[alyasa]

Means of exchange : Genetic Code; that can be spliced into existing DNA to augment or enhance humanity. The abundance of this gene-altering substance is due to a genetic war recently ended that has left money non-existent, food scarce; and luxuries a figment of imagination. Although labs have created gene-altering substances aplenty for the war effort; with near infinite surplus.

Organization of economic exchange : Almost completely black market and non-regulated. What little government there is left is mostly concerned with keeping themselves from disappearing into the ether completely; and they have no means to regulate or stop this trade in genetic splicers. In fact; they have to deal in it as well.

Effect on Social Structure : Those with gene splicing can afford food; but most importantly they have less need of food; or can alter their biological make-up enough to depend on other sources of energy other than food. They are also faster, stronger, smarter; and more animalistic. Since the means of exchange is also the means of survival; dark ages return; and the 'rich' show it physically; like in the dark ages; the thin and weak are poor; the well-fed and strong are rich. However; with the added factor of gene splicing; the classes are basically split into human and ubermensch.

What sort of individuals? The sort who revel in trade and negotiations... The pathetic who have enough gene splicing material and the pathetic who don't. The whole of humanity is basically reduced to its original, pathetic, whimpering state; but with gene altering facets that radically change the very concept of being human. Basically the rich and those who manage to get their hands on gene splicing are aliens; while the poor are humans; remnants of a lost age...