Homonculus

Homonculi are humans which have been extensively altered by a dehumanising process involving memory wiping and surgery.

Because of their human origin and limited intelligence, homonculi are usually mistaken for humans. Often they are only discovered when questioned on topics for which they have not been prepared.

Homonculi first appeared in a primitive form at the time of the Technology Rush era. They have been improved over the centuries following their first appearance, and as of the Age of Stagnation, are more than worthy of their own racial profile.

## Appearance

Homonculi are near indistinguishable from humans. They are almost always an almost-but-not-quite exaggeration of a conventionally attractive human, with idealised figures and perfectly kempt body hair. The men are often well muscled with strong jaws and smouldering eyes, and the women curvaceous and painstakingly made up.

Normally this exceptional beauty would betray them immediately, but because of the growing popularity of vanity oriented augmentations in the Age of Stagnation, it is very unreliable to identify them by sight alone.

## Reproduction

Despite being human, homonculi are incapable of breeding, having been chemically neutered by the surgical process by which they are produced.

A human, usually homeless or alone, is taken by a homonculus scout. It is brought to a production facility and undergoes an extensive remodelling process according to the following steps:

1. The human is anaesthetised and remains unconscious for the duration of the process.
2. The subject's organs are injected with specially formulated chemical concoctions which revitalise and refresh. The stomach is emptied and altered to require less food, and lab-grown wetware is attached to the brain to enable reprogramming.
3. Bone reconstruction surgery is performed by machinery or other homonculi programmed as a surgeon. This step breaks, resets, realigns, and grows bones to better reflect an idealised body. Female hips and male shoulders are broadened, and bones are thickened and thinned until they best fit this 'perfect' mould.
4. Further, more delicate surgery is performed on the bones and cartilage of the face. Cheekbones are altered and eye sockets are enlarged.
5. Tissue surgery is performed, strengthening and enlarging muscle as required. Fat is redistributed and increased or decreased as needed. During this process, chemicals are introduced into the bloodstream, carefully measured to revert and reduce aging of tissue, bone, and skin so the homonculus remains permanently youthful.
6. Skin and hair is chemically smoothed and softened. At this stage, as well as during the tissue stage, primary and secondary sex organs are customised as required.
7. Ownership and vanity tattoos are applied as necessary. Female homonculi are often given eyeliner tattoos or permanent blush.
8. Using the pre-installed cranial wetware, a mental wipe is performed, removing memories and personality. At this stage, the homonculus is essentially a living corpse; it is only able to perform vital processes such as circulation and breathing.
9. The brain is programmed, granting the homonculus specific knowledge and skills it will use when it is put into active service.