Star Frontiers and cyborg characters.

I was thinking that a discussion on cybernetics would make a great contribution to the Star Frontiers game. The skill for cybernetics was presented in the Zebulon's Guide and future editions were to address this topic with actual rules: those never materialized.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p> There are, in essence, two types of cybernetic systems, as far as the impact to game rules are concerned; some are purely cosmetic (Low Mods) that are the equivalent to simple technology available to anyone. Other types of cyber gear (Medium and Heavy Mods) serve to greatly enhance a character's abilities. <o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p> Some players might like their characters to begin with already integrated cyber-systems. Cosmetic-type cybernetic gear could be acquired by starting PCs just like other equipment: by spending Credits. These could be simple items like animated tattoos or sub-dermal watches that display time on the skin of the character's wrist (such technology might cost more than its hand-held equipment equivalent -- plus the surgical installation expenses -- but otherwise offers no unique benefits). <o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Augmenting type cybernetic gear (Medium and Heavy Mods) should cost a PC both XP and Credits to acquire (though a Corporation might help with the financial costs in exchange for a service contract). The greater the benefit of a piece of cybernetic equipment the greater experience-point cost it should be to a PC. The referee should apply a reasonable limit as to the amount of Medium and Heavy cyber gear a character should start the game with. (I’d personally not allow Heavy cyber gear.)<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p> Balancing beginning Cyborg characters could be handled by reducing the amount of starting credits he/she has to purchase other equipment at character creation. Additionally, ability enhancing cybernetics might penalize a starting PC with an XP Dept that would need to be paid off by earned experience before the character would be able to advance. [Another option that runs along this line is that the character would only earn 1/2 xp while adventuring until the XP cyberdept is paid off.] This could be used for starting PCs with a real starting Cyber-Advantage over the 'normal', 100% natural characters they are playing with. This is only of any benefit in a long running campaign.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>I don't believe a PC should be penalized by having cybernetic enhancements by causing them to gradually become insane (like some kind of Cybernetic psychosis). There are other ways that cyber technology could be balanced:<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p> <ol><li><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Cybernetic gear might not be too fashionable in the more civilized regions of the Frontier; thus imposing a negative (say -10%) modifier toward characters with obvious enhancements. Maybe non-cyber NPCs might react negatively because of perceptions that a cyber-PC might feel him/her-self to be superior to the NPC (could this be perceived Cyber-Arrogance?)</div></li><li><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Since Cyber characters are more advanced character concepts they could be banned as starting characters. Alternately, non-cyber characters could begin play with the benefit of extra starting skills or better starting equipment.</div></li><li><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Cybernetic systems might be more susceptible to damage and are more costly to be repaired.<o:p></o:p></div></li></ol><o:p> </o:p>Here are some ideas for possible cybernetic systems. These have not been thoroughly developed, let alone play tested. I present these merely to initiate discussion.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p> Low Mods (fashionable cyber wear – purchased with Credits only): · Mirrored/Colored Eyes – the conjunctive tissues covering the eyes are treated so as to appear color tinted, black or silvery and reflective. · Animated Tattoos – installed beneath the skin this cyber weave can project a tattoo-like image upon the character’s epidermis. The appearance of this ‘tattoo’ can be changed at will by programming or downloading new designs. Some models can be programmed to project animated patterns or images. The cost varies as per the size of the ‘tattoo’. · Personal Player – the character has a tiny dedicated radio/music player located within their wrist/skull that plays rich, clear music and radio signals directly to the characters ear drums. These sounds cannot be heard by others. <o:p></o:p>· Finger-Lamp – This cyber device incorporates a small flashlight within the character’s finger. <o:p></o:p>· Color-Change Hair – the character’s natural hair is replaced by a synthetic substitute as soft and manageable as the real thing. This cyber wear can instantly change to any one of dozens of pre-programmed colors. It can be styled and cut like normal hair and even treated to grow more length. <o:p></o:p>· Natural Organ Replacement – these cyber devices mealy replace a natural organ in the body, which operates exactly as the original. [This is offered as mere character flavor.] <o:p></o:p>· Natural Limb Replacement – these cyber devices are designed to appear and function just as the original limb. [This is offered as mere character flavor.]<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p> Medium Mods (cyber devices providing improved ability – purchased with Credit and some XP): <o:p></o:p>· Concealed Blade – this cyber device is often hidden within a Natural Limb Replacement to provide a ready weapon in close conflict situations. These blades are often designed to spring out of the character’s wrist, above the back of the hand. Damage is as per a knife. <o:p></o:p>· War Claws – as per Concealed Blade; these small blades extend from the character’s fingertips causing racking damage equivalent to a knife weapon. <o:p></o:p>· Hammer Punch – this cyber mod enhances a character’s bare knuckles, punching score by +1d10 damage. <o:p></o:p>· Hawk Eyes – this mod replaces the character’s eyes with the equivalent of Magnigoggles. [Note: Up to 3 optical enhancements can be added to a set of cyber-eyes.] <o:p></o:p>· Night Eyes – this is a cyber item allowing infra-red night vision ability. [Note: Up to 3 optical enhancements can be added to a set of cyber-eyes.] <o:p></o:p>· Cyber-View – this cyber eye incorporates Heads-Up-Display ability without the need to wear HUD goggles. This is a useful compliment to a Cyber-Comp device. <o:p></o:p>· Direct Link – is a cyber enhancement that allows the character to plug a Cyber-Comp device directly into an external interface device. <o:p></o:p>· Smuggler’s Pocket – is a concealed compartment used to hide small objects within otherwise legal cyber limbs. <o:p></o:p>· Integrated Chronocom – this cyber device is a chronocom that is fully integrated within the character’s head or wrist.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p> Heavy Mods (cyber enhancements that offer significant abilities to a character – costing lots of Credits and lots more XP too): <o:p></o:p>· Cyber-Comp I – This is a miniature Bodycomp (see Zebulon’s Guide to Frontier Space for details), but is more costly. It can store only a total of 4 pre-installed type-A progits; but can only run up to 2 type-A progits simultaneously. It is able to run off the power generated by the character’s body. <o:p></o:p>· Cyber-Comp II – This is a miniature Bodycomp (see Zebulon’s Guide to Frontier Space for details). This device is similar to the Cyber-Comp I, but can run up to 3 type-A progits simultaneously and stores a total of 5 pre-installed type-A progits. The small battery power source used to supplement the added energy demands of this device requires it to be recharged monthly (otherwise the device functions as the Cyber-Comp I until recharged.) <o:p></o:p>· Cyber-Comp III – This is a miniature Bodycomp (see Zebulon’s Guide to Frontier Space for details). This high-end Cyber-Comp can run and store type-B progits as well as type-A progits. A type-B progit is treated as if the equivalent of two type-A progits. It can run the equivalent of 4 type-A progits simultaneously (or up to two type-B progits) and store up to 6 type-A progits (or 3 type-B). The extra power demand of this cyber device requires that it integrates a small micro-power pack that must be recharged weekly. If it is not recharged it will continue to operate but only equivalent to that of the Cyber-comp I. <o:p></o:p>[Note: these Cyber-Comp devices would need to balanced a bit better against the Bodycomp considering they would need to be pre-equipped with the Brain-link progit just to function.] <o:p></o:p>· RS Boost – hotwires the characters Reaction Speed response providing a bonus to Initiative rolls etc. (say +10%.) <o:p></o:p>· Integrated Powerframe – this major cyber gear device supplements the skeleton with a stronger load bearing framework upon which to anchor enhanced cyber limbs. The Powerframe ensures that normal body tissues are not stressed by the greater abilities of superior cyber limbs. These devices come in partial (to support one enhanced cyber limb) or full-body (to support multiple limb replacements.) <o:p></o:p>· Enhanced Cyber-Limb – is a cyber gear device that replaces an arm or leg with a stronger than natural limb; often sporting additional integrated cyber devices. Without the benefit of a Powerframe the enhanced Cyber-Limb offers only a +10% bonus to Strength checks for that limb. A Powerframe can provide a +20% (for a partial frame) to a +30% (for a full body frame.) <o:p></o:p>· Skeinflesh – this cyber device appears as genuine skin but protects as though a 25pt skeinsuit. Skeinflesh must be repaired by a qualified cybernetics technician. <o:p></o:p>· Power Jump – this cyber device is integrated into cyber-leg replacements that provide leap assisting gear that triples the jumping distance of a character. It can provide +2d10 damage to a well-placed kick attack. <o:p></o:p>· Integrated Weapon System – the character has a small, integrated, and concealed weapon such as a laser pistol or needler. <o:p></o:p>· Armored Bodysuit – is an external device mounting to attachment points on a full body Powerframe. It provides protection equivalent to a 150pt Skeinsuit. It’s weight negates any STR bonuses and applies a -10% bonus to both DEX and RS ability checks.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p> What are your ideas to make cybernetics a balanced and valued inclusion into the Star Frontiers game? {Note: My only free time for game discussion is usually on weekends so please be understanding if I do not respond to an idea or question quickly}.<o:p></o:p>

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