Genetic Gladiators is a trivid series developed by Morpheum Entertainments that pits bioroids against each other in gladiatorial combat in a three-dimensional maze in singles and team competitions. The contests are held in arenas throughout the world as well as on one of Morpheum's orbital satellites, and are to knockout or submission. Genetic Gladiators is reviled by the Artificial Rights Movement, which frequently protests the 'modern Caligulan bloodsport' at Morpheum arenas, as well as protesting Morpheum Entertainments and the participating bioengineering companies in general.

See the Corporation List.

The Artificial Rights Movement has as its goal the acceptance of bioroids, artificial intelligences, and other 'created' forms of life as equal to normal humanity; it has gained some ground in various first-world nations through peaceful means, but the number of less peaceful groups with similar goals tends to make its goals harder to reach. It takes a strong interest in acting as patron and protector for 'rogue' lifeforms.

Each operating system has a 'Base Complexity Level' - which determines what sort of machines it can run on, and to an extent what software is considered 'included' (as noted below, programs of Complexity equal to one lower than the OS can be included at the OS designer's option; they do not take up additional processing power, but they run as part of the OS process instead of independently.)

iOS: An amalgam of Windows and Macintosh that has full V-processor and neuroprocessor support, but is vulnerable to security probes and has a number of well-established backdoor protocols designed for remote service.

Android: Popular lightweight operating system used by many small computers, tablets, and personal devices, including basic neuroprocessor/V-processor support.

VirtuxOS: An evolution of Linux and similar open source operating systems with full V-processor and neuroprocessor support.

Winix: An amalgam of Linux and Windows that copies many of the features of iOS with open source licensing, including full V-processor and neuroprocessor support.

DistrOS: A distributed-computing network operating system meant for use in large offices with many smaller systems, often used for cloud computing and storage systems. Can run V-processor/neuroprocessor systems but not interact with them without external peripherals.

Neuronix: A software-based neural-net simulation protocol designed to make AI pathing usable on hardware not normally capable of handling it. AIs using Neuronix OSes can operate on any computer hardware, although functional intelligence is still limited by the maximum complexity of the hardware.

GeniOS: An OS designed specifically for braincomps that are intended for implantation in bioroids, providing a convenient interface for managing them at a distance. Includes advanced V-processor handling for sensie rigs and other recording equipment.

Splitbit: An OS with a focus on quantum computing management, allowing for amazingly rapid calculations, decryption, etc. High complexity and does not function on machines without quantum processing capability.

WOTANS: Acronym for Web of Things Area Network System, a lightweight OS that connects localized items together and allows them to share in processing tasks. Designed specifically to be capable of interfacing with the tiniest computer components while maintaining support for V-processor/neuroprocessor/3DT processing and other useful product features. Typically, one hub appliance serves as the controller for the ANS, communicating with all items set up to work with the network, coordinating between each other, and connecting them to a more prosaic computer network without requiring interfaces be designed specifically for them; devices can also communicate ad hoc with each other if they are designed to have WOTANS compatibility.

Device-specific: Various manufacturers create hardware-specific 'operating systems' designed to optimize their code and make it so that Complex programs run without as much memory overhead involved. Typically, they have internal 'hooks' or 'libraries' to allow them to communicate with more mainstream OSes (for example, you may not be able to reprogram your printer, but you can still send files to it to be printed.)

Artificial intelligences can technically operate on any system of sufficient Complexity. Most corporate AIs are coded under DistrOS, Splitbit, or GeniOS, depending on their intended purpose. Homebrewed AIs, as well as some black ops AIs, often run under Neuronix, giving them the capability to run under any hardware they manage to install to.

The OS Kernel uses some processor time; most OSes built to work on a particular system have a Complexity equal to (X-2), where X is the target system Complexity. This means that a program meant to run on Complexity 6 hardware should have at least Complexity 4 software backing it up. Mind, many people use Complexity 4 software on systems that only have a Complexity of 5 or 4; this means a more significant portion of the machine's processing assets will go towards the OS instead of other functions.

The OS Kernel handles most standard procedures and protocols, including any program that would be Complexity (OS-1) or lower, as part of its standard function set. This means that if a Datalink is Complexity 1 and the OS is Complexity 3 on a Complexity 5 system, the Datalink can be listed as part of the OS Kernel and not tracked separately, unless there is a specific reason otherwise (a Datalink for a nonstandard protocol, for example).

The OS Kernel process cannot be given a boosted Complexity to make it run faster; if given a lower Complexity out of necessity, it and the entire system (and thus any function 'built into' it) will run slower!

So what happens when you want to emulate hardware that isn't currently being used (typically because you don't have it - or have a more evolved version of it and need to backport for compatibility? You need to use Complexity (X+1) software to emulate Complexity (X) hardware with some concessions made, or (X+2) if you want to emulate it perfectly, or (X+3) if you want to emulate it within a Virtual environment. Put another way, a Complexity 6 Virtual entity could simulate the behavior of any gadget of up to Complexity 3 with perfect accuracy; a Complexity 5 emulation program could emulate the output of a Complexity 3 gadget perfectly; and a Complexity 4 emulation program could emulate the output of a Complexity 3 gadget but would obviously be emulated and have some minor flaws. Devices with hardware-based optimization add 1/2 of the effective Complexity modifier, rounded up.

This is a brief explanation of some computer components and concepts that exist in the Granite City 2155 world.

This is a tiny processor that converts digital signals into holographic projections. It acts as the peripheral interface between a projector and a computer system; it generally requires a Complexity 6 program on the resident computer to make it function properly, although versions that combine projector and computer use hardware shortcuts to lower the complexity of the interface software.

A shorthand for the elaborate hardware and software protocols required to present a virtual environment in complex detail to the end-user. Usually installed in peripheral helmets along with a neuroprocessor, although machines designed for direct jack-in often have internal versions. Degree of complexity depends on the extensiveness of the interactivity required - typically from C4 for low-grade environmental simulations that only have very basic tactile sensation anywhere but the hands, to C5 for full-body tactile sensations, to C6 for total neural input/output interfaces. Similar software can manage the experience of up to ten user interfaces (increment by 10 per Complexity level above requirements.)

The hardware and software required to accept neural control inputs, including providing appropriate biofeedback to the connected user, and providing appropriate instructions to the interfaced device. These are included in the requirements for a neural implant or interface conduit.

This is a system setup that uses quantum processor units instead of standard processors. This makes a wide range of processes run significantly faster.

This system setup only replaces the main CPUs of the computer instead of all chips, in order to lower costs; this also limits how much quantum power can be devoted to problems.

Adding multiple processors to a computer increases the relative complexity of the system. Bearing in mind that a 'standard' computer can run 10 Complexity (X-1) programs for every Complexity (X) program it can run, each processor must provide the system with Complexity X. Dual processors provide 2 x Complexity X, and so on. A Complexity X processor effectively works as efficiently as at least ten Complexity (X-1) processors chained together at optimum efficiency, and may in fact be ten Complexity (X-1) processors within a larger computer housing.

Ballistic and energy weaponry work side by side for a number of purposes; while ballistics are defined by limited ammunition, they are still inexpensive and require less problematic electronics components. Energy weapons fire as long as there is sufficient power available and can often be varied in beam intensity and focus to make weapons that are deadly only at the intended range, but energy blasts can be defended against and disrupted by methods that don't stop traditional projectile weaponry.

Liquid Propellant (-LP) uses external tanks of propellant to fire the round, allowing the user to vary their projectile's velocity by changing the propellant mix used. This is very popular amongst do-it-yourselfers and snipers. LP rounds are obviously lighter and thus more of them fit in a single magazine, but the propellant 'magazines' or 'cells' must be purchased separately, and ignition of propellant typically requires a small electrical charge (typically using the power cell that also runs the weapon's electronics.)

Compressed Gas (-CG) doesn't actually use different ammunition than LP; the only difference is that the gases used to project the bullet are released from a compressed gas canister instead of from an explosion of propellant. It also can be machined to operate without electronics if desired, as the gas release can be a strictly mechanical operation as opposed to an electronically controlled discharge. CG weapons are typically considered 'less lethal' stealth weapons, though the same technology that enables paintball combat can also be applied readily to hunting or assassinations under the right circumstances.

Caseless Propellant (-CP) uses bullets encased in their propellant, typically resembling a small crayon with a bullet as the point and a protective outer coating. They are in common usage and are relatively easy to manufacture with the right equipment.

Hard-Case Propellant (-HCP) uses bullets with a metal casing to contain the propellant; this ensures that the round retains full velocity (as the propellant doesn't have any risk of being scraped away), is viable for longer periods of time, and is harder to detect (as the propellant doesn't 'leak' out of the casing, providing traces to chemsniffers, as readily as Caseless rounds.)

Each caliber of standard bullet (not magnetic or gyroc) is available in these three round types. Gyrocs have self-contained propellant (they are basically Hard-Case), and magnetic flechette rounds use magnets (and power) instead of propellant.

Most ammunition is available in several standardized calibers.

Technically, these aren't always used in handguns - some rifles and submachine guns also make good use of them, but the 'handgun round' is a short round no more than 2.5 times as long as it is wide.

5mmHG: This is a small, short round that is meant for low-noise operation and commonly used in suppressed firearms. It is typically not very useful against armored targets.

10mmHG: A bigger handgun for those who actually want to hurt somebody.

15mmHG: A much bigger handgun round for those who want to rip large holes in people nearby.

Rifle rounds are very occasionally used in stupidly powerful handguns, but usually reserved for the various forms of long-arms and machine guns used in ballistic warfare.

6mmRR: The standard low-caliber rifle round, this relies on high-powered propellant to launch its payload at damaging velocities.

12mmRR: A large round for putting bigger holes in people from a longer distance away.

18mmRR: The most powerful long-range round in existence that doesn't use magnetic velocity.

25mmRR: These are usually payload-based rifle rounds used at very low rates of fire (read: sniper rifles), but some machine guns use them for annihilating anything in front of them… as do a few odd handguns used by crazy people.

Magnetically accelerated rounds are specifically designed to be launched at high velocity from railgun-based weapons, making them intensely lethal and usable in environments where normal propulsion methods are invalid or ineffective. The lack of chemical propulsion systems makes them receive more consideration as a 'safe' form of lethal round that can be stored for longer periods.

2mmMA: These 2mm magnetic-accelerated flechettes are designed to shred through targets. They are commonly used in 'needlers' and other personal defense weapons.

7mmMA: These larger magnetic-accelerated flechettes are designed to create larger holes in targets; military and police magnetic weapons tend to be this caliber or higher.

20mmMA: These thumb-sized rounds usually deliver explosive payloads at high velocity over long distances - often at high rates of fire. However, even basic kinetic rounds travel fast enough to smash through obstacles with devastating force.

44mmMA: These are your classic grenades delivered in a not-so-classic magnetically accelerated package - typically these are designed to self-guide after the initial launch, allowing for on the fly adjustment of aim or evasion of defensive countermeasures.

Gyroc rounds use spin-stabilized rockets to propel bullet-sized projectiles at high speeds with minimal recoil. They have a long, flat trajectory compared to traditional ballistic ordnance, take time to reach their maximum velocity which limits their use in close-quarters combat, and thus civilian or police use typically is limited to specialized ammunition. Military variants frequently use homing technology and high rates of fire to make up for initial accuracy.

9mmGY: These are the smallest gyroc rounds in common use, capable of fairly flat trajectories and moderate self-guidance to target. Generally used as antipersonnel weapons or occasionally for point-defense.

16mmGY: These large gyroc rounds are designed to put humanoid targets down or punch through vehicles; they are commonly used with payloads to deliver non-lethal takedowns in situations where stunners or electrolasers are ineffective or impractical. This is considered the 'standard' size for most civilian applications.

27mmGY: These are considered high-end and usually fired from single-shot pistols or heavy rifles, and usually contain a payload and advanced guidance features.

60mmGY: These are the modern equivalent of rocket launchers, and hit just as hard. As such, they are generally large enough to contain self-guidance methods, countermeasures, or other options in addition to a powerful payload.

Although other ballistics are available in shot versions, the shotgun shell is one of the oldest and most popular forms of ammunition, and variants are often found in hunting and law enforcement applications, as well as for personal defense. The shell is roughly five times as long as it is wide, and usually still sold in Hard-Case Propellant format. Some handloaders have developed Compressed Gas or Liquid Propellant variants, and Caseless Propellant versions are commonly found in flare guns and other emergency survival versions.

10mmSH: A small shotgun shell designed for sport hunting, based on the .410 shotgun round.

15mmSH: A fairly small shotgun shell used for hunting and basic defense, based on the 20-gauge hunting round.

18mmSH: A medium-sized shotgun shell designed for crowd suppression, based on the common twelve-gauge combat round.

20mmSH: This is a large shotgun shell designed to rip apart unarmored targets, based on the popular ten-gauge combat round.

As anyone who has bought batteries can tell you, not all batteries are manufactured equally. Cells used in energy weapons typically require high-power cells or even max-discharge cells to enable them to 'empty' at sufficient rates to power the weapon's shots. Some examples of battery types are visible below. Note that devices sold with their power cells often include budget cells to reduce the final cost.

Standard: These standard power cells are designed to discharge and charge at a 'standard' rate.

Budget: These cheap 'dollar store' grade cells tend to hold less power, recharge more slowly, and/or suffer memory effects over time/are generally less reusable.

High-Capacity: These cells hold more power in the same space, but have no adjustments to charge/discharge rate.

High-Power: These cells are capable of higher recharge rates and can be used in devices that require higher discharge rates, but do not have a higher capacity.

Heavy Duty: These cells hold more power and can be used in High-Power discharge applications; however they recharge more slowly.

Max Discharge: These cells are designed to be capable of discharging completely in a very low timeframe without affecting the battery's ability to be recharged, but have only 'standard' storage and recharge capacity.

Fast Charge: These cells have a high recharge rate, but standard capacity and discharge rates.

Premium: These cells combine high capacity and high recharge into an optimum performance package, but maintain 'standard' discharge rates.

Hotshot: These cells are the budget equivalent of Max Discharge cells; they can empty rapidly, and capacity is normal, but their recharge rate is slow and they tend to suffer from memory effects.

Bulk Capacity: These cells are the budget equivalent of high-capacity cells; they hold more power, but charge more slowly and may suffer from memory effects.

Zapper: These cells are the budget equivalent of fast-charge cells; they can recharge quickly but tend to break down faster.

Technically this has a longer title, but the colloquial reference is 'gravitics' - the science of manipulating the force of gravity through sufficient expenditure of energy to create gravity waves. The first level of understanding allows one to increase gravity in order to pull a target closer; this is used for tractor beams and creating artificial gravity. The second level of understanding allows one to decrease or even reverse the pull of gravity from a specific object; this is generally used to levitate the gravitic generator (and in turn, anything properly attached to the generator.) The third level of understanding allows for manipulating artificial gravity wells around a target area, thus resulting in being able to finely manipulate targets, while the fourth level of understanding is full mastery of gravitics and gravity wells, making possible such effects such as inertialess flight, force screens and weaponry, and implosion bombs.

Gravitics technology is still under development in Granite City 2155's world, but is expected to revolutionize many industries when it can be used outside of a laboratory setting.

Hard-Light technology, at its core, is a combination of holographics and gravitics, with the gravitics creating forcefields to temporarily solidify air while the holographics provide the overlay. In most cases, they aren't truly solid, but depending on the intensity of the gravitic generator they can push back against anything that intersects their field area; a sufficiently powered generator could manufacture a hard-light creation with ironlike solidity. Problems with the technology include the fact that the sensations provided aren't terribly realistic - touching a hard-light figure is much like touching a bubble of intense wind. However, hard-light technology can be used with augmented-reality neural setups to better simulate the experience.

Hard-Light technology is predicted to be available in 2185, or sooner depending on how soon fine manipulation of gravitics becomes possible.

Armor protects from a variety of damage types. Most armors protect best against a specific type of damage, while some 'general' armors protect equally against most attacks. For example, a metal breastplate might protect against normal attacks equally well, but electric shocks would at least ignore much of its resistance, if not make things worse; fire would be less effective but not ineffective; some forms of psi and magic would ignore it.

An armor carrier is designed to carry heavy armor plates in a reasonably comfortable and flexible package. The armor carrier also provides a certain amount of protection on its own, even without the plates.

Materials with interweaving at the molecular level, giving enhanced protection over fabrics assembled via traditional methods while retaining the qualities that made those materials great. Most 'concealed' protective fabrics make use of nanoweave materials to increase their protective qualities.

This fabric is silky soft to the touch, and is made of a special polymer that dissipates and reflects energy from beam weaponry. Notably, this tends to be reflected as light and heat, which is why there is an internal layer of null-conduction material to protect the wearer from the heat (and provide a bit of extra protection in the process.) Also notably, dispersive fabrics are not immune to very high energy levels, so taunting soldiers with military laser cannons is still highly unwise.

Utilizing the principles of gravitics to defensive purposes, a GDS creates a gravitic pulse to attempt to redirect inbound attacks by physical and energy weapons. Unfortunately, this is mostly only effective against physical attacks (which have mass, which gravitics can work with to create interesting effects); energy weapons can theoretically also be diverted, but the power required means that it's usually more cost-efficient to divert the wearer away from the beam's path if one must rely solely on gravitics. This is one of the current experiments being performed in gravitics manipulation - if it works, it may replace the current sonic screening technology used for deflecting physical weaponry.

These unassuming boots contain gravitic plating that allows them to lower or increase the effective mass of the wearer, specifically to reduce or enhance the effects of gravity on them. These require power to operate, and higher changes in effective gravity have greater impact on the power supply. This has obvious applications in the aerospace industry, but current experiments are too unstable to walk with.