Arcanowave tech has a viral quality to it. The magically charged chemicals that the AI/O ports transmit can alter the DNA of those exposed to large doses. This can lead to mutation, birth defects, and personality disorders.
Though the process of mutation is essentially random, in the game it is represented through a number of arcanowave limitations, or mutations. These are physical or mental twists and changes brought about by exposure to low-end arcanowaves.