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User:Zeta/Freeze Detonation
Freeze Detonation refers to deliberate modification of a creature's genetics to where their bodies produce so little heat that it freezes on the spot and then inexplicably detonates. It is a variant of the thermonuclear catsplosion typically used to remove the unwanted pests known only as cats. It is still in the highly experimental phase, as genetic engineers are still working out the kinks.
History and Theory
The history of the Freeze Detonation method is fairly short. The idea came from examination of the thermonuclear catsplosion method, and was the result of simple reasoning: if there is an upper limit for heat for most animals, there must also be a lower limit.
The theory goes as such: if a creature must generate heat to survive, then by lowering the amount of heat the body produces to below a certain threshold, the creature will freeze to death even in magma.
There are two things that some people argue are completely wrong with the theory, the first being the ethical implications of this - mainly, that it would be possible to "play god." these complaints are disregarded, since they come from the ignorant. the other problem is that there is always the possibility of adaptation to the change via mutations. however, since no such mutations have occured, it's quite possible this will not happen.
Genetic Modification Process
| This no longer works in version 40d, as HOMEOTHERM changes only affect newly created creatures. |
The process for causing a freeze detonation are simple. you genetically modify the HOMEOTHERM of the creature (via the creature_*.txt file - I.E. creature_domestic.txt file for cats) to a ridiculously low number, such as 1. for best results, splice in the gene for [SEVERONBREAKS] so that the creature detonates on death, which will occur instantly.
It is safe to perform this operation before world generation.
Notes
Unlike thermonuclear catsplosions, cats killed via this method will not have direct collateral damage. tantrums may still result if the cat has adopted a dwarf.
It is unknown (at this point) whether or not creatures killed by this method will produce miasma.