An implant. It is an independent processor linked to the neurocomputer built to house an AI (artificial intelligence)

The AI program has access to the sensory data and information in the neurocomputer, and can “read” surface thoughts of the owner (of course, access controls can be set if needed, both in the implant and the AI). Having a Daemon (or several) as advisor/secretary/partner is becoming more and more common, although most people rely on an external AI system and a wireless neural connection. It is not uncommon for users to get a motoric shunt to give the AI the ability to control the body. Daemon chips with monitoring AIs are sometimes used for punishment or behaviour correction in Landfall.

Common brands are CogniSoft-Neurologics Mentor 3400™, Janus HGA™, Medtronics Assistant™ and Cetidyne Sidekick X™.

Moodulator

An implant of the limbic system, enabling the owners to control their moods. Normally it just sets an allowed range and a bias (e.g. towards cheerfulness or calm), but it can also induce stronger emotional states. The implant is somewhat dangerous due to the risk of addiction to extreme positive states; most users at least tend to improve their mood. Originally it was developed on Nova for treatment of certain emotional disorders, especially the rare but devastating OIAIS (Ocean Induced AutoImmune Syndrome, an autoimmune illness induced by certain poisons causing severe mood swings due to damage of the limbic system). Later more widespread use developed. There are also moodcasters, systems sending signals to the implants of people who have allowed access. Moodcasters are mainly used in virtual dramas.

Common brands: Neurologics Pathos Series (I-IV) ™, Limbic Technologies Adonet™, MedTronics Nimbus 4™ and Neurointerfacing Interstellar LSS™. Neurologics also sells a series of limited implants just regulating single emotions such as aggression, sexuality or curiosity, the Heartland Series.

Autonomous control

Enables the owner to control many aspects of the autonomous nervous system such as hunger, sleep or pain. Turning off these functions are of course dangerous, but sometimes useful. It can also act as a super-alarm clock (guaranteed to wake you up) or “homeostatic tuner” to optimise the hormone balance of the body.

Common brands: MedTronics Tenacity 1™, Neurologics Autocontrol™, Kellerman Systems Regulator™.

Wideband Link

The implants used by Unity to achieve group consciousness. Unlike an ordinary neurointerface it connects to most of the cerebral cortex and has a much higher bandwidth. It can send and receive signals not just of primary sensory and motor information but also higher order associations and thoughts. Since each human has an individual “mental language” sophisticated translation systems and much training is required before digital telepathy is possible. Wideband links are also used by the Net Transcendence and Next Step Foundation in their experiments with expanding the human mind. One of the most controversial and interesting applications is to let software rewrite parts of the cortex; theoretically this could be the ultimate psychodesign, even if it is currently extremely crude. Some AIs are apparently interested in using this approach to “download” themselves to physical bodies.

Common brands: Unity Neurotechnologies Wideband Link™, BridgeTech Neocortex Interface™.

Medial forebrain pacemaker

An implant in the motivation and pleasure centres that is controlled by the owner’s neurocomputer. It is illegal on Nova and very addictive: users quickly become hooked on anything that activates it. It can be used together with behaviour therapy to change habits and personality, a kind of bionic psychodesign: the user links the implant to some reward evaluator (such as a monitoring AI) that rewards certain actions. The result is a strong increase in rewarded actions, which can be used to produce extreme ambition or tenacity. Unfortunately the temptations and dangers of use are huge.

Survival System

An anti-trauma network of implants, intended to maximise the chances of survival when the body is damaged. Small shunts can cut of blood loss and release protecting chemicals, as well as act as a pacemaker for the heart and lungs. If everything else is lost, the implant can douse the brain in neuroprotectants and lower body temperature to slow down damage so that an emergency cryonic suspension can be done.

Connon brands: MedTronics Titan™, Uustal E-3™, Pacekeeper Second Chance 4.03™

[ Gives extra mortal levels beyond the ordinary; an Ordinary Survival System gives one extra moral levels, a Good system two and an amazing three. ]

Medical monitors

Likely the most common implants on Nova. Small sensors implanted in the body provides information on the health state which can be used to detect and diagnose illnesses at an early stage. Simple systems just give some chemical information, body data and a rough picture of activity in different organ systems. More advanced monitors are finely spread, detecting minute local changes and comparing the body’s reactions against medical models.

Common brands are MedTronics Hygiea™, Neurologics Body Monitor™, Uustal H-8™ and Hawk Inner Eyes.

Medical support system

The adjunct to the medical monitoring system; to use a support system the monitors need to be installed (they are often bought as a package). Support systems can perform medical support by releasing microdoses of chemicals in various places in the body, for example lowering blood pressure, detecting and dealing with shock and blood loss, balancing immune responses or maintaining healthy hormone levels.

Some common brands are MedTronics Ascleipios™ (contains a small medical expert system offering diagnosis and suggestions), Neurologics Body Controller™, LK Tech DD™ and Kempler Survivalbox™.

[Gives a -1 pain control bonus and adds 1 to END. ]

Sensory Shunt

A shunt in the brain nerves and spinal cord enabling recording/replaying of sensory information, increasing/decreasing its strength, adding artificial sensations and sensory blockades.