Gene Plus (D20 Modern Race)
Project Gene Plus.
After the relative success of earlier genetic manipulation the (insert nation here, I use the UK) government began experimenting with altering the raw human genetic code; without using animal DNA, that lead to tell-tale signs of tampering. The project met with mixed results and although all three phases have been completed the results are far from perfect. However a Gene+2 makes a better spy in some cases than a half rat thing, mainly because it doesn't look like a half rat thing.
Note all Gene Plus are naturally infertile as a safety feature. Genetic hybrids of these could do untold damage to the human genome.
Gene+1
The first attempt was, ironically, the most successful. Gene+1 was meant to be an advanced soldier in both body and mind. Their slightly "gung ho, give me a grenade and I'll show 'em." attitude is considered only a minor setback. The over-active metabolism is more of an issue, but the extra upkeep is more than worth it.
Gene+1 are externally identical to humans, although the internal proportions of the organs are wrong. They are 10% heavier than they ought to be due to increased bone and muscle density.
Ability modifiers: +2 Str +2 Con -2 Wis. A better physical form with the side affect of reduced hazard perception.
+2 on spot and listen. Above human senses.
Heal one extra hit point per day, regardless. Above human metabolism and celular repair.
Requires double amounts of food. Over-active metabolism. Generally not an issue as the purchase DC for food stuffs is low, but it is a consideration on extended missions.
-2 penalty against all forms of poisoning. Over-active metabolism results in faster poison delivery.
LA:+1
Gene+2
After the more basic modifications required to get the Gene+1, the Gene+2 would require some very delicate manipulation. The result was mixed, yes the Gene+2 was an almost perfect human externally but with extra acute reflexes, but they tend to be moody and introverted. Many became prone to depression. They stand a few inches taller than the average human and weight about 5% less. They also tend to have flatter faces than the norm, but most people still would not look at them twice on the train.
Ability modifiers: +2 Dex -2 Con +2 Wis. Agile and insightful. Gene+2 bone density and organ rigidity are lower then human.
+2 on spot and listen. Above human senses.
Superior Low light vision. Gene+2 can see four times further than a human in low light.
Enhanced visual pattern spotting. Gene+2 may make spot or search checks to locate anything hidden or obscured within 20ft of them as a free action. They may not check for something twice in one round in this way, but they may check in other ways (stopped to see a hidden spy at the start of the round with everyone else then this as you move to within 20ft for example)
Dietary requirements. A Gene+2's body requires above normal levels of certain vitamins, minerals and proteins to function. This is rarely an issue unless they cannot obtain specially prepared and chosen food. (ie they are a prisoner and don't want anyone to know they are Gene+2) They cannot digest fish or milk. Treat being on an inappropriate diet as starvation at 1/2 the normal speed.
LA:+1
Gene+3
What annoys most Gene+3s is not the fact that they are crippled from birth and have deformed immune systems, but the fact that after 10 minutes at a computer with a DNA sample they can see why. Gene+3 are all wheelchair bound (20ft a round for a pushed one, better for electric ones) and require very careful diet due to various allergies. They tend to develop a superiority complex about humans, the nicer ones treating then as children, the more callous seeing them more like animals.
Ability modifiers:-4 Str, -2 Con, +4 Int, +2 Wis. Smart and insightful, the Gene+3 are physically weak.
+2 on knowledge, computer related and research checks. Highly ordered and logical thought patterns.
Photographic memory and auto-numerate. A Gene+3 can recall any memory they have ever had at will. The GM may require spot checks to notice things such as what someone is writing or that someone is missing, but they can effectively take a 20 by viewing over and over again. They can also perform difficult (up to advanced algebra) mathematics in their head with an accuracy of (int score x2) decimal places.
Disabled. A Gene+3's legs are not strong enough to hold him up. Without a wheelchair they have an effective speed of 5ft (they can crawl, but even then not very well) and they can never use skills such as jump. This disability rarely annoys the Gene+3 much.
Allergies. Gene+3 require very carfuly regulated diets. Treat all other food and drink as a DC 20 poison, dam 2d6 con as secondary damage (no primary damage). Unlike other poisons this continues to affect the victim every 10 minutes until they succeed on two saves in a row or get medical attention. (DC 15 check and access to various anti-histamine drugs required.)
LA:+1
The future.
Almost all Gene Plus are employed by the government or are working for forging governments. Part of the genetic template instilled a sense of duty and national pride. There are some however that have turned to crime or terrorism, but these tend to be Gene+1 or Gene+2, Gene+3 need too much daily help abandon the government, yet.
As for the future of the project, a proposal to merge the Gene+1 and Gene+2 modifications is already under discussion, with Gene+1 and Gene+3 merging being researched. Mainly by Gene+3s...
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