Neural Process Constriction

Neural Process Constriction is a neurological condition caused by excessive usage of combat-enhancing drugs. Over time, the condition causes the victim's neural process to break down, mainly in personality centres and sections of the brain that determine one's "self". This leads to the victim becoming unable to recognise themselves, effectively losing their consciousness and sentience while the body continues to function normally. The final stage is an irreversable process. While the condition is horrifying to most, some military leaders view it as a positive - the victims of Neural Process Constriction are still able to follow complex commmands, essentially acting as "meat robots" that lack self-preservation. Many refer to victims of this condition as NPCs, referring to computer-controlled characters in video games that appear to be human, but are devoid of existence beyond what they are specifically programmed to do.

The condition was first noted by researchers working for Noricis Pharmaceutical while studying the spread of certain diseases in conflict zones. Foreign security forces, equipped with exosuits, advanced surveillance systems, and "Big Data" to process information, were more than a match for local insurgents. Insurgent commanders began giving their troops an incredibly unsafe cocktail of combat-enhancing drugs that massively improved the strength, agility, combat intelligence, and perceptiveness. While this somewhat evened the playing field, the researchers also noted it seemed to "hollow out" its users. After the findings were published, several less well funded militaries and many insurgent groups immediately began adopting the drugs for their troops, viewing the condition as a necessary sacrifice for victory. Within a year, the export of these drugs became heavily regulated by international treaty, but particularly clever military groups are able to either manufacture their own, or purchase the drugs from criminal cartels.

Type

Neurological