Stand Alone Complex definitions

From the Concise Encyclopedia of Cybernetics, 2032

Cyberbrain

A brain enhanced by cybernetic technology. This technology is ubiquitous within the developed world, with only the very poorest and those whose for whom medical or philosophical considerations prohibit such devices. Despite the attempts of so-called "equal opportunity" initiatives, those lacking cyberbrains are almost universally considered to be second-class citizens, who find themselves being left behind by the increasingly wired world of the 21st century.

Cyberbrain sclerosis

A neurodegenerative disorder of cyberbrains with a similar pathology to multiple sclerosis. Demyelination of central nerve tissue through inflammatory processes leads to a progressive loss of function, with symptoms including abnormalities of vision, tremor, movement difficulties, speech problems, autonomic dysfunction and cognitive impairment. The disease is mainly treated with antibody therapies, although nanomachines have been used with some success in the past.

Stand-alone complex

A group of individuals, often with no prior connection to each other, who spontaneously and independently exhibit the same behaviour, such as undertaking a particular task. The formation of such complexes seems to unique to individuals with cyberbrains; an emergent property that is not yet fully understood. The process requires a catalyst, often occurring in response to a specific event or situation. The definitive example of this phenomenon is the so-called second Laughing Man incident, when thirty or so people spontaneously decided to make assassination attempts on on the same man, the police commissioner at the time.

(Background for the Stand Alone Complex game)