Author Topic: Belter gene modifications  (Read 416 times)

shadowdancer

  • Master Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 260
Belter gene modifications
« on: 24 July 2024, 19:03:38 »
Could Belter, Star League and or Clan gene modification change the appearance of an adult human. Making a change in DNA and appearance that would not match the original human.
Wishing the Worse on your Enemies
Contact the 13th Armored Calvary
Deliverers of "BAD LUCK"
Anytime
Anyplace
If the Price is Right

beachhead1985

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4221
  • 1st SOG; SLDF. "McKenna's Marauders"
    • Kilroy's Wall
Re: Belter gene modifications
« Reply #1 on: 24 July 2024, 19:13:15 »
Totally.

The old fluff had the Magistracy of Canopus able to create catgirls, mermaids and centaurs. Just for kicks.
Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries

These, in the day when heaven was falling,      Their shoulders held the sky suspended;
The hour when earth's foundations fled,         They stood, and earth's foundations stay;
Followed their mercenary calling,               What God abandoned, these defended,
And took their wages, and are dead.             And saved the sum of things for pay.
     
A.E. Housman

Daryk

  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 39074
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Belter gene modifications
« Reply #2 on: 24 July 2024, 19:37:16 »
It really doesn't take genetic modification for that... Cosmetic surgery is totally a thing and would be enough.

AlphaMirage

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 3850
Re: Belter gene modifications
« Reply #3 on: 24 July 2024, 20:01:51 »
You probably couldn't and shouldn't change all the genes of a human because then it would be messy.

Most of the Clan's (sans the canon rumor GeneCaste or water people of Frobisher) gene 'modifications' are merely pure-breeding (the point of a bloodhouse) with particular genes selected for 'performance'  (the point of the bloodname) but Elementals/Pilots/Belters are genetically human, just different phenotypically and given specialty training/upbringing.

Much of the Belter modification is as likely to be extensive training (like Clanners) and selection vs genetics with maybe some cybernetics in critical places or merely superior equipment or medicine (SLDF dead-end tech from their history). The same is likely true for the Ebon Magistrate and the MoC's 'Exotic Performers' (Catgirls, Centaur, Mermaid, etc...), just limb cybernetics and specialty gear from an interstellar empire that specializes in medical technology and 'acquiring' 'objects of interest.'

Just like modern SOCOM Operators, Warrior Houses of the CCAF, Shadow Divisions, or Lohegrin you can accomplish much with some moderately advanced technology, motivation, and a bit or large amount of immoral/brutal selection and training of a small portion of your population.

shadowdancer

  • Master Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 260
Re: Belter gene modifications
« Reply #4 on: 25 July 2024, 11:30:46 »
I am not saying to change all of the DNA. But could you change voice, eye retina, ear lobe and fingerprints all the things that would identify a person. Change eye and hair color would be easy. But make somebody a little taller or shorter, broader shoulder, shoe size to become somebody else. Not to make a double of someone but make an alternate ID that could not be traced. All in an adult.
Wishing the Worse on your Enemies
Contact the 13th Armored Calvary
Deliverers of "BAD LUCK"
Anytime
Anyplace
If the Price is Right

Paul

  • dies a lot at the Solaris Melee Challenge!
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15922
Re: Belter gene modifications
« Reply #5 on: 25 July 2024, 12:49:38 »
I am not saying to change all of the DNA. But could you change voice, eye retina, ear lobe and fingerprints all the things that would identify a person. Change eye and hair color would be easy. But make somebody a little taller or shorter, broader shoulder, shoe size to become somebody else. Not to make a double of someone but make an alternate ID that could not be traced. All in an adult.

No, you'd get truly exceptional amounts of cancer. You'd have them be born that way.
The solution is just ignore Paul.

AlphaMirage

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 3850
Re: Belter gene modifications
« Reply #6 on: 25 July 2024, 15:30:45 »
All of that can be done via cosmetic surgery, disguise/spy gear, or prosthetics in universe already for the most part (taller yes, shorter no).

Daryk

  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 39074
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Belter gene modifications
« Reply #7 on: 25 July 2024, 17:48:59 »
Well, you could do shorter, but you'd probably need a wheelchair...

Hellraiser

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 13735
  • Cry Havoc and Unleash the Gods of Fiat.
Re: Belter gene modifications
« Reply #8 on: 25 July 2024, 18:04:06 »
The old fluff had the Magistracy of Canopus able to create catgirls, mermaids and centaurs. Just for kicks.
You know, the 1st seems fairly easy, the 2nd even if its more like "Tritons" with webbed feet/hands v/s a full tail, but the last?
I'm just wondering WHAT that actually looks like.
3041: General Lance Hawkins: The Equalizers
3053: Star Colonel Rexor Kerensky: The Silver Wolves

"I don't shoot Urbanmechs, I walk up, stomp on their foot, wait for the head to pop open & drop in a hand grenade (or Elemental)" - Joel47
Against mechs, infantry have two options: Run screaming from Godzilla, or giggle under your breath as the arrogant fools blunder into your trap. - Weirdo

beachhead1985

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4221
  • 1st SOG; SLDF. "McKenna's Marauders"
    • Kilroy's Wall
Re: Belter gene modifications
« Reply #9 on: 25 July 2024, 23:54:10 »
All of that can be done via cosmetic surgery, disguise/spy gear, or prosthetics in universe already for the most part (taller yes, shorter no).

I took that retcon as authoritative, myself.
Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries

These, in the day when heaven was falling,      Their shoulders held the sky suspended;
The hour when earth's foundations fled,         They stood, and earth's foundations stay;
Followed their mercenary calling,               What God abandoned, these defended,
And took their wages, and are dead.             And saved the sum of things for pay.
     
A.E. Housman