Street Custom 'Cigarette' Pen Gun

improvised firearm

Arcturus Defense Solutions Crowd Control SMG ACSM-3 'Shepherd'

smg

Tessera Neural Assault System TNAS-1 'Puppeteer'

assault_rifle

Ablative Charge Disruption Rifle ACDR-2 'Sandpaper'

cyber

Acoustic Cavity Resonance Pistol ACRP-2 'Hollowpoint'

exotic

Acoustic Marrow Shear Rifle AMSR-6 'Tutor'

exotic

Arcturus Defense Solutions Concussive Breach Charge CBC-3 'Knocker'

explosive

Arcturus Defense Solutions Cryogenic Projector CP-4 'Frostbite'

energy

Arcturus Defense Solutions Directed EMP Rifle DER-5 'Blackout'

electromagnetic

Arcturus Defense Solutions Graviton Shield Projector GSP-1 'Aegis'

heavy

Arcturus Defense Solutions Kinetic Denial System KDS-4 'Bouncer'

heavy

Arcturus Defense Solutions Kinetic Impactor Round KIR-10 'Hammerfall'

rifle

Arcturus Defense Solutions Pulse Carbine PC-6 'Heartbeat'

electromagnetic

Arcturus Defense Solutions Orbital Strike Designator OSD-1 'Finger of God'

heavy

Arcturus Defense Solutions Microwave Area Denial MAD-3 'Sunburn'

energy

Arcturus Defense Solutions Magnetic Accelerator Rifle MAR-8 'Longbow'

rifle

Autonomous Swarm Dispersal Unit ASDU-3 'Locust'

drone

Autonomous Ferrofluid Denial Platform AFDP-2 'Tidemark'

drone

Arcturus Defense Solutions Thermal Lance TL-9 'Sunstroke'

energy

Autonomous Adhesive Denial Drone AADD-2 'Barnacle'

drone

Axiom Systems Biometric Lock Rifle BLR-3 'Personal'

rifle

Autonomous Swarm Dispersal Unit ASDU-4 'Locust'

drone

Axiom Systems Cognitive Grenade CG-1 'Brainstorm'

electromagnetic

Axiom Systems Perception Filter Rounds PFR-1 'Blind Spot'

exotic

Axiom Systems Synapse Interruptor SI-3 'Stutter'

electromagnetic

Axiom Systems Cortical Bomb CB-1 'Leash'

cyber-integrated

Axiom Systems Neural Disruptor ND-2 'Migraine'

electromagnetic

Ballistic Resonance Carbine BRC-6 'Kettledrum'

firearm

Axonal Stretch Resonance Lance

firearm

Bioelectric Cascade Charge

explosive

Barometric Implosion Carbine BIC-5 'Sinkhole'

cyber

Bioelectric Induction Lance BIL-3 'Lamprey'

melee

Biometric Denial Charge BDC-1

explosive

Bioluminescent Acoustic Disruptor BAD-2 'Choral'

exotic

Capillary Disruption Pistol CDP-2 'Bruiser'

firearm

Biophotonic Retinal Cascade Emitter BRCE-5 'Flashpoint'

energy

Carrion Defense Works Bone Saw BS-3 'Butcher'

melee

Capacitive Nerve Induction Lance CNIL-1 'Threadneedle'

energy

Carrion Defense Works Fragmentation Sleeve FS-2 'Shrapnel Hug'

explosive

Carrion Defense Works Entropic Shotgun ES-4 'Ragnarok'

shotgun

Carrion Defense Works Hemorrhage Rifle HR-6 'Bloodletter'

rifle

Carrion Defense Works Nerve Agent Micro-Dart System NAMDS-1 'Whisper'

exotic

Carrion Defense Works Miasma Projector MP-5 'Plague Bearer'

chemical

Carrion Defense Works Marrow Drill MD-7 'Dentist'

pistol

Carrion Defense Works Necrotizing Agent Sprayer NAS-2 'Rot'

chemical

Carrion Defense Works Ricochet Pistol RCH-1 'Billiard'

pistol

Carrion Defense Works Neural Lash NL-3 'Agony'

cyber-integrated

Carrion Defense Works Pathogen Delivery System PDS-4 'Typhoid'

chemical

Catalytic Aerosol Mortar CAM-3 'Lungful'

explosive

Catalytic Vapor Dispersal Charge CVDC-5

explosive

Cavitation Pulse Carbine CPC-2 'Bends'

firearm

Catalytic Interstitial Desiccation Drone CIDD-3 'Husk'

drone

Catalytic Spore Dispersal Drone CSDD-3 'Mulch'

drone

Cavitation Pulse Knuckles CPK-5 'Bloodwater'

melee

Cerulean Phosphene Projector CPP-3 'Phantom Light'

exotic

Cochlear Resonant Hemorrhage Projector

cyber

Coherent Thermal Excitation Rifle CTER-7 'Ashmaker'

energy

Coherent Radiation Scalpel CRS-7 'Suture'

energy

Corneal Piezoelectric Delamination Pistol

cyber

Cryogenic Dendrite Scatter Cannon CDSC-4 'Frostbite'

exotic

Coronal Discharge Projector CDP-9 'Sunburn'

exotic

Cortical Bleed Emitter CBE-4 'Lacuna'

cyber

Counter-Personnel Loiter Munition CPLM-7 'Patience'

drone

Crystalline Synovial Pressure Rifle CSPR-2 'Kneemaker'

exotic

Cryogenic Fracture Disbursement Mine CFDM-4

explosive

Dermal Induction Flayer DIF-2 'Saltwater'

exotic

Cryogenic Pressure Emitter CPE-2 'Frostbite'

energy

Dielectric Filament Anchor Drone DFAD-1 'Cobweb'

drone

Dielectric Hemorrhage Emitter DHE-4 'Blister'

energy

Dielectric Phase Inversion Glove DPIG-4 'Secondskin'

exotic

Dielectric Vitreous Humor Agitator DVHA-2 'Snowglobe'

exotic

Electrochemical Dissolution Sprayer EDS-2 'Lacquer'

exotic

Directed Overpressure Charge

explosive

Directed Oxidation Lance DOL-3 'Rustmaker'

cyber

Electrokinetic Pulse Drone EPD-3 'Thunderhead'

drone

Electrochemical Vapor Seeding Drone EVSD-4 'Rainmaker'

drone

Electrolytic Bone Density Projector EBDP-4 'Chalk'

energy

Electrostatic Adipose Polarization Drone EAPD-2 'Render'

drone

Electromagnetic Overpressure Charge EOC-8

explosive

Electrostatic Dermal Adhesion Projector

exotic

Electromagnetic Pulse Grenade EPG-5 'Deadstop'

explosive

Electrothermal Chemical Carbine ETCC-5 'Flashpoint'

firearm

Electrothermal Compression Lance ETCL-9 'Ironlung'

energy

Electrostatic Needle Array Rifle ENAR-3 'Porcupine'

firearm

Electrostatic Flensing Projector EFP-1 'Skinreader'

energy

Endolymphatic Pressure Cascade Rifle

exotic

Endothermic Synovial Disruption Rifle ESDR-1 'Lockjaw'

energy

Endocrine Cascade Volatilization Lance ECVL-5 'Burnout'

cyber

Ferroelectric Shatter Sidearm FESA-2 'Gravel'

exotic

Ferrofluid Induction Cannon FIC-6 'Ironbloom'

energy

Ferrofluid Dermal Infiltration Drone FDID-6 'Ironblush'

drone

Entropic Dielectric Pulse Emitter EDPE-5 'Candle'

energy

Galvanic Myofibril Lash

melee

Galvanic Marrow Projector GMP-1 'Marrowbone'

cyber

Galvanic Interstitial Fluid Displacement Lance

exotic

Galvanic Disruption Gauntlet GDG-2 'Palsy'

melee

Galvanic Periosteal Fatigue Emitter GPFE-4 'Hairline'

exotic

Galvanic Vapor Diffusion Pistol GVDP-1 'Saltlick'

exotic

Gauss Flechette Repeater GFR-3 'Needlerain'

firearm

Gravimetric Induction Pistol GIP-4 'Undertow'

energy

Nano-Filament Dispersal Unit NFDU-6 'Threadbare'

The NFDU-6 deploys a compressed canister payload of approximately 40,000 monofilament-gauge carbon-nanotube threads, each between 2 and 8 centimeters in length, suspended in a rapidly evaporating aerosol carrier. Upon detonation, the carrier disperses the threads in a roughly spherical cloud 6 meters in diameter that hangs in the air for 8–12 seconds before the threads settle. Any exposed biological tissue moving through the cloud at typical human speed contacts the threads with enough relative velocity to drive them into the skin, where they become embedded. The threads themselves cause only minor immediate irritation — the real effect is on cybernetic systems. Each thread is coated with a piezoelectric polymer that generates a micro-current on flexion, and embedded in sufficient density around a cybernetic joint or implant housing, they create constant low-level signal interference that degrades fine motor control and causes sensory implants to misfire.

name

Nano-Filament Dispersal Unit NFDU-6 'Threadbare'

aliases

Threadbare
The Loom
Silk Grenade
Wire Fog

category

cyber

manufacturer

HELIX BIOSYSTEMS

tier availability

Black market / Tier 4+

legality

Prohibited

base technologies

Carbon-nanotube suspension delivery
Piezoelectric disruption
Aerosol dispersal mechanics

specifications

form factor: Cylindrical throw-grenade, 90mm length, 45mm diameter, olive-drab with yellow band
deployment radius: 6-meter sphere at standard detonation
thread count: Approximately 40,000 per unit
thread dimensions: 2–8 cm length, 1–3 nanometer diameter
suspension duration: 8–12 seconds before threads settle
effect on biological tissue: Minor irritation, mild dermal penetration — not acutely dangerous to unaugmented individuals
effect on cybernetics: Signal interference, motor degradation, sensory misfiring — severity scales with augmentation density
duration of effect: Until threads are removed medically; self-clearing in 6–18 hours for peripheral implants, up to 72 hours for dense augmentation
weight: 0.3 kg

tactical use

Threadbare is used as an area-denial and force-degradation tool rather than a direct incapacitation weapon. Thrown into a corridor before a breach, it degrades the fine motor performance of every augmented defender who enters the cloud zone — not enough to stop them, but enough to make their aim unreliable and their cybernetic reflexes sluggish. Operators who know they are about to enter a Threadbare-contaminated area sometimes don full-body coverage, but this significantly limits mobility. Medical extraction of threads requires specialized equipment; field removal is ineffective and risks driving threads deeper.

cultural context

Threadbare is widely regarded as a 'dirty' weapon even by operators who have few ethical objections to other prohibited arms. The extended duration of its effects, the medical complexity of removal, and the fact that it affects anyone augmented who enters the zone — not just combatants — has given it a reputation for indiscriminate cruelty. HELIX BIOSYSTEMS officially denies manufacturing it, attributing existing units to a 'discontinued experimental program.' Street-level operators who carry Threadbare are often assumed to be working for employers with no interest in clean operations or civilian collateral.

known users

Anti-corporate insurgent cells
Criminal organizations conducting corporate facility raids
Certain rogue HELIX BIOSYSTEMS researchers
Black market arms dealers as demonstration product
A mercenary crew known only as 'The Weavers' who are rumored to use nothing else

story hooks

A civilian medical clinic in a contested district is treating dozens of patients with Threadbare contamination — someone deployed it in a populated area, and the question of who and why has political implications.
A character with extensive augmentation is contaminated and has 72 hours to find someone with the equipment to remove the threads before a critical job — and the only person with the right tools has their own agenda.
A HELIX BIOSYSTEMS internal document surfaces suggesting the NFDU-6 was not discontinued but is in active production for an undisclosed client.
A Threadbare canister is found at a crime scene that should have been a clean corporate operation — someone is trying to frame a known insurgent group.

ammunition type

energy_cell

related entities

Bathysphere Networks
Breccan Oluwafemi-Tsagaan
Hearthstone Firearms Defender-38 'Snubnose'
Helix Biosystems
Iowan Behemoth — 'Thunderhead'
Irontide Tidal Energy
Isadora Vukić-Nambiar
Meridian Municipal Supply TearClear TC-4 'Dispersal'
Nenad Vargas-Baffour
Ringo Corponation SlipThread MX-3 Urban Cable Micro-Mobility Rig
The Question
The Weft Arrangement
Vantablack Media Parasocial Carrier Mask

physical description

visual profile	A utilitarian cylindrical grenade with a distinctly medical or industrial aesthetic—more laboratory than battlefield. The form reads as compact and dense, designed for underhand or overhand throw. The yellow warning band wraps around the mid-body like a quarantine marker, immediately signaling hazardous payload.
dimensions	90mm length, 45mm diameter (roughly the size of a AA battery or small lighter)
weight description	Deceptively dense and substantial for its compact size—0.3 kg feels weighty in the palm, suggesting a pressurized canister rather than an explosive charge. Balanced, not unwieldy.
primary material	Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy body with reinforced polymer base cap and impact fuse assembly
finish	Matte olive-drab anodized coating—weathered and practical, showing signs of handling. The finish is intentionally non-reflective to avoid detection by visual sensors.
color scheme	Sage olive-drab primary body with a high-visibility yellow warning band (40mm width) centered around the cylinder. Matte black fuse cap with microscopic etching.
grip texture	Smooth anodized aluminum with subtle grip knurling near the base for throwing stability. Non-slip even when wet or bloodied.
distinctive features	Bright yellow circumferential band with faint HELIX biosecurity warnings printed in small type Miniature pressure-release valve (brass-colored, 3mm diameter) positioned on the cap for safety venting Faint micro-etching on the body showing: NFDU-6 \| THREADBARE \| HELIX BIOSYSTEMS \| Batch serial number Subtle radial cooling fins molded into the base (heat management for piezoelectric payload) Impact-detonation fuse cap with exposed striker mechanism—designed for hand-throw activation
manufacturer markings	HELIX BIOSYSTEMS logo (stylized double-helix) stamped in metallic ink on the yellow band. Model designation 'NFDU-6' and 'THREADBARE' etched into the lower third. QR code for batch tracking embossed faintly on the opposite side.
condition typical	Field units show consistent wear patterns—micro-scratches from gear contact, slight discoloration on the yellow band from handling oils and grime. Pressure valve may show oxidation if stored in humid environments. Generally appears functional but used, not pristine.

image prompt

Product photography of the NFDU-6 'Threadbare' grenade on a dark matte gunmetal surface. Cylindrical olive-drab aluminum body with bright yellow warning band, positioned at slight angle to show fuse cap and pressure-relief valve detail. Dramatic sidelighting from upper left, creating rim-light on the edges and subtle shadow defining the cylindrical form. Background is deep charcoal with slight bokeh texture suggesting an industrial lab setting. Include a gloved cybernetic hand (chrome and polymer fingers) holding the grenade from above, fingertips just barely making contact with the yellow band—suggesting careful handling of hazardous payload. Cinematic color grading with cool blue undertones and warm highlights on the metallic surfaces. Close depth-of-field keeping the grenade in sharp focus while the hand and background soften slightly. Neo-noir urban aesthetic with visible micro-etching and warning labels readable in the lighting. --ar 3:2 --v 6

visual prompt