Exploits

The Applications that are common to all Nanon are not the only cybernetic capabilities at their disposal. From time to time a Nanon discovers an “technique;” an independent power created through the combination of two or more standard powers. Like standard Applications, these techniques — called Exploits — can be learned from or taught to other Nanon in much the same time frame and manner as the broader powers from which they originate. Any cyborg with the appropriate prerequisite Application dots can, in theory, develop the Exploits for which he qualifies. It’s simply a matter of time and effort.

Not all Nanon have even heard of Exploits. By their nature, they are far rarer than the common Applications are, and knowledge of them is a bit more fleeting than the understanding of the unique Applications that sometimes accompany the new Adaptations. Only a relative handful of Nanon possess Exploits, and fewer still have been wise enough to create their own. Nanon may learn of them through a “secret knowledge” that The Machine wishes to pass on to them, the confidences of a mentor, or by any other manner in which they come up in a story.

Although any Nanon can potentially learn any Exploit as long as she has the Application prerequisites, some measure of “creator’s pride” exists pertaining to each, depending upon who claims to have developed the power first. Most of the Exploits stemming from and involving the NVision Application are known as The Soldiers’ Exploits, for example, while those involving Menander are referred to as Enigma Exploits.

The following are sample Exploits that cyborgs might encounter and learn. For information on creating one’s own Exploits, see p. XX.