Nanoswarm: GEIST (Global Electronics Integration Swarm Technology)

Nobody knows for sure, but GEIST nanoswarms appear to have been created as universal repair systems that have gone wild since the Big Death. These swarms seem to have a mind of their own, often times inhabiting machines (usually old wrecks that haven't worked in ages) and wandering around aimlessly or once-in-a-while into towns and villages where causing mischief and/or carnage.

GEIST swarms grow to a size level of 12 after which it will split into two-dozen minuscule swarms and start anew. GEIST can grow at roughly 1 size level per month. At the GEISTs rate of growth, swarms could grow to cover entire cities, however these swarms often drop into a state of stasis or hibernation for several months or years for reasons unknown at this time.

Size Level: Small Swarm – 1; Medium Swarm – 6; Large Swarm – 12
Appearance: Nanoswarms will appear to look like a small to large swirling dark cloud of dust.
Speed: 8
Hit Points: 0 (zero)
SDC: Varies by object infested
Natural Armor: Varies by object infested
Horror Factor: Swarm 4/8/12
Psionics: Non per-se, but see Natural Abilities for equiv.
Attacks Per Melee: 1 (in swarm form)
Damage: Varies by object infested. When inhabiting many electronic devices swarm may do 1D4, 2D4, or 3D4 damage to Hit Points on physical contact, otherwise damage goes to SDC (armor or protective clothing).
Bonuses: +4 attacks when inhabiting robots, androids, vehicles or other electronic devises that would allow attacks; +4 to strike, parry and dodge; +8 to dodge while in swarm form.
Natural Abilities: Techno-Mind, Natural Mechanical Genius, Possess Device, Prowl 80%
Average Life Span: Unknown
Value: $25,000 per half-ounce
Habitat: Ruins
Notes: The size of the object infested by a swarm is in proportion to the size of the swarm—i.e. small swarms usually infest small objects like RC vehicles, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, PCs; medium swarms usually infest small vehicles, computer systems, and human sized robots/androids; large swarms can control very large robots or vehicles, computer networks, etc.

While the things the GEIST nanoswarms may be destroyed, the nanoswarms themselves are effectively indestructible. However, an EMP or exposure to intense heat can destroy swarms. Flamethrowers and Ion weapons are a good weapon to use against rouge GEIST swarms. Mutants with Techno-Mind can attempt to communicate with a GEIST either in swarm form or while infesting an object. It is also possible to communicate with a GEIST if it is infesting a computer system by using the Computer Operation skill.

GEISTs have been known to help out a mechanic with Techno-Mind, and may even follow him/her around for a while, but is likely to leave within a month. If a Techno-Mind mechanic is able to obtain a small amount (no more than half-an-ounce) of GEIST swarm (very rare) they may be able to raise it as a pet. However, as the GEIST grows there is an increasing chance that it will leave the mechanic (40% at size level Medium, 80% at size level Large).