Augmentations

Augmentations, also known as bionics or cybernetics, are mechanical parts that replace organic body parts and organs or are entirely new additions.

Overview

Augmentations are used by many modern nations in the galaxy, generally for medical purposes, such as replacing a missing limb or a non-functioning organ. Mechanical limbs are as strong as, if not stronger than their organic counterparts, while mechanical organs are more efficient and longer-lasting. Some augmentations grant their users new abilities, such as bionic eyes which grant a user multiple forms of vision. Many Warlords and some Neutral powers make use of combat augmentations to enhance their soldier's fighting abilities; such augmentations are rare among the Peacekeepers, who typically prefer to use augments only when necessary.

While most augmentation procedures are only performed on certain parts of the body, a few nations, such as the Xeverrans, Galderans, and Margan, have taken it a step further and have augmented individuals to the point that they are more machine than organic. In the most extreme examples, these individuals are nothing more than augmented brains implanted inside of a robotic body. Procedures such as these are controversial in some circles as many see the augmented individual as having lost the essence that made them a truly living being. Regardless, such procedures exponentially increase the individual's capabilities and lifespan.

List of Augmentations

Augmentations can be divided into two categories: Frame, which is external, and System, which is internal.

Frame Augments

Frame Augmentations are Augments when modify the 'frame' of an organic being, that being the skeleton, muscle, skin, and body parts in general.

• Composite Skeleton: Composite bones serve all of the purposes of their biological equivalents while being considerably harder to break and boosting the user's strength. While commonly utilized in prosthesis, more intensive procedures replace most or all of the skeleton with a composite equivalent. Most composite skeletons mimic the structure of the original skeleton, though it is possible to modify the skeletal structure; for example, it is relatively common in Margan society for individuals to modify their spines so that they are able to stand upright. Composite bones can also be made to be more flexible, allowing for a user to perform feats such as bending their knees, elbows, and digits backwards.

• Artificial Muscles: Augmented muscles substantially increase the user's strength. They also do not tire and do not atrophy, thus removing the need for exercise. While biological muscles can be attached to composite bones with little to no issue, bionic muscles are seldom attached to organic bone, as it risks breaking the bone from over-exertion.

• Synthetic Skin: Synthetic skin is generally used to either replace damaged skin or to cosmetically conceal augmented body parts. Military-grade synthetic skin is made pf a more durable material and can serve as an extra layer of protection against blunt-force trauma and ballistic projectiles.

• Claws: Typically reserved for military personnel, claws are a bionic version of clawed gauntlets and are effective against lightly-armored infantry. A rarer but more advanced version is the plasma claw, which can slice through heavy infantry armor with relative ease.

• Composite Teeth: Composite teeth come in two forms: standard and combat. Standard composite teeth simply serve as replacements for organic teeth. Composite combat teeth, as implied by the name, are designed to be used as weapons and are razor sharp. Reinforced with composite bones and artificial muscles, combat teeth are capable of piercing through armor and severing limbs with a single bite. Combat teeth are usually only found on heavily augmented individuals as the teeth would damage the inside of the mouth.

• Hook Toes: Hooked toes are bionic toes with hooked claws instead of nails. These claws can clamp down into a surface, allowing them to walk across walls and even hang upside down from a ceiling. Both walking and running are possible, though running takes some time to master. They can also be used as weapons to impale and grapple foes.

• Magnetic Soles: Magnetic soles allow a user to attach themselves to a metallic surface, fulfilling a role similar to that of hooked toes. In some cases, both hooked toes and metallic soles are installed together and are used interchangeable depending on the situation.

• Limbs: Comprised of artificial muscles and composite bone, prosthetic limbs can be used to either replace an organic limb, or more rarely, to add an additional appendage to the body. Similarly to the mechanical limbs used on some body armors, prosthetic limbs can either be general-purpose or specialized to fit a certain role, such as holding a weapon or assisting an engineer perform his or her work.

• Split-Limbs: Split-limbs are rarer and more advanced prosthetic limbs that can split into two identical limbs. For example, a person with two split-legs would be able to divide their legs into four legs, providing them increased stability. Split-arms allow a use to interact with more objects at a time, such as being able to hold four weapons at once. This can make a user much more dangerous, particularly in close-quarters combat. However, split limbs can be identified by looking at the digits; both hands and feet will have symmetrical hands when not split. Additionally, split limbs require a great deal of training to properly utilize.

• Wings: While some individuals may have their wings surgically removed while undergoing augmentation procedures, others, such as the Margan or some Galderans, may instead have mechanical wings installed. These wings can provide the ability of flight or greatly an enhance one's ability to fly if they could already do so beforehand. These wings are occasionally hybridized with jump jets for better speed and control. For species who did not use their wings for flight, such as the Arkevon, the augments still serve an important role in nonverbal communication while being able to fold up for storage so that they do not hinder the user during combat. In more unique cases, the Wings may have 'fingers' that allow them to grasp and hold unto objects, or even blades that allow them to stab nearby targets. Margan wings are entirely ceremonial, and are used to signify one's connection to the bloodline of the High Priestess.

• Tail Removal: Like wings, some individuals may have tails either removed or replaced with an augmented equivalent. Weapons may be added unto the tail.

System Augments

System Augments modify or replace the internal organs and bodily functions of a user. They may also add a new functions, such as some military-grade augmentations which mimic the components used in power armor.

• Mind-Machine Interface (MMI): The MMI is a simple but crucial part of modern augments. They connect augments to the central nervous system and brain, making it possible to directly control the augment just like any other body part.

• Body-Armor Interface (BAI): The BAI serves the same purpose as the MMI, except it connects a person's augments to their body armor, turning the armor into an extension of their body. This can be done to enhance one's mobility, but is more commonly done to sync together systems for enhanced effect, such as syncing together two shield generators.

• Mind-A.I Interface (MAI): The MAI allows an artificial intelligence construct to inhabit an augmented body. This implant is generally located in the brain or along the spine, though it can be placed elsewhere if requested. The A.I essentially acts as a second set of eyes and can help monitor the user's vitals and bionics integrity. Due toe the slim possibility of an A.I going rogue, MAIs are uncommon at best and are oftentimes a contested field of science.

• Augmented Organs: Bionic organs serve the exact same purpose as a normal organ, albeit more efficient and far less likely to fail. Sufficiently augmented individuals, such as Orsaron supersoldiers, lack several organs as they no longer require them; for example, they have no organs relating to digestion, reproduction, or breathing. However, while they may not need to breathe, they may still mimic the act out of habit.

• Bionic Sensory Receptors: Bionic Sensory Receptors (BSRs) are mechanical versions of the eyes, ears, tongue, nose, and other sensory organs. These share many functionalities with power armor helmets, such as providing multiple forms of vision, being able to perceive previously imperceptible noises and smells, an optional Heads-Up-Display, translation software, and sensory dampers.

• Synthetic Blood: Informally referred to as 'oil', synthetic blood comes in two distinct forms. The first form is comprised of microscopic robots which perform the same functions as regular blood. The second form has much more in common with motor oil than blood and is used to keep bionics clean and running at peak efficiency. The only real downside of either type is that augmented bodies cannot produce new blood on their own and it must be periodically replaced; however, it takes several years or even decades before blood needs to be replaced.

• P.L.B.S Augments: Used by the Margan when performing P.L.B.S surgery, P.L.B.S augments are a set of inhibitors, regulators, and amplifiers that serve to activate the Margan's innate psychic abilities and regulate them so that they do not run out of the user's control.

• Weaponry: Bionic weapons are exclusive to the military and are among some of the most diverse augmentations available. Weapons can be mounted practically anywhere, though are generally placed on the wrist, shoulders, back, chest, tail, and in more extreme cases, the mouth and eyes.