Cosmic Rays

Cosmic Rays a type of radiation emitted by stars, and are mainly encountered in deep space. They're extremely high-energy particles (typically, protons or atomic nuclei) moving at near-light speed.
== Realistic ==
In more grounded/realistic settings, cosmic rays are only an issue in long-term space travel, as they are sparse (about 1 rad/week)Basic Set, p.435Disasters: Meltdown and Fallout, p.7 but almost unavoidable (dividing Protection Factor by 100).Basic Set, p.436 They can also cause software errors by affecting processors on the microscopic scale--something that can easily happen if your adventurers are using hardware that was never meant to go to space!Think of this as a drama trigger you can use later
== Cinematic ==
In more fantastical settings, cosmic rays can do all sorts of weird things. Mutant powers, rage zombies, uplifted electronics,Space, p.141 even evil, sapient cars?After the End 2: The New World, p.5 Or, more simply, suddenly an entire species is sterile.
== References ==
Category:Apocalypse Settings
Category:Setting Concepts