The notion of merging the abilities of humans and animals has been a dream of science for decades. One cannot help but admire the incredible capabilities of Earth’s other creatures, whether the amazing strength of ants, the heightened senses of canines, or the regenerative capabilities of reptiles. The notion of allowing humans to access these incredible talents has been the dream of scientists for generations.
Unfortunately, such a process is incredibly complicated and arduous. Genome mapping alone is a painstaking process, and the notion of splicing two completely separate and distinct genetic codes together into a functioning hybrid is one that requires decades or even centuries of additional research and experimentation before a reliable, consistent methodology can be developed.
Nonetheless, it seems that the publication of H. G. Well’s notorious fiction the Island of Dr. Moreau sparked the minds of numerous scientists, some of whom are not burdened with the restrictions of ethics or morality. While nor public knowledge, reports of certain brilliant but potentially deranged individuals creating life forms of this kind have persisted since the 1950s.
The first documented case, although still not a matter for public record, was discovered in New York City during the late 1960s, when it was discovered that a Dr. Livingston had managed to create a colony of man-rat hybrids that were living in the sewer system. These creatures had bred far more rapidly than the scientist anticipated, and began raiding homes and businesses on the surface for food, causing quite a commotion whenever one was sighted. After the fall of the Soviet Union, documents were found indicating that the Russian Intelligence community had successfully created human-animal hybrids as a means of developing new, superior soldiers. The paperwork alluded to a facility somewhere in Siberia that was never located.
Human-animal hybrids tend to be grouped into broad categories depending upon the source of their animal DNA. The process of splicing DNA together is easiest when the animals are more similar, so human-mammal hybrids tend to be most numerous. Human-reptile hybrids are also common, as reptile DNA is apparently more mutable and adaptable than previously expected. Human-avian hybrids are considerably more difficult than the previous two classifications, and human-insect hybrids, while possible, are extremely difficult and produce highly unstable results.
The results of human-mammal combinations seem to be relatively stable, with creations that retain a large amount of human intelligence and adaptability, but with strong instincts that can be difficult to overcome. Human-feline hybrids groom themselves absently without realizing they are doing it, for instance, while human-canine hybrids are constantly distracted by scents. These creatures are hardly safe, however, and fusing human DNA with more powerful, wild creatures can pose serious threats to the safety of everything around them, including their creator and fellow hybrids. Apes and primates appear to be the most volatile when combined, although other such temperamental animals as rhinoceroses, bulls, and badgers can yield equally or even more violent combinations. Both human-reptile and human-avian hybrids are secretive creatures, although there’s no identified reason for their cloistered nature. Reptile hybrids prefer to keep to themselves, often sunning themselves on rocks despite their warm-blooded nature, or hiding in narrow nooks and crannies of rocks or buildings for long periods of time. Likewise, avian hybrids apparently prefer to remain above others, removed from interaction except with their own kind. Part of this may be some form of survival instinct, as avian hybrids lack the muscular frame and physical durability that many other hybrids enjoy. Reptile hybrids share such limitations, although they tend to be sluggish and have poor reaction times rather than being frail.
Human-Canine Hybrid
Reflexes: 3D+2: brawling 5D, dodge 4D, sneak 4D
Coordination: 2D
Physique: 4D+1: running, 5D, stamina 4D+2, swimming 4D+2
Knowledge 2D: navigation 3D
Perception 4D: search 5D+2, survival 4D+2, tracking 5D
Presence: 2D: intimidation 3D+1
Strength Damage: 2D
Move: 10
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 4
Body Points: 23
Wound levels: 3
Disadvantages: Quirk (R1), wags tail constantly when happy; Devotion (R2), slavishly devoted to creators
Advantages: none
Special Abilities: Enhanced Sense: Smell (R3), +3 to related skill totals
Human-Elephant Hybrid
Reflexes 4D: brawling 5D, dodge 4D+1
Coordination 2D: throwing 3D
Physique 5D: lifting 6D, running 5D+2, stamina 5D+2
Knowledge 2D+2: scholar 3D+1
Perception 2D: search 2D+1, survival 3D+2
Presence 2D+1 : intimidation 4D, willpower 4D+2
Strength Damage: 3D
Move: 10
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 4
Body Points: 25
Wound levels: 3
Disadvantages: Hindrance: Appearance (R2), +3 to charm and disguise difficulties
Advantages: none
Special Abilities: Natural Hand-to-Hand Weapon: Tusks (R1), damage +1D
Human-Feline Hybrid
Reflexes 3D+2: acrobatics4D+2, brawling 4D+2, climbing 4D+1, dodge 4D +2, jumping 4D+1, stealth 4D+2
Coordination 2D
Physique 2D+2: lifting 3D, running 3D+2
Knowledge 2D
Perception 4D: hide 4D+1, investigation 4D+1, search 4D+1, survival 4D+2
Presence 3D+2: charm 4D+2, willpower 4D+1
Strength Damage: 1D
Move: 10
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 4
Body Points: 18
Wound levels: 3
Disadvantages: Quirk (R1), Moderate willpower difficulty to overcome desire to work alone
Advantages: none
Special Abilities: Natural Hand-toHand Weapon: Claws (R1), damage +1D
Human-Raptor Hybrid
Reflexes 3D+2: dodge 4D, flying 6D, melee combat 3D+2
Coordination 1D+2
Physique 2D: stamina 3D+1
Knowledge 2D+2: navigation 4D+1
Perception 4D: search 5D, survival 5D, tracking 4D+1
Presence 2D
Strength Damage: 1D
Move: 10
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 4
Body Points: 16
Wound levels: 3
Disadvantages: Quirk (R2), preen feathers constantly
Advantages: none
Special Abilities: Enhanced Sense: Sight (R3), +3 to related skill totals; Glider Wings (R1)
Human-Serpent Hybrid
Reflexes 4D: acrobatics 4D+2, contortion 5D, dodge 4D+2, melee combat 4D+2
Coordination 2D
Physique 3D : swimming 4D
Knowledge 2D
Perception 2D: search 4D, survival 4D+2
Presence 3D: charm 3D+1, con 4D
Strength Damage: 2D
Move: 10
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 4
Body Points: 19
Wound levels: 3
Disadvantages: Quirk (R1), sibilant speech patterns and seem to hiss constantly when speaking
Advantages: none
Special Abilities: Hardiness (R2), +2 to all damage resistance totals; Natural Hand-to-Hand Weapon: Fangs (R1), damage +1D