haven't done anything to deserve it, is that more powerful and sapient spirits are also drawn to them because possessing a mage is one of the only ways they can interact with the physical world.