SYNTH Transhuman

The term SYNTH transhuman can apply to two beings: humans who have been captured by the SYNTH and

genetically and technologically altered into SYNTH soldiers, or humans who have been vat-grown by the SYNTH and received genetic and technological modification. Transhumans are the foot soldiers of the SYNTH but also take on various industrial and administrative roles. They are completely loyal to the SYNTH and obey every order given to them without question as obedience to the SYNTH has been planted as a natural instinct in their DNA sequence.

SYNTH soldiers also live for a prolonged amount of time (often 200 years) as a result of genetic modification to their metabolism among other things. This can be extended if the soldier proves useful enough. As a result of this metabolism modification they often require little food, but when they do they get it in the form of combat rations issued to all troops which contain nutrients and various SYNTH chemicals.

## Appearance

The appearance of a SYNTH soldier is generally uniform (especially in vat-grown ones). They loose almost all pigmentation and become extremely pale, their irises turn an orange colour and their eyes become bloodshot. They are generally given various amounts of steroids and as a result build more muscle mass and have shortened reaction times, better motor skills, and numerous other traits.

Soldiers generally loose all their body save for that on their heads, which is usually trimmed to a military cut by the SYNTH. The average height of a SYNTH soldier is 6'4 (this can vary in those who have been abducted by the SYNTH).

## Vat-grown soldiers

The growth of SYNTH soldiers is a complicated process and is overseen by the SYNTHESIS division UTERO.

Vat soldiers are conceived naturally inside an artificial womb and their growth is advanced through various outside stimuli, steroids, and other chemicals. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for the soldier to reach the biological age of 19 at which they are pulled from the tank. They know how to walk and have basic motor skills as a result of DNA modification in the artificial womb; they are also birthed with the loyalty instinct of all soldiers. They go through indoctrination and learn combat and other educational needs quite quickly due to SYNTH's unethical teaching methods.

Generally, they receive the same technological and genetic modification as soldier's who are assimilated into the SYNTH.

## Non-vat grown soldiers

The SYNTH is known to abduct human populations who have been deemed healthy enough to be indoctrinated a SYNTH soldiers.

They receive standard SYNTH modification and take on the same appearance as their Vat-grown counterparts. The only change is that they are subject to brutal flashing lights that temporarily blind them in order to erase their past memories.

As a result of this they undergo retinal reconstruction surgery, which restores their vision in grey-scale. As with their vat-grown counterparts, modifications are made to restrict their emotions, improve reaction times, and greatly increase motor skills.

## Universal modifications

Modifications that are universal around all types of soldiers is mainly to their genetics, wherein the instincts planted in their DNA are modified and build upon by the SYNTH. Most emotions are removed; save for anger, debauchery, and joy. Their anger is increased via steroids in order to make them more effective in combat, and they generally only feel joy after either a victory in battle or after engaging in some form of depraved self-indulgence. Soldiers have been known to show great cruelty to their prisoners who have not been selected for indoctrination, often torturing them for hours on end before growing bored and either raping or killing them. Being put to the mercy of a SYNTH soldier is almost always a death sentence.

An instinct in their DNA is also implanted to make them loyal to the SYNTH, and when given an order by a superior they have an instinctual response to follow it and carry it out to the best of their abilities; even if it means their certain death. They view the SYNTH's main hivemind APOLLYON with reverence and in their minds it is something superior to be followed by all inferior lifeforms.

They also have various technologies implanted in them to help their bodies run smoother, including several implants in the abdomen for muscle support and lung support, increasing stamina.

## Behavior

Soldiers, when not in combat, will generally take of their helmets and socialize with their comrades. They have all been observed to enjoy one another's company and will engage like normal humans.

They require at least 5 hours sleep and when in their natural habitat at a SYNTH base will sleep in their barracks, and when not will put their survival training to the use and make use of what they have to get their rest.

Most soldiers have developed a warrior-culture among their ranks; with social hierarchy being determined by those who succeed the most in training and combat alike. They have also been known to engage in hazing of newer soldiers.