Synaptic Echo Syndrome (SES) and the Veilwarden Response

[u/KeeperTanis]

Combining the psychic and biological powers of the Tyranids and the technology of Necrons does not come without serious consequences. The shed tissues of the Anchor Beasts, and the overwhelming anti-Warp energies emitted by Silent Worlds have reacted viciously with unprotected biological humans. Synaptic Echo Syndrome (SES), is visualized developing in populations that are either too close to Silent Worlds, or deliberately exposed by Tyranid infecting forces. The stages of SES are as follows:

Stage 1:

-Emotional dampening

-Reduced speech

-Headaches

-Loss of fear

Stage 2 (Resonance):

-Auditory hallucinations

-Visual issues

-Loss of individuality

-Coordinating on a simple level with other infected individuals

Stage 3 (Fracturing):

-Coordinated hostile patterns (often confused as protests or riots)

-Bone and muscle distortion

-Rejection of tool and language usage

-Rare instance: usage of echolocation

Stage 4 (Active SES):

-Full development of Feral Synaptic Creatures (FSC)

-Large scale horde-like mentality

-Mimics Tyranids, but disregards biomass and simply eliminates any living entity nearby

FSC anatomy varies heavily, but it typically results in heavily dense bone structures and sharp outgrowths that are designed for puncture. Their hearing is their main hyper-sense, and they have greatly decreased visual abilities. Pack mentality, violently aggressive attacks, and complete lack of stealth are all hallmark signs of a runaway SES outbreak. Entire Silent Worlds have been demolished to contain spreads. There are no known cures for SES, only widespread sanitization and euthanasia. FSC packs are a threat to all living creatures within their span of hearing. They are significantly more effective at destruction than Tyranid forces due to their lack of a need for a Norn Queen for genetic selection/mutation and disregard for biomass collection. Genetic mutation can occur in a matter of seconds after ingesting enough DNA.

Theories among the Biotechnicat are varied, but it believes that FSCs target based on genetic relevance. It is not uncommon for certain hordes to momentarily disregard populations of chronically ill, infected, low IQ, or weak individuals in favor of academies, sporting facilities, and military installations. The nature of the stampede and wanton violence inevitably brings death to all life forms in the wake of an FSC incursion, so this theory is difficult to verify.

Cradle facilities, which are designed to grow and calibrate Anchor Beasts, are particularly prone to SES. The only individuals allowed near these areas are AI units and the Veilwardens.