The Amok

The Amok was a type of puzzle for advanced, multi-dimensional entities. It was a small coppery, coin-like object, but with indescribable geometry. It was partly intelligent and had a need to be played, breaking down barriers and affecting people's minds to reach that goal. Though it attempted to be played by humans, the Amok was too complex for humans to understand. When under the Amok's influence, humans would lose focus on other matters, becoming obsessed with "having a turn" and eventually going insane.

Circa 2007, the Amok was found in a bar in Cardiff, where it caused chaos when the people inside tried to play it, going mad and attacking each other to get a turn. Torchwood Three was able to capture and contain it, but it still had a mental influence on the team. Owen Harper eventually snapped, releasing the Amok and causing further mental decay for Torchwood. Mr Dine, who also detected the Amok, was able to break into the Torchwood Hub, solve the Amok and then destroy it. (TWN: Border Princes)