Quantum Adrenal Engine
Archotech endocrine system centred on a quantum-state adrenal engine that exists in superposed stimulated/resting states.
Rules Reference
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity Cost | 4 |
| Category | wetware-neural |
| Rek Cost | 180000+ (Asset Realisation restricted programme; provenance varies by specimen) |
Notes
Benefit: Archotech endocrine system centred on a quantum-state adrenal engine that exists in superposed stimulated/resting states. +4 to Initiative rolls. Can trigger 'Adrenal Surge' three times per day without cumulative crash -- the quantum engine draws from probability states rather than depleting hormone reserves. Each surge provides +3 to Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution for 4 rounds, +20 ft movement, and complete immunity to fear, fatigue, and pain effects for the duration. After the surge, the user suffers only mild fatigue (-1 to physical attributes for 10 minutes, non-cumulative). Grants permanent +1 to all physical attributes from baseline endocrine optimisation. The quantum engine also eliminates the need for sleep -- the user can remain awake indefinitely, though they must still rest to recover powers, power points, and per-day abilities.
Install Risk: Medicine DC 24 for quantum endocrine integration. Recipient makes a Fortitude save DC 20 or suffers quantum hormone cascade (uncontrolled physical transformations, 2d6 damage to a random physical attribute each hour for 1d4 hours, potentially fatal). 12% chance of permanent endocrine instability -- the user's hormone levels fluctuate randomly, causing unpredictable shifts in physical attributes (GM rolls 1d4 daily: 1 = -1 STR, 2 = -1 DEX, 3 = -1 CON, 4 = no change).
Origin: Surviving units carry conflicting Asset Realisation programme marks. Corporate records describe a quantum adrenal engine developed alongside sensory-override research; Rim brokers claim at least one prototype operative escaped, but the name, date, and present status change with every telling.
Signature: Ghost. Asset Realisation restricted neural-warfare technology. The quantum adrenal engine is often paired with sensory-override systems to create an operative who does not sleep, does not feel pain, and does not break during a mission.
Strain: Severe. The quantum engine requires weekly waveform recalibration -- missing a session causes quantum hormone drift (cumulative -1 to all physical attribute checks per missed week). 2% monthly chance of quantum decoherence in the adrenal cortex: the engine resolves to its 'resting' state permanently, losing all benefits and requiring full replacement. The sleep elimination, while convenient, causes progressive psychological dissociation -- after 30 consecutive days without sleep, the user must make a Will save DC 15 each day or suffer hallucinations and paranoia.