With the advent of nano-technology, it became possible to create microscopic robots (nanites) to do a multitude of different tasks. Through more technological advances and ingenuity, several different types of these nanites have been combined together to create a comprehensive "enhancement" system for the body. This enhancement is somewhat akin, in effect, to a Juicer or MOM augmentation.
Thousands of different nanites are injected into the "host", where they go to work performing their various jobs. Some of the robots help transport oxygen, hormones, or other natural chemicals through the bloodstream, faster and more efficiently than by natural means, to where they are needed. Other nanites are almost identical to those used in the IRMSS. These nanites search for, and repair, internal damage, including the removal of blood clots, repairing torn/ruptured veins and arteries, internal bleeding, and minor damage to internal organs. Still other nanites stimulate certain parts of the brain to produce natural hormones and chemicals, such as adrenaline. "Sleeper" units can even cause the person to relax and feel drowsy. This calming causes the person to breath slow, even breaths, steadies the pulse, and maintains normal blood pressure. Even more nanites do various other tasks. The nanites recharge themselves through the body's natural electro-magnetic field.
One of the drawbacks of the system is that the nanites have to be periodically supplemented since individual nanites will eventually fail. This is much like the need for the Juicer to replenish his drug harness. The person will need to visit a clinic where the original operation can be performed every 3D6 months. The other major side-effect is that the treatment speeds up the body's metabolism. This means that the body burns fuel faster and thus needs to be replenished more often. Effectively, the person must eat almost twice (2X) as much as a "normal" person. This can be somewhat embarrassing in public when the person is seen shoveling down three plates of food. The only other option is to eat specially formulated enriched foods. However, these types of food are very expensive (and often quite bland).
Enhancements:
- Enhanced Endurance: Add 1D4x10 SDC, 3D6 hit points, and 1D6 to PE attribute.
- Increased Strength: Add 1D6 to PS attribute.
- Increased Reflexes and Reaction Time: Enhanced physical capabilities and an accelerated metabolism provide the following bonuses.
Add 2D4 to PP attribute
+1 attack per melee
+3 to parry and dodge
+3 to roll with punch, fall, or impact
+3 to pull punch
+2 to initiative
- Saving Throw Bonuses: +8 to save versus toxic gases, poisons, and other drugs.
- Enhanced Healing: The nanites instill incredible healing "powers". Character heals three (3) times faster than normal. +10% to save versus coma and death. Virtually impervious to pain; no amount of physical pain will impair the body until it is down to 10 hit points or less. At that point, the person will realize his condition and feel the effects of any injury. Medical nanites repair internal injury at an equivalent surgery skill of 75%, external injuries at an amazing 85%.
- Cost and Availability: This miraculous procedure and technology are not widely known to most people. It is only available at a select few places and even then the cost is incredibly high. Most procedures cost a minimum of 800,000 credits. Follow-up visits (which are regularly required every 3D6 months) usually cost about 20,000 to 30,000 credits each.
- G.M. and Player Note: Unlike almost all other augmentation systems, the nanite treatment has almost no known negative side-effects. However, not just anyone can be treated. Roughly 85% of all humans can be treated, about 60% of most humanoid D-Bees, and only about 18% of most other forms of life can effectively be treated.
Designed by Chris Curtis (curtis@thepentagon.com).
