You are genetically enhanced.

There are two types of race groupings:

• Type 1 are 5 to 70 points. In addition to the racial package you get one Edge and one of previous Training/Experience packages(35-100 points)
• Type 2 are 100+ points. In addition to the racial package you get two Training/Experience packages.

Price is the price paid by parents.

All below are type 1 unless specially noted as type 2.

All obviously generically manipulated versions below should add a reaction penalty. Social sigma(Genie)[-5]

Upgrades are individuals who have undergone eugenic gengineering at conception, with the goal of removing undesirable genetic traits and adding desirable ones. The answer to the question “desirable to whom?” is not always the individual himself or his parents, so some of these “upgrades” are not necessarily an advantage.

Upgraded humans are still capable of interbreeding with baselines, so do not form distinct parahuman species.

39 points

Careful eugenic improvements ensure an attractive, athletic, healthy individual. Medscanning may reveal minor “mutations” compared to the human norm, such as being born without an appendix. This is a simple Homo superior genotype that TL9+ parents – or societies – might select for their children.

Attribute Modifiers:DX+1 [20]; HT +1 [10].
Advantages: Attractive [4]; Longevity [2]; Resistant to Disease (+3) [3].
Features: Taboo Traits (Genetic Defects, Mental Instability).
Availability:$64,000. LC4.

Sub-Races

Omega(+28 points): An enhanced version of the Alpha, designed to be both beautiful and intelligent; increase appearance to Handsome [12] and add IQ+1 [20]. $92,000. LC3.

45 points

A heavy worlder’s weight is 25% over the human norm, but height is 1’ less than indicated for ST. Someone with this modification is wider, which can give problems in narrow passages or doors designed for normal humans (a DX roll to squeeze through).

This is a variant human designed for life in a 1.5 to 2 G environment. He has more muscle to get around, strong bones to avoid breaking them in falls, and a resilient circulatory system to prevent early death due to heart failure. However, the “heavy-worlder” is usually unattractive by human standards, with a barrel chest and a compact, blocky body.

Attribute Modifiers:ST+3 [30], HT +1 [10].
Advantages:Improved G-Tolerance (0.5 G) [10].
Disadvantages:Unattractive [-4]. stocky build[-1]
Availability:$71,000. LC4.

20 points

The Ishtar genetic upgrade is intended to cater to the desires of parents and creche-groups who want a child optimized for professions such as vid star, dancer, pop singer, model and so on. Designers selected a light, “elfin” build and a facial bone structure that computer-simulations indicated would produce distinctive but highly attractive looks. An extra feature was an augmented liver. They also deliberately modified the neurochemistry with sequences believed to enhance ego and competitiveness. Some believe they went a bit too far . . .

Attribute Modifiers:ST-1 [-10]; DX+1 [20]; HT +1 [10].
Advantages: Appearance (Beautiful/Handsome) [12]; Resistant to Disease (+3) [3].
Perks: Alcohol Tolerance [1].
Disadvantages:Jealousy [-10] or Selfish (12) [-10]; Overconfidence (12) [-5].
Quirks: Imaginative [-1].
Features:Taboo Traits (Genetic Defects, Unattractiveness). Availability:$45,000. LC4.

Sub-Races

Siduri:A second-generation Ishtar(TL10).(+11 points) Add Longevity [2] and Proud [-1]; eliminate Jealousy or Selfish $48,000. LC3.

9 points

Human metabolisms may be genetically adapted for life on planets with gravity significantly lower than Earth’s. Generic “light worlder” gengineering results in a willowy build, often with long limbs and spidery fingers.

Attribute Modifiers:ST-2 [-20].
Advantages:Long Arms [20]; Long Legs [10].
Disadvantages skinny build [-1]
Features:Home gravity is 0.2 to 0.7 G. They can sometimes squeeze into places that normal people can’t fit, but this is balanced by their extra height (needing to duck under doors and so on). Availability:$35,000. LC4.

70 points

These genetic upgrades were eugeneered with slight metabolic and glandular modifications designed to burn away excess fat, enhance physical performance, and optimize their crisis response. They are good “super-soldier” candidates, but might be created by anyone who wants a highly athletic variant race.

Attribute Modifiers:ST+1 [10]; DX+1 [20]; HT+1 [10].
Advantages:Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Fearlessness 1 [2]; Fit [5]; High Pain Threshold [10].
Disadvantages:Overconfidence (12) [-5].
Quirks:Attentive [-1].
Features: Taboo Traits (Genetic Defects, Mental Instability).
Availability:$95,000. LC4

One obvious reason to create parahuman species is to give the variant greater general capability, making it “human, only more so.” These are like genetic upgrades, but pushed beyond the point where the upgrade is still capable of interbreeding with baselines. Often a redesign of the human genotype is motivated by ideology; the engineers are driven by a desire to change “human nature” itself. Such variant forms can be quite distinctive.

15 points

One of the earliest attempts to engineer humans for increased health and longevity was the Brownie variant. Rather than tinker with the inner workings of cell biochemistry, the Brownie’s designers chose to improve gross human physiology.

Brownies are short and stocky, with heavy layers of muscle and fat padding torso, upper arms and upper legs. Their spines are curved, giving them a naturally forwardleaning posture. Their knee joints have been re-engineered to bend in both directions, giving them a slow, awkwardlooking gait. Their voices sound muffled and nasal, the result of tracheal reconfiguration.

Strange as it may seem, all these modifications tend to make the Brownie tough and durable. Brownies are resistant to disease, falls and other accidents, and the slow progress of time. They agejust as quickly as unmodified humans do, but their bodies don’t wear out as rapidly. Although the first cohorts of the subspecies are not yet old enough to demonstrate their durability, most estimates indicate that the average Brownie can expect to live well over a century with minimal medical intervention (and therefore very low medical costs).

Brownies are surprisingly well adapted for life in space – the template’s modifications to skeletal structure have made Brownies nearly immune to bone-mass loss in zeroG. Although the merits of the design are rarely questioned, the Brownie template is unpopular due to its odd and unfashionable appearance.

Attribute Modifiers:ST-1 [-10]; HT+2 [20].
Secondary Characteristic Modifiers:Basic Move-1 [-5].
Advantages:Acute Vision +1 [2]; Acute Hearing +2 [4]; Catfall [10]; Resistant to Disease (+8) [5]; Longevity [2]. Perks:No Degeneration in Zero-G [1].
Disadvantages:Disturbing Voice [-10]; Unattractive [-4].
Features: Taboo Traits (Genetic Defects, Mental Instability). Brownies are about 3 inches shorter than average for their ST, but they also average 15 pounds heavier than an unmodified human of their height.
Availability:$65,000. LC3.

47 points

For the most part the Diana genotype is a typical Homo superiortype, similar to the Alpha (p. 66). However, Dianic parahumans cannot become pregnant unless they wish to, and they cannotbear male children. Male fetuses are spontaneously aborted by an autoimmune reaction by the time they reach the hundred-cell stage. Meanwhile, the brain and hormonal mechanisms responsible for gender identity have been subtly modified, giving them a strong predisposition toward homosexuality. Not all Diana upgrades are lesbians, but most of them are at least bisexual, and fully heterosexual examples are rare.

Attribute Modifiers:IQ+1 [20]; HT+1 [10].
Advantages:Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Fit [5]; Resistant to Disease (+8) [5]; Longevity [2].
Perks: Reproductive Control [1].
Features: Altered Sex Ratio (Female-only births); No Appendix; Sexual Orientation (Lesbian); Taboo Trait (Genetic Defects).
Availability:$92,000. LC3.

Artemis (+69 points): A combat model of the Diana, optimized for crisis response and sensory awareness. Add ST+1 [10], DX+1 [20]; Perception +1 [5]; Combat Reflexes [15], Explosive Strength [24]; Overconfidence (12) [-5]. $161,000. LC2 Type 2.

Athena (+7 points): A TL10 design, capable of parthenogenic reproduction. Other modifications extend life span and enhance creativity. Add Early Maturation 1 [0], Extended Lifespan [2], Parthenogenesis [0], and Versatile [5]. $110,000. LC3.

42 points

Like the Diana, the Avatar design is motivated by concern over gender roles. Rather than try to redefine what it meant to be masculine or feminine, this design reinforces typical gender stereotypes. As such, it is an exercise in sexual dimorphism, in which the physical and psychological differences between males and females of the subspecies are exaggerated. Male Avatars are strong, robust, stoic in the face of pain, and somewhat egoistic. Female Avatars are dextrous, soft-voiced, and demure. Both sexes are engineered for great physical attractiveness, and have extreme secondary sexual characteristics which make their masculinity or femininity almost fiercely obvious. Male Avatars tend to gravitate toward high-risk occupations such as the military, while female Avatars (especially those who overcome their natural Shyness) are often successful as diplomats, negotiators or entertainers.

Attribute Modifiers:HT+2 [20].
Advantages:Appearance (Handsome) [12]; Resistant to Disease (+8) [5].
Skills:Racial Skill Bonus (Sex Appeal +3) [6].
Quirks:Distinctive Features [-1].
Features: Taboo Traits (Genetic Defects, Mental Instability). Females also have Taboo Trait (Aggressiveness). Both sexes have exaggerated sexual characteristics: Males are blatantly muscular with abundant body and facial hair, while females are very curvaceous and have soft, delicate facial features.
Availability:$116,000, LC3.

Select one of these lenses:

• Female Avatar (+24 points): DX+1 [20]; Voice [10]; Responsive [-1]; Shyness (Mild) [-5].
• Male Avatar(+24 points): ST+2 [20]; High Pain Threshold [10]; Overconfidence (12) [-5]; Proud [-1].

65 points Gilgamesh parahumans are a Homo superiordesign intended for high intelligence and lengthened lifespan. The Gilgamesh looks human, but features extensive eugenic and species modifications, including redesigned heart, arteries, spleen and gastrointestinal tract, plus alterations to the cell structure itself to reduce cumulative copying errors.

Attribute Modifiers:DX+1 [20]; IQ+1 [20]; HT+1 [10].
Advantages:Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Extended Lifespan 1 [2]; Longevity [2]; Resistant to Disease (+8) [5].
Perks: Reproductive Control [1]; Sanitized Metabolism [1].
Features: Early Maturation 1; No Appendix; Taboo Traits (Genetic Defects, Mental Instability).
Availability:$115,000. LC3.

Sub-Races Ladon: A TL11 variant with exotic modifications made to sleep-regulating structures in the brain. Delete HT+1 and Taboo Trait (Mental Instability); add Doesn’t Sleep. $125,000. LC3.

185 points

The Guardians (the name comes from Plato’s Republic) are engineered for two major improvements. The first is natural durability. Guardians are slightly faster and more robust than unmodified humans, with cardiovascular modifications to make them fit and tough. The second is masteryof other human beings. Their mental balance is designed for personal pride and a willingness to command others. Physically attractive, with pleasant voices, they are engaging from a distance or over a telecom channel. In person, they are magnetic, the result of glands releasing dominance and sexual pheromones. These glands do not become functional until after puberty, but they are under the Guardian’s conscious control. They work well as a master race for the Helot II (p. 67).

Attribute Modifiers:DX+2 [40]; IQ+2 [40]; HT+2 [20].
Advantages: Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Dominance Pheromones [15]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Resistant to Disease (+8) [5]; Extended Lifespan 1 [2]; Fit [5]; Hard to Kill +2 [4]; Longevity [2]; Sex Pheromones [28]; Voice [10].
Disadvantages:Overconfidence (12) [-5].
Features: Early Maturation 1; Taboo Traits (Genetic Defects, Mental Instability, Unattractiveness).
Availability:$185,000. LC2. type 2

Sub-Races

Guardian Warrior (+42 points): Designed for combat with a boosted crisis response. Add Burst Reflexes [18] and Explosive Strength [24]. $227,000. LC2. type 2

66 points

Instead of just gengineering a smarter human, the goal of the Pandora’s designers was to create a faster-thinking one. The resulting Pandora genetic upgrades look identical to normal humans, but their brains have been neurologically modified to improve information flow between neurons, permitting faster thought.

Unfortunately, the interface with the speech centers of the brain was not as smooth as intended: they don’t actually stutter, but they do find it hard to slow their words down when talking to normal people, so the effect is about the same. The Pandoras were also not as robust as hoped.

Despite their flaws, the Pandoras are popular generalpurpose Homo superiorgenetic upgrades, likely to find jobs in many different fields, especially where complex snap decisions are required, such as surgery, piloting or even battle management.

Attribute Modifiers:IQ+2 [40]; HT-1 [-10].
Advantages:Enhanced Time Sense [45].
Disadvantages:Stuttering (Accessibility, no penalty if talking to someone else with Enhanced Time Sense, -10%) [-9].
Features:Taboo Traits (Genetic Defects).
Availability:$166,000. LC3.

Prometheus(+19 points): Upgraded Pandora model; delete -1 HT and Stuttering. $185,000. LC3. type 2

47 points

These parahumans are designed to transcend the limits of gender itself. Tiresian parahumans are functional sequential hermaphrodites, able to switch between male and female sex roles. They can both bear and sire children, although they cannot switch sex when pregnant. They have also been modified for enhanced intelligence and physical attractiveness, although they tend to possess a somewhat androgynous beauty.

Attribute Modifiers:IQ+1 [20]; HT+1 [10].
Advantages:Appearance (Handsome, Androgynous) [12]; Hermaphromorph (Accessibility, not while pregnant, -20%) [4].
Perks:Reproductive Control [1].
Features: Light Menses; No Appendix; Taboo Traits (Genetic Defects, Mental Instability). Availability:$97,000. LC3.

One approach to using the vast regions of a planet that provide a less than ideal environments for humans is to adapt people to be able to live comfortably there. Parahumans also represent a way to adapt humanity to the challenges of living offa planet. These templates represent variants designed for particular climatic and ecological regions.

19 points

Drylanders are designed to live comfortably in arid regions, tending wilderness preserves or assisting in desertreclamation projects, or colonizing desert planets. They appear nearly human from a distance, but have a number of transgenic features that become apparent up close. The type’s metabolism has been altered to conserve water and deal with wind-blown dust. The large, catlike eyes have been radically modified, giving them keen night vision and protecting them with a nictitating membrane. As a result, Drylanders can function quite well in the cool desert night, and many of them prefer a nocturnal existence.

Advantages:Filter Lungs [5]; Nictitating Membrane 1 [1];
Night Vision 3 [3]; Reduced Consumption (Water Only, -50%) 1 [1]; Resistant to Poison (+3) [5]; Temperature Tolerance 5 (Comfort zone between 35°F and 140°F) [5].
Disadvantages:Unnatural Feature [-1].
Availability:$69,000. LC3.

57 points

A sea-adapted parahuman race. Although modified for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, they must still breathe air. They store oxygen in the myoglobin of their muscles, much like cetacean animals. They have smooth gray, mottled, or black skin and webbed fingers and toes.

Secondary Characteristic Modifiers:+3 FP [9].
Advantages: Amphibious [10]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Doesn’t Breathe (Oxygen Storage, 100 times, -30%) [14]; Nictitating Membrane 1 [1]; Pressure Support 1 [5]; Resistant to Disease (+3) [3]; Temperature Tolerance (Cold) 1 [1]
Disadvantages:Unnatural Features 1 [-1].
Availability:$107,000. LC3.

5 points

Individuals living in micro- or zero gravity tend to be tall and thin – some “spacers” may be unattractive, while others have an elfin beauty. However, while their build is usually lighter than people raised in gravity, a “calcium hack” genetic modification to the parathyroid gland prevents bone mass from reaching dangerously low levels, and their cells are better able to repair radiation damage. A more obvious upgrade is prehensile toes that let the legs be used as an extra set of limbs in zero gravity.

Attribute Modifiers:ST-2 [-20]; DX+1 [20].
Advantages:Prehensile Toes [4]; Radiation Tolerance 2 [5]. Perks:No Degeneration in Zero-G [1].
Disadvantages:Skinny [-5].
Features:Home gravity of 0 G; increase height by up to 3 feet over the norm for the lowered ST, but weight is 50% of normal. Many spacers have 3D Spatial Sense and have Free Fall skill from growing up in zero G, but this is not part of the genetic template.
Availability:$55,000. LC3.