NeuroGel
NeuroGel is a software product used in the manufacture of several "smart" products, including Process. Though not intelligent on its own, it "grows" any intelligent programming it attaches to and in a consistently unique fashion. The manufacturing process is a closely guarded secret of Bismuth Procedural Software, but it is known for being expensive in terms of memory.
Properties
Material Characteristics
In its raw form, NeuroGel is a thick blue liquid that eventually hardens into a clay with vein-like wires running through it. Most of the time, it is sold in the form of half-meter wide cube. Once formatted in the creation of a smart product, it typically reshapes and hardens, becoming part of the core processing unit.
Physical & Chemical Properties
NeuroGel mimicks neurons to expand on relatively simple core AI programming and does so in unique but inconsistent fashion. The results are usually good enough to earn its reputation as a high-end product.
Game mechanics: Using a cube of NeuroGel gives a 1 point discount to Compile and Format functions involving the creation of "smart" products, including Process. When creating Process cohorts, it usually includes the Bloatware (Bismuth Procedural Software) Flaw combined with an Edge appropriate to the Process' intended purpose.
Life & Expiration
Unused NeuroGel has a finite lifespan, and may spontaneously develop a core program of its own. Left unattended for long enough, it will often cobble together a patchwork avatar for a subroutine or rogue Process. This is especially common when Glitch is involved, producing irrational and corrupted monsters.
History & Usage
Everyday use
For many self-aware Process, obtaining NeuroGel is an easy way to expand their minds, despite the dangers of personality drift and eccentricities that develop. NeuroGel in its natural state will not form bonds with Users or Daemons, but some enterprising (and generally illegal) places find ways to work around this limitation for a price.
Industrial Use
The single biggest use for NeuroGel is in the production of expert Process by Sirius Service Solutions and other Process manufacturers. Smaller portions will often be used in designer smart products where an item's uniqueness is a selling point. Very small doses are sometimes used in the creation of memory tokens designed to produce more interactive experiences, which is often a selling point to encourage repeat customers.
Hazards
Raw NeuroGel can end up self-determining if left alone for too long, creating hazardous Subroutines and Rogue Process. Bismuth Procedural Software stresses immediate use to prevent this. This has also led to them taking measures not to allow too much raw NeuroGel in one location, for fear of forming more powerful intelligences. This, however, is not widely known among the populace.
Reusability & Recycling
Once formatted, NeuroGel is difficult to recycle or repurpose, functionally having a will of its own. Typically, Process made with NeuroGel are retired and their memory storage reclaimed, deleting the NeuroGel.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Bismuth Procedural Software maintains a monopoly on the product by keeping its manufacturing process a secret. Being able to produce varying but good results with relatively little effort on the part of end-User manufacturers means NeuroGel is a high demand product for Process and Subroutine producers.
Storage
NeuroGel is typically stored in simple, secure containers about a half-meter in length. Barriers are often involved in storage containers to prevent physical contact with smart software.
Law & Regulation
Outside of their initial manufacture, consumption of NeuroGel is considered a crime for Process, who may face retirement. It is sometimes difficult to enforce this law, since NeuroGel tends to leave little hard evidence, but being a controlled substance usually means it's well guarded. Knowing that it alters as it enhances Process has lead to eccentric and independant Process being harassed by Troubleshooters as suspected NeuroGel consumers. It is illegal to modify a batch to attach to anything with a UID, making consumption by Users illegal as well, but such individuals are usually protected from severe consequences by User privilege.
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