PRE-FLASH SIGNIFIGANCE

RISING 40's

In the 2040s, the medical field experienced a significant boom, driven by cutting-edge technological advancements. These innovations led to remarkable progress in humanization, providing unprecedented assistance to crippled war veterans and paraplegics. The restoration of limbs through advanced prosthetics became increasingly viable, thanks to the development of early-age neural-linkage technology. This breakthrough allowed for a seamless integration between the prosthetic limbs and the users' nervous systems, enabling more natural and efficient movement. As a result, many individuals who had suffered severe injuries found new hope and improved quality of life, highlighting the profound impact of these technological advancements on the field of medicine.

BOOMING 50's

Beginning in the 2050s, the mass integration of technologically advanced prosthetics ignited a significant rise in transhumanist movements across America. This technological revolution facilitated the widespread adoption of prosthetic limbs, which, in turn, fostered the emergence of various subgroups and gangs centered around these advancements. As these groups proliferated, they brought with them a complex web of cultural taboos and societal stigmas associated with their practices and lifestyles. The presence of these prosthetic-centric communities challenged traditional norms, and sparked intense debates about the ethical and social implications of human augmentation. Numerous niche groups emerged, their influence stretching beyond the borders of the USA. However, their growth remained stunted by the weight of political suppression and conflicting worldviews. Despite these obstacles, amidst the pursuit of technological advancement, two notable factions emerged as prominent players in the transhumanist narrative.

"The Living Element" emerged as the largest and most influential cliques within the transhumanist movement. Composed primarily of blue-collar workers and young individuals who opted for immediate entry into the workforce over higher education, this group embodied a practical and no-nonsense approach to life. Members of "The Living Element" typically wore inexpensive, utilitarian prosthetics that complemented their rugged, hands-on lifestyles. Despite their growing prominence, The Living Element and its unconventional perspectives remained a contentious topic, often met with skepticism and disdain from those outside its fold.

"Genesis" represented a smaller yet just as influential faction, rivaled only by "The Living Element." However, it was within the upper echelons of power where Genesis truly thrived, boasting members entrenched in formidable positions of influence. As is customary among the elite echelons of billionaires, they turned their gaze towards avenues that could extend life's tenure, stave off the inevitable embrace of mortality, or even halt the aging process entirely. This venture ultimately ushered them into the realm of exploring possible cryo-freezing technology, a tantalizing prospect that captivated the imaginations of those daring enough to possibly entertain it.

SLOWING 60s

In the wake of the dirty bombing of San Francisco, a seismic shift rippled through society. From the 2060's and onward, priorities shifted as funds originally designated for medical advancements were redirected to bolster defense budgets. Consequently, this reallocation triggered a noticeable decline in both the prominence and prestige of prosthetics within society. However, amidst these changes, a curious phenomenon emerged. The influence of transhumanist movements began to rise among social spheres, gradually becoming entangled with extremist political ideologies. As the decade unfolded, technological progress marched onward, offering a glimmer of hope amid the prevailing uncertainty. The 2060s witnessed significant strides in the production of prosthetics, with newfound methods enabling the creation of more affordable alternatives. Yet, these innovations came at a cost. While the cheaper prosthetics made accessibility a reality for many, they also sacrificed certain hallmark features that were once synonymous with top-tier quality. Gone were the days of intricate synth-nerve networks and seamlessly integrated technology. Even the possibility of installing synthetic skin became a luxury reserved for those willing to pay the premium price tag. Thus, a stark divide emerged within the realm of prosthetics, where affordability clashed with the pursuit of perfection.

Technological progress marched onward, offering a glimmer of hope amid the prevailing uncertainty. The 2060s witnessed significant strides in the production of prosthetics, with newfound methods enabling the creation of more affordable alternatives. Yet, these innovations came at a cost. While the cheaper prosthetics made accessibility a reality for many, they also sacrificed certain hallmark features that were once synonymous with top-tier quality. Gone were the days of intricate synth-nerve networks and seamlessly integrated technology. Even the possibility of installing synthetic skin became a luxury reserved for those willing to pay the premium price tag. Thus, a stark divide emerged within the realm of prosthetics, where affordability clashed with the pursuit of perfection.

As the latter years of the 2060s unfolded and global tensions reached a boiling point, the once-prominent roles of prosthetics and the transhumanist movement in the political arena dwindled into insignificance. Amidst the backdrop of escalating conflicts and ideological polarization, the societal focus shifted away from discussions surrounding enhancement technologies. Prosthetics, once hailed as symbols of resilience and progress, found themselves relegated to the periphery of public discourse, deemed irrelevant in the face of more pressing geopolitical concerns.

SCORCHING 70s

With the dawn of the 2070s, the transhumanist movement found itself marginalized and stigmatized, relegated to the fringes of society as a taboo ideology with dwindling interest and support. As memories of the past decade's turmoil lingered, the once bright hopes for a future shaped by technological augmentation dimmed into obscurity. Amidst the backdrop of advancing technology, exploration into militarized prosthetics revealed a promising surge of innovation and ambition. This research not only sought to enhance the capabilities of prosthetic limbs but also aimed to realize the once-fanciful concepts of integrating advanced functionalities into these devices. An ambition to bring enhanced combat usage to prosthetics that were previously only imagined. 

However, little else is known about this era of the Pre-Flash, as it swiftly gave way to Nuclear War. Bombs rained across the Earth, scorching all in their wake, and humanity barely survived. This cataclysmic event, henceforth named "The Flash," plunged the world into chaos. With the destruction of hardware and written records, the world entered what became known as The Blackout Period, characterized by a scarcity of functional technology and written information.

POST-FLASH RESURGENCE

THE BLACKOUT PERIOD

The Blackout Period is paralleled to the Radstorm Era, with a decrease in human activity due to the increasingly harsh conditions, and rapid deterioration of tech from the bombings and continued increase of radiation through the radstorms, The Blackout Period also contributed to many archives of pre war knowledge and information on the transhumanist movement being completely destroyed, with what information being carried by newly wastelanders, leading to a harsh twists in ideologies as the wasteland only turned into a harsher environment, in need for harsher decisions. As the Radstorm era continued on, the utilization of sophisticated prosthetics came to a complete halt. Prosthetics, from what little were being created, became crudely fashioned, and downright dangerous for regular use, and many opted to forego prosthetic aid altogether, with some even considering this to be the death of the pre-flash transhumanist movement.

Pre-war technology continued to die out, climaxing where almost all pre-war prosthetics begin to see a decline across the wasteland due to a lack of upkeep, and increasing need to divert resources that would be used on these pieces of tech for the simplest of needs with the rising unions; pre-flash prosthetics are almost extinct.

Years after the conclusion of The Blackout Period, a remarkable resurgence emerged, marking a transformative chapter in the evolution of prosthetic technology. Following a brief hiatus characterized by minimal developmental strides, the landscape of prosthetic innovation witnessed yet another dramatic shift. This epoch, revered within the annals of the Pacific Union's history, heralded The Revitalization era, wherein groundbreaking advancements in sophisticated and pragmatic prosthetic solutions were pioneered.

NEW MOVEMENT

The trajectory of prosthetic development in the wasteland following The Flash underwent a transformation, veering sharply from its earlier incarnations. Functionality reigns supreme, as prosthetics are engineered to withstand the rigors of laborious tasks, reflecting a rugged resilience essential for survival. It's worth noting that perspectives on this vary from one place to another, reflecting the nuanced beliefs and needs across the wasteland, with a noticeable divide forming between the eastern and western coasts of North America, primarily in the remains of the United States. While not reaching the pinnacle of sophistication achieved by their pre-flash counterparts in the realms of medicine and commerce, post-flash wasteland prosthetics maintain a coveted status among mercenary factions and corporate entities within the unions. Amidst the unforgiving landscapes of the wasteland, these prosthetics acquire an added layer of significance.

Prosthetic-centric cultures saw new revivals and transhumanism made a return amongst the unions. ‘Chromeskin’ rose in popularity as a umbrella term for transhumanist cultures in the wasteland; notably within western markets as the cheap metals, or spray painted shells of prosthetics reflected the look of chrome alloys. ‘Chrome’ by itself additionally became a widespread term for prosthetics, and augments in general.

In the west prosthetics were displays of wealth, and power. They come in all shapes and sizes; from elaborate masterpieces; to flashy displays of quality. In these western regions—namely the Pacific Union—markets operate with little government intervention, leading to extensive monopolies. The Pacific Union in particular thrives on producing high-quality prosthetics of various types, making them a major export. These prosthetics are known for their reliability and innovation, fetching high prices and boosting the Union's economy. Despite the Pacific Union's widespread grasp over prosthetics and technology as a whole; cyber, tech and drug-related crimes plague their markets. These crimes cause a number of issues, ranging from data leaks to raids on Pacific Union warehouses and factories; as well as extensive black markets which profit heavily from them. These black markets have ties to criminal syndicates in the west, profiteering an illegal trade of weaponized and civilian grade prosthetics.

In the eastern wastelands, prosthetics are all about practicality. They're tough and built for the rigors of hard labor; fitting for mercenary gangs and wastelanders who need prosthetics that can keep them up. Black markets thrive in the eastern wastelands, where bootlegged and stolen designs from Pacific markets are commonplace. In place of extensive monopolized corporations, criminal syndicates and crazed warbands take their spot.  Weaponized prosthetics make their play in these groups, dominating their markets because of their rugged robustness and combat-ready features. Recent decades have seen the rise of much more prosthetic-centric warlords and terrorist cells; most  notably The Free Northmen. But, many of these groups fall into obscurity or fail to make their name in the wasteland, only existing through folklore and stories from drifters.

Written by PixelThe_Pixie, TheDimondDuck07,  RosiePosie (@rosepetal_tea).