Biomodification makes profound, permanent alteration of human genetic substance possible. Cosmetic and personal-health modifications are widespread among those who can afford them, while militarized alteration for warfare or eugenics remains tightly controlled and policed.
Among the wealthiest residents of Withmore City, aesthetic modification can reach far beyond conventional cosmetic surgery. Some pursue changes so extensive that they remain only partly recognizable as human.
Biomodification changes the body biologically. It differs in method from installing a manufactured limb, organ, or electronic interface, although biological modification and cyberware can work together. SK's Biomod Motor-function Controller, for example, is designed to enable movement of additional biomodified appendages through existing neural pathways.
Nanogenics is another approach to bodily enhancement, using injected nanites to manufacture new or improved tissue at the cellular level. These technologies share some aims without being interchangeable descriptions of every procedure.
The ability to reshape humanity has produced social and political conflict. Some groups oppose modification itself, while others object to the concentration of access among the ultra-rich. For the privileged, altered appearance can be an expression of taste and wealth; for critics, it raises questions about humanity and who can afford to change it.
The controversy has a long international history. In 2082, Genetek and ViriiSoma announced advances combining human and non-human genetic traits, helping drive a worldwide fashion for animal cosmetic modification. Subsequent disputes over genetic engineering produced restrictive treaties and later revisions. The distinction between personal modification and militarized applications remains significant.
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