Nanotech

After the connections between nanotechnology and Cognitive Fragmentation Disorder (CFD) started seeping into the public awareness in 2076, the idea of deliberately inserting nanites into one’s body was unthinkable for most people. Even devices made with nanotechnology scared potential customers away. Predictably, the entire nanotechnology industry crashed as sales numbers fell off a cliff. Recalls attempted to take all types of nanotech off the market, and compromised production facilities were taken offline, waiting for a solution. That’s not to say nanotech - especially augmentations—were unavailable. The brave, foolish, or desperate could still find them, and years passed before the off-the-books backstock disappeared from the black market and the tech became truly unavailable.

In those intervening years, the legitimate nanotechnology industry took a step backward, creating an immunity to CFD by lowering the sophistication of the technology. The versatilesemi-autonomous nanites, programmable and adaptable on the fly, no longer exist outside of what the monads are generating. And the monad nanites are so advanced they have little resemblance to the original tech. Today’s technology is in many ways totally changed from just a decade ago.

The current non-autonomous versions of nanites,especially those designed for biomedical nanoware applications, are CFD-proof and unusable by the monads.

They are unable to operate without external guidance and require a constant supply of precursor compounds to maintain their numbers.

Basics of Current Nanotechnology

Manufacture-on-Demand

In reality, only a small fraction of the nanotech industry involves nanoware, the general term for nanotech-based metahuman enhancements. Most of the technology is used for nano-manufacturing. Despite the setbacks, nanotechnology is still a core part of manufacturing goods and materials for both business use and retail sale. After the true nature of the CFD crisis became known, it didn’t take long for the compromised equipment to be scrubbed of infected nanites and put back in service. Nano-manufacturing was far too entrenched to just walk away from. Your commlink wouldn’texist without the nanotech needed to etch trillions of logic gates in its optical processor. Of course, not every product is made in a nanoforge—it’s not cost-effective for high-volume, low-complexity manufactured goods. A traditional assembly line can produce these types of goods far cheaper than a nanoforge.

The largest nanoforges used for nanomanufacturing are known as cubes. These are custom-built and come in various sizes, with some capable of manufacturing entire massively complex components, up to and including complete passenger vehicles, assembled jet turbines, and entire aerospace cockpits. Smaller, standardized nanoforges are known as case forges. These are about 1.5 meters on each side and are the most common type of nanoforge. Many manufacturing facilities use stacks of case forges instead of custom-built cubes. Nanoforges are not exclusive to manufacturing facilities and large shops.

Desktop nanoforges are once again becoming common in small businesses and retail shops. These devices are typically set up for manufacture-on-demand of a single type of product such as clothing or consumer electronics. These desktop nanoforges use leased templates downloaded as a single-use purchase that can be customized to provide exactly what the customer wants.

Biomedical Applications

Although nanotechnology plays a significant part in manufacturing, some of the most important applications are in the realm of metahuman augmentation. Cybernetics would be far more intrusive without nanoscale engineering and nanites to continuously maintain the bridges to the body’s neurological system. Nanites are also used in almost every type of contemporary surgery. They weave the fibers of synthetic polymers used in dermal sheathing and create the retinal displays of cybereyes. Nanotechnology is commonly used to treat diseases and neutralize toxins, and it has also been a core driver in improvements to geneware.

One of the major leaps forward for genetech was the use of nanotech to assemble the genetic code used in gene therapy—then make sure that the right genetic material is inserted in the correct tissue.

Surgical nanites are also used after the genetech insertion to hunt down genetic mistakes or miscopies in the gene therapy.

Hard vs. Soft Nanite Technology

Just as a refresher, hard nanites are nanomachines built from carbon or silicon lattice structures, while soft nanites are biological in nature and built as protein- and enzyme-based structures.

When the industry was retooled to deal with the CFD threat, the overall control of nanite colonies was moved to the external devices, and simplified hard nanites became the rule for almost all applications.

All of the nanite colonies and systems presented here use hard nanites.

Nanohives

The key to using the current generation of nanotechnology augmentations is the nanohive. These devices are cybernetic implants designed to create and control hard nanite colonies inside a living body. Unlike previous versions of the nanohive that simply supported a semi-autonomous colony of nanites, current nanohives contain the systems and software to control the operation of the various nanite colonies, as they will not function without external control - in the form of either an active nanohive or a commlink running a nanite pilot program.

A nanohive contains a standard neural interface, processors to run the colony templates and the pilot-like colony control systems, as well as a miniature nano-forge with a storage reservoir for the cocktail of precursor compounds required for nanite assembly.

A nanohive can generate any of the different nanite colonies it has the program template for. They store excess nanite volume, repair nanites as they start to wear down, and salvage unwanted or unrepairable nanites—breaking them back down into base components. In addition to the primary nanohive module, a nanohive system also includes several cybernetic screens used to limit volume loss.

A nanohive’s primary module is typically implanted as a single unit near arterial and lymphatic junctions, or it can also be installed into a cybertorso or a full cyberlimb. The primary module may also use a distributed construction to conceal its nature from cyberware scans.

Nanohive Rules

Nanohives consist of the hardware and software to manage colony templates, which are the configuration data and software required to build and control a specific type of nanite colony. Nanite precursor compounds are the raw materials used to generate new nanites. The cost for this supply of precursor compounds is (500 x nanohive rating) nuyen per month. If the reservoir is not refilled monthly, the nanite volume available drops by one point per day starting two weeks after the date of the missed nanite precursor compound refill. Nanites are typically undetectable without a nanoscanner, and it may be desirable to also conceal the associated nanohive. Distributed construction breaks up the larger components of a nanohive into several smaller components, typically disguised to appear as other types of implants. The rating of the nanohive’s distributed construction adds to the threshold for a cyberware scanner to determine the true nature of the nanohive.

The nanohive rating sets the number of colonies that can be controlled at any given time. For example, a rating 3 nanohive can control up to three different nanite colonies simultaneously. The nanohive rating also determines the total volume of nanites in the body, which is limited to three times the rating of the hive. If wireless is on, the total volume is limited to four times the rating of the hive. Colonies that are above this cap cannot be used. A nanohive can replenish its rating in nanite volume every hour after nanite volume is reduced or after the types of colonies are changed. As a faster option, completed nanites of most types can also be purchased separately and injected. The cost for a unit of volume of prebuilt nanites varies depending on the type. Any injected nanite volume unsupported by the nanohive is transient and will start decaying after one week. The maximum amount of nanite volume that is allocated to a colony is limited to six regardless of the rating of the nanohive or injected additions.

As an example, a rating 3 nanohive is limited to a total nanite volume of nine with wireless off and a limit of three colony templates. The user could allocate four units of volume to an implant medic, three units of volume to a savior system, and two units of volume to anti-rad nanite.

External Control of Nanite Colonies

While nanohives are a requirement for most nanite users, it is possible to have a limited volume of nanites in the body without one. A single transient colony can be controlled by a commlink running a nanite pilot program. Controlling a different colony needs a different pilot program. The program rating is limited to the Data Processing attribute of the commlink, and the nanite volume of a transient colony is limited to the Program rating.

The Availability and legality of a nanite pilot program is the same as a template program. Colonies run from a pilot program function normally, but without the cyberscreens of a nanohive the nanites are rapidly flushed from the body.

Transient colonies injected without an active nanohive system will last for one week after the initial injection, then have their nanite volume drop by one point per day.

Using Overdrive with Nanite Colonies

Driving a colony of nanites into overdrive will amplify some function or feature of the colony and typically creates some negative side effects.

Any overdrive function that adds bonus dice or an automatic hit must use a Wild Die on the test.

Unless noted otherwise, any nanite volume placed in overdrive is removed from the active nanite volume at the start of the overdrive action.

That nanite volume quickly burns out and cannot be reused, only reclaimed for precursor compounds.

Nanohive (1 - 6)

Essence:

Rating x 0.2

Capacity:

[Rating x 2]

Availability:

Cost:

Rating x ¥15,000

Notes:

Distributed Construction (1 - 6)

Essence:

Availability:

5 (Legal)

Cost:

Rating x ¥7,000

Notes: -

Precursor Compounds (1 - 6)

Essence:

Capacity:

Availability:

Cost:

Rating x ¥500 per month

Notes:

Nanite Pilot Program (1 - 3)

Essence:

Availability:

Variable

Cost:

Rating x ¥500

Notes: -

Nanites

Cosmetic/Covert Nanites

Dynamic Features

Using the same nanites as nanopaste, the dynamic features colony collects just under the skin of the user and is extruded through the pores when needed. The nanohive controlling the colony can be programmed with preset disguises from either pictures or biometric data.

Colony Templates

Availability:

3 (Legal)

Cost:

¥12,500

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

2 (Legal)

Cost:

¥1,200

Notes: A dynamic features disguise creates a +1 Dice Reroll on any Con test influenced by physical appearance.

The colony requires 30 seconds to extrude the nanites through the pores and 1 Combat Round to set the disguise. The disguise can be altered to another preprogrammed disguise, requiring a Combat Round to reconfigure. The effect lasts for 8 hours before the extruded nanites decay.

Dynamic features can alter skin texture and color as well as facial features but not fine details such as fingerprints. It has no effect on eye color, hair length or color, teeth, tusks, or fangs, and it cannot cover or reproduce horns. If used for a full-body disguise, it cannot make any alterations to body size.

Dynamic features cannot be used on an area where the skin has been replaced, such as with dermal plating or a cyberlimb.

Nanite Volume: Dynamic features is a free-floating colony that reduces nanite volume as it functions. Extruding a single point of the colony’s nanite volume is sufficient to cover the hands and head with a disguise. A full-body disguise requires using three points of the nanite volume, and an upper-torso disguise consumes two points of volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive reduces the extrude time to a single combat round. While this does not burn out any nanite volume, it causes 1 unresisted Stun damage per point of nanite volume used and creates significant bruising under the disguise, visible after the nanite cover is removed.

Dynamic Handprints

Extruded through the pores when needed, this colony is used to reshape the ridges and lines of a user’s fingerprints and palms to match a preset pattern.

Colony Templates

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥18,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

4 (Legal)

Cost:

¥1,500

Notes: -

Nanite Volume: Dynamic Handprints function to a cellular glove molder and follows the same rules. The nanohive controlling the colony can be loaded with data from a biometric scanner.

When used against a biometric maglock, make a nanohive rating vs. the maglock rating Opposed test. The colony requires 30 seconds to extrude the nanites through the pores and 1 Combat Round to set the prints to the correct pattern.

Using dynamic handprints reduces the colony’s nanite volume, and extruding a single point of nanite volume is sufficient to cover the hands and create a new print pattern.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive reduces the extrude time to 1 Combat Round.

While this does not burn out any nanite volume, it causes 1 unresisted Stun damage.

Nanotattoos

A nanotattoo colony can generate the same range of color and variable display of the older LED tattoos, plus the colors and patterns can be changed on demand. Nanotattoos can be located anywhere on the body, moved to any other location on command, or deactivated—disappearing entirely. Neo-anarchists have deduced that many stylized facial tattoos have the effect of confusing facial recognition systems, though this was not part of the design’s intent.

Colony Templates

Availability:

Cost:

¥2,500

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

Cost:

¥300

Notes: The rating of the nanohive controlling the colony sets the quality of the nanotattoo’s fine detail and sets the threshold for automated systems to discern your natural biometrics or detect forged identity tattoos.

Nanite Volume: Nanotattoos are a free-floating colony.

The nanite volume indicates the percentage of the body that can be covered; each point of volume can cover approximately one-sixth of the body’s total surface.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive produces an effect like a flash-pak. This is only effective if at least one-sixth of the user’s skin is exposed.

For each Combat Round the overdrive effect is used, 1 point of the colony’s nanite volume is burned out after that turn.

Therapeutic Nanites

Anti-Rad

Popular among spacers and workers in high-ambient-radiation environments such as the SOX, anti-rad nanoware scours the body via the lymphatic system for isotope traces, free radicals, and radiation-damaged cells, expelling them from the body.

Colony Templates

Availability:

Cost:

¥4,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

Cost:

¥400

Notes: As a protective system against background radiation, an anti-rad nanite colony grants the owner bonus +1 Dice Pool Modifier for Radiation Resistance tests equal to the nanite volume of the colony.

For higher-energy exposures happening over a single Combat Round, the active nanite volume is added as damage resistance dice, and any level of active nanite volume provides a +1 Dice Reroll that can be used in that Damage Resistance test.

Nanite Volume: The nanite volume of the colony sets the level of protection against radiation, adding the active nanite volume to the Damage Resistance test and as dice rerolls on Damage Resistance tests.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive provides 1 automatic hit on the Damage Resistance test for each point of nanite volume put in overdrive. Such an aggressive use of this technology is a shock to the body, causing unresisted Stun damage equal to the volume of nanites placed into overdrive.

Nano Health Suites

This exhaustive suite of nanotools is tailor-made to ensure that the owner has the best possible resistance to pathogens, toxins, and other foreign compounds. The nanites hunt down everything from cancer cells to ethyl alcohol.

Colony Templates

Availability:

Cost:

¥6,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

Cost:

¥600

Notes: The nano health suite grants the owner bonus dice for Disease Resistance tests, Toxin Resistance tests, and Drug Resistance tests.

The nanohive may be programmed on the fly to allow specific beneficial drugs to work normally.

Nanite Volume: The nanite volume of the colony sets the level of protection against diseases and toxins, adding the active nanite volume to the resistance test.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive provides one automatic hit on the resistance test for each point of nanite volume put in overdrive. This is a shock to the body, causing unresisted Stun damage equal to the volume of nanites placed into overdrive.

Oxyrush

Banned from most professional sports, this nanite colony aids the user by increasing the amount of oxygen that is carried in the circulatory system and helps to scrub any carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.

Colony Templates

Availability:

3 (Legal)

Cost:

¥2,500

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

2 (Legal)

Cost:

¥300

Notes: This nanoware can reduce or remove the Fatigued status.

Nanite Volume: The nanite volume removes one level of Fatigued for every two units of volume active in the colony.

Augmentation Overdrive: Placing a point of nanite volume in overdrive provides a +1 Dice Reroll on Sprint or Swimming tests.

Savior System

Instead of pharmaceuticals, physical sutures, and bandages, the Savior System contains a volume of savior nanites to treat the user’s injuries.

Colony Templates

Availability:

Cost:

¥6,500

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

Cost:

¥700

Notes: Using the same nanotech found in the savior medkit, this system runs an advanced expert system on the nanohive, acting as a rating 6 medkit or a rating 12 trauma patch.

The system consumes one unit of nanite volume when activated, which acts as an automatic hit on the test.

Any remaining nanite volume active in a colony provides a dice pool bonus to this test. As the system is internal, the savior system only requires thirty seconds to make a diagnosis and begin treatment. The nanite-based healing process takes 30 seconds per box healed with a threshold of 5 – Essence.

Nanite Volume: One point of nanite volume is used in the Healing test, and the remainder of the colony adds the active nanite volume to the dice pool of the Healing test.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive allows the nanite volume that would normally provide a dice pool bonus to become an automatic hit instead and changes one of the other dice to a Wild Die.

Bioamplifier Nanites

Augmented Neural Network

This nanite colony creates parallel neural connections in the sensory processing areas of the brain as well as nanostructures to augment the neural signals between the brain and major muscle groups. The overall effect is to shorten the response time between sensory input and physical action.

Colony Templates

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥40,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

4 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥4,000

Notes: The augmented neural network grants a +1 Dice Pool Modifier to skill tests that are linked to Reaction as well as a +1 Dice Pool Modifier to all Defense tests.

Nanite Volume: The structure created by this colony requires two points of nanite volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive generates additional bonus dice to Reaction linked tests.

Each point of nanite volume put in overdrive adds an additional +1 Dice Pool Modifier to skill tests linked to Reaction.

Bonus dice from overdrive do not provide any bonus for Defense tests.

Bio-Response Override

The nanites in a bio-response override colony construct a series of nanostructures in the hypothalamus, parietal lobe, and amygdala. These structures allow the user to dampen selected stimuli or physiological responses, effectively lessening the sensations of fatigue, pain, fear, hunger, and thirst.

Colony Templates

Availability:

6 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥35,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥3,500

Notes: This nanotechnology increases the Willpower attribute by one point and adds one box to the user’s Stun condition monitor.

Nanite Volume: The structure created by this colony requires three points of nanite volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive reinforces the sensory override structures, completely blocking a portion of the sensory input instead of dampening it. Each point of nanite volume placed into overdrive offsets a single point of a negative modifier for one hour.

For example, the –1 modifier for filling 3 boxes of the condition monitor can be removed.

Extracellular Reinforcement

By reinforcing the connective tissue between the body’s cells with strands of a tough, resilient biopolymer, the extracellular reinforcement colony increases the body’s ability to resist damage.

Colony Templates

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥25,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

4 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥2,500

Notes: The Body attribute is considered one point higher for soaking damage and for any test to resist magic where Body is used. One box is also added to the user’s Physical condition monitor track.

Nanite Volume: The structure created by this colony requires three points of nanite volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive temporarily increases the strength of extracellular connections.

Each point of nanite volume placed in overdrive is removed from the Damage Resistance test and automatically soaks one point of physical damage.

Limbic Neural Amplifier

This nanite colony builds supplemental neural connections that increases the parallel processing ability of the brain throughout the parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. These are the areas that produce sensory perceptions from neural sensory stimuli, and the limbic neural amplifiers augment these systems.

Colony Templates

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥65,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

4 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥6,500

Notes: The limbic neural amplifier nanostructure grants a +1 Dice Pool Modifier on skill tests that are linked to Intuition.

Nanite Volume: The structure created by this colony requires two points of nanite volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive generates additional bonus dice. Each point of nanite volume put in overdrive adds an additional +1 Dice Pool Modifier to skill tests linked to Intuition.

Neocortical Neural Amplifier

The neocortical neural amplifier colony creates a nanostructure in the user’s frontal lobe that amplifies abstract thought and enhances problem-solving ability.

Colony Templates

Availability:

4 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥55,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

3 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥5,500

Notes: The nanostructures created by a neocortical neural amplifier colony grant a +1 dice pool modifier on skill tests linked to Logic.

Nanite Volume: The structure created by this colony requires two points of nanite volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive generates additional bonus dice.

Each point of nanite volume put in overdrive adds an additional +1 Dice Pool Modifier to skill tests linked to Logic.

Neural Pattern Reinforcement

By creating clusters of enhanced muscle memory, a neural pattern reinforcement colony increases the user’s ability to refine and repeat specific movements - such as a perfect trigger pull or sword stroke - thereby minimizing errors.

Colony Templates

Availability:

6 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥70,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥7,000

Notes: The nanostructures created by a neural pattern reinforcement colony grant a +1 Dice Pool Modifier on skill tests that are linked to Agility.

Nanite Volume: The structure created by this colony requires two points of nanite volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive generates additional bonus dice. Each point of nanite volume put in overdrive adds an additional +1 Dice Pool Modifier on skill tests linked to Agility.

Neurochemical Regulator

A lot of what is perceived as “charisma” or presence can be chalked up to projecting self-confidence and composure while dealing with others. A neurochemical regulator colony constructs a series of nanostructures in the brain that minimizes the emotional responses associated with self-doubt and enhances those associated with self-confidence.

Colony Templates

Availability:

6 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥45,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥4,500

Notes: The net effect of the colony is to increase Charisma by one point in any social situation.

This effect also extends to composure tests.

Nanite Volume: The structure created by this colony requires two points of nanite volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive generates additional bonus dice for skill tests using Charisma.

Each point of nanite volume put in overdrive adds an additional +1 Dice Pool Modifier to skill tests linked to Charisma.

Neuromuscular Amplifier

Similar to extracellular reinforcement, a neuromuscular amplifier colony adds a strong biopolymer between the body’s cells, but in this case it only affects the skeletal muscles. The nanostructures created with this nanite colony augment the body’s maximum power in short bursts, increasing the impact energy of melee attacks.

Colony Templates

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥15,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

4 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥1,500

Notes: This adds +1 Damage Value to all melee attacks, either S or P as appropriate for the type of attack.

The nanostructures created by the neuromuscular amplifier colony provide no benefit to cyberlimbs.

Nanite Volume: The structure created by this colony requires two points of nanite volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive increases the power generated during an attack even further, pushing past what the biological systems of the body can normally handle.

Each point of nanite volume put in overdrive adds an additional +1 Damage Value to the attack but causes 1DV of unresisted Stun damage to the user from the stress of channeling the extra power through the body.

Utility Nanites

Control Rig Booster

This colony of nanites was designed to amplify the neural connections between the control rig and the middle-brain functions of the rigger. It builds and maintains a structure of nanofilaments, enhancing normal control rig functions by involving more of the rigger’s brain, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and areas that manage the subconscious movements of the body.

Colony Templates

Availability:

4 (Legal)

Cost:

¥12,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

3 (Legal)

Cost:

¥1,000

Notes: When the rigger is jumped into a vehicle or drone, add +1 Dice Pool Modifier to all tests made using the Engineering (Gunnery) skill or the Piloting skill.

Nanite Volume: The structure created by this colony requires two points of nanite volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive provides an additional +1 Dice Pool Modifier on a Piloting or Engineering (Gunnery) test per point of volume burnt out.

Demolishers

This type of nanite is used to disassemble most forms of solid matter. Demolishers are slow but effective, breaking down organic material into basic components and hard metals to dust.

Colony Templates

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥14,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

4 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥1,500

Notes: A single point of nanite volume can be either concentrated in the saliva or extruded from the palms for use. After the nanites leave the body, an activation command is needed. Demolishers can be set to dissolve only one specific class of material, such as organic biomass, metal, or plastics. They can also be used indiscriminately on anything they contact.

Demolishers can break down a half cubic meter of biomass, about the average corpse, in an hour, or turn the average assault rifle, containing a liter of metal, into dust in the same amount of time.

Demolishers are too slow to be very effective as a weapon. Victims notice the signs of contact long before they can do much damage and can easily wash or scrape them off.

Of course, if the victim is restrained, all bets are off. Demolishers inflict 1 unresisted Physical damage over 5 minutes and cause a painful burning sensation in the first combat round, long before actual damage starts.

If the nanites are not removed, the damage will continue until they burn out or there is nothing left to dissolve.

Nanite Volume: Each extra point of nanite volume applied will both increase the volume of matter broken down and reduce the time required to break down a smaller quantity.

For example, 4 units of nanite volume will break down a half cubic meter of biomass in 15 minutes and eventually break down 2 cubic meters in one hour before burning out.

Augmentation Overdrive: Nanite volume can be forced through the pores of the skin at a rate of one turn per unit of volume but causes 1 unresisted Stun damage per unit of volume extruded this way.

Gastrocutter

This set of nanites operating in the user’s stomach and intestinal tract are used to disassemble just about anything that a user can fit in their mouth. The primary use for this colony is to reduce the monthly cost for precursor materials, but a subset of owners have turned them on data chips with incriminating evidence or really anything the user wants destroyed.

Colony Templates

Availability:

4 (Legal)

Cost:

¥6,500

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

3 (Legal)

Cost:

¥600

Notes: Any consumed material is able to be completely destroyed over the normal period of metahuman digestion of 24 hours. Note that this colony does not work fast enough to counter poisons or other attack vectors.

A gastrocutter colony reduces the cost of precursor materials by (500 x nanite volume) nuyen per month, but only if that volume is left in place for the entire month.

Nanite Volume: Nanite volume sets the effectiveness of the colony.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive greatly accelerates the speed at which foreign matter breaks down; each unit of volume placed in overdrive is able to destroy one kilogram of ingested material in 1 hour.

Implant Medic

This nanite colony is a free-floating colony designed to monitor the operation of the user’s cybernetic implants and initiate repairs if any damage is detected. If the nanohive detects a problem with any cyberware implant, the colony starts working to restore the implant to its standard operating parameters by rejoining neural connections, sealing fractures, and repairing circuitry. This system includes a free backup pilot program to be installed on a commlink that will take over and prioritize repairing the nanohive in the event the nanohive itself is bricked.

Colony Templates

Availability:

Cost:

¥12,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

Cost:

¥1,200

Notes: If any implant takes Matrix damage, this system begins to repair it within a minute, using a (nanohive x 2, number of boxes, 1 hour/allocated volume) Extended repair test.

The damaged implant cannot be used while it is being repaired.

Nanite Volume: The nanite volume in use sets the base time interval required for repairs.

Each point of volume dedicated to the repair divides the test time.

Multiple pieces of cyberware can be repaired simultaneously by allocating the colony volume to different implants.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive provides one automatic hit on the repair test per point of volume burned out. The nanite volume placed in overdrive still counts to set the time interval for a repair test.

Nanite Hunter

In a world still paranoid about CFD, the nanite hunter colony is seen as a necessity by many. This free-floating colony seeks out and destroys unidentified active nanites.

Colony Templates

Availability:

5 (Legal)

Cost:

¥7,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

4 (Legal)

Cost:

¥700

Notes: At the end of any combat round where the user was exposed to any volume of foreign nanites, a nanite hunter system makes a test to detect and engage the invaders.

Make a Nanohive rating + Colony Nanite Volume vs. Target’s Nanite Volume x 2 test.

For each net hit the hunters get, reduce the target nanites’ volume by one.

Nanite Volume: The effectiveness of the colony is a function of volume.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive provides one automatic hit on the test to remove foreign nanites per point of volume burned out.

Tech Blast

This is one of the tricks nanotechnology engineers have picked up from studying monads. A Tech Blast nanite colony is free-floating and when operating in unison it can generate a Matrix attack very similar to the Data Spike Matrix Action.

Colony Templates

Availability:

6 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥30,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥3,000

Notes: The attack requires a Major Action for the user to target a device within 10 meters by either visually spotting it, seeing its icon in the Matrix, or being in physical contact. This test is (Nanohive rating + Colony Nanite Volume vs. Data Processing + Firewall).

The Damage Value of the attack is equal to (Colony rating/2, rounded up), plus 1 additional box per net hit.

Nanite Volume: The nanite volume sets the Cracking skill rank and DV for the test.

Augmentation Overdrive: Unlike a standard use of overdrive, the decision to use overdrive occurs after the initial test. The user may add 1 Damage Value to the attack for each point of nanite volume burned out.

Tech Infestation

This is another monad-inspired type of free-floating nanite. A tech infestation colony can hijack and use simple devices like maglocks or scanners.

Colony Templates

Availability:

6 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥35,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥3,500

Notes: As with other external operations, the user must first extrude some nanites to make a direct connection to the device - in this case, a single unit of volume extruded from the palms over 30 seconds. This unit of volume is removed from the colony’s volume and remains in the infected device, staying active until control is ended.

The remaining nanite volume of the colony is then used to make a Nanohive rating + Colony Nanite Volume vs. Willpower + Firewall Opposed test to gain User access with the option of taking another test to gain Admin access. Once the nanites have access, the device can be controlled by the user through the nanohive or a commlink.

Nanite Volume: One unit of nanite volume is used to make an initial connection and to maintain access. Additional units contribute to the hacking dice pool.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive generates additional bonus dice.

Each point of nanite volume put in overdrive adds an additional +1 Dice Pool Modifier on the hacking attempt of the device.

Toughskin

A toughskin colony forms an artificial subdermal layer of smart polymers and carbon buckytubes that toughen the skin on impact.

Colony Templates

Availability:

Cost:

¥12,000

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

Cost:

¥1,200

Notes: A toughskin colony adds one point to the user’s Defense for every two points of nanite volume bound into the nanostructure. Under normal use, the user’s skin retains its natural texture and the colony is undetectable without a scan for nanites.

With a Minor Action, a secondary function can be activated. The toughskin colony changes its structure to extrude microspines through the skin. Unarmed damage becomes physical and 1 Damage is added to the user’s barehanded attacks. Additionally, they cause 1P damage to anyone brushing against, grappling with, or hitting the user barehanded.

Activating the microspines uses one point of nanite volume, and removing the protective layer to form the microspines takes one combat round. This point of volume is lost in the conversion process when the microspines are deactivated.

Toughskin is compatible with orthoskin but cannot be used with dermal plating or any other cyberware that replaces the skin.

Nanite Volume: The structure created by this colony requires two points of nanite volume. Additional nanite volume dedicated to the structure increases the level of protection.

Augmentation Overdrive: Using overdrive temporarily forms hardened plates under the skin but leaves the joints pliable enough to move.

This doubles the effective DR provided by the colony’s nanite volume. One point of nanite volume is burned out for each turn the overdrive remains active.

Transient Only Applications

Etchers

Only available as a transient colony, etchers are used to inscribe a metallic pattern, temporarily or permanently, on the subject’s bones.

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

3 (Legal)

Cost:

¥1,200

Notes: A typical use is to inscribe a criminal SIN or some other type of detectable identifier.

These marks can be detected by magnetic anomaly detectors (MADs) and magnetic resonance imagers (MRIs).

Temporary bone markings break up after a preset time, but permanent treatments can only be removed with surgery that scrapes the bone clean.

Once injected, a bone marker takes eight hours to form, and each point of nanite volume can cover 100 square millimeters of bone.

Markers

Another type of transient-only application, these nanites are basically microscopic optical chips used for transporting valuable data without being detected. Data is divided up and downloaded into multiple nanites, building in redundancy against nanite loss. Later, a simple blood sample is all that is needed to collect enough nanites to reconstitute the data within.

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

5 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥2,500

Notes: Each point of nanite volume can carry the same data as a standard datachip. Markers are designed to defeat nanoscanners: increase a nanoscanner’s detection threshold by +2, in addition to the colony size modifier.

Taggants

Unlike other nanites, a taggant nanite colony emits a signal that can be detected by any standard wireless device. This produces an ARO and icon in the Matrix. Taggants can be used to announce the subject’s criminal convictions or legal status, advertise commercial goods, promote political propaganda, or broadcast any other information desired.

Pre-Built Nanites

Availability:

Cost:

¥800

Notes: This type of transient nanite produces one ARO/Matrix icon per unit of volume.

Once programmed, taggants do not require a controller to run, but a controller is needed to turn the colony off or reprogram them, changing the information they broadcast.

Nanotech Tools

Nanoscanner (1 - 9)

During the height of CFD, several types of nanite scanners were developed. These are usually advanced millimeter-wave cyberware scanners augmented by a combination of radio frequency, infrared, and vision magnification to detect subcutaneous nanite indicators at a 1-meter distance. Nanoscanners are also capable of detailed scans of tissue samples and can test blood, saliva, or other biological material for nanites.

Availability:

Cost:

Rating x ¥200

Notes: To make a scan, the nanoscanner rolls its rating (1–9) once for each active colony present.

A surface scan made from one meter away has a base threshold of 2. A tissue sample inserted into the scanner has a base threshold of 1. The base threshold is for a nanite volume of 5 or 6 and is modified as follows: a nanite volume of 3 or 4 increases the threshold by +1, and a nanite volume of 1 or 2 increases the threshold +2.

Either scan takes 10 seconds.

Nanotech Kits

Like the nanites used as augmentations, nanotech kits are purchased as a single-use refillable package.

Kits consist of a dedicated controller with a rating 1 nanite pilot program and contain a single volume of nanites.

Unlike colony nanites, nanotech kits can never be placed into overdrive

Demolisher Spray Kit

This kit functions exactly as a single-volume use of demolisher nanites. The primary difference being that the kit is applied directly and not extruded from the skin.

Availability:

6 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥8,500
¥1,500 (Refill)

Dynamic Handprint Kit

As with similar crossovers, this kit functions exactly as a single-volume use of dynamic handprint nanites. This kit is applied directly to the skin without the need to be extruded.

Availability:

6 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥12,000
¥2,000 (Refill)

Nanocosmetics Kit

This product claims to take ten years off your complexion and repair years of skin damage. Nanocosmetics actually do what they claim, and the result is that your skin has a healthy glow that lasts for eight hours or until you remove the cosmetics.

Availability:

Cost:

¥700
¥100 (Refill)

Notes: This product claims to take ten years off your complexion and repair years of skin damage. Nanocosmetics actually do what they claim, and the result is that your skin has a healthy glow that lasts for eight hours or until you remove the cosmetics.

While a user is wearing this nano treatment, they gain a +1 Dice Reroll on Influence and Con tests, which must be used on the test or lost.

Nanopaste Disguise Kit

Using the same nanites as a dynamic features colony, the nanopaste disguise follows the same rules. The paste can be programmed to copy biometric data and forms a structure over the skin that responds to muscle movements underneath it, allowing the disguise to move more naturally with the wearer.

Availability:

5 (Legal)

Cost:

¥1,400
¥300 (Refill)

Nanospy Kit

The nanospy spray is a fantastic addition to an infiltrator’s toolkit. When sprayed on a surface, a layer of nanites constructs a camera and microphone with a visual and audio range of 5 meters. The construct also can transmit its data up to 1 kilometer.

Availability:

6 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥9,500
¥1,200 (Refill)

Notes: The entire assembly takes up 30 square centimeters, appearing as a slight discoloration, which requires a Perception + Intuition (4) test with an appropriate knowledge skill to identify.

The spray can be applied to any surface, from walls to cars to the family dog. The constructed sensor suite lasts for 24 hours before falling to dust.

Nanotat Spray Kit

This kit forms a thin polymer layer on the surface of the skin that can generate a range of full-color, full-motion displays, simulating the older LED tattoos. The colors and patterns can be changed on demand with the controller.

Availability:

Cost:

¥650
¥100 (Refill)

Notes: Unlike a true nanotattoo colony, the spray wears off after 8 hours.

Savior Medkit

Instead of pharmaceuticals, physical sutures, and bandages, the savior medkit contains a single volume of savior nanites to treat the user’s injuries.

Availability:

Cost:

¥2,000
¥300

Notes: Small enough to carry in a pocket, the Savior Medkit has the diagnostic software of a rating 6 medkit.

The kit operates as a rating 6 Medkit or as a Trauma Patch.

Note that the savior medkit does not gain the faster treatment time of the savior system colony.

Universal Sealant Kit

This nanite goo spreads quickly across an area up to 1 meter in diameter and can act as a seal. The primary application of this nanotech is in space or undersea, where the integrity of your atmospheric seal is critical for survival.

Availability:

Cost:

¥1,200
150 (Refill)

Notes: Once the spray has been put in place, it transforms into a polymer sheet that adheres to nearby material within fifteen seconds.

The kit can be set to form either a rigid plastic (Structure Rating 5) or a flexible polymer sheet (Structure Rating 4).