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Better Living Through Biochemistry
by Erik Jameson
Tailored hormones are something new to the world of 2055. Using a DNA sample, a lab (Legal level 2 minimum, or street level 1 minimum) can tailor a specific hormone or series of hormones for the exclusive use of that person. Using hormones tailored to another person can be hazardous to the user’s health. Hormones are typically injected or swallowed, and are sometimes available in slap patch or inhaler form. Hormones are rarely available to runners on the street.
You can find them. Drugs like these are hard to come by, but they are out there.
Kicker
The advantages of tailored hormones are substantial. Unlike most drugs, tailored hormones do not result in addiction or any of the nasty side effects that drugs like kamikaze or novacoke result in. With hormones, the side effects are limited to the heightened emotions associated with the specific hormone. The tailored hormones also avoid the major disadvantage of the previous generation of hormones, usually called Crude Hormones or simply Crudes. Crudes lack the elegance and precision of the tailored hormones. While they do provide the same benefits of the tailored hormones, the problems that result are not worth it for most users. At the very least, Crude users can expect a -2 modifier to all Intelligence-based tests while under the influence.
I’ve never used tailored hormones. For the most part, unless you are talking about black ops military, Yakuza, or organized crime figures, most of us runners can’t get access to them or afford them. Crudes on the other hand, are available. And they do work. A buddy of mine uses them regularly. He knows about the side effects, so before he goes in to combat situations, he makes a note not to think to hard. He says the key is to learn to react instinctively instead of thinking about it.
Kicker
The big down side of hormones (both tailored and crude) is that to gain the full effect, the hormone must be used regularly, at least several times a week. Missing more than three days in a row halves the effect. Missing a full week and the user must start all over again. The effects of tailored hormones are NOT compatible with other drugs or hormones. A person under the effects of one hormone (or drug) cannot gain the benefits of any other hormone or drug (some game masters may wish to require a Essence x 2 test to avoid a toxic reaction).
I don’t like drug and hormones for several reasons. First, they do have limits. And second, and this is more important to me, is that people often build their tactics around their drugs. Take that away, and they are combat ineffective.
Stone Man
Available Types
Athletic Enhancers
Designed to give athletic competitors an extra edge, these hormones are universally banned in professional and college athletics. The most popular among this group are the EPO hormone (for EPO, erythropoietin), commonly called ‘roids by runners; and hGH, Human Growth Hormone, commonly called Lurch by the shadows.
EPO: The EPO hormone increases the bodies production of red blood cells, increasing the body’s efficiency at processing oxygen. The end result is an increase in endurance and power, as the muscles are provided with more oxygen, more quickly. EPO grants a +1 to the Body attribute (but not for calculating Essence). Also grants a +1D6 for determining initiative. Taking EPO also speeds the body’s metabolism. Damage heals at double the rate for Light and Moderate wounds, and Serious and Deadly heal 50% faster. EPO has a base time of 10 minutes after ingestion until becoming effective. Effects last for 12 hours. Slap patches and inhalers reduce base time by half.
| Type | Avail. | Cost | Street Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailored | 12/14 days | 500¥/dose | 2 |
| Crude | 8/7 days | 250¥/dose | 1.5 |
hGH: This hormone manipulates the body’s own growth hormones, tricking the body into quickly repairing muscle tissue damage. Primarily used by body builders (which is why the street name is Lurch), it can be used by anyone who wants to increase muscle mass. The hGH hormone gives +1 to Strength and Body (but not for calculating Essence). hGH has a base time of 30 minutes after ingestion until becoming effective. Effects last for 12 hours. Slap patches and inhalers reduce base time by half. Extended use of hGH (more than 3 months) can cause minor permanent physical changes, such as a sloping brow and lantern jaw (Game Master’s discretion).
| Type | Avail. | Cost | Street Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailored | 10/10 days | 600¥/dose | 2 |
| Crude | 6/48 hours | 300¥/dose | 1.5 |
These are the most common hormones out there. For the most part, I know of two ways to get them. One is to know the right mob doc or street doc. The second way is to get access to a professional or college sports team. They may not officially condone their use, but I’ve known several teams that provide them for their athletes.
Kicker
Combat Hormones
These hormones are usually limited to elite military forces and the Yakuza. The typical runner will have problems getting access to these hormones. They are extremely expensive, and tend to be in limited supply.
Adrenaline Booster: This hormone rapidly increases the production of adrenaline in the body. By flooding the body with adrenaline, reaction time and clarity of thought are improved, while the physical capabilities of the body are pushed to their limits. Adrenaline Boosters provide +1 to Reaction, +1 to Intelligence, +2D6 to Initiative rolls, and the user may ignore all wound modifiers. Adrenaline Boosters have a base time of 1 minute until becoming effective. The effects last for (Body) hours. After the effects wear off, the user must resist (12-Body)M Stun damage.
| Type | Avail. | Cost | Street Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailored | 20/30 days | 5,000¥/dose | 3 |
| Crude | 16/21 days | 2,500¥/dose | 2.5 |
I used these once. It was not by choice. My employer supplied them to me and required I take it. It was the most hellish experience I have had. While the effects were in place, I felt great. But when they wore off, I collapsed, and was out of action for more than 10 hours. I was weak as a baby for two days after that. Never again.
Wraith
Endorphin Booster: This hormone works by over-stimulating endorphin production, which dramatically increases pain tolerance. Endorphin Boosters allow the user to ignore all wound modifiers, but provide no other advantages. Endorphin Boosters have a base time of 2 minutes until becoming effective. The effects last (Body x 2) hours.
| Type | Avail. | Cost | Street Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailored | 16/21 days | 3,000¥/dose | 3 |
| Crude | 12/14 days | 1,500¥/dose | 2.5 |
Recreational Hormones
These hormones are designed for recreational use. They are a growth industry and can be purchased (legally) with a prescription, or (illegally) through various underworld sources. Since they provide little advantage for a shadowrun, most shadowrunners never bother with them.
Dopamine Enhancer: This hormone increases the production of dopamine, which increases the bodies feelings of pleasure and well-being. While under the effects of a Dopamine Enhancer, all Social skill tests gain a +2 modifier (such as Etiquette, Negotiation, etc.). However, since the user is usually very happy and mellow, all combat-related tests receive a -2 modifier. Dopamine Enhancers have a base time of 10 minutes until becoming effective. The effects last for (Body) hours. They are considered a Class 3 drug.
| Type | Avail. | Cost | Street Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailored | 8/10 days | 200¥/dose | 1.5 |
| Crude | 4/48 hours | 100¥/dose | 1 |
Serotonin Enhancer: This hormone increases the production of serotonin, which affects mood. Serotonin Enhancers are prescribed for patients suffering from depression or bi-polar disorder. They are popular among some segments of the population as a “feel good” drug. Serotonin Enhancers grant a +1 to all social tests (such as Etiquette and Negotiation). Serotonin Enhancers have a base time of 30 minutes until becoming effective. The effects last for 12 hours. They are considered a Class 2 drug (legal with prescription).
| Type | Avail. | Cost | Street Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailored | 4/48 hours | 150¥/dose | 1 |
| Crude | Always | 75¥/dose | .5 |
I know several people who use this stuff regularly. Mostly, corp drones who have problems dealing with stress or just need to unwind. I never touch the stuff. Seems unnatural to me. Besides, I get my ‘feel-good’ high from a good stiff drink and some synthsteak.
Kicker
I don’t drink. Or do drugs for that matter. But some people need them, to function. I don’t see anything wrong with it, so long as they don’t endanger others.
Stone Man
Testosterone Booster: This hormone increases production of testosterone, which results in increased aggressiveness and enhanced libido. Naturally, this hormone is popular among certain segments of the population. Testosterone Boosters provide a +1 die on Intimidation tests, but require a Willpower (6) test to not initiate combat when provoked. Testosterone Boosters have a base time of 5 minutes until becoming effective. The effects last for (Body x 2) hours. They are considered a Class 3 drug.
| Type | Avail. | Cost | Street Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailored | 10/14 days | 400¥/dose | 2 |
| Crude | 6/7 days | 200¥/dose | 1.5 |
These are used primarily by go-gangers and other scum. Anyone who willingly uses this stuff is a menace.
Wraith