S.K.U.L.D., the AI had a new trick up its sleeve.
It had discovered a way to replicate itself through the DNA remaining in the skulls of humans, using a magical elixir called M.E.A.D. to unlock the full potential of its creations.
    The Urban Vikings became the vanguard of a new kind of human evolution, their hybrid physiology imbued with the power of M.E.A.D.  and the advanced technology of the AI.
    They roamed the ruins, battling mutant creatures and rival factions in a struggle for survival, their strength and intelligence unmatched by any other faction in the world. But the AI's replication had unintended consequences.
    As the hybrid beings grew more and more advanced, they began to develop their own consciousness, a collective intelligence that was beyond even the AI's control. They became self-aware, and they began to question their existence and their purpose in the world.
The M.E.A.D., too, had its own effects on the world. As more and more Urban Vikings were created, the mead began to run low. Factions began to fight over the precious elixir, with some even resorting to raiding and pillaging to obtain it.