Name: Skeletally Projected Incapacition/Kill shEll (SPIKE) Description: A new structure is added to the forearm which bulges out slightly to permit the projectile, along with a projectile fluid gland embedded in the elbow and some synthmuscle to replace muscle removed for the structure to fit. Several versions exist for the projectile, but they all share the same general shape: a long bolt fitted in the forearm. It is fired out of a thin membrane on the palm using a fluid gland as a projectile, and is functionally very similar to a crossbow. There is also a small additional structure added to the motor control center of the brain to allow control of these new organs and muscles. Abilities: -Shoot someone with a disgusting organic "crossbow" in your arm -Reload by waiting several weeks, or muzzle-loading a fresh projectile into your arm Conditional Abilities (Optional): -Make a really gross slorping sound as the muscle membrane in the arm sucks in the new projectile during a reload, which prevents having to poke your hand on the sharp tip -Comparatively low-speed and high mass projectile which, like other crossbow-type weapons, can go through reactive shields like those provided by a shield belt. -Rubium-tipped projectiles have comparable penetration to projectiles of a similar class (stopped by impervium and durasteel, but will dent or fracture the latter; will likely go through cerulium or violium) -Bone and synthbone bolts can get through most security systems undetected -Synthbone and inorganic bolts can usually be recovered and re-used -Gross bump in your arm goes away when there's nothing loaded in Limitations: -Fluid-gland requires time (5 combat rounds) to produce enough to fire again -’Muzzle-reload’ into palm requires time for the muscle to move the projectile into place (1 round) -While max range is technically not short, accurate range is (inaccurate beyond 6 meters, as it requires aiming with a palm that has no sights or optics, and ineffective against armor beyond 12 meters) -Sharp elbow-based injuries have a chance of detonating the fluid gland, if it is full (this would sever the forearm in the subsequent gorey blast) Conditional Limitations (Optional): -Bone-projectiles take several days to grow back, and require a high-calcium diet during that time -Synthbone and inorganic projectiles must be loaded in manually and purchased separately -Bone and synthbone without a rubium tip won’t penetrate modern armor and will either bounce off or stick in, if there is a material covering the armor -Look very strange on a medical ENDI scanner -Projectiles cannot have Concussive Lining applied by their nature -Can misfire if electrocuted/tasered How does it work: The SPIKE is an organic arm-based projectile launch system that serves a similar role to a crossbow, though it uses a different mechanism for projection. The projectile fluid gland fills with a high-pressure gas, which is used to launch a ‘bolt’ out at speeds near 100 meters per second, below the catch-speed of shield belts. Because it is a comparatively high-mass projectile, it is able to have reasonably good penetration against modern body-armors. However, after a single bolt is fired, it is necessary to reload by either inserting a fresh bolt in the opening and allowing the muscles that hold the bolt in place to suck it in, or to wait several days for a new one to grow- notably, much faster than normal bone growth, thanks to synthetic enhancements included in the membrane. A variety of projectiles are available for the SPIKE. The weakest but most easily transported through security systems is normal bone, which grows back over time. This mechanism is very slow, and the projectile is comparatively fragile. Synthbone can still allow transit through security, but requires manually replacement. It is stronger than bone, and can be supplemented with a rubium tip for higher penetration. Carbon nanotube rods with rubium tips are the strongest and most dangerous projectile, but are obvious through any security system. Flavor text: “I’m going to have to hurt her. There’s no other way.” In another stunning move from Chemical Core, the latest in a range of bio-modding implants has hit the market! SPIKE is a weapon system perfect for infiltrators and assassins to remain armed under all circumstances and deliver unexpected killing blows before security can react! It also makes a great hold-out weapon for the Fringer concerned about losing their guns. Schedule your installation today, only at Chemical Core! Bolts sold separately. Referenced Technologies (Optional): Attainability: Semi-closed (only sold by Chemical Core) Tags: Military Category: Genetic Edit 10/1/2022: Added a conditional limitation about being electrocuted
-Made some changes regarding penetration/armor use, clarified effective and accurate ranges separately, lowered accurate range. Removed the word 'plate' from armor after discovering I had a misconception about how armor works in GC
-Put quotes around the word 'crossbow' in abilities because the mechanism for projection is very different, it is only like a crossbow in a very gamey sense
