Cybernetics and Uploading

The earliest cybernetic systems were prostheses such as hearing-aid implants and pacemakers. Late in TL8, cybernetics that linked the user’s nervous system with electronics were developed, allowing paralyzed individuals to control computers. This set the stage for bionic eyes and advanced limb replacements. In some settings, cybernetic limbs and organs may be unnecessary, thanks to easy-to-grow transplants. In others, cybernetic replacement may be much more common.

Cybernetics that enhance a person’s abilities are a different matter. Many simple cybernetic implants are for convenience. An implanted, voice-activated communicator is easier to use than a pocket phone. Neural interfaces allow hands-free use of many gadgets, sometimes with greater efficiency. Combat implants can also provide a crucial edge. An opponent with a laser in his forearm, a battle computer in his brain, and armor under his skin is trouble.

Cybernetic implants blur the line between a person and his gadgetry, making a man’s abilities less important than his neurosurgeon’s. Still, not everyone will want cybernetics. A spy may benefit from concealed armor and implanted claws, but it will take surgery to remove if they’re spotted when he’s walking through Customs. If he’s captured and his captors find his implant communicator, they may be less than gentle about confiscating it.

Those who receive cybernetics will have to deal with their own differences – and with how others view them. Becoming a machine might be considered a Social Stigma in many societies. Cybernetics could also lead to reaction penalties in a society where Intolerance against robots or cyborgs exists.

Cybernetics are not always controversial. They might be a standard medical treatment or fashion choice, no more unusual than a prosthetic leg or plastic surgery is at TL8. If a lot of war veterans have bionic replacements, they could even be a mark of distinction: “Yes sir, got that leg after fighting in the Battle of Three Suns, back when I was a sergeant in the High Marines. No, never could afford to replace it with a transplant.” In some societies, certain types of cybernetics, like neural interface implants, may mark the user as a member of an elite group (aerospace pilots, for example) or a particular subculture.

Cybernetic modifications usually provide advantages or mitigate disadvantages; these traits are listed under Statistics along with the total point cost. The Body Modification (p. B294) rules apply, with the exception that the more detailed Operations rules below supersede the Surgical Modifications rules on p. B295.

Cybernetic advantages often have the limitation Temporary Disadvantage (Electrical, -20%), which means the advantage is vulnerable to electrical surges, power draining, etc. See Electrical, p. B134.

Cybernetic replacement parts for specific body locations are bought as a crippling disadvantage with the Mitigator (-70%) limitation. This limitation is assumed to include the effects of the Electrical, Maintenance (1 person, monthly) (p. B143), and Unhealing (p. B160) disadvantages for that body part.

Cybernetic implants generally supercede (or mitigate) existing natural or biological traits. Thus, if someone with Night Vision 1 gains a bionic eye that provides Night Vision 2, the levels don’t stack together. Modify the character’s point total accordingly; if paying character points for the advantage, base the cost on the net change (if positive).

Each modification specifies the type of procedure, the cost of the cybernetics, and the LC. Procedures are classified as simple, minor, complex, or radical – see below.

Installing cybernetic modifications involves opening up the patient and, except for simple procedures, performing neurosurgery to connect the device to the user’s nervous system.

Surgery skill is used to install cybernetics, and Surgery (Cybernetics) may be a common specialization. Most hospitals are reliable enough that no skill rolls are required for surgery the characters pay for (although cyber-surgery accidents or malpractice can be part of an adventure plot). If they do their own work, or a black-market surgeon is hired, the GM should require a Surgery skill roll.

The table below shows the procedures’ difficulty modifiers (use the parenthetical value for brain or eye surgery), the time per attempt, and the injury caused by a failed roll (this is applied to the body part operated on). Success installs the modification, but it won’t work until after the specified recovery period. The fee is the average surgical fee charged at a clinic or hospital – ignore it for characters who do their own work.

Surgical Procedures Table

All damages and recovery times assume the surgeon is using robotic instruments; without them, double recovery time and damage. (Increase damage from a failed Simple procedure to 1d/2 HP.)

A modification is not functional until the recovery time has passed. If a disadvantage is mitigated by the modification – e.g., One Hand for a Bionic Hand – the patient will suffer the disadvantage until the recovery time is completed.

On a critical success, halve the recovery time. A critical failure may inflict double damage, or may result in the inadvertent installation of defective cybernetics. These may break down at a dramatically appropriate time, or cause an inconvenient disadvantage. Leaking toxic chemicals, bad installation, electrical faults, or infection might lead to Chronic Pain, Neurological Disorder, Unfit, Terminal Illness, or Wounded. A problem may also be specific to the attempted modification, such as a malfunctioning ear implant leading to Motion Sickness.

Some surface implants – notably skin coatings and dermal armor – can be grown by immersing the patient in a vat of micromachines inside a biofab, which assembles the implant as if it were a 3D printer. This technique is also used to add synthetic flesh and tactile sensors to robots and total cyborgs. Nanosurgeons make the neurological connections between skin and body.

This process requires a Physician roll (modified by the quality of the tank) and takes the specified number of hours. The patient is unconscious. On a failed Physician roll, the process must be repeated. On a critical failure, something goes gruesomely wrong, resulting in 1d corrosion damage for every 2 hours the process took.

A diagnostic bed, medscanner, or X-ray scanner can detect concealed implants on a successful Electronics Operation (Medical) or Diagnosis roll. Cybernetics can be safely removed in the same fashion they are installed, but the operation is easier: add +1 to Surgery rolls. If the parts don’t need to be removed intact, add +2 and halve the time required.

Cybernetics may be rigged to cause unpleasant effects (e.g., see Bomb Implant) if removal is attempted. A successful Traps-4 roll is required to notice a cyber-trap before it goes off; roll at no penalty if specifically looking for it. Disarming a booby trap requires an appropriate Traps roll prior to the surgery.

Second-hand parts may be available, usually at 20-70% (1d+1 x 10%) of the cost of the cybernetics. This may or may not be a bargain, and there may be damage that is not immediately evident. Because of their value, bionics are rarely discarded until they are totally destroyed, giving new meaning to the phrase “loot the bodies.” Salvaged cybernetics are usually worth 10-35% (1d+1 x 5%) of the original value depending on their condition.

Salvaging cybernetics from a corpse is much faster than installing them in a living person. It takes only one-third the procedure time and, if paying someone, costs 1/10th as much. A Mechanic (Robotics) skill roll can be substituted for surgery. Failing the roll means the parts require major repairs; critical failure destroys them.

Use Mechanic (Robotics) skill to repair physical damage or malfunctioning cybernetics, or to diagnose second-hand parts to see if they have any hidden flaws. Minor damage to bionic body parts can be repaired from the outside, without surgery. For implants and major damage, the part must be completely removed before any repairs can take place.

Cybernetic devices are assumed to be powered by body heat and motion. Exceptions are noted in the descriptions. Bionic limbs require cell replacement or recharging on a monthly basis (this is part of the maintenance requirement subsumed in their Mitigator limitation).

These include modifications to the body’s limbs and organs, as well as implanted devices.

This implant monitors vital signs: pulse, heartbeat, blood pressure, respiration, brainwaves, blood sugar, and alcohol levels, as well as the overall condition of the user’s other cybernetics. It includes a small wrist display, and can connect to a neural interface or computer implant. It gives a +2 bonus to any First Aid, Diagnosis or Physician rolls on the cyborg, as long as the medic can see the display. Halve the bonus if the user can see it but has to describe it to the medic. If the medic has a neural interface or a computer, he can jack it into a port beside the visual readout and monitor the cyborg directly.

Statistics: Accessory (Biomonitor) [1]. 1 point.

Availability: Simple procedure. $100. LC4.

It's possible to have either VR gloves or a basic VR suit (both Ultra-Tech, p. 54) implanted into the body, so that they are always available for use. People who use lots of AR, VR or holographic interfaces may choose to do this, to avoid problems with forgetting gloves, connectivity issues, sweaty hands, etc. An implanted version of the full VR suit is not available, as a neural interface is cheaper.

This the important electronics of VR gloves implanted in the hands, allowing the same ability to manipulate virtual objects without having to don gloves.

• Statistics: Accessory (VR Gloves) [1]. 1 point.
• Availability: Minor procedure (Simple at TL10-12). $100. LC4.

As above, but with the basic VR suit.

•  Statistics: Accessory (VR Suit) [1]. 1 point.

  * Availability: Major procedure (Minor at TL10-12). $1,000. LC4.

This is slightly stronger than the original, but constrained by the limits of the flesh-and-bone shoulder it is attached to.

Statistics: Arm ST+2 (One arm; Temporary Disadvantages, Electrical, -20%, and Maintenance, 1 person, weekly, -5%) [5]; DR 2 (One arm, -40%) [6]; One Arm (Mitigator, -70%) [-6]. 5 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $12,000. LC4.

Statistics: Arm ST+2 (Both arms; Temporary Disadvantages, Electrical, -20%, and Maintenance, 1 person, weekly, -5%) [8]; DR 2 (Arms, -20%) [8]; No Fine Manipulators (Mitigator, -70%) [-9]. 7 points.

Availability: Two major procedures. $24,000. LC4.

If the recipient already has one existing bionic arm, use the Availability entry for one bionic arm.

A cybernetic hand and wrist.

Statistics: Arm ST+1 (One arm, Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [3]; DR 2 (One hand, -80%) [2]; One Hand (Mitigator, -70%) [-4]. 1 point.

Availability: Major procedure. $8,000. LC4.

Crude cybernetic implants to repair damaged or lost hearing were available at TL8; these are much more advanced, providing some benefits over natural ears.

Statistics: Hard of Hearing (Mitigator, -70%) [-3]. -3 points.

Operation: Minor procedure. $500. LC4.

Statistics: Protected Hearing [5]; Deafness (Mitigator, -70%) [-6]. -1 point.

Operation: Two minor procedures. $1,000. LC4.

These ears are connected to a computerized sound-profiling database.

Statistics: Discriminatory Hearing (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [12]; Protected Hearing [5]; Deafness (Mitigator, -70%) [-6]. 11 points.

Operation: Two minor procedures. $5,000. LC4.

The eye is a complex organ, but cybernetics can replace it with something that works just as well or better than the original. Standard features are roughly equivalent to night vision contact lenses, including a video display option and low-light and telescopic (2x) optics.

Statistics: Accessory (Video Display) [1]; Nictitating Membrane 2 (One eye, -50%) [1]; Night Vision 2 (Temporary Disadvantages, Electrical and No Depth Perception, -35%) [2]; Telescopic Vision 1 (Temporary Disadvantages, Electrical and No Depth Perception, -35%) [4]; One Eye (Mitigator, -70%) [-4]. 4 points.

Availability: Major eye procedure. $5,000. LC4.

Statistics: Accessory (Video Display) [1]; Nictitating Membrane 2 [2]; Night Vision 2 (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [2]; Protected Vision [5]; Telescopic Vision 1 (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [4]; Blindness (Mitigator, -70%) [-15]. -1 points.

Availability: Two major eye procedures. $10,000. LC4.

A single cybernetic leg is limited by the capabilities of the remaining original leg. A pair of legs are more useful.

Statistics: DR 3 (One leg, -40%) [9]; Missing Legs (Mitigator, -70%) [-6]. 3 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $8,000. LC4.

Statistics: Basic Move +1 (Temporary Disadvantages, Electrical, -20%, and Maintenance, 1 person, weekly, -5%) [4]; Super Jump 1 (Temporary Disadvantages, Electrical, -20%, and Maintenance, 1 person, weekly, -5%) [8]; DR 3 (Legs, -20%) [12]; Legless (Mitigator, -70%) [-9]. 15 points.

Availability: Two major procedures. $16,000. LC4.

Complete cybernetic replacement of the heart, lungs, or other vital organs is usually performed only to save a life. This may be combined with additional implants that improve on the original organ.

One of the most common operations, this extends TL8 medicine with better pacemakers, artificial lungs, etc. The procedure is common, and therefore cheaper than most cybernetics.

Statistics: Hard to Kill (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) +2 [4]; Terminally Ill (Up to one month; Mitigator, -70%) [-30]. -26 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $7,000. LC4.

This combination of a cybernetic heart upgrade and arterial reinforcement allows the recipient to temporarily boost his metabolism beyond human norms. It can be added to either a healthy or a bionic heart.

Statistics: Basic Speed +1 (Costs Fatigue 1, -5%; Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [15]; Immunity to Heart Attack (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [4]. 19 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $10,000. LC4.

This implant replaces the recipient’s voicebox, and may include an artificial tongue if the original was damaged. Someone with a damaged or recovering voicebox can croak or gurgle, but cannot actually speak. These implants can also be used to give animals the power of speech, although at IQ 5 or less, they can only parrot words.

Statistics: Cannot Speak (Mitigator, -70%) [-3]. -3 points.

Availability: Minor procedure. $1,000. LC4.

Statistics: Cannot Speak (Mitigator, -70%) [-3]; Voice (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [8]. 5 points.

Availability: Minor procedure. $5,000. LC4.

This explosive charge is attached to a timed or radio-triggered detonator and placed in the subject’s head or torso. Implanted bombs could be suicide devices under the control of the implantee, or used to insure the loyalty of untrustworthy subordinates. Implanted bombs are often wired into other implants to prevent tampering – see Detecting and Removing Cybernetics, above.

Damage is dependent on the size of the explosive; wounding to the victim is tripled (as per a vital hit) for a torso charge in the vitals, or quadrupled (as per a skull injury) for one buried in the head. An exploding skull inflicts 1d-3 cutting fragmentation damage to anyone nearby.

A nasty variation on the implanted bomb is to place it under the control of a computer implant which shares the victim’s consciousness. Such a system is much harder to fool than a guard with a radio trigger!

Statistics: An implanted bomb may qualify as an Involuntary Duty.

Availability: Simple procedure. Use the cost and LC of a smart grenade; a 25mm or 40mm can fit in the torso, a 15mm in a limb, 10mm elsewhere in the body.

These implanted glands release chemicals on mental command, triggering a controlled adrenaline-like response.

Statistics: Basic Speed +2 (Costs Fatigue, 2 FP, -10%) [18]. 18 points.

Availability: Minor procedure. $9,000. LC3.

The recipient’s hands or feet are equipped with ceramic or metal claws. The claws are retractable, triggered by muscle contractions.

Statistics: Sharp Claws (Switchable, +10%) [6].

Availability: Minor procedure. $6,000. LC3.

Halve the cost and treat as a simple procedure if adding these to a bionic hand or arm.

A self-regenerating particle-filtration system integrated into the recipient’s lungs.

Statistics: Filter Lungs [5].

Availability: Minor procedure. $2,500. LC4.

This is a surgically implanted pocket or pouch, sealed by a flap of skin. It can be used to smuggle small objects. A flesh pocket is normally installed in the torso; up to five levels are possible. Each level allows the pocket to hold up to Basic Lift/10 lbs. If placed elsewhere, a maximum of one level can be installed, and the amount of weight that can be carried is divided by 4 (leg), 8 (arm), or 16 (head or neck).

Statistics: Payload 1-5 [1/Level]. 1-5 points.

Availability: Simple procedure. $200 per level. LC3.

This is a miniature electronic gyroscope implanted in the inner ears (both ears – but treat as a single operation), and interfaced to improve the recipient’s sense of balance.

Statistics: Klutz (Mitigator, -70%) [-2]; Perfect Balance (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [12]. 10 points.

Availability: Minor procedure. $7,000. LC4.

A cybernetic arm or leg may have a compartment large enough for any small object of up to Basic Lift/10 lbs. weight.

Statistics: Payload 1 [1].

Availability: Simple procedure. $500. No operation required if purchased with the limb. LC4.

This “implant communicator” is a radio with a range of one mile. It is spliced into the recipient’s auditory nerve; the user may speak normally or subvocalize. A character with an implant radio can use it to subscribe to a cell phone or net service provider.

Statistics: Radio (Reduced Range, 1/10, -30%; Secure, +20%; Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [7]. 7 points.

Availability: Simple procedure. $100. LC4.

This implanted radio communicator is spliced into the recipient’s optic nerves to provide a video display. It has a range of one mile, and can be used to subscribe to a cell phone or net service provider.

Statistics: Radio (Reduced Range, 1/10, -30%; Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%; Video, +40%) [9]. 9 points.

Availability: Simple procedure. $200. LC4.

These synthetic flesh implants allow the recipient to shift between two different sets of facial and bodily features: his own and another set specified when it is installed.

Statistics: Alternate Form (Cosmetic, -50%, Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [5]. 5 points.

Availability: Radical procedure (major at TL10-12). $20,000. LC3. If the subject already has bioplastic skin, this is a minor procedure.

This flexible armor is implanted under the skin. Nanotechnology is used to carefully grow the armor under the skin without harming the individual. A careful tactile examination, a diagnostic bed, or a medscanner can detect the armor, but it is invisible to the naked eye and does not appear on metal detectors. It provides DR 12 vs. piercing and cutting damage and DR 4 vs. other damage.

Statistics: DR 8 (Limited, Piercing and Cutting, -20%; Tough Skin, -40%) [16]; DR 4 (Tough Skin, -40%) [12]. 28 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $2,000. LC2.

These tattoos are made with video ink. They can follow preprogrammed scripts, or even act in response to changes their sensors detect in the skin (sweat, temperature, etc.). A tiger tattoo might roar when it detects anger, or purr when the wearer is aroused.

Statistics: Distinctive Features 1 (Switchable, -10%) [0]. 0 points.

Availability: Simple procedure. $200. LC4.

This concealed implant houses a single disposable hypo sheathed under a fingernail or in a body cavity. The recipient has no ability to manufacture drugs or toxins; he must buy hypos loaded with injectable drugs, poisons, or metabolic weapons. It takes 10 seconds to remove and replace a hypo in the mount.

A fingernail-mounted stinger attacks just like a jab with a disposable hypo. It has reach C, does 1 HP damage for penetration purposes, but with no wounding, and delivers a follow-up attack based on whatever agent was loaded into it. If the user has claws rather than normal fingernails, the injection can be a follow-up attack to the claw’s damage. A body-cavity stinger is mostly useful to deliver a surprise attack during an intimate moment; the GM may allow a Touch-8 sense roll to notice the tiny mount before it can be used. A stinger in the mouth can also be a follow-up attack to a bite.

Statistics: Extra Arm (Switchable, +10%; Takes Recharge, -10%; Weapon Mount, -80%) [2]. 2 points. Availability: Minor procedure. $500 (hypos not included). LC3.

These are modular weapons installations attached to a cyborg’s body. Each can mount a single weapon that weighs no more than the recipient’s Basic Lift. Mounted weapons cost cash – not points – and their weight counts as encumbrance. A mounted weapon is plugged-in, not built-in. The user can swap it for another weapon with a suitable interface. It takes five seconds to mount or remove a weapon. Concealing a weapon mount is similar to hiding a firearm of similar bulk. A Bulk -5 rifle built into one’s arm will have a protruding muzzle, while a Bulk -1 holdout pistol may have only a tiny gun-port built into the user’s palm. All mounted weapons can be detected by searches. Enemies or the authorities can unplug and confiscate them, just like carried weapons.

This is a weapon mount built into an existing bionic arm or hand. It may be mounted above or below the arm, or fire out through the palm. The weapon’s weight may not exceed Basic Lift if in an arm, or half of Basic Lift if in a hand.

Statistics: Extra Arm (Weapon Mount, -80%) [2].

Availability: Minor procedure. $100/lb. of weapon weight. LC of weapon.

This weapon mount replaces the user’s arm with a socket joint and a hardpoint for attaching a weapon, usually rifle-sized. The mounted weapon must weigh equal to or less than the user’s Basic Lift.

Statistics: To replace one arm with a weapon mount, take Extra Arm (Weapon Mount, -80%) [2] and One Arm [-20]. -18 points.

Availability: Minor procedure. $100/lb. of weapon weight. LC of weapon.

A system of electronic nerves and computer hardware that replaces large sections of the nervous system.

Statistics: Extra Attack 1 (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [20]. 20 points.

Availability: Radical procedure. $50,000. LC2.

This modification covers the recipient’s body with a sheath of living smart bioplastic. It is thin and sensitive enough that it looks and behaves like normal skin, and even heals itself. It is invisible armor covering the entire body. It has DR 15 vs. burning or piercing damage, DR 5 vs. other types of damage.

Statistics: DR 10 (Limited, Burning and Piercing damage, -20%; Tough Skin, -40%) [20]; DR 5 (Tough Skin, -40%) [15]. 35 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $20,000. LC3.

If installed first, bioplastic skin reduces the cost and difficulty of certain other cybernetic skin modifications.

This implant replaces sections of ordinary hair with thin cybernetic tendrils attached to a reinforced scalp. Cyberhair does not grow and cannot be cut by ordinary razors or scissors, but it can coil close to the scalp when the recipient needs a “haircut.”

Cyberhair can be used as a simple manipulator, which may be useful if the user is grappled or tied up. It must be at least shoulder-length to be effective.

Statistics: Extra Arm 1 (Extra-Flexible, +50%; Short, -50%; Temporary Disadvantages, Electrical, -20%, and Maintenance, 1 person, weekly, -5%; Weak, 1/4 body ST, -50%) [3]. 3 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $3,000. LC4.

Statistics: Extra Arm 1 (Extra-Flexible, +50%; Temporary Disadvantages, Electrical, -20%, and Maintenance, 1 person, weekly, -5%; Weak, 1/4 body ST, -50%) [8]. 8 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $4,000. LC3.

Longer and tougher, with a reinforced scalp to support the hair’s capabilities.

Statistics: Extra Arm 1 (Extra-Flexible, +50%; Long, +100%; Temporary Disadvantages, Electrical, -20%, and Maintenance, 1 person, weekly, -5%; Weak, 1/2 body ST, -25%) [20]. 20 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $10,000. LC3.

The recipient’s skin is replaced or coated with smart film. He can change its color and texture to blend in with the surroundings. If nude, he gets +2 to Stealth skill when perfectly still, or +1 if moving. Clothing reduces this to +1 when perfectly still. It takes one second to alter skin pigment, and unnatural colors such as green or chrome are possible. The skin can also function as a video display terminal for data run through neural interface or computer implant.

Statistics: Accessory (Video terminal) [1]; Chameleon 1 (Controllable, +20%) [6]. 7 points.

Availability: Minor procedure. $1,000. LC2. If the patient has bioplastic skin, the procedure is simple.

This implant allows the recipient to breathe underwater, using a device that extracts oxygen from water (it’s not a true set of fish gills). It uses two C cells per day of operation. Maintenance involves opening an access panel in his chest or back, cleaning filters, and installing new power cells.

Statistics: Doesn’t Breathe (Gills, -50%; Temporary Disadvantages, Maintenance, 1 hour, daily, -10%, and Electrical, -20%) [4]. 4 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $8,000. LC4.

This implanted swarmbot hive can carry a single swarm measuring one square yard. It includes recharging ports hidden by a skin flap, allowing the swarm to recharge from a power system or the included C cell. The swarm and a control system (such as an implant computer and advanced com implant) must be acquired separately.

Statistics: Accessory (Swarmbot Hive) [1]; Payload 1 [1]. 2 points.

Availability: Minor procedure. $1,000. LC4.

The human digestive system is imperfect, so waste matter always contains useful chemicals that could have been metabolized and used by the body. This implant collects waste matter and reprocesses it.

Statistics: Reduced Consumption 2 [4]. 4 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $4,000. LC4.

Advanced flexible armor implanted under the patient’s skin. It has DR 18 vs. piercing and cutting damage and DR 6 vs. other damage.

Statistics: DR 12 (Limited, Piercing and Cutting, -20%; Tough Skin, -40%) [24]; DR 6 (Tough Skin, -40%) [18]. 42 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $5,000. LC2.

A combination of micromachines, smart bioplastic implants, and artificial glands that allow the recipient to alter his appearance. He can adjust apparent weight, skin color and tone, and facial structure. The system can be purchased for the face or for the entire body. It can also be combined with sexmorph. If the recipient already has bioplastic skin, divide the dollar cost of the implant and the recovery time by 2.

Statistics: Elastic Skin (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [16]. 16 points.

Availability: Radical procedure. $36,000. LC2. This is only a major procedure if the recipient already has bioplastic or living metal skin.

Statistics: Elastic Skin (Face only, -25%; Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [11]. 11 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $15,000. LC2.

Micro- or nanomachines can reinforce a patient’s skeleton with carbon fibers, transforming his bones into structures with the strength of metal. Implants take over the function of bone marrow and produce blood cells. Weight does not increase. While the reinforced bones do not show up on metal detectors, they can be identified with X-rays, diagnostic beds, and other advanced sensors.

Statistics: HP+5 [10]; DR 20 (Skull only, -70%) [30]; DR 10 (Limited, Crushing, -40%; Tough Skin, -40%) [10]. 60 points.

Availability: Radical procedure. $50,000. LC3.

This cybernetic assassin’s weapon is a concealed bionic limb linked to the user’s nervous system. It uncoils from a natural body opening (usually the mouth) when deployed, and can attack semi-autonomously. In certain situations, a ripsnake can deliver an automatically successful attack to the vital organs. For example, if a would-be assassin with a ripsnake concealed in his mouth kisses someone, it can coil out and down his victim’s throat.

Statistics: Extra Attack 1 (Ripsnake Only, -20%) [20]; Impaling Striker (Cannot Parry, -40%; Long, +1 SM, +100%; Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [12]. 32 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $26,000. LC2.

This suite of sphincter valves, synthetic hormone glands and memory or bioplastic implants allows the recipient to switch gender in 10 seconds. If desired, a user can also adopt a neuter phase (no obvious genitalia or breasts) or transsexual phase (male genitalia, female breasts, or vice versa) with voice and features as desired.

Statistics: Hermaphromorph (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%; transsexual form also, +20%) [5]. 5 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $10,000, LC3.

The recipient’s skin is covered with a switchable smart matter nanofilm. When activated, most of his skin becomes virtually frictionless. The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are not affected.

Statistics: Slippery 3 [6]. 6 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $12,000. LC3.

The recipient’s palms and soles are covered with switchable gecko adhesive skin (p. 6). When activated, the user can adhere to any solid surface. They can be combined with slickskin at no penalty, since they cover nonoverlapping areas.

Statistics: Clinging (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [16]. 16 points.

Availability: Major procedure (minor at TL11-12). $16,000. LC3.

This is only a minor procedure and half cost if the recipient already has bioplastic skin.

The recipient’s skin is covered with a biomemetic swim surface and a permanent water-repellant coating. The user will have to use sonic showers or wash with non-water-based solvents (“Those deep-sea construction workers have to dry clean their skin!”). The microscopic layer of trapped air reduces water drag, increasing Water Move when unclothed. Provides at most Slippery 3 when combined with Slickskin.

Statistics: Water Move +2 [10]; Resistant to Contact Agents (+3) [3]; Slippery 1 [2]. 15 points.

Availability: Major procedure (minor at TL11-12). $25,000. LC3.

This is only a minor procedure and half cost if the recipient already has bioplastic skin.

In general, only one coating of dermal armor (subdermal armor, bioplastic skin, nanoweave subdermal armor, monocrys subdermal armor, or living metal skin) can be implanted. Additional armor would compromise the function of the skin itself; as a start, the subject gets Unnatural Features 1 for every layer of dermal armor beyond the first. The GM should also threaten to impose any combination of reduced HT, reduced Appearance, reduced Basic Speed, Chronic Pain, Ham-Fisted, Low Pain Threshold, Numb, Slow Healing, Susceptible to Contact Agents, Terminal Illness, and Wounded if the PC is not fastidiously careful about cleanliness and injuries. Most of these armors have the Tough Skin limitation, so they won’t protect against minor scrapes leading to infections. If the player really wants a walking tank, full cyborgization is probably a safer bet.

Most other skinware can be added in any combination, but each subsequent addition has a -1 penalty to the Surgery roll per existing layer (including dermal armor). bioplastic skin and living metal skin reduce the penalty to -1 per two (bioplastic) or three (living metal) existing cyberskins. Instead, multiple cyberskins can be added in one surgery, which has an additional -1 penalty per full two cyberskins being added at the same time. Because bioplastic and living metal skin replace skin with self-healing machinery, there are no Surgery penalties when building multiple cyberskins into a single implantation along with bioplastic or living metal, although it might be harder to find a hospital with that exact combination in stock.

When applying multiple cyberskins as a single implantation, the surgery cost, time, injury, and recovery are those of the riskiest operation, plus half the values of all the others.

This is a pair of bionic eyes with tiny infrared imaging cameras, day/night telescopic optics, and a HUD chipped into the optic nerves.

Statistics: Accessory (HUD) [1]; Infravision (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [8]; Nictitating Membrane 2 [2]; Telescopic Vision 1 (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [4]; Blindness (Mitigator, -70%) [-15]. 0 points.

Availability: Two major procedures (minor if replacing existing bionic eyes). $8,000. LC4.

Brain implants are inserted into the recipient’s skull and linked to his central nervous system. Some societies may see brain implants as sinister. Others may consider altering the mind to be more socially acceptable than modifying the body.

Brain implants are riskier than other implants. Critical failure on major or radical procedures may cause brain injury, resulting in a loss of one point of IQ, or a disadvantage like Epilepsy or Phantom Voices.

Cybernetics may be implanted in someone against their will and remotely controlled. This won’t cost the recipient any character points, since it isn’t an advantage for him. Usually only brain implants are designed for remote control, but other options are possible, such as remote-controlled bionic arms, ripsnakes, cyberhair, or digital skin. Communicators can always be remotely controlled. Other cybernetics will need a remote-controlled communicator implant (any type) or an implanted digital mind.

A braintap is an advanced form of implant communicator that lets the recipient transmit his experiences as sensies. Others can use the receiver to experience or record the sensory information experienced by the braintapped character.

Braintaps are used by sensie stars, journalists, or anyone else who wants to record his personal experiences. A normal braintap can be turned on or off by the user, but remote-controlled braintaps are also possible. It is possible to implant a braintap in an animal. If well-trained, such animals make very useful scouts or familiars. A braintap can also be implanted without someone’s knowledge, during other surgery – a favorite trick of intelligence agencies.

This incorporates a plug-in cable jack plus a sensie transmission module. If the user has a computer implant (below), he can store data in it.

Statistics: Cable Jack (Send Only, -50%; Sensie, +80%) [7]. 7 points.

Availability: Minor procedure. $3,000. LC4.

This incorporates a radio transmitter with a one-mile range and a sensie-transmission module. If the user has a computer implant, he can store data in it.

Statistics: Radio (Secure, +20%; Reduced Range, x1/10, -30%; Send Only, -50%; Sensie, +80%) [12]. 12 points.

Availability: Minor procedure. $12,000. LC3.

This is a computer implanted in the recipient’s head and controlled through its own direct neural interface. It takes only a thought to call up a file or access a database. Data scrolls across the periphery of the user’s vision, and he hears the computer as a voice in his head.

The implant includes an optical-recognition feature using the user’s eyes and ears as sensors. It can speed-read documents, for example, and store them in its database. (It takes normal time to read them later, though one could ask the computer to provide a synopsis).

The interface can also run “virtual tutor” augmented reality programs that not only talk but show how to do things by overlaying instructions on the user’s visual field. Although several programs could theoretically be run at once, the user can only focus on one at a time. A computer implant is most useful with an implanted communicator.

The recovery time represents the amount of time needed to master the computer’s functions.

The user should also have a neural jack or implant radio.

Statistics: Accessory (Tiny computer) [1]; Photographic Memory (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%; Recorded data only, -20%) [6]. 7 points.

Availability: Minor procedure. $4,000 + the cost of a tiny computer with the compact option. LC4.

A chip slot is a sterile dime-sized skull socket, covered with a cap, into which modular brain implants (“chips”) can be inserted. Each chip interfaces directly with the recipient’s brain and nervous system, providing knowledge and ability. Chips containing individual skills, techniques, or mental advantages can be manufactured and purchased.

Chips: Chips themselves are tiny plugs that weigh 0.05 lbs. (just under an ounce). Skill chips cost $500 per point. Most are LC3.

Statistics: Variable. Buy the Chip Slots advantage with the limitation (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%). A person can have up to three chip slots, each supporting a 15-point chip or less.

Availability: Minor procedure. Cost is $5,000 per slot plus $3,000 per point of abilities that a chip can hold. LC3.

This is a general-purpose chip slot optimized for skills. Running a chip with 4-points in skills, it can give someone an easy skill at attribute+2, an average skill at attribute+1, a hard skill at attribute+0, or a very hard skill at attribute-1. It can also add +1 to any existing skill level.

Statistics: Chip Slots 1 (4) (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [14].

Availability: Minor procedure . $17,000. LC3.

A person may directly control his own implant computer, but it is also possible to implant one that contains an artificial intelligence or a mind emulation.

A computer implant with a mind of its own is usually an NPC. If obedient, it will be an Ally. It appears constantly (quadruple cost), since it’s an implant; if programmed to obey it will have the Minion enhancement. (A computer implant that is a Dependent or Patron is conceivable, but may be difficult to justify.) It’s also possible for a character to have a computer implant who is a not a friend. It may even be an Enemy; if so, the character usually has an Involuntary Duty that explains why the implant hasn’t been removed.

The computer implant is simply an entity that happens to reside inside the user. If the host is injured by an attack, use the Overpenetration rules. The implant may be damaged by any hit to the skull that exceeds the host’s DR, the DR of his skull, and an additional cover DR equal to half the host’s HP. The implant’s own DR will also protect it. The implant’s consciousness is not affected by the host’s own loss of consciousness.

An implanted digital mind should pay points for any of the body’s cybernetics that it controls – see Remote-Controlled Cybernetics. Cybernetics can be jointly controlled; in this case, the host and the implant both pay points for it.

An implanted computer can be a PC or associated NPC! This is a built-in computer implant with a mind of its own. The template’s Mindlink is with the person it is implanted into. If it’s a PC, the person it is implanted into is usually an Ally or Dependent.

Combine this with any AI template or the Mind Emulation template.

Attribute Modifiers: ST 0 [-100]; HT+4 [40].

Secondary Characteristic Modifiers: HP +2 [4]; Basic Move -6 [-30].

Advantages: Absolute Direction (Requires signal, -20%) [4]; AI [32]; Doesn’t Breathe [20]; Doesn’t Eat or Drink [10]; DR 5 (Can’t Wear Armor, -40%) [15]; Injury Tolerance (No Eyes, No Head, No Neck) [17]; Machine [25]; Mindlink [5]; Mind Reading (Mindlink Required, -40%*; Sensory Only, -20%; Touch-Based, -20%) [6]; Sealed [15]; Radio (Burst, +30%; Secure, +20%; Video, +40%) [19].

Perks: Accessories (Tiny computer) [1].

Disadvantages: Electrical [-20]; Quadriplegic [-80].

Features: Taboo Trait (Fixed ST, DX, HT, HP).

Availability: Minor procedure. $4,000 plus the cost of a tiny computer and AI software or a mind emulation program. LC4.

* Works the same way as the identical limitation for Possession.

Puppeteer (+100 points). The computer can use biopresence software to possess the body of its host. This can also be combined with any of the above subrace options. Add Possession (Mindlink Required, -40%; No Memory Access, -10%; Telecontrol, +50%) [100]. If the host has a biopresence implant so that possession is automatic, add Puppet [5], increasing the cost to +105 points. Add the cost of biopresence software.

Mind Interface (+6 points). The computer implant can sense the surface thoughts of its host. Remove the Sensory Only limitation on Mind Reading. This can be combined with Puppeteer. +$10,000. LC3.

A neural interface permits the user to control electronic devices using his mind. It picks up electronic impulses and translates them into electrochemical signals in his brain. There are two models in common use, and some people may implant both:

This is a socket implanted in the body (usually the back of the neck, base of the spine, or skull) with a communications interface. The user can plug an optical cable into it and connect to a phone line, modem, etc.

Statistics: Cable Jack (Sensie, +80%) [9]. 9 points.

Accessibility: Minor procedure. $4,000. LC3.

This is a wireless neural interface radio with a one-mile range. It can also function as a radio communicator.

Statistics: Radio (Reduced Range, x1/10, -30%; Secure, +20%; Sensie, +80%) [17]. 17 points.

Accessibility: Minor procedure (minor at TL10-12). $5,000. LC3.

Computer chips may be surgically implanted into the brain to restore misbehaving or damaged functions, or to act as a bridge between injured and healthy areas. A neurotherapy implant can be implanted to neutralize mental or physical disadvantages that impair brain or neurological function, such as Dyslexia, Epilepsy, Killjoy, Non-Iconographic, Neurological Disorder, and Short Attention Span.

If brain damage such as a stroke or bungled brain surgery causes DX or IQ loss or other disadvantages (e.g., Blindness or Mute, or partial paralysis resulting in a disadvantage such as One Arm), the GM may also allow the implant to fix it.

Statistics: Add the Mitigator (-70%) limitation for the disadvantage.

Availability: A persona map of the patient is required before a neurotherapy implant can be installed; see Brainscanners. This data is used to program the implant. Minor procedure. $500 per -1 point of disadvantage. LC3.

This implant stimulates areas of the brain to produce psychological reactions. Moderate regimes use them as an alternative to prison or psychiatric treatment – repressive ones rely on them for mind control. A psych implant gives the subject an additional mental disadvantage. Common implants induce Combat Paralysis, Gullibility, Pacifism, or Slave Mentality, and are used to restrain violent individuals or render the subject easily controllable.

Illegal implants are available that compel Berserk, Dyslexia, Paranoia, or a Phobia. An implant can not create self-imposed mental disadvantages such as Code of Honor. The disadvantage is not active until after the recovery period, although the subject will feel a growing urge to act in the fashion indicated. Any implant-induced disadvantage ends when the implant is removed. However, anyone who has worn a psych implant for three or more months may acquire the disadvantage permanently. After the implant is removed, the implantee should make a Will roll at +4 to avoid the disadvantage continuing, with a penalty of -1 for each doubling of time, e.g., Will+3 at six months, Will+2 after a year, Will+1 after two years, etc.

Therapeutic implants also exist which negate mental disadvantages, such as Bad Temper or Phobias; use the rules for Neurotherapy Implants. After several months the effect may become permanent. Roll vs. Will as above when the implant is removed – if the roll fails, the disadvantage is gone. The GM may require it to be bought off with character points.

Statistics: A disadvantage granted by a psych implant will have the (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) limitation. A disadvantage that is negated by a psych implant will have the (Mitigator, -70%) limitation.

Availability: A persona map of the patient is required; see Brainscanner. This data is used to program the implant. Minor procedure. $1,000 per -1 point of disadvantage added or mitigated. LC3.

A dedicated virtual interface implant that runs a specialized version of software. The wearer has no control over the activation or use of the system, and may not be aware that he has been implanted with the device. The images, sounds, and physical sensations experienced by the wearer are as real as any standard virtual experience. A wearer of a controlled-reality implant may come to believe that he is suffering from hallucinations, and exhibit corresponding behaviors (see Flashbacks).

Implantation of a controlled-reality implant is not typically by choice. The system costs $1,000. LC 2.

An extremely limited form of sensory-link device, the peephole implant gives a remote operator a real-time display of what the implantee sees. The peephole data can be viewed with any virtual interface, and does not require a downslink. The peephole does not allow for any control over the actions of the implanted wearer, and does not send any sensory data other than vision. Implantation is fairly simple, however, and can be performed without access to a full Fifth Wave medical facility. A peephole implant costs $1,000. LC 3.

Modern puppet implants are designed to give the controller full biopresence in the implanted body. Earlier generations of puppet implants were far more limited, usually transmitting only basic visual and motor sensory data and allowing imprecise physical control. These earlier designs are still available, and are used in situations where precise control is not needed or modern puppet technology is not available. There is an additional -5 telepresence penalty when working through a limited puppet implant either directly or remotely. Limited puppet systems typically have visible external hardware. They are available for one-fifth the price of a regular puppet implant. LC 1 (humans), LC 4 (animals).

This implant controls biofeedback systems and diagnostic monitors, as well as nanomachine drug factories that that help the user manage his body’s physiological state.

Statistics: Alcohol Tolerance [1], Deep Sleeper [1], Metabolism Control 1 [5], No Hangover [1]. 8 points.

Availability: Major procedure. $10,000. LC3.

These brain implants enable a person to transmit or receive live or recorded sensory impressions from another person. They are essentially two-way braintaps.

Sensie Transceiver Jack: This incorporates a plug-in cable jack plus a sensie transceiver module. If the user has a computer implant, he can store data in it.

Statistics: Cable Jack (Sensie Only, +0%) [5].

Availability: Minor procedure. $2,500. LC4.

This incorporates a radio transmitter with a one-mile range and a sensie-transmission module. If the user has a computer implant, he can store data in it.

Statistics: Radio (Secure, +20%; Reduced Range, x1/10, -30%; Sensie Only, +0%) [9].

Availability: Minor procedure (minor at TL10-12). $4,500. A/1 year. LC3.

This implant establishes new connections between itself and different parts of the brain., Normal neurons are replaced with cybernetic duplicates. The benefits provided are capabilities at which electronic computers exceed the capabilities of human brainpower, such as spatial awareness, memory and processing speed.

Statistics: Choose from IQ+1 to IQ+3 [20/level], 3D Spatial Sense [10], Eidetic Memory [5], Enhanced Time Sense [45], Intuition [15], Language Talent [10], Lightning Calculator [2 or 5], Oracle [15], Mathematical Ability [10/level], Musical Ability [10/level], Single-Minded [5], Visualization [10]. The maximum points available per operation are 15; upgrades that cost more requipre multiple operations. Then add Temporary Disadvantage (Electrical, -20%).

Availability: Major procedure. $5,000 x point cost (before applying Temporary Disadvantage). LC3.

A puppet implant allows someone else to remotely control a cyborg’s body. The teleoperator must have appropriate software, hardware, and access – see Biopresence Software. A puppet implant requires a communications implant or sensie implant.

Statistics: This may count as the Involuntary form of Duty if someone else holds the access codes.

Availability: Major procedure. $45,000. LC2.

The combination of a puppet implant and a computer implant housing a digital mind is also called a personality implant. It can take possession of the cyborg. Personality implants might be used for coercive purposes – for example, a cult leader might implant them in his followers. They could also be voluntary, with people owning and accessing personalities that are programmed to obey them, or storing the personas of deceased friends, lovers, or ancestors in their heads.

This computer and sensor system monitors the user’s chemical and electrical thought processes, reshaping its own neural network to imitate them. The backup brain will configure itself into an electronic duplicate of the user’s mind after a number of months equal to the user’s IQ. After it has successfully mimicked the user, a simple operation can shut down the organic brain and give the backup brain control of the user’s body.

The advantage of doing so is twofold: the implant is more resistant to brain damage, and it does not suffer IQ losses due to aging or brain disease. A backup brain implant can also be transplanted into a clone body. (This is a radical cybernetic operation.) If successful, the result will be a clone controlled by a computer that behaves exactly like the original person.

If the user dies, the brain implant may survive, preserving the user’s memory and personality. This is the case whether or not the ordinary brain has been shut down. If the user was killed by any injury that left his head intact, the implant will always survive. If the brain implant user was killed by a head injury, the implant will survive unless the head was totally destroyed (i.e., damage to the head alone was greater than 5 x HT). If the implant survives, it can be salvaged and transplanted into a cloned body.

Statistics: Once the implant has taken over, the user’s ability to avoid IQ losses from aging and sometimes evade death is the Extra Life (Copy) advantage.

Availability: Radical procedure. $250,000. LC3.

These modifications are normally added to pets or working animals in order to give them additional capabilities.

This implant gives an animal that can’t speak the ability to form human words, much like a parrot can. It can be added to any mouse-sized or larger animal. The animal’s Cannot Speak disadvantage is nullified as long as the implant is functional. Giving a non-sapient (IQ 5 or less) animal a voicebox does not mean that it can actually learn a language, but it can be taught to speak a few words.

Finger paws can be added to a bionic or organic leg on an animal with walking paws, such as a rat, dog, cat, or tiger. The paws are replaced with crude hands that can be used both for walking and grasping objects. Neural implants help the animal become comfortable with its new digits.

Statistics: Basic Move -1 [-5]; Bad Grip 1 [-5], Foot Manipulators (2 arms) [-6]; No Fine Manipulators (Mitigator, -70%) [-9]. -25 points. This replaces No Fine Manipulators [-30].

Availability: Two major operations. $10,000. LC3.

This procedure improves the intelligence of a non-sapient animal by implanting computer components that emulate higher neural and brain functions. It may not be added to an animal with IQ 6+.

Statistics: IQ+1 (Temporary Disadvantage, Electrical, -20%) [16]; Wild Animal or Domestic Animal (Mitigator, -70%) [-9]; Stress Atavism (Mild, 12) [-10]. -3 points. This replaces Wild Animal or Domestic Animal [-30].

Availability: Major procedure. Reduce difficulty of the procedure to Minor if performed on an animal with a racial IQ 1-3. $5,000 x average racial IQ before the cybernetic uplift operation. LC3.

A total cyborg is someone whose entire body has been replaced with artificial parts. Only his brain, parts of the spinal cord, and a few other nerves remain human. Robot bodies large enough to house human brain cases have a total cyborg mentality lens. The most common are androids, but other types are possible. Robot templates with No Brain, Diffuse, or Homogenous are precluded.

In general, a machine can hold a human-sized cyborg brain case (brain and life support system) if it was designed to hold a computer at least as large as a personal computer, and replaces the computer with one that is one size smaller. Nonhuman brains may require a larger or smaller volume.

Total cyborgs may not have other cybernetics, with the exception of brain implants.

Statistics: The character takes on the robot body’s racial template with the Cyborg lens; his brain is the same. See Mind Transfer.

Availability: Major operation. $40,000 for the brain case, plus the cost of robot body. The cyborg’s body is functional after the operation.

Memories are encoded within the physical structure of the brain. Uploading is the process of copying this into a digital form. Uploads can create a mind emulation – a computer program that emulates the workings of the original person’s mind. A mind emulation is not just a recording, but a working model of the way a particular brain functions.

This technology involves the preservation and destructive analysis of the subject’s brain so that chemically stored memories can be recorded as digital media. For example, the subject’s brain may be placed into biostasis, then sliced by robotic surgeons into tiny segments, each of which is scanned at very high resolution.

This procedure is fatal and may be controversial: Is it suicide or transcendence? Individuals may choose destructive uploading to obtain a form of immortality, often out of a desire to live as a posthuman entity in a superhuman robot body. They may also have no choice; with destructive uploading, the dead can be revived and interrogated. (See Uploading the Dead, below).

Destructive uploading requires the patient (or his preserved brain). The surgery is performed using a modern surgical facility. Make a Physician roll at -5, and an Electronics Operation (Medical) roll at -5.

Success means the data was gained. If either roll fails by 1, it means only enough data for a low-res copy was gained; if either roll fails by 2, it means only enough data for a very-low-res copy is gained. If either roll fails by 3+, or is a critical failure, the upload fails. Only one try is possible; success or failure destroys the brain.

This process uses advanced scanning systems to record the mind without destroying the brain. This makes it far easier to make copies which exist at the same time as the original person. It might use an advanced form of magnetic resonance imaging (HyMRI) or other non-invasive scanner. It may also require physical probes. These might be a development of the scanning, tunneling microscope (STM), or use sensors placed in the brain to assist in mapping it. Since the original is not destroyed, it is practical for people to store “backup” copies of themselves. This is very useful if mind downloading is possible, allowing the original mind to be replicated in a new body.

A typical upload-resolution scan takes an hour per attempt and a successful Electronics Operation (Medical) roll. Multiple tries are possible. The GM should roll secretly in case a critical failure occurs.

If a critical success is achieved, a normal-resolution scan is made; otherwise, the scan is low-resolution. On a critical failure, the user has made a very-low-res scan without realizing it.

As long as the brain is intact, it is possible to upload a dead person’s mind and retrieve a mind emulation. Either invasive or noninvasive methods can be used. Uploading is impossible when the brain suffers total destruction (-10 x HP), exposure to 5,000+ rads, or death from a failed HT roll that resulted from damage to the skull or eye.

Deep structures containing long-term memories may survive for hours after death, but not indefinitely. Use the usual success rolls, but apply a -2 penalty for working with a corpse, as well as an additional -1 penalty per hour past death unless the brain is preserved or in nanostasis.

Uploading a corpse preserved via freezing is at an extra -3 due to cell damage from freezing. Memories from the last 1d x 20 minutes before the person died will usually be lost in the uploading process. This means someone revived via uploading might have no memory of how he died.

A successful upload provides the necessary “braintape” of the subject. Bringing it to life requires coding that into a mind emulation – a model of the living brain.

Ghost Compiler: Required to allow someone with Computer Programming skill to create a ghost mind emulation (below). Complexity 10, normal cost. LC2.

Ghost-Editor Program: This allows someone to use Brainwashing skill on a mind emulation. Complexity 11, normal cost. LC1.

Where does a mind emulation go after it’s been uploaded? There are several possibilities:

A mind emulation can simply be stored, unconscious, as data; if non-destructive uploading is possible, old backups may be regularly deleted and replaced by newer updates. A mind emulation requires about 100 TB. The location and security of one’s backups may be a paramount concern, with specialized facilities that are devoted to protecting them. Insurance agencies, organizations, or governments might maintain “memory vaults” that store backup copies of members or citizens. Backups could be awakened, interrogated, enslaved, or worse if they fell into the wrong hands, and entire adventures could revolve around recovering one.

Treat an accessible backup as the Extra Life (Copy) advantage.

A mind emulation can be run in a computer brain in a robot body. A person might want to return to a body that resembled his original form, a younger and healthier version, or a completely new shape.

A mind emulation might reside in a computer rather than a robot. Mind emulations may travel by copying themselves, or move through expansive virtual realities. Entire communities of emulations and AIs may exist on a computer network, or a single gigantic computer system.

A computer brain running a mind emulation may be implanted in a biological body – perhaps even the original body, or a clone of it, depending on its condition after the emulation was created. Use the rules for living flesh androids. The body may wear out, but the computer can always be removed or the data copied to a brain in a new body.

It’s possible to copy a mind emulation many times over. Mind emulations may take advantage of this by existing in many different forms at the same time!

Superscience may allow an uploaded mind to be imprinted on a living brain. See Downloading Minds (below).

Any computer with sufficient Complexity (see below) can run a sapient mind emulation. A mind emulation differs from an AI in lacking the Automaton meta-trait and possessing other metatraits. This creates a sub-race version of the template.

A mind emulation’s Complexity depends on the IQ of the being that was uploaded: Complexity 4 + (IQ/2), rounded up. Thus, someone with IQ 10 requires a Complexity 9 program. Lower Complexity by 1 for beings with the “Fixed IQ” taboo trait (as in the Domestic and Wild animal metatraits); e.g., a dog with IQ 5 requires only a Complexity 6 emulation.

A mind emulation has the advantage Digital Mind [5] and the taboo trait “Complexity-Limited IQ,” and optionally one or more of the lenses under Optional Intelligence Lenses (p. 28). For a nonhuman, also apply the race’s IQ, Perception, and Will modifiers, and all racial mental traits.

Sometimes an uploading or downloading procedure doesn’t work out right – or shortcuts are taken. The result is a low- or very-low-res copy.

Low-Res: This is an imperfect copy. It can be deliberately made at +2 to skill and 50% of the normal time and cost, or it may be the result of an accident. A low-res mind-emulation (above) or mind download (below) will have only half as many points in skills. The subject may also suffer from Partial Amnesia [-10]. If so, the subject has a 50% chance of having the Flashbacks (Mild) [-5] disadvantage, representing partial memories.

Very-Low-Res: This is a badly degraded copy. If a mind emulation or download is made from it, the copy has -1 IQ [-20] and Total Amnesia [-25]. It has a personality, but only one-quarter its normal points in skills (round down). Advantages based on emotional sensitivity – e.g., Charisma, Empathy, Fashion Sense, Rapier Wit – are lost. The subject has a 50% chance of gaining Flashbacks (Mild) [-5] as above.

This is the transfer of an uploaded mind into a living brain. It may use nanomachine or replicator technology to replicate every neural connection in the original brain, rebuilding the new brain into a copy of the desired mind. It could also be a highly sophisticated form of regeneration ray technology.

For ethical (and technical) reasons, downloading is normally performed on a “blank mind” – for example, a clone that was developed in a coma, with no memories or personality of its own. However, downloading into another person’s brain is theoretically possible.

Downloading requires an Electronics Operation (Medical) roll. Success means the mind emulation replaces the original’s memories and personality (if it had any). Failure means that the transfer process fails and destroys the brain of the body that was going to receive the download. Critical failure, or any failure by 5 or more, means the transfer seems to work, but there’s a hidden flaw. The subject may suffer Partial Amnesia or a Split Personality, or the wrong emulation may have been transferred!

The difficulty of downloading depends on how different the new body’s brain structure is from the mind emulation’s original body. This allows someone to become a person of a different sex, age, or species. Such downloads are useful for spies or students of alien cultures, or as punishment or torture (“work off your bad karma as a dog”). However, the GM is free to rule that two species are too dissimilar for a transformation to be possible. If downloading to the brain of another person of the same species, roll at -1 to skill. For transfer to a different species, apply physiology modifiers. The effects of successful downloading are covered under Mind Transfer. That is, the old racial template is replaced by that of the new body. The Mind vs. Brain rule should apply except in science-fantasy settings; downloading an emulated human mind into a cat’s brain would result in a drop in IQ, for example. A failed download will result in a low-res copy. A critical failure results in a very-low-res copy. It may take some time to realize this, however; the GM should roll secretly.

Clinical Mind Transference Equipment: The host body must be placed inside this coffin-sized unit. $500,000, 250 lbs., E/200 hr. LC3.

“Overdubbing” a conscious mind may either overwrite that mind (destroying it and creating the new person), or result in an unstable blend of both minds. If the latter, the effect is a Split Personality with -10 to -30 additional points of different mental disadvantages for each personality. Flashbacks, Manic-Depressive, On the Edge, and Paranoia are all appropriate.

If a mind emulation of a formerly biological entity can be downloaded into flesh, why not a digital mind? A former AI struggling to live as a biological entity could be a very interesting character!

What does uploading mean for adventurers? In game terms, having a backup copy in storage means the character has the Extra Life advantage. If he creates multiple living copies, the extras usually become NPCs. See Multiple People for the rules ramifications of backups or extra uploads.

Even the existence of backup copies can have profound effects on the campaign. First and foremost, adventurers can never be sure that someone is permanently dead. Digital recordings are easy to hide; cell samples used for downloading can be frozen. Even if the law says a foe is legally dead, and no longer has access to his money or property, he can return to haunt them as a ghost in the machine. As a result, assassins and kidnappers will attempt to destroy or steal digital copies of minds as well – maybe even first. This also applies to the PCs; some foes will attack their copies before going after them. And if a government sentences someone to death or prison, it will try to track down all his mind emulations, so his friends or followers don’t revive him.

Another problem with mind emulations are that they diminish fear of death. As a result, it works best if legal or ethical constraints make it a “last resort” way to save characters. GMs may wish to discourage players with backups from casually committing suicide rather than facing tricky situations such as being imprisoned. One way is to point out that the people back home may not know their friend is dead, and may never revive him. Of course, instructions could be left to have a copy made after the PC is missing for several years, but enemies or accident might destroy the copy before the character could be revived, or the character may not be dead at all. A PC might return after being shipwrecked on a low-tech planet for five years, only to find that his instructions have been followed. He has been presumed dead and downloaded into a new copy – and his new self has spent all his fortune, remarried, or blackened his good name.