The Art of Fabrication

*The Arts of Fabrication in the Apocalypsa Galaxy is the application of engineering principles to biology, cloning,medicine and the process through which surgeons implant modified artificial organs into humans. An Arcanus Biologis is a person involved with fabrication and its sub many categories of study. There are a wide variety of philosophies woven throughout the fabrication arts, including; the study of raising corpses to life, whose practitioners are called necromancers. Also, the illegal discipline of fabricating monsters, often growing them from living matter. These are powerful biological weapons of destruction, bred and used by many factions, most commonly the Star Spawn. The Arcanus Biologis are responsible for pioneering the process in which surgeons create augmented humans, gifting them with various special abilities. Such as, but not limited to, the ability to broadcast mental messages or send out psychic blast to disrupt the minds of Humans or monsters.*

*While others are able to generate electricity. Some claim to be searching for deeper knowledge, including the secret of perpetual life and the creation of superhumans capable of fighting no matter how badly injured, who can hunt down and destroy monsters where they dwell. Although the practice of fabricating creatures in the likeness of Humans has long been completely outlawed due to a disastrous rebellion of such fabricated warriors millennia ago. This rebellion ending with the extermination of an entire space faring civilization at the hands of their vengeful transgenic warriors and the loss of the knowledge to replicate their accomplishment. Because of the stigma against Humans who have undergone the process of having fabricated organs implanted with the intention of gaining inhuman powers, most choose to operate out of Wild Space as mercenaries or monster hunters. However, the fabrication of various unintelligent hybrid animals is more commonly accepted, if not outright condemned.*

*Bioengineering beasts of burden or live stock to feed planetary populations is largely seen as a necessity for many worlds. Though many peoples dislike fabricated creatures, and claim that they are acts against nature. Among Humanity, there are also religious zealots who believe that all fabrications are evil or are simply very uncomfortable around them. Such "animals" appear to be combinations of natural creatures reminiscent of ancient beasts whom were spread to many different terraformed worlds during their mythical Golden Age. The few stigmas against fabrication are relatively few and over the millennia the art has become woven into much of human society, achieving a level of normalcy comparable to that of alchemical studies and techsmiths. This acceptance is also made easier as the contributions of the fabrication arts to medicine are completely undeniable.*

## *Fabricologist Biologists*

*A master of genetic manipulation and bio-alchemy, the Fabricologist Biologist is responsible for the process of fabrication and indoctrination. They concoct new methods for creating strange bioengineered creatures, morphing the body and mind, rendering them susceptible to genetic mutation or manipulation. Fabricologist Biologists can be found acting as Official Medical specialists in slum hospitals, chemical distilleries, and food manufacturing facilities. They are also trusted with conducting secret test upon a Fortress Cities population. Embedded in positions of high authority, they run discreet tests upon the unsuspecting local populace, searching for any over negative genetic mutations that may have a less than natural source. Fabricologist Biologists are reclusive beings, far preferring to be alone in their labs than to engage others. Ultimately however, durinjg times of dire necessaity they will be called upon to fabricate warbeasts and cybernetic monsterities. Often marching to war surrounded by a cadre of aberrant beasts, the Fabricologist Biologists unleashes their creations through weapons which specialize in spreading biochemical concations. This resutling in turning the unfortunate invaders into piles of dissolving slime.*

## *Bioengineered Augments*

*On the long journey to become more than simply human, the various scientific minds born of mankind have attempted to perfect humanity's perceived genetic flaws utilizing a wide assortment bizarre methods. Though few can be considered more bizarre than the use of the fabrication arts to enhance baseline humans. Ranging from simply utilizing vat grown, fabricated organs which grants extraordinary abilities to splicing human DNA with that of strange animals so as to gain superhuman attributes. More commonly known as "Augments", these individuals, while not held up to the same esteem as the gloried transhuman beings born of the Lassarus Serums, are comparatively more common among the general populace. This is thanks mostly to the main providers of these enhancements, the Mad Docs of the Synister City. A conclave of radical scientists, disgraced physicians and extremist Arcanus Biologis, they are willing to provide the fruits of their labor to any who can afford it. No matter how distasteful the individual or twisted their motives.*

*This open door policy of doing business attracts a wide array of individuals, as should be expected. Including spoiled high born nobles seeking to perfect any genetically or physically undesirable traits (be they real or imagined), athletes desiring enhanced abilities and of course other scientists whom are disillusioned with the limitations placed upon their profession in more acceptable circles. Each type of implant has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, many of these individuals function as a human weapon, allowing them to generate powerful electrical blast or even psychic attacks, due to the nature of their abilities but are restricted by the need to take specialized drugs provided by the physicians of the Synister City to keep their added organs working. Those who sought somewhat more mundane but still quite bizarre augmentations, such as altered eyesight or enhanced musculature, do not have this problem, but are dependent upon chemical preparations that they must bring to combat -and which can backfire on them.*

### *Enhancer Serum*

*Enhancer Serum is an alchemical substance manufactured and used by various military organizations, criminal syndicates, and even professional athletes to enhance baseline humans with extraordinary physical abilities. Unlike the Lassarus Serum, the Enhancer Serum is a highly addictive super-steroid that must be regularly injected in order for the effects to remain. Once injected, the drug would instantly transform the user into a hulking mass of unbridled physical strength. However, as the drug wears off, the user's body would rapidly return to its original state or sometimes even weaker, at which point the user would suffer from massive, debilitating withdrawal symptoms, which are usually accompanied by hallucinations. The drug is also widely used by Lassar-born to enhance their performance, granting a temporary boost in superhuman abilities and a mental high.*

*One injection enhances subjects talents up to five times and last for around 12 hours, though due to their superhuman matabolism the effects only las five hours for the Lassar-born. The Enhancer Serum is also manufactured by some Demihumans, most notably the Dushkaari, and utilized to the dame effect. As unlike the Lassarus Serum, the Enhancer Serum is not lethal to them, Demihumans suffering few if any negative side effects from its use, and it further enhances their already formidable physical abilities. These genetic wonder drugs operate by exchanging original cells within a subject with new and changing variations. Being extremely potent, it requires only a small amount for a subject to receive superhuman levels of strength. The effects of small, controlled, or minor doses are seemingly minimal. But, in truth there is no safe level of usage for the experimental concoction.*

*The Enhancer Serum is extremely addictive, encouraging a disfiguring dependency in turn for those who use it. The very nature of such an enhancing drug leads users into substance dependence and crippling, unending addiction which very few are strong enough to overcome. Due to the instability of the Enhancer Serum's interactions with the subject on a genetic level, a whole host of debilitating reactions can manifest within the user over a relatively short period of time. While some users will be slowly consumed by horrible physical deformities, others can suffer extreme psychosis but few noticeable mutations. The key is that the side effects can differ immensely with each individual. However, some common defects are observed within the "enhancer" population. As the sudden release of endorphins and adrenaline, along with the extreme pain of the transformation, can result in the recipient going into a crazed, psychotic state.*

*The subject underwent not only a size change, but grotesque facial and muscular disfigurement, and even caused their spinal columns to become exposed. The drug greatly increasing the user's bone density and muscle strength. Another side effect of the Enhancer Serum are the negative mental abnormalities, it causing permanent and gradual memory lose over time. Despite this, the drug is very widely used in place of the much harder to manufacture and utilize Lassarus Serum. Because of its many negative side effects the Enhancer Serum has been outlawed by many factions. Although this has done very little to stop the drug from reaching the criminal underbelly. Underground gladiators amped up on the Enhancer Serum may be unleashed upon one another or forced to fight against a Lassar-born Berker in brutal hand to hand combat. The drug is also widely used by countless militia forces to give them an edge when facing the conventional armies of larger militaries and other stranger enemies.*

## *The Khull Potion*

*While not considered to be an "serum" by most alchemist, there does exist another means of bestowing mere mortals with superhuman attributes. This mysterious concoction is called the Khull Potion, and is utilized solely by the powerful Seheron Union. The Khull Potion is composed of a unique chemical blend native to a single heavily guarded world within the reclusive Seheron Union. When properly harnessed the Khull Potion is normally capable of granting enhanced physical abilities comparable to those granted by the Lassarus Serum. Bestowing superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, reflexes, agility, and instincts upon those whom consume it. The user's senses are enhanced so they can now see in total darkness, track any scent, and hear an enemy's heartbeat. However, two side effects of the Khull Potion are occasionally experiencing extremely painful prophetic dreams (although this is an extremely rare occurrence) and decreased fertility among those who consume it. Though they can still reproduce, it is made somewhat more difficult.*

### *The Diluted Khull Potion*

*While not considered to be an "serum" by most arcanist tech magus, there does exist another means of bestowing mere mortals with superhuman attributes. This mysterious concoction is called the Diluted Khull Potion, and is utilized solely by the powerful Seheron Union. The Khull Potion is composed of a unique chemical blend native to a single heavily guarded world within the reclusive Seheron Union. When properly harnessed the Khull Potion is normally capable of granting enhanced physical abilities comparable to those granted by the Lassarus Serum. Bestowing superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, reflexes, agility, and instincts upon those whom consume it. The user's senses are enhanced so they can now see in total darkness, track any scent, and hear an enemy's heartbeat. However, two side effects of the Khull Potion are occasionally experiencing extremely painful prophetic dreams (although this is an extremely rare occurrence) and decreased fertility among those who consume it. Though they can still reproduce, it is made somewhat more difficult.*

*Those who consume the potion are capable of seeing objects with perfect clarity at much greater distances than ordinary humans. They retain this same level of clarity even in near-total darkness. Their hearing is similarly enhanced, allowing them to detect sounds that an ordinary human can't hear and enable them to hear sounds an ordinary human can hear but at greater distances. They are also able to sense the presence of supernatural beings or forces whereas an ordinary human or someone enhanced by the Lassarus Serum would be oblivious to them. These beings are capable of running and moving at speeds greater than even the best human athlete, achieving speeds of up to 70 miles an hour. They can also accelerate their movements to cover short distances in an instant, faster than the human eye is able to see. Their reflexes are similarly heightened. Those enhanced with the Khull Potion move so fast everything else in comparison, appears to be moving in slow motion. This allows them to easily outmaneuver most opponents they encounter in battle.*

*The Khull Potion grants its users immense superhuman strength, allowing them to lift 10-15 tons. They have sufficient strength to easily rip the head off of another enhanced human with their bare hands. This strength also extends to their legs, as they can routinely make prodigious jumps of hundreds of feet through the air. Their musculature generates less lactic acid during physical activity than the musculature of an ordinary human. This allows them to exert themselves at peak capacity for several hours before fatigue begins to set in. The Khull Potion also bestows an accelerated healing ability that allows its users to heal mild to moderate injuries with considerably greater speed and efficiency than ordinary baseline humans. They are capable of healing from severe slashes and puncture wounds within a matter of minutes to hours depending on the severity of the wound. However, they are not able to regenerate missing limbs or organs. The Khull Potion also has the effect of increasing one's life expectancy and fortified overall health, tripling the life span. They are able to live for many centuries, averaging between 2,700 and 3,000 years of age. The Khull Potion grants an increase in size, users standing between 7'9 ft - 8'9 ft tall, as well as enhancing their musculature and skeletal structure.*

*Khull Potions drastically alter a baseline humans natural aging process, causing them to age significantly slower than an ordinary human being. As an example, despite being in their 70's, a Khull Potion enhanced individual will maintain the physical appearance and vitality of a man or woman of 26 years of age. The rare children born to a parent whom has undergone the process of becoming a Khull Potion enhanced superhuman will inherit some of their abilities to a much lessened extent. Normally showing increased cognitive abilities, strength, agility, speed, etc... which surpasses that of a normal baseline human. Though not as impressive as their enhanced parent, these children are still exceptional human beings. Because they have had prior exposure to the effects of the Khull Potion while inside the womb, they are much more likely to survive the Rite Of Consumption than an ordinary baseline human is. However, this heightened resistance does not mean the child will not succumb to death, only that their chances of survival are greater. This makes such gifted children ideal candidates for recruitment into one of the esteemed warrior orders of Seheron which are given allowance to utilize the Khull Potion. For this reason they are highly sought after and drafted into the ranks of the superhumans.*

*Though it also much rarer and much more difficult to obtain than the more commonly utilized Lassarus Serum(at least by comparison). Only a relative handful of specially selected warrior organizations made up elite soldiers known as the Kull Warriors are ever allowed access to the Khull Potion. These warrior orders are especially strict in their recruitment of new members they deem worthy of receiving this boon. However, though this version of the elixir is more stable than the others when it comes to mutation or causing insanity, it does carry other risk. The Khull Potion is known to poison and kill the considerable majority of those whom consume it. Because of this reason, the standards for recruitment are very specialized and only those who have a decent chance of surviving the consumption will even be made recruits. Some believe that if an individual harbors any psychological weaknesses, such as doubts about the ritual, or even about their own commitment, the ritual of consumption may fail as well, and the fledgling recruits will die in the attempt. However, these failed initiates are still honored for having been deemed worthy of undergoing the rite at all.*

*Quasi as well receive a great boost in their abilities when infused with the Khull Potion and a greater boost still when given the Chaos Star enhanced variant. Allowing them to exponentially surpass their previous limits and achieve far more impressive feats of psychic power than before. A human Quasi can become addicted to the Khull Potion, desiring it more and more over time. Prolonged use can result in a Quasi losing their sanity along with control over their destructive psychic powers. Because of this, few baseline human Quasi are gifted with the Khull Potion and those few who are deemed stable enough to receive this boon must be closely monitored for signs of deterioration. If mastered, the Quasi will become a truly formidable warrior. Many can use their psychic powers to throw powerful energy bolts, project force shields or increase their might to demigod-like proportions. Some can step outside of time, slow the enemy's movements or redirect projectiles with the sheer power of their minds. Even so, the most skilled of these individuals can master more subtle gifts, learning how to read the ebb and flow of time and sense the movement of demons. Being able to feel the psychic shock waves that herald the arrival of these most vile and hated enemies of creation from the Astral Realm.*

### *The Pure Khull Potion*

*The Khull Potion is an arcane concoction created within the depths of Phyrr Space and is far more potent than anything produced by human hands. The Khull Potion grants many more unique attributes not seen in any rendition of the Lassarus Serum or Enhancer Formula, possessing the ability to rejuvenate the terminally ill, mortally injured and even resurrect the dead. For maximum efficiency, however, someone must be given the Khull Potion within a relatively short period of time following their death. Although older bodies may be resurrected, there is no guarantee that they will return in perfect condition, often suffering from considerable psychological degradation. When used to heal or to bring someone back to life, that person is inevitably rendered completely insane for a relatively short time. The experience of returning to their physical bodies from the afterlife after having been dead for sometime being quite traumatizing. However, infusion with the Khull Potion can have many side effects. Often manifesting in the form of horrifying mutations before suffering an agonizing death.*

*Being saturated with the energies of a Chaos Star, the Khull Potion is far more potent to such a degree that normal humans are unable to utilize it without risking horrifying mutations before suffering an agonizing death. Only the Star Spawn and Demihumans are capable of making use of this serum without suffering "permanent" ill effects. Although the Demihumans are not nearly as immune as their Star Spawn cousins, suffering from similar side effects found in humans who use the Enhancer Serum. Its use gives the individual increased strength, and greater quasi potential. However, the* Khull Potion *heavily amplifies negative traits such as increased aggression and impatience while snuffing out positive ones such as empathy, allowing one to make decisions they never would've made before. The unfortunate individual's personality is also twisted beyond recognition, becoming a broken reflection of the person they had once been.*

*Users of the Khull Potion are unable to see the changes in themselves, whether physical or psychological. The physical capabilities of those whom have chosen to consume the Chaos Star infused potion are also much greater, far surpassing their normal limits. The Khull Potion grants the Star Spawn recipients far more formidable superhuman capabilities, all of their physical attributes being further enhanced to much higher levels of human capacity. Various Star Spawn throughout Phyrr Space produce the potion in its most potent form, where it carries a deep spiritual importance and is seen as a gift from the gods to their faithful by most. In Phyrr Space only the Chaos Star enhanced potion is available, as the other variants have little effect upon the more robust physiology of the myriad Star Spawn races whom already have spent their entire lives being saturated with the energies of a Chaos Star. Because these reasons, the Star Spawn are essentially immune, to the negative effects of the Chaos Star enhanced Khull Potion.*

*Similar to the Enhancer Serum's effect on humans, the Khull Potion can be used by the Star Spawn to amplify their natural abilities to varying degrees for a relatively short time. Within Savage Space the substance is quite frequently used for religious practices and pre-battle ceremonies. Demihumans are extremely resistant, though not entirely immune to its many negative effects. As the inhabitants of worlds which have been saturated in excess amounts of arcane power originating from the accursed Gods Eye for tens of thousands of years, the peoples of Savage Space possess endurance, speed, agility and dexterity which have been enhanced to abnormal levels when compared to an unaugmented human being. Utilizing the Khull Potion, all of their already formidable abilities are heightened to a truly astronomical degree. However, the Khull Potion's mystical properties can sometimes become vastly overwhelming, augmenting a Demihumans strength and causing them to become highly volatile or feral.*

## *Chimera*

*DNA splicing is offered by the Synister City as an alternative method to the usage of fabricated organs and various super steroids. Splicing is the science of mixing or crossing DNA from two or more different species, to produce hybrid/chimera organisms. Commonly, it was accomplished by mixing human DNA with animal genes, so as to enhance the recipient's genetic material. However, there were other forms of splicing, which depended on the specific intended goal. Without regulation from the authorities, splicing is most often accepted throughout the regions of Wyld Space, with applications ranging from cosmetic surgery to physical enhancement. An underground science offered on blackmarkets, the practice is popular with criminals and gangs. This leading to small armies of "chimeric" thugs roaming the streets. Despite being outlawed and looked down upon, most military organizations are willing to utilize human chimera as frontline or specialist soldiers to varying degrees.*

*Human chimera that are deemed "successes" by their creators are those achieved through the science of "splicing", with nearly entirely human outward forms whose internal biological and genetic makeups have incorporated increased senses, versatile physical structures, and abilities identical to the animals with which they have been "spliced". Thus granting them superhuman traits while maintaining an inconspicuous near human shape. However, the form that are most prized for military applications in regards to the creation of human chimera are those which are capable of transforming from full human form into that of a human-beast hybrid and back at their own will. While the fabrication of chimera utilizing the genetic material of a live human subject is an accepted branch of the arcane art of fabrication, the concept of extending its mutative hand to the realm of enhancing human characteristics and abilities being a highly explored avenue, the science of creating Homunculus is strictly prohibited as a practice under the authority nearly all major governments.*

*On the other hand, though there are Arcanus Biologis who flout this decree and step across the threshold into monstrous experimentation. Creating a perfect Homunculus comparable to what was achieved with the Dushkaari is not only forbidden but also completely impossible due to a lack of information, such knowledge having been intentionally destroyed in the fires of their rebellion. In place of fabricating perfect Homunculus, Arcanus Biologis instead seek to utilize human and animal DNA to create highly intelligent hybrids. Vat grown human chimera are inferior to their Homunculus predecessors in almost every way, having very little social ability and significantly mutated forms while also experiencing high levels of physical pain due to having internal systems that are incomplete or otherwise insufficient for maintaining their new hybridized bodies. The first "successful" fabricated human-chimera were created during the later, often unsuccessful experiments of Synister City. Such creatures frequently develop anomalies, or unusual, unintended genetic features.*

*Due to their unusual strength, some anomalies are used as a labor force, digging entrenchments and moving heavy equipment and weapons for military units of transhumans whom oversee their life of toiling. Within Phyrr Space, the fabrication arts are practiced to a much greater extent and with even more wild abandon than in the Synister City.*

*Being the birth region of the galaxy for the many horrific monsters fabricated by the various Star Spawn races as fearsome beasts of war. These are strange amalgam creatures that combine many sources of genetic material to form twisted monstrosities with completely unpredictable results, forced psychic mutation, and unspeakable “enslaver symbiotes” -- artificial organic grafts that subvert the will and the bodily functions of those unfortunates they are inflicted upon. Such Chimeric warbeasts are sometimes mutated animals or otherwise normal lifeforms taken over and controlled by modifying their DNA. They are also quite often entirely vat grown organisms, created in laboratories. These warbeasts are horrific organic fabrications solely intended for violence. The Star Spawn expose their creatures to extreme amounts of Chaos Star radiation during the bioengineering process, causing drastic changes in the developing abomination.*

*This results in mutations such as growth, extra limbs and/or appendages, as well as a rather horrific disfigured look. They also exhibit increased hostility in their behavioral patterns. Most fabricated warbeasts are driven by the most basic of needs, such as to feed on anything in the vicinity, and as they are used as weapons of war this usually includes humans. They can be genetically programmed to obey their handlers, allowing them to become alarmingly efficient in teamwork in most situations and will work together to attack an enemy. However, if presented with no prey in the environment; they will not hesitate to attack and consume each other or their handler if he/she is not careful when in their presence.*

## *Homunculus*

*The Fabrication of chimeric Homunculus is a dangerous and often ill advised area of study. A Homunculus, is an artificial construct made primarily of flesh and synthetic tissue utilizing the arcane sciences of fabrication. Although the fabrication of vat grown creations is a widespread technology throughout the realms Humanity and their distant cousins alike, many baseline human factions consider the use of such technology to create intelligent life as forbidden. This includes not only "thinking engines", but also artificial intelligent humanoids. Both of which have caused Humanity great strife in millennia past. In particular, the Homunculus -- bio-forms fashioned from harvested Humanoid organs, alchemical serums, and vat-grown tissue in the shape of a living Human with no natural origin, are rightly feared by the races of Humanity. In order to understand such fear, one need not look any further than the fanatical and piratic Dushkaari, whose origins lie within the arcane science of fabrication, being a result of combining the genetic material of Star Spawn with that from a number of biochemically enhanced transhumans. This created warriors who were mentally and physically superior to any "regular" transhuman born by more conventional means. The Homunculus were an attempt to create the perfect soldier, though it resulted in unforeseen devastation. Homunculus generally possess the belief that they are superior to every other living thing, most especially including humans. This is the psychological effect of their being born with immense strengths and made to serve such inferior beings. Resulting in many of the Homunculus developing deep seeded ill feelings and even hatred towards their baseline human creators, such feelings only being held in check by the use of brainwashing.*

*For no reason that their creators could ascertain, these Homunculus developed a vampiric ability to feed on the psychic energies of other living beings and appeared to attract the animosity of most baseline humans they encountered. These "perfect" Homunculus were all virtually identical to adult humans, except for they all universally bore the appearance of albinos. Possessing pale hair, alabaster skin and red/orange eyes. But had superior strength, speed, agility, resilience and intelligence to varying degrees depending on the generation as the Homunculus were continually perfected over time. A key aspect of these Homunculus was their psychology which may have contributed to feelings of hostility from baseline humans, for all Homunculus are generally lacking in empathy, in effect making them born sociopaths. These Homunculus were also psychologically programmed to obey the orders of any superior, a process that needed to be repeated regularly and an aspect that contributed to a massive revolt when the pinnacle of the fabrication arts was achieved. Born of an artificial womb as a child and raised by scientists, heralded as being "perfect in every way", the Homunculus that came to be known simply as the "First Born", would grow to despise humanity as a whole. Secretly sabotaging the psychological programming process, making it so that all Homunculus would obey her orders. Utilizing her new army of superhuman transgenics, the First Born would then go on to massacre her creators, genocide their homeworlds and wage a genocidal campaign against humanity, slaughtering billions before fleeing to Phyrr Space.*

*As it stands, the creation of a "perfect" Homunculus is now a forbidden realm of study within the fabrication arts and can no longer be replicated by Humanity, its methodology lost during the time of the decades long "Great Scouring". A conflict waged by Humanity in order to force the various Dushkaari warbands out of Human controlled space. Countless billions were killed, cementing Humanity's undying hatred of the Homunculus. According to ancient records, such works of the arcane-techno arts of Fabrication were first unleashed during the days of the The Age of Apocalypse in response to the horrors that Humanity unleashed upon one another during that time of endless, internecine warfare. A time when Power Armored Humans faced off against legions of fabricated monstrosities, some created to live out their entire lives encased within mechanized armored suits. Replication of the process of creating Homunculus has been tried by the more extreme practitioners of the fabrication arts. However, no attempts have thus far succeeded, a great deal of the processes and techniques for creating successful and functioning Homunculus being lost. These include the purification of the genetic material to be used in the procedure and the elimination of gene-flaws. Due to the loss of these techniques, mutations and other deformities occur in almost every later attempt to repeat the process. These might include extra limbs, claws and fangs and also mental and psychological changes, including fury and predatory bloodlust. The process of attempting to create a Homunculus can also magnify and accentuate already present gene-flaws. In many cases deformities present in the gene-stock can take disturbing and horrific shapes in the Homunculus, killing it or rendering it an abomination.*