Smith-Wheeler Syndrome

A rare disease of unknown origin. It is more common in highly polluted areas and those with a high degree of gang violence, although which is the cause and which is the effect ie debatable.

Type 1

"I'm gonna Rip Your Face Off!"

A degenerative neural condition which leads to loss of higher reasoning functions, establishment of a pack hunting social system (where the sufferer finds the need to be the Alpha), albinoism and adrenaline overproduction and a degeneration in both learning and reflexive actions usually ending in heart failure. Most commonly this manifests in early cases as an tendency to overreact to stressful situations. In most cases this is fatal although if diagnosed early the symptoms can be managed by a drug known as Zyphate and a dietary regimen. It can also be managed by strict environmental controls, however this is ludicrously expensive and requires full time monitoring. The Life expectancy is approximately 35 years, although violenc tends to cause this to fall to around 25.

Type 2

"Your existence is no longer advantageous"

A person with Type 2 Smith-Wheeler Syndrome is nothing less than a monster in human form. The symptoms are above excluding the reflex degeneration and the loss of planning faculties. The sufferer exhibits tactical ability devoid of emotional ties and a bizarre lust for human blood (note that the blood is not required for their continued function, it is a pointless obsession on any world which is not experiencing a food shortage) as well as an improved reaction rate. It is also reported, although not medically proven, that Type 2 sufferers do not need to sleep... ever. No known Type 2 sufferer has ever died of anything other than violence.

The fate of Smith and Wheeler

After the identification of the syndrome and the subsequent development of the 'wonder drug' Zyphate both Kharlos Smith and Bertram Wheeler began a large amount of illegal biological research, eventually being excommunicated in the year <date>888</date>. There are rumors still circulating that Smith and Wheeler still live as one compounded aberration, it's lifespan augmented by their depraved twisting of science. Some say that the illegal drug Mandraxate is a bastard child of Zyphate produced in their godless and benighted chemo-forges.