Containing strong beta-endorphins and various enkephalin derivatives, beta patches are used to block the effects of pain. Although these patches do nothing to correct pain-causing damage, they do permit the body to continue functioning as it normally would by bonding with opiate receptors found within the brain.

A beta patch allows a character to function in a damaged state without suffering physical modifiers. Stun modifiers still apply, however. For example, if a character using a level 6 beta patch suffers a serious physical wound, s/he doesn't receive a +3 modifier for actions. If, however, the character sustains physical wounding that exceeds the level of the beta patch, the full effects of all modifiers apply.

Beta patches come in many strengths, each containing a different concentration of active materials. When applied, a beta patch will function for 15+ld6 minutes before the body metabolizes its painkillers. At that point, the beta patch user suffers stun damage equal to the level of the beta patch (this does not negate any physical damage already sustained). This damage cannot be avoided or reduced by bioware implants, such as a trauma damper. It is possible for this stun damage to carry over into the physical condition monitor, thus making the character's condition even worse.

It should be noted that due to the nature of the beta patch, it is possible that excessive use could lead to addiction. If a character uses more than one beta patch in a 24 hour period, make a check for possible physical addiction. The addiction code is equal to 3 plus the number of doses taken thus far in the 24 hour period.

Molly

[Look out, chummer. They may be warm fuzzies right now, but later it'll feel like someone put your brain on a skillet. Had a buddy who used beta patches for a quick fix.]

Snow

[What happened?]

Axe

[He just slowly burned himself out. By the time he finally bought it, there wasn't much left to look at. He just looked glazed over all the time.  Fraggin' lousy way to go.]

Snow