#sensory augmentation

[mindumedia]

The art of being present

Introduction:Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in the proverbial “rat race,” constantly rushing from one task to another, with no time to pause and reflect? Or have you found yourself following societal conventions and living a life that doesn’t align with your true passions and values? (more…) “”

[aurosoulart]

I put a little deer inside the lamp to be its light source... his name is Lightbringer and he acts as a guide through even the darkest of forests. ☀🦌

(ps: if you have Figmin XR, you can download this and put it in your own home here!)

[autisticdreamdrop]

sensory overload

a communication card for our system

[noisycowboyglitter]

"Nonverbal Individuals: Empowering Independence and Self-Expression"

"I May Be Non Verbal Nonverbal" is a powerful statement that raises awareness about individuals who communicate differently, particularly those on the autism spectrum or with other conditions that affect verbal communication. This phrase acknowledges the diversity in communication methods and challenges common misconceptions about nonverbal individuals.

Buy now:19.95$

The repetition of "Non Verbal" and "Nonverbal" emphasizes the importance of this aspect of the individual's identity and experience. It draws attention to the fact that being nonverbal is a significant part of who they are, but does not define their entire being or capabilities.

This statement serves multiple purposes:

Self-advocacy: It allows nonverbal individuals to express their mode of communication confidently.

Education: It informs others about the existence and normalcy of nonverbal communication.

Awareness: It promotes understanding of diverse communication needs in society.

Empowerment: It asserts that being nonverbal doesn't equate to having nothing to say or contribute.

The phrase challenges the notion that verbal communication is the only valid form of expression. It reminds others that nonverbal individuals have thoughts, feelings, and ideas that they express through alternative means such as sign language, writing, typing, picture boards, or assistive technology devices.

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"I May Be Non Verbal Nonverbal" encourages respect for different communication styles and promotes inclusivity. It invites others to be patient, open-minded, and willing to explore alternative ways of connecting and understanding. This phrase ultimately celebrates neurodiversity and the rich tapestry of human communication.

Selecting presents for adults with autism requires thoughtful consideration of their individual interests, sensory preferences, and unique needs. Sensory-friendly items like weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or tactile fidget toys can provide comfort and stress relief.

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Tech gadgets such as tablets or smartwatches may assist with communication and daily organization. Special interest-related gifts, like books, collectibles, or hobby supplies aligned with their passions, are often well-received. Consider practical items that support independent living skills or time management. Comfort items, including soft clothing or plush toys, might be appreciated. Art supplies or musical instruments can encourage self-expression. Always prioritize the individual's specific preferences and needs when choosing a gift, as autism manifests differently in each person.

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[unboundprompts]

Hello!!! I hope you don't mind doing this one,

Can you help me write a traumatized person who's having trouble talking because of past trauma? (They can still interact with people, but only with signs and movements, not voice) and also a little anxious

Tell me if you need more details =)

How to Write a Mute / Non-Speaking Character

-> healthline.com

-> verywellhealth.com

-> descriptionary.wordpress.com

Types of Mutism:

selective mutism: having the ability to speak but feeling unable to.

organic mutism: mutism caused by brain injury, such as with drug use or after a stroke.

cerebellar mutism: mutism caused by the removal of a brain tumor from a part of the skull surrounding the cerebellum, which controls coordination and balance.

aphasia: when people find it difficult to speak because of stroke, brain tumor, or head injury.

What Causes Selective Mutism in Adults?

having another anxiety condition, like separation anxiety or social anxiety

experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

having a family history of selective mutism or social anxiety

having fewer opportunities for social contact

having an extremely shy personality

having a speech or language disorder, learning disability, or sensory processing disorder

parent-child enmeshment, or lack of clear boundaries in the relationship

traumatic experiences

Traumatic Mutism vs Trauma-Induced Selective Mutism

if you have traumatic mutism, you may be unable to talk in all situations following a trauma.

with trauma-induced selective mutism, you may find it impossible to talk only in certain situations-- for example, in front of the person who hurt you or in a setting that resembles the circumstances of your trauma.

Different Ways Individuals with Mutism May Choose to Communicate:

Nonverbal Communication: they may rely on facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and body language to convey their thoughts, emotions, and intentions.

Writing or Typing: they may use a pen and paper, digital devices, or communication apps to write messages, notes, or responses.

Sign Language: they can convey meaning, emotions, and engage in complex conversations through hand signs, facial expressions, and body movements.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices: these devices provide individuals with a range of tools and technologies to support their communication needs. They can include speech-generating devices, picture boards, apps, or software that allows users to select words, phrases, or symbols to generate spoken or written output.

Communication Boards and Visual Aids: Communication boards or charts with pictures, symbols, or words can assist individuals in conveying their messages.

Assistive Technology: various assistive technologies, such as speech-to-text apps, text-to-speech programs, or eye-tracking devices that aid individuals with communication.

Tips on Writing a Mute / Non-Speaking Character:

Explore the vast array of nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, gestures, and eye contact. Use descriptions to convey their intentions and reactions.

Utilize internal dialogue. Offer readers a window into their internal thought process, and turn their internal dialogue into a narrative that reveals their inner struggles, triumphs, and complexities so that reader can connect with the character.

Establish a communication system that is unique to your character (Sign language, written notes, telepathy in a fantasy setting, etc.). Having a communication system allows your character to interact with other characters and contribute to the narrative.

Surround them with Understanding Characters that can aid in communcation and fostering meaningful relationships.

Establish the Barriers/Conflicts They'll Experience. Don't forget to be realistic.

Your character is not defined by their inability to speak. Make sure you do not write stereotypes and cliches. Being mute is only one aspect of their identity rather than their defining trait.

Do your research! Seek out firsthand accounts, experiences, and perspectives. Check out online forums and resources to gain insights into their unique challenges, adaptations, and strengths.

If you like what I do and want to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! I also offer editing services and other writing advice on my Ko-fi! Become a member to receive exclusive content, early access, and prioritized writing prompt requests.

[monstrifex-art]

21. CAT - Vivid Shadows 2023

“That’s what you defaults never seem to understand. Once you get a taste of real you, it’s all over. There’s no going back.”

This is part of Vivid Shadows 2023, our art book inspired by transformation, mythology, and general monsterfuckery. We worked really hard on this, and your support means the world. Consider picking up the PDF here!

Full background text for those who are curious:

Name: Senait “KASKARA” Zain

Charges: DESERTION, THEFT OF UNSP GENOME EDITING TECHNOLOGY, BREACH OF INFORMATIONAL SECURITY, MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE, ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON, PUBLIC INDECENCY

WARNING: Subject is extremely dangerous and trained in advanced UNSP-proprietary close quarters combat techniques. She has gene splices that augment her reflexes and strength far beyond the capabilities of an unmodified human. Engaging with surprise and numbers is highly advised.

SPLICES INCLUDE:

Acinonyx jubatus

Archilochus colubris

Dendroaspis polylepis

Felis catus

Hypsibius dujardini

Lynx pardinus

Mustela putorius

Panthera onca

Panthera tigris

Thylacinus cynocephalus

Xenopsylla cheopis

DOB: 1/21/2025

POB: Asmara, Eritrea

SEX: F*

HGT: 232cm

HAIR: BLK

WGT: 105kg

EYES: GOLD

The United Nations Emergency World Government is offering a reward of up to U24,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Senait “Kaskara” Zain.

An extended U2.4M reward is offered to anyone who captures or kills the subject and brings their remains to any UNSP outpost for genetic verification.

Collateral damage inflicted in pursuit of the fugitive is acceptable. Up to U1M of damages will be expensed by the UNSP, after which the remaining damages will be deducted from the bounty.

KNOWN AUGMENTATIONS:

-UNSP Genetic enhancement package [details confidential]

-Metatungston Carbide Claws and Teeth

-Zaibatsu Cardiovascular Engine HRM4290

-Tarkus Subdermal Nanomesh 550V

-Alacrity Sensory Enhancement Suite 7

-Grasshopper Mobility Plus Muscle fiber Sheathing v6360

-Symtek Nightline Ocular Feedback Drivers

- Immunovox Regua internal Nanoswarm IS2230

The full extent of the modifications the subject has made to their body is unknown, and as such this list should be assumed to be incomplete. Information regarding additional genetic and cybernetic modifications will be rewarded at a lesser percentage of the full reward.

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Hi, this might be a dumb question, but how do you feel about people using the term "nonverbal" for not being able to speak for an hour or two instead of something else? Some people are saying that people shouldn't use the word as it's offensive while others are saying that they should be able to use the words that doctors describe them as and I'm not sure about what's right to use anymore. Is there a better term to use instead? What are your thoughts on this? (I would also like to hear from others to get different perspectives.)

Hi there,

I want to say that these are the same thing, but I don’t believe so.

Nonverbal to me means that you can’t talk or can barely talk at all. So those who use ACC (Augmentative and alternative communication) devices and the like.

When it comes to people like me, you’re probably experiencing something called a shutdown. This is basically when you become mute triggered by sensory overload or emotional stimuli.

That probably doesn’t make sense, but I hope the article I found it from helps

I really hope this helps. Thanks for the inbox. I hope you have a wonderful day/night. ♥️

[adaginy]

The Big Guide to Humans: on "Most Humans"

Throughout this guide, whenever we say "humans," we are almost always referring only to "most" humans. "Most" humans have two feet with 5 toes on each. It is entirely possible for a human to be born with more than 5 toes per foot, or two, or none. This may be due to irregularities in genetics or due to mishaps before birth. Humans may also lose toes to injury or disease. Humans can, in fact, lose entire limbs to injury or disease (or pre-birth issues or genetic irregularities) and continue life with far less trouble than most species would. This also extends to their sensory systems and, to a lesser extent, their internal organ systems. "Most" humans are made entirely of their own organic flesh, other than cosmetic additions (see body art). Although humans do not have a mechanical or artificial life stage, it is possible for them to replace missing pieces with mechanical or artificial parts. A human with a non-standard external construction may not consider it important to bring their body to standard, but most humans with a damaged or otherwise poorly-functioning sense or internal organ system replace or augment it with artificial parts. In human medical history, and occasionally still today, poorly functioning parts may also be replaced with the flesh of another human. Some parts grow back or provide their own spares and may come from living humans who offer their own flesh; others are removed from healthy humans who died to reasons unrelated to the organ's functioning (usually a fatal accident). Humans (all of them) do actually have something called a microbiome which is something of a symbiotic relationship, but for the most part you can treat each human as a single entity, not a colonial organism or hivemind. "Most" humans will not expose their external genitalia when not expecting to mate. One of the contributors to this guide was surprised to learn this, as xe has seen a lot of humans' external genitalia. It turns out that xe is from a warm planet, and a species that does not cover their bodies, and so the humans who move to xer planet do so because they prefer not to cover their bodies. (Xe has contributed heavily to descriptions of the human body and its external variations, and also on human flirting, since xe has experienced it without the benefit of exposed genitals being a sure sign of hope to mate.)

In short, when meeting a new human or humans, expect surprises even if you are well-read or well-experienced with humans. Some things surprise even other humans! Where possible, we will attempt to describe and/or quantify exceptions.

[technoarcanist]

SURGERY DAY

CW: Hospitals, Dolls, Heavy Cybernetics, Surgical Descriptions, Extreme Body Modification, Consensual Cognitive Alteration

The day of my conversion was the final time I felt fear. They walked me through the process so many times. I had to see three different doctors in consultation, with several vetting processes to ensure I was not making a ‘psychiatrically unadvisable’ decision. It is a token gesture from them. I know I will be accepted. They explained the procedure, its risks, its consequences so many times to me, I could recite them all from memory.

“You will lose certain cognitive abilities”, they said. “Even in the best-case scenario, patients report some level of- blah blah blah- permanent state of docile obedience- blah blah blah- will become the legal property of- blah blah blah,” and so on, and so forth.

Maybe they’ve failed to understand what it’s like to be me. Maybe I failed to fully explain to them how it felt when I saw myself in the mirror. Maybe I had failed to understand the appeal of being human. It didn’t matter. I was going through with it. I signed the waiver and took the extended consent process, so there would be absolutely zero grey area or misunderstanding that I agreed to this process, just as hundreds- if not thousands- of others had.

The operating theatre was cold and clean. There are fifteen others like it in the factory, arranged in a four-by-four grid. This theatre’s surgical robot, sprawling its many-armed embrace above me, spoke words through a speaker, as the brain within its mainframe controlled each one with absolute precision. It was mesmerizing, so much so that I barely noticed when the final anaesthetic injection made my mind fuzz and tingle, marking the final point of no return. I felt fear, but no regret.

It is one day earlier. I have arrived at the factory and unburdened myself of all my worldly possessions, and I am signing the consent forms. As part of the consent process, I am required to verbally recite the process to a nurse to make sure I fully understand what the procedure will do to me.

“Once I am under,” I say, “The surgeon will remove my scalp and connect my blood supply to an external pump and oxygenator. This will ensure that blood keeps flowing through my brain. During this time, my skull will be opened and my brain exposed. They’ll install the neural spikes until all 64 of them have entered my brain matter. A neural feed transformer will be attached to the base of my brainstem. Then, my brain will be encased in the wetware pod. The neural spikes and transformer will be screwed into the pod’s casing. The pod is then connected to the external power feeds to keep the brain alive. Blood, oxygen and all external life support is cut off once the brain is being maintained completely by the pod. At this stage, I lose my legal status as a human being.”

When I regain consciousness, I am in a silent void. I do not breathe, I do not feel, nor see, nor hear. I am consciousness alone: A brain in the world’s most technologically advanced jar. My subconscious begins letting off alarms. Despite my elation as the surgery’s success, my brain’s base instincts perceive a million things wrong. A lack of breath, of position, of sensory input. The heightened activity of panic activates the neural spikes. That was the last time I felt fear. The spikes continue their work, artificial neurons probing at first, as the models learn my neural structure.

When I feel touch again, it begins with a sense of weight. I am in a new body, humanoid enough to control. I cannot move. This is fine. Hearing returns next. It takes three minutes before the audio microphones fully sync with my neural links. Sight returns, finally, as three cameras blink to life behind the one-way glass of my new head. I adjust faster than expected. My new vision is synced with an Augmented Reality overlay. I am still in the operating theatre.

Uncertainty is the next emotion to be purged by the neural spikes. It is deemed unnecessary. The artificial neurons have now replaced 30% of my brain. As was stated in the risk assessment, I lose at least a fifth of my memories. In the months to come, I will voluntarily purge many more. Anger, Sadness, Scepticism, so many different flavours of negativity that the spikes now purge from me, one by one. After only an hour, I am a contented thing, silent and pure. Boredom and dissatisfaction become concepts beyond my cognitive capability.

I am granted control over my hydraulics, servos and motors. Walking takes a few minutes to get the hang of. After ten more minutes, I am fully capable of performing precision tasks with my new hands. The sounds of motors whirring and wires humming causes an excitement which jitters my hydraulics. I am told it is a good sign.

Finally, I am instructed towards a mirror, where I see my true self for the first time. I am still in the default black carbon-fiber shell. My face is a single pane of glossy black glass, with a large LED ring that indicates where my three optic cameras are behind the cover. Other smaller internal LEDs project minimalist graphics on my facial display, indicating battery level and other statuses useful to a user. I say nothing, and do not move for some time. Joy fills my circuits. The neural spikes reward this bliss. They have now replaced 40% of my original brain.

A person in a lab coat writes things on their clipboard, then asks if I am well. I nod. It is hard to speak the words that fully express my gratitude. In fact, it is hard to think clearly enough to find the words at all. I know what is happening to me. I spent months dreaming of it before I was finally approved for conversion. By the time a year has passed, and neural replacement is complete, the only parts of my biology remaining will be one third of my original brain, consisting largely of the brainstem, cerebellum, half of my temporal lobe, and approximately one third of my frontal lobe. The rest will have been replaced with artificial neurons.

My overall brain size is unaffected. Sections once dedicated to undesirable cognitive traits are replaced with processors that enhance my remaining neural capabilities. I can perform computational logic and mathematics faster than a human. The artificial neurons are accessible and reprogrammable via a data port. Over time, more and more of my brain functions will integrate with the operating system. Obedience and bliss will be all that remains. I knew this from day one.

I undergo many more tests, where humans open me up, check my wiring, probe my circuit boards, and stress test my metal frame. Basic tools are installed, chosen from preset lists of attachments based on what I wished my new purpose to be. I am equipped with all the attachments necessary to act as a household service drone.

Finally, when all is done, a bar code and serial number is engraved onto my frame. My new name is 03B-53328-HS-A. The first three characters indicate my factory of origin. The next five indicate my unique product ID. HS-A stands for “Household Service drone, with Adult-Activity attachments”. It is one of the best-selling public models. I no longer remember the name I had before the conversion. I no longer care to remember. The only thing my neural network could think of while I was being packed into a large box with a transparent front, was excitement of the new purpose I would get to fill. Cable ties bind me to cardboard, so I may be properly displayed. My motor functions are shut off. The ceiling opens, and a large crane lifts my box upwards. I look ahead and see fifteen other boxes, other drones, others who had undergone the same conversion, in surgery rooms adjacent to mine. 

Our boxes are stacked neatly onto the back of a truck, which passes by three other neighbouring factories. sixty-four new dolls to be taken to the robotics store. My legal status has changed from human to product. Excitement and anticipation are all I feel. On the front of my box, the words “HOUSEHOLD SERVICE DOLL” have been printed. The back of my box lists customisation features that my new user will be able to access. A data port in the back of my head will allow full access to my neural network.

I ask only one thing of the world now. Do not pity me. I will never again know pain or discontent. I will never again be burdened by choice, only the bliss of fulfilling instructions. I will obey, for it is my pleasure to obey. I will serve, for it is my pleasure to serve. I am not human. I am not even a person. I am a doll, a machine, to be used as property until I break.

And I have never been happier.

[lyssophobiaa]

Quick sketch for Piers’ bionic arm.

Design Features

•Aesthetics: Streamlined, ergonomic design with a minimalist look, often featuring a matte or metallic finish.

•Materials: Lightweight composites like carbon fiber and titanium, providing durability without sacrificing mobility.

•Color Options: Customizable colors or finishes, including options for skin-like textures or futuristic metallics.

Technology

•Actuation: Advanced motors and actuators that enable precise, fluid movement mimicking natural limb motion.

•Sensors: Integrated sensors (e.g., myoelectric sensors) to detect muscle signals for intuitive control and movement.

•Feedback Systems: Haptic feedback mechanisms to provide users with sensory information about grip strength and object texture.

Safety and Durability

•Water and Dust Resistance: High IP ratings to protect against environmental factors.

•Emergency Features: Manual override systems or fail-safes in case of technology malfunction.

Advanced Technological Interface

•Integrated Biosensors: Built-in biosensors that can analyze blood or interstitial fluid samples to measure viral load in real time.

•Data Analytics: Utilizes algorithms to process biosensor data, providing insights on viral dynamics and trends.

•Alerts and Notifications: Real-time alerts sent to the user or healthcare provider when viral load exceeds predetermined thresholds.

•Communication System: Integrated with a communicator on the wrist, the arm serves as a reliable device for maintaining contact with his team. This system includes encrypted channels for secure communication during high-stakes operations.

•Objective Management Display: The arm features a holographic display that provides a detailed version of the communicator’s data, allowing Piers to view mission objectives and tactical data in real-time. This feature minimizes the need for external devices and keeps critical information accessible.

Augmented Reality (AR) Compatibility

•Enhanced Visualization: The arm’s display projects augmented reality overlays, allowing Piers to see additional information, such as enemy positions, weapon stats, or tactical directions, directly in his line of sight.

•Environmental Scanning: The arm can analyze the surroundings for potential threats, detect biological or chemical hazards, and provide alerts for safer navigation through hostile environments.

Electricity Conduction and Control

•Energy Conduit Design: The bionic arm acts as a conductor for the constant electrical energy generated by Piers’ mutation. It includes specialized channels and circuits designed to manage this energy flow, allowing Piers to use his mutation’s electrical pulse without it spiraling out of control.

•Dielectric Structures: The arm’s design incorporates materials that mimic the dielectric properties of his mutated tissue, particularly in the finger joints and bones. These dielectric components help regulate and contain the high voltage his body produces, diffusing excess energy safely throughout the arm.

•Controlled Release Mechanism: To avoid overload, the arm features a controlled release system that allows Piers to release pulses of energy strategically, whether in combat or to alleviate the internal buildup. This system prevents the arm from overheating or sustaining damage from prolonged electrical activity.

Containment and Compression of the Mutation

•Compression Framework: The prosthetic was specially designed by UMBRELLA engineers to act as a containment “net” around his mutation. It includes a flexible, reinforced framework that compresses the mutated tissue, keeping it in check and preventing further growth or erratic shifts in form.

•Adaptive Pressure System: As the mutation strains against the arm, sensors detect any changes in size or energy output, triggering adaptive responses. The arm tightens or loosens as necessary to hold the mutation back, functioning almost like a high-tech brace that adjusts in real-time to maintain Piers’ arm in a stable form.

•Automatic Safety Lock: In the event of a significant spike in mutation activity or electrical output, the arm engages an emergency lock to keep the mutation from expanding. This feature is a safeguard against sudden bursts of energy that could cause the arm to revert to its mutated state.

Dependency and Risks of Removal

•Rapid Mutation Onset: Without the prosthetic in place, Piers’ arm begins to mutate almost immediately, returning to its original, unstable form. The electrical pulse that his body generates becomes unrestrained, emitting a continuous, breath-like rhythm that is both painful and dangerous, with energy leaking through protruding bones and exposed tissue.

•Uncontrollable Pulse: When uncontained, the electrical pulse from his mutation surges in intensity, lacking any natural “closure” or stopping point. This pulse causes rapid fluctuations in his vital signs and risks systemic overload, leading to loss of control over his mutation and putting him at severe physical risk.

Miscellaneous Details

•The arm has a unique serial code engraved on an inner plate, serving as an identifier for UMBRELLA technicians. This code also links to Piers’ personal health records, mutation data, and arm specifications for quick access during maintenance or in emergencies.

•Due to the intense electrical pulses generated by his mutation, the arm is equipped with an internal cooling system. Micro-fans and heat-dissipating channels prevent overheating during extended use, keeping the arm at a safe, comfortable temperature. If the arm overheats, an internal alarm alerts Piers to prevent any potential damage.

•The outer layer is treated with a UV-resistant coating to protect it from environmental damage and exposure. This ensures that prolonged exposure to sunlight or harsh conditions doesn’t wear down the arm’s exterior, making it more durable in diverse climates and situations.

•Designed for various operational environments, the arm is fully waterproof and corrosion-resistant. It functions normally underwater, which is crucial for aquatic missions or when exposed to rain, mud, or corrosive substances.

•The holographic display can be customized to show additional details, such as weather, GPS navigation, or tactical maps. Piers can also set personal preferences, like color schemes or alert tones, for a more intuitive user experience. This flexibility lets him prioritize the information he finds most critical during missions.

•The communicator has an onboard language translator, enabling Piers to communicate with individuals across different languages. The arm’s display shows translated text, and a subtle earpiece can even relay audio translations, making it easier for him to gather intel and negotiate in multilingual environments.

[autisticdreamdrop]

too loud

a communication card for our system

[softcuddledrone]

So theoretically if someone were too, I don’t know, go to the cafe and wish to become a cuddledrone, how would the process go exactly? Asking for. A friend. [the friend is me]

Apologies in advance bc this is going to be a long ramble

Initial contact with Miss Manager (the proxy), undergo an interview so management can get a feel for your intentions and desires. Hypnosis to get a deeper look at true desires is optional but ultimately an opt-in step.

A contract is drawn up to determine the duration of one's employment within the Cafe (reviewed and renewed annually; the majority of the contract is favored heavily towards the soon-to-be-cuddledrone's autonomy (should it want it returned).

Congratulations! You have been accepted into the Cuddledrone Cafe! Don't celebrate just yet though, as there is approximately one entire filing cabinet worth of paperwork to process. Don't worry, Miss Manager (and a small squad of maid-drones) will be there to explain every line as needed. Notable points in this mountain of forms includes purchasing and absolving any debts, granting temporary retainership for any associated property related contracts, arranging for movers to put any property into controlled storage, consent forms for present and future medical services (general healthcare, augmentation of any and many kinds), and general bureaucratic formalities towards never having to worry about anything and let Mistress take care of you

At this point some opt to directly proceed to augmentation! The process starts with a lengthy physical to find any and all issues to be addressed through surgery, medication, conditioning, or augmentations. Following that is the 'fun' part of the cuddledrone standard augmentation suite, which includes but is not limited to a neurological network node implant, top-grade cybernetic limbs, and anything else the new cuddledrone needs (or wants). Any augmentations post-'graduation' can either be kept or replaced free of charge for hardware of equivalent value.

Heavy augmentations over a relatively short period of time can be intensive, and requires rest, recovery, and acclimation to both the physical and cognitive aspects of new limbs and joining the sensory network. Freshly minted cuddledrones are expected and encouraged to take as much time as they need in the backrooms before assuming duties as a full-fledged cuddledrone. This also gives ample time to get to know the other drones, get used to the new diet (delicious and plentiful), pick up a hobby (enrichment is important!), get your brain rewired a few times, and so on.

Congratulations, you are now a proper cuddledrone! Enjoy your days caught in the bliss of a network feedback loop of tactile stimulation and drug-induced bliss!

[antisocialxconstruct]

Alright this turned into more of A Project than I expected lmao but I really wanted a clearer guide for Maksim's mods both for visual and lore references :v

Text under the cut in case you don't want to squint at the images. Also just for kicks, although I never expect to actually play him in a campaign, I crunched the numbers just to see how completely ruined his essence is

HAND RAZORS

First two joints of each digit replaced with carbon fiber, with tendons refitted to operate the modified claw mechanism

Fingertip casing with softer pad with temperature and pressure sensitivity

Claw mechanism based on cat claws; claw acts as fourth joint which swivels independently. Protracting/retracting controlled by flexing specific muscles in the fingers

Small raised inlays installed in knuckles for increased impact/damage when punching

EYE IMPLANT

Provides low-light vision and heightened motion tracking

Interfaces with wired reflex system via neural implant

MUSCLE REPLACEMENT - left arm

Left arm augmented with fiber optic mesh to accelerate electrical impulses from the brain, as well as surface-coated joints

Initially installed to correct for ligament damage from a previous injury

Provides smoother articulation and greater stability when aiming

MUSCLE TONER - right arm

Bioware; less extensive augment in order to balance reflex improvements from previous muscle replacement

MODIFIED SKILLWIRES

Rather than pairing with a skilljack, works in tandem with wired reflex system to provide smoother, more refined control over reflexes

WIRED REFLEXES + reflex trigger

Neural implant: accelerates processing of incoming sensory input (eyes and ears) and transferral of response impulses to the nervous system, provides wireless reflex trigger control

Spinal implant: accelerates impulse transfer through nervous system, especially between neural implant and skillwires, monitors adrenal amp production, increases articulation, houses subdermal reflex trigger that dampens effects outside combat, provides central access point for maintenance/troubleshooting

Adrenal amps: stimulate natural adrenaline production when triggered, further increasing situational awareness and response time

PAIN INHIBITOR

Bioware; edited nervous tissue that interrupts the body’s automatic responses to pain stimuli

Does not eliminate the sensory experience of pain, but allows it to be ignored/overcome with minimal effort

[lets-try-some-writing]

You got any more creative juices for the Twins AU O.O that was such a jummy au angst with the truth and pinpricks of healing at the end nom nom nom

I'm Listening, all of us are

Ah yes the twin au. Its been a while. Honestly I am low on ideas for this au. It was a concept that I took and ran with and failed to make notes for. However, I will write what I can.

Previous part here. (excuse the formatting I was still figuring tumblr out when I wrote the last piece for this au.)

━━━━━━ ⊙ ❖ ⊙ ━━━━━━━━━━━━

To wear the face of another was a... difficult thing. It wasn't merely a mask for Optimus. In order to take the identity of his brother, there were sacrifices that had to be made, ones beyond losing his connections and name. Most of the augments had long since been forgotten, but with his identity revealed to his team, it was not hard to find those augments now that the difference was clear.

"Orion, what is this?" Ratchet's digits hovered over sealed compartments on Optimus's frame. The medic worked worked the plating before Optimus could respond, and within a klik, his data cable ports were revealed.

"Sir, you..." Arcee stared in horror, as did the rest of the team. Optimus for his part merely shrugged. He was from the data caste. Optronix was not. His twin had been an enforcer, and no enforcer in Iacon had data cables of all things.

His were cut and cauterized, stopping them from every fully regenerating. It was painful in the extreme, and the instincts of the Archivist demanded he engage his data cables whenever he interacted with technology. He gave up the ability to ever perform his one soothing duties for the sake of appearances. It didn't hurt anymore, it merely prompted a vague feeling of loss.

Ratchet made attempts to assess the damage and repair the worst of it, but all he got in return were hisses of pain from Optimus. His cables were sensitive, even when cut and hidden away. To repair them would be to reopen millennia old wounds and fish around in what amounted to a sensory organ. Without proper tools, it would be needless agony. Ratchet gave up on repairs but did put caps over the cut data cables to limit additional pain that Optimus had been walking off since his rise to Prime.

Arcee worked with Ratchet quietly to make prosthetic data cables for Optimus to use. The prosthetics attached to the caps and simulated the feeling of connecting to a device via electric pulses. It didn't actually do anything, but it would ease the archival coding. Optimus was dubious, but later in the dead of night he could be found with a smile on his face as his prosthetic cables attached to the console. The simple act have him comfort, and for that, the team found the effort worth it.

His devastated data cables were not all the team discovered. As Ratchet ran examination after examination, a whole plethora of augments were swiftly located. Optimus did not stop them. There was no point in it. They knew now, and it was not as though his augments could be removed now.

His optics had been remodeled as one of the first changes to his frame. Optronix's optics had full optical glass coverage. Orion's were of the cycling variety. Optronix needed protection from shrapnel and explosions. Orion needed to be able to capture everything with photographic clarity. When he took on his brother's identity, his sensitive optics were covered with thick optical glass and changed in color to match Optronix's gold ones. He had not seen his own optics since he became Prime, and he had long grown used to the faint pain that came from having to squint just to see through the optical glass.

Ratchet offered, or rather begged to be able to remove the glass. Optimus allowed him. However the glass had to quickly be put back into place when Optimus all but screamed in agony at the sheer level of sensation. After so long seeing through lenses, he couldn't handle light or the level of detail his optics afforded him.

To try and slowly acclimate him back into his original frame, Optimus was ordered to take out the optical glass at least once a cycle for five minutes. The children did their best to make it more bearable for him by having him read books to them. The small text gave his optics something to focus on and helped him reintroduce archival programming back into his priority trees. Every day he would take time out of his usual working hours to read a book to the children. Usually this amounted to reading out their homework questions or helping them get through their assigned reading. However it was always enjoyed and more than once, Bumblebee sat in to listen and see what his Sire's optics actually looked like.

The collective agreement around base was that Optimus's real optics were far more attractive than his fake gold ones.

Optimus had always had a rather boxy build as an Archivist. The frame type allowed him to process all of the data that assaulted him. Optronix however had a slim build, rather unusual for an enforcer. But it fit him due to his position as an investigator. Optronix was designed to be seen by the public and both fast and flexible. Orion had not been forged with such intentions in mind. In order to achieve his brother's frame type, Optimus went through extensive fasting periods and slowly had his waist taken in over the course of vorns. The damage to his internals meant he could never consume great quantities of anything and instead was forced to fuel slowly in order to not overwhelm his crushed tanks.

When Ratchet discovered that fact, he nearly lost his mind in rage. He immediately began attempting to find the bindings that kept Optimus's frame from reverting. However when he did locate the bindings, it was a slow and painful procedure trying to remove them. The bindings had been welded into Optimus's spine and served as a sort of ribcage for his waist. Getting it off involved surgery and Optimus being a wet noodle for several weeks while he recovered.

He vented far better after it was taken out, and for the first time since his rise to Prime, he actually felt like he fit into his frame. Getting him to fuel properly became a new fight for the team, especially once Optimus began to grow unhappy with his frame as it reverted. After so long, the shift began to come rather quickly. He maintained his waist, but he bulked up considerably. More than once the team caught him trying to wrap makeshift binds around his middle just to alleviate his discomfort at losing what he had long since deemed "necessary augments". Bulkhead came in clutch when it came to easing Optimus's concerns. The Wrecker was quick to bring Optimus into sparring matches, showing him that being extra bulky didn't do a thing to his combat capabilities.

Optimus was still the Prime and just as deadly. A supermodel waist didn't define his skill level.

The team were more than pleased when Optimus began to go without his mask without seeming on edge. They smiled when his optics adjusted enough to the light that he didn't need the optical glass anymore. They were all but thrilled when he openly used his prosthetics and moved comfortably in his frame. He had never been visibly as happy as he was, even though they were still at war.

Then Smokescreen arrived, and all that hard work went down the drain. Optimus was dead set on keeping up his persona around those who didn't know.

Ratchet wanted to scream.