Example Unit; 515 "Tsuguka"

The E-4 is a series of mass production organic weapons, fabricated for use in association with the Hawking Military Special Operations Division, as well as research by Project SEER themselves into the effects of Exophages and other alien bioweapon systems.

If you have been assigned one as an operative or test subject, or are an independently operating model yourself, please take a moment to read this manual to avoid undue damage to persons and property!

The general appearance of the E-4, commonly known as an 'Echoni Unit', is that of a lithe but muscular human female, though numerous experimental mutations and defects may alter this. There is intentionally a vast diversity in design, in order to maximise adaptability and experimental design evolution.

Common xeno-biological alterations include pointed ears, horns, and animalistic tails; Though first and foremost, all posses the sphere-like Exophage Colony Organ mounted upon their solar plexus. Skin colouration is typically human-standard, but can also range from a pale ivory to dark grey, or sometimes dark red to stone-blue. Cyborgisations are not strictly necessary, but very commonly utilised in order to improve the operation of the unit (See the cyborgisations section.)

An identification barcode is mounted on the back of the neck for organisation purposes, and the unit may be gifted with geometric facial markings if it possesses powers that require special containment procedures or corporate oversight. Please do not deface or remove this material, as keeping track of active units prevents enemy factions from reverse engineering the technology. Units known to have issues with aggressive tendencies or unpredictable behaviour may also have additional markings added to advertise this fact.

All of this comes with the addendum that all units are effectively experimental, and there may me many additional quirks in the design (See the mutations section).

The E-4 was designed to be a loyal and stalwart clone-based weapon system first and foremost. From the date of it's fabrication, every unit is implanted with artificial memories of training, and thus it should have no issues forming adult conversation, applying advanced mathematics, or even operating firearms with a minimal degree of oversight.

However, there is currently believed to be a bug in the memory formation process, with subjects impossibly remembering certain small fragments from the lives of the cloned original. This undesirable result is believed to be a side-effect of the Exophage microbes in their systems, and it is the recommendation of SEER administration that such effects should be suppressed, both to alleviate the stress levels of the unit, and to maximize the performance of their duties.

-If the unit experiences excessive flashbacks or mental instability, please report them for recall back to the SEER MANUFACTURING AND MAINTENANCE FACILITY in CONCOURSE ALPHA. The unit will undergo mental realignment and gene therapy to return it to factory specifications.-

Echoni E-4 Standard Uniform from 2319

(Based on default equipment setup without add-ons.)
Maximum Running Speed: 42.2 mph
Maximum Jump Height: 21 feet
Maximum Ground Carry Load: 320 lb.
Operating Temperature Limits: 18 °C to 65 °C
Normal Internal Temperature: 36.5 °C to 37.5 °C
G-Force Limitations: 24g
Maximum Submerging Depth: 280 meters of water in 1G.

IN THE EVENT OF A SENTIENT WEAPON MALFUNCTION:

1. AVOID A PHYSICAL CONFRONTATION WITH THE WEAPON.
2. IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE HAWKING SEER EXO-BIOLOGY RESEARCH CORPORATION FOR ASSISTANCE.
3. RECORD THE SYMPTOMS ON A READY COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE.

MODIFICATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SHOULD ONLY BE ATTEMPTED BY A QUALIFIED SEER TECHNICIAN. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE COMPONENTS WHILST THE SYSTEM IS ACTIVE. DESTROY THIS MANUAL IF THERE IS RISK OF EXPOSURE TO OUTSIDE SOURCES.

Sylphian Biomechanics Industries was founded in 2250 CE on Earth, an independent producer of niche power solutions such as solar powered organic batteries. Their self-replicating and low maintenance technology soon led to them becoming a staple of cheap consumer goods throughout human space.

It was not until 2288 GSC that they expanded onto hawking, where the situation with the increasingly aggressive alien Grawla was getting out of hand. The government there offered a contract to any independent companies who could support their forces in an affordable manner. Spotting the potential to examine some interesting ancient alien technology, Sylphian jumped at the chance.
What they discovered buried in those forbidden ruins was several orders of magnitude more important than they expected.

Exophages, tiny microscopic and extra-dimensional bacteria, infested the corpses of ancient bio-weapons the Grawla had once nuked their own planet to repress. Moreover, this invisible power source was apparently found in varying quantities throughout all living things in the entire sector.

Slyphian used this knowledge to found an official bio-weapons branch on Hawking, known as S.E.E.R. (Sylphian Exotic Elements Research), cementing it's headquarters in a place called Concourse Alpha.
The first official products of the Echoni series were more primitive biomechanical forms, stopgaps to keep the Grawla at bay whilst the exact properties of the nigh-magical Exophages, and their relation to other alien races, could be developed upon with more finesse. The development of the Echoni E-4 took until 2310 GSC, now a clone/cyborg weapon system that includes a classified mixture of both human and alien DNA.

The New Years Revolution on Hawking would add additional complications to S.E.E.R.’s operations. The organization would already find itself heavily entangled with the Magnetic Assembly, with many of its members being highly respected within both organizations. The severing of the relationship between Hawking and the American Union would also drive a wedge between S.E.E.R. and the Earth-Based Sylphian Biomechanics. This would create a lot of uncertainty between the group itself.

Even with this uncertainty active development continues, with the difficult raising and education of such powerful (and experimental) creatures remaining a major problem in raising an army of significant numbers. Their effect on the battlefield has indeed been positive, but S.E.E.R.'s method of getting there hasn't exactly gone without raised eyebrows in the rather more traditional-minded American Union forces, either…

The name can be almost anything, from a simple nickname or rank title, to an actual given name gifted by a specific factory worker, tutor or friend. Being artificial beings, sometimes they simply choose to pick a name for themselves. Others may even prefer to just be called by their model number, holding disdain for the idea that they should hide being what they are.
Their physical age, on the other hand, is almost totally irrelevant. They are all fabricated to immediately look like adults, even though the first models were only produced ten years ago.
E-4 units are typically female in appearance due to a preference for less independent genetics, through they are sterile and cannot produce offspring as a biological corruption safety measure. Males actually do exist, but outwardly look quite feminine regardless.
The body general type of 'lean' is universal due to the necessities of combat utility, but some might be more bulky or muscular than others. They are organic and can gain and loose weight, just like any other creature.

In order to best categorize and stabilize individual Echoni units, their personality is best defined as one of the following types;

At the start of an Echoni unit's commission, it is recommended that you observe their memory fragments carefully. They are not supposed to retain human thoughts or data, but it is apparently an irreparable defect of their design. Units under great stress or hardship may experience mental deterioration.

(Every unit starts at a grade of A+. The mission administrator will inform you if the unit has acquired any psychology damage and lowered it's grade. If it reaches grade F, their personality type will become unstable.)

In order to keep one's Psychology grade in check, nothing is better for the unit than simply talking and interacting with other Echoni units in the same situation.

Echoni units are experimental and physiologically unstable, part alien-derived biotechnology which is not entirely understood. Every time they use Aberrant Powers, or are exposed to outside sources of Exo-Phage corruption, they are at risk of randomly developing extra mutations.

(Every unit starts at a grade of A+. The mission administrator will inform you if the unit has acquired any corruption damage and lowered it's grade. If it reaches grade F, they will spontaneously record a new bodily mutation!)

In order to keep one's corruption level in check, constant medication and maintenance is necessary.

The closest thing these units have to a rank or position. It organises them based on power v.s. potential contamination risks.

A standard, physically and psychologically stable unit without any glaring defects. (It has no more than three customization points upon creation. However, if it has any of these customization points 'left over', it can spend them on extra skills instead.)

A unit gifted with extra powers, but also more genetic instability. It likely has facial markings to separate it from others. (It has access to five customization points upon creation, but will be easily visible and perhaps distrusted by others.)

The unit is defective, with highly unstable powers that immediately and uncontrollably mutate it's flesh. The powers have been locked away, and large quantities of cyborgisations attached to replace appendages distorted beyond use.

(It has seven customization points upon creation, but cannot use Aberrant Powers.)

These units have suffered a catastrophic mental and physical meltdown in the field of duty. All public data regarding to the unit is to be reformatted, and the unit itself is to be sealed away within a secure containment facility for future study. Personal interactions require a security clearance of BLUE or GREATER.

(These units should not ideally be used for field duty. If a unit gains more than seven mutations, it will modify it's classification to this one.)

Every unit comes with four pre-programmed skills to perform their duties, taken from the list below;

• Hand-To-Hand Combat
• Acrobatics
• Melee Combat (Blades)
• Melee Combat (Blunt)
• Melee Combat (Wire Weapons)
• Ranged Combat (Pistols)
• Ranged Combat (Rifles)
• Ranged Combat (Heavy Weapons)
• Explosives
• Weapon Maintenance
• Drone Operation
• Robotics / Cyborgisation Maintenance
• Land Vehicle Operation
• Air Vehicle Operation
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Hacking
• Stealth
• Acting & Subterfuge
• Interrogation
• Medical
• Science
• Battlefield Strategy
• Aberrant Power Focus

Note that a unit actually can still attempt a task in a skill that it does not have, but the success rate will be 50/50 at best. As the unit gains experience, they may learn additional skills of their choice; Even doubling or tripling up on a skill they already know to increase their success rate.

Echoni E-4s tend to operate in small makeshift units, and are allowed personal clothes in their spare time. There are still official uniforms for them to chose from, however, including several advanced combat armour systems designed to push their abilities to the limits;

The unit may pick up to four of the following items upon their assignment to field duty;

• MAG-4 Assault Rifle
• MAG-8 Drone Launcher
• MAG-19 Directed EMP Device
• S-19 Armbreaker Revolver
• UG-12 Series Weapons
• M17 Modular Assault Rifle
• XM131 Laser Pistol
• XM132 Laser Rifle

The unit may have been created with several intentional or unintentional mutations. See the 'Sub-Class' section for their exact amount.

• Elven Ears
• Oni Horns
• Mono Horn
• Animalistic Ears
• Animalistic Eyes
• Male
• Enlarged Fangs
• Enlarged Claws
• Animalistic Tail (Mammilian)
• Animalistic Tail (Reptillian)
• Animalistic Tail (Aquatic)
• Flexible Joints
• Enhanced Strength
• Enhanced Regeneration
• Enhanced Reflexes
• Enhanced Exo-Phage Attunement
• Wings
• Miniature Body
• Macro Body
• Hibernation Adaption (Cold Blood)
  

• Bony Spines
• Poison Spines
• Venomous Bite
• Gills
• Extra Arms
• Extra Legs
• Third Eye
• Additional Sensor Nodes
• Antenna
• Armoured Scales
• Retractable Tentacles
• Chameleonic Skin
• Aquatic Fins
  

• Exo-Floral Growth
• Exo-Fungal Growth
• Internal Exo-Eyes
• Ethereal Flesh
• External Skeleton
• Animalistic Body Plan
• Exo-Vampiric Bite

Example Unit; z_9

The unit may have been fitted with several cyborgisations to increase it's utility. See the 'Sub-Class' section for the exact available amount.

The unit may have been created with access to several supernatural Aberrant Powers, either intentionally or unintentionally. See the 'Sub-Class' section for the exact amount they might have available.

Resist Psionics

Exo-Detection

Psionic Communication

Psionic Empathy

Psionic Detection

Energy Blade

Exo-Kinetic Levitation

Float or fly up to 30MPH.

Object Manipulation

Move an object up to 4kg with telekinesis.

Remote Viewing

Observe a far-off location. The greater the distance, the greater the risk.

Overdrive Regeneration

Overdrive Strength

Mental Obscuration (Try to make others believe they cannot see you.)

Temporal Shift

Slightly slow down time, from your own perspective.

Temporal Scanning

Detect time travelling effects.

Exo-Kinetic Energy Ray

Exo-Kinetic Immolation (Heat up object from the inside.)

Energy Needle (Impossibly sharp, highly focused energy blade.)

Wall Of Force

Use a form of telekinesis to attempt to deflect enemy projectiles in-flight.

Immaterial Transition

Phase straight through a wall of 1 ft thickness or less.

Immaterial Talon

Phase hand inside enemies' body, ignoring armour.

Extra-Dimensional Teleport

Rematerialise in a far-off location. The greater the distance, the greater the risk.

Exo-Kinetic Spacial Collapse

Delete a sphere of matter 1ft in radius from existence.

Multi Death Sphere Cascade

Create a massive pattern of lethal energy spheres.

Omni-Directional Annihilation Vortex

Create a rift directly to a dimension of pure energy.

Total Genetic Reconfiguration

Entirely re-arrange the creature's current mutations.