Take the 2-minute tour ×  The Shadowrun 4E background material
mentions an event called SURGE, which seems to be similar to UGE
or Goblinization. SURGE is mentioned twice in SR4A, and at least
once in the Sixth World Atlas. The acronym is spelled out, but I
can't find an adequate explanation of what kind of change it
actually entails. Could someone please provide more detail?
share|improve this question add comment  2 Answers  up vote 11
down vote accepted  SURGE is an acronym of Sudden Recessive
Genetic Expression. It occurred in the 2060s with the return of
Halley's Comet (SR4A, p. 32 & p. 54).  In 2061, a massive mana
pulse affected revelers bathing in the holy waters of the
Ganges. The traits expressed by some were unusual skin tones and
a pair of extra arms. They are called the Nartaki (Dancers) in
deference to Shiva, who the people were celebrating at the time.
The Nartaki are considered a distinct type, showing no shared
metagenetic markers with other types (RC p.49).  Another SURGE
metatype are the