Haemonite

> *"We call this Hemo, it's a blood substitute. The tech-heads up there call it Haemonite, but it's just faster to call it Hemo. This stuff is like a superior version of normal blood, it's scary how almost anything that bleeds can just take a bag and feel good as new."* - UCF Quartermaster, explaining the original use for Haemonite to a recruit.
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**Haemonite**, better known as **Hemo**, is a man-made compound created on January 15th, 2077, five days after the end of the New Year's War. It's intended to be a blood substitute, and nothing more, but military packs of Haemonite have the ability to enhance the performance of the consumer, similar to steroids, only non-addictive. Military bags of Hemo are illegal for use by civilians.

## History

Due to a sudden increase in demand for blood transfusion during the start of the Omnes Feud, blood banks worldwide were unable to supply blood for the wounded. In the midst of this panic, researchers threw together a 'Wildcard' bag. These Wildcard bags acted as early forms of Hemo, lacking the enhancing effect, and were colored green. These bags saw large success due to their ability to act as a substitute for human blood, easing the strain on blood banks. Blood types were also not a problem, as these early bags lacked antigens that would cause the body to react negatively, allowing for quicker transfusion. People who received Wildcard bag transfusions had their blood tinted brown, due to the mix of additive light, and were jokingly called Shitbleeders in some circles. Later on, Wildcard bags were phased out in favor of the refined Haemonite bags. The reason for this change was unknown, but it was likely due to the refinement of the procedure necessary to manufacture the substitute. A streamlined recipe also left it open to dilution of chemicals such as IV fluids, compared to Wildcard bags, where it was vital to not let it react with any other liquids, lest it become inert.

## Effects

While Hemo may be a blood substitute, bags intended to be supplied to the military also carry additional benefits. If shot by a ballistic weapon, consumers will bleed purple blood instead of red, as a result of Hemo flowing through their veins. Hemo is notably more viscous and doesn't easily flow into low pressure environments, being a non-newtonian fluid. This allows infantry to survive blows they normally wouldn't be able to withstand, with extreme cases demonstrating soldiers surviving artillery shrapnel blasting through their midsection, allowing a limited healing factor.

Haemonite also possesses nootropic properties, being capable of boosting the signals sent across synapses, heightening both reaction time and memory, as well as enhancing the five senses. It is also capable of enhancing a consumer's strength to a minor degree. This minor degree is capable of being enhanced by the dilution of steroids and certain amphetamines, though doing so is illegal.

Uniquely, Haemonite could also be consumed orally. People who have done so claim 'It tastes like blueberry jam'. This allows Hemo to be diluted in solvents before being consumed, allowing military forces access to a source of hydration as well as a booster.