Cryogenic augmentation is another unorthodox method of human augmentation. The idea occured when researchers in the late 20th century theorized that the way to improve on Juicer or Crazy technology was to make it last longer. They believed that if a human being could have their metabolism increased to very unhealthy levels, and then cryogenically freeze the subject, a superhuman that could last centuries could be created.
The problem arose, of course, in that people were generally unable to function when frozen. A breakthrough appeared at the turn of the century, however. A brilliant young augmentation researcher, by the name of Dr. Susan Kaltmann, synthesized a compound that solved the "Glacier" project. The compound, Cryogenic Erythrocyte Suspension Medium (Dubbed "Cesm" for short), and what made it so special was that it had a much lower freezing point than mere blood, and more to the point it could replace blood as a circulatory medium. By filling the subject's circulatory system with this substance they could remain concious and active while frozen.
Thus, the modern "Popsicle Process" was refined. First, using dangerous levels of Juicer drugs and other Chemical/Radioactive/Genetic means, the metabolism of the subject is accelerated to thoroughly unsafe levels. Then, the subject is frozen, and the blood of the subject is replaced with Cesm. All this was purely theory, however. It was still unknown what effects this would have in practice. So sure was Dr. Kaltmann about the validity of her brain-child that she volunteered herself to undergo the cryogenic conversion.
The process went without a hitch, and after the procedure was complete, the technicians and scientists in charge of the project execution crowded eagerly around the freezing chamber that Kaltmann had used. The doctor stepped out, and the results was incredible. Her skin had turned an icey blue, her blonde hair had frozen solid in the position it was in, her eyes were frosted over and seemed to reveal only coldness, and her face had taken on the appearance of a calculating killer. As the people backed nervously away, she stalked out of the chamber, her slow, precise movements indicating terrific strength and power.
Then she focused her eyes upon a single man, the one who had overseen her transformation. And she smiled ferally. It proved to be the last thing he ever saw.
With impossible speed, Kaltmann pounced on the chief, and tore his heart out with one swipe of her hand. Her entourage promptly fled, leaving her with the heartless corpse of the chief scientist, a mildly puzzled expression on his face.
Kaltmann broke out of the secret lab, and was killed a while later by a group of superhumans hired to retrieve her. By this time, more conversions had taken place, this time under heavy security, to determine what had happened to Kaltmann.
Several months and many failures later, the problem was determined. Clearly, the project had certainly succeeded. The "Popsicles" had superhuman strength, speed, and power, rivalling or even surpassing that of the infamous Juicer. The problem was that the freezing process shattered the emotional system, dulling or destroying nearly ALL emotional systems, and nullifying any capacity for compassion or mercy. The converted subjects had, figuratively and literally speaking, been turned to ice. Worse yet, the process kills the sense of touch and smell/taste, similar to bionic conversion. Thus, unless properly conditioned beforehand, the psychopathic superhuman will feel a burning need to kill those who doomed them to what they perceive after their "Freezing", as a living death.
However, using a rigorous screening process and psychological counseling borrowed from bionic research labs to determine proper candidates, such occurences became almost non-existant. Thus was the process perfected. It might even have become widespread, if not for the Rifts.
In the time of Rifts®, Popsicles are very uncommon and often feared. Even a Juicer generally stay clear of Popsicles, which should tell you something right there. They are similar to Psi-Stalker, living and killing simply if possible. Many of the larger states in the world, as well a few wealthy feudal kingdoms in North America, Russia, China, and Europe have recovered the technology to convert people cryogenically.
In any Late 20th Century/Early 21st Time period, Some of the major governments will have this technology, and it can be used in the place of a Super-Soldier in Heroes Unlimited, per standard conversion rules.
Popsicle OCC
Popsicle Powers
1) Cryogenic Structure: Has an AR of 15, and +100 SDC. Also double the character's weight. The Popsicle possesses a Horror Factor of 12, as its sheer countenance is frightening to behold. The being has the appearance of an ice statue, with frozen hair, icey blue skin, and very cold eyes. The voice is also reduced to a frightening raspy whisper, but popsicles don't talk much anyway. The Popsicle also possesses limited invulnerability as with APS: Ice in HU2 and is impervious to cold, but fire and fire/heat-based attacks do double damage. As such, the Popsicle will naturally possess a very strong fear of fire, but not (yet) on a phobic level.
NB: In an MDC environment, Popsicles have 100 MDC.
2) Super-Enhanced Body: Thanks to the effects of the cryogenic conversion process, the Popsicle has physical power far surpassing anything normal humans could reach. Consider the character to have the equivalent of the following minor super powers:
Extraordinary Speed
Superhuman Strength
Heightened Sense of Hearing
Supervision: Nightvision
Supervision: Advanced Sight (Halved range)
Healing Factor (Limited, no bonuses, but all powers, except fire/cold resistance)
In addition to these abilities, the Popsicle has the following attribute bonuses: +2D4 ME, +1D6 PS and PP, +2D6 PE, and is totally impervious to pain.
On the other hand, this process of crystallization also has severe negative impacts both psychologically and physically. Half the Popsicles MA, and the senses of taste and smell are totally destroyed. Even touch is reduced to 25%, giving a -15% modifier on delicate skills.
PPE: 4D6 ("Freezing" generates large amounts of Potential Psychic Energy for an unknown reason)
Attribute Requirements: None, although a high ME and good alignment are prefered, as they reduce the possibility of a Popsicle going kill-crazy.
OCC Skills:
Wilderness Survival [+10%]
Land Navigation [+10%]
Tracking [+10%]
Prowl [+10%]
3 WP of choice
Hand to Hand: Expert [Can be upgraded to Martial Arts for 1 Related Skill]
OCC Related Skills: Select 8 other skills. Plus two additional skills at level three, and one at levels six and 10. All new skills begin at level 1 proficiency.
Communications: Any Domestic: Any Electrical: None Espionage: Intelligence, Escape Artist, Detect Ambush and Detect Concealment only [+5%] Mechanical: None Medical: None Military: Any [+5%] Physical: Any Pilot: Any Pilot Related: Any Rogue: Any Science: Math only Technical: Any [-5%] W.P: Any Wilderness: Any [+10%]
Secondary Skills: Select 10, without bonuses, starting at base skill level.
Standard Equipment: [Rifts]: Set of clothing, hunting knife, Backpack, canteen,compass, and maybe a few personal items.
Weapons are generally few, as the Popsicles tend to be somewhat primal, although they recognize the value of tools. Generally, has an MD damage Weapon, a few non-energy weapons, and a vibroblade or three.
Vehicles are rare, although groups of Popsicles [Popsicles tend to stick with their own] may have a truck or two between them. Generally, if a vehicle is possessed, it will be a cheap, but reeliable item, like a motorcycle or something.
Money/Cybernetics: Has 3D6X100 in credit, and 2D4X1000 in black market items. Like a wild Psi-Stalker, they have little use for money, although they are smart enough to realize its value. While many Popsicles might find the concept of bionics appealing, their cryogenic bodies have so far confounded all attempts at cybernetic implantation.
[Non-Rifts] Equipment, weapons, vehicles, and money as Super-Soldier/Experiment in HU2, or if not possessed, like a normal person, or soldier/special agent if they're working for someone.
Conversion Notes: Can be substituted into Heoes Unlimited as a Super Soldier/Experiment like a Juicer or Crazy, with the usual conversions.
