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Message no. 1
From: Tim Skirvin <tskirvin@********.UNI.UIUC.EDU>
Subject: New chart...
Date: Thu, 21 Jul 1994 22:46:55 -0500
I'm going to have to do this in quote form (annoying modem program,
I can't figure out how to upload), so here goes.

> Shadowrun -- Psi Stat Modifiers for CyberWare/BioWare
>
> CyberTech Essence Psi
> Headware
> Chemical Analyzer 0.2 0.2
> Chipjack 0.2 0.3
> Cortex Bomb --- 0.5
> Data Filter 0.3 0.5
> DataJack (SR) 0.2 0.3
> DataJack (Shadowtech)
> Level 1 0.1 0.15
> Level 2 0.15 0.2
> Level 3 0.2 0.3
> Level 4 0.25 0.4
> Data Lock 0.2 0.4
> DataSoft Link 0.1 0.15
> Encephalon
> Level 1 0.5 1.0
> Level 2 0.75 1.5
> Level 3 1.5 3.0
> Level 4 1.75 3.5
> Gas Spectrometer 0.2 0.2
> Internal Voice Mask 0.1 0.0
> Memory MP/100 MP/75
> Memory (FIFF) MP/300 MP/225
> Olfactory Booster 0.2 0.3
> Orientation System 0.5 1.0
> Sense Link 2.0 4.0
> Internal Transmitter 0.6 1.0
> SoftLink (Level 1) 0.15 0.25
> Level 2 0.2 0.3
> Level 3 0.25 0.4
> Level 4 0.3 0.5
> SPU: Data Management
> Level 1 0.1 0.2
> Level 2 0.15 0.3
> Level 3 0.2 0.4
> Level 4 0.25 0.5
> SPU: Input/Output
> Level 1 0.1 0.2
> Level 2 0.15 0.3
> Level 3 0.2 0.4
> Level 4 0.25 0.5
> SPU: Math
> Level 1 0.1 0.2
> Level 2 0.15 0.3
> Level 3 0.2 0.4
> Level 4 0.25 0.5
> Tactical Computer
> Level 1 3.5 6
> Level 2 4 7
> Level 3-4 ?? ??
> Video Link 0.5 0.75
> Internal Transmitter 0.4 0.6
> Communications
> CommLink II, IV, VIII, X 0.3 0.6
> Crypto Circuit HD (Any Level) 0.1 0.15
> Radio 0.75 1.5
> Radio Receiver 0.4 0.8
> Scramble Breaker HD (Any Level) 0.2 0.4
> Telephone 0.5 1.0
> Ears
> Cosmetic Mods --- ---
> Cyber Replacement 0.3 ---
> (Note: no free Psi additions)
> Damper 0.1 0.1
> Hearing Amp 0.2 0.3
> High Frequency 0.2 0.3
> Low Frequency 0.2 0.3
> Modification 0.1 ---
> Recorder 0.3 0.5
> Select Sound Filter 0.2 0.3
> Eyes
> Camera 0.4 0.8
> Cosmetic Mods --- ---
> Cyber Replacement 0.2 ---
> (Note: no free Psi additions)
> Display Link 0.1 0.15
> Dr Spott SmartCam Implant 2.0 ???
> Eyecrafters Opticam Package 0.5 ???
> (I don't know what these are)
> Flare Compensation 0.1 0.15
> Low-Light 0.2 0.3
> Rangefinder 0.1 0.15
> Retinal Duplication 0.1 ---
> Thermographic 0.2 0.3
> Vision Mag
> Optical (Levels 1-3) 0.2 0.3
> Electronic (Levels 1-3) 0.1 0.15
> MatrixWare
> MPCP (Rating/10+.1) (Rating/5+.1)
> Persona Module 0.3 0.6
> Hardening 0.3 0.6
> Memory/Storage MP/300 MP/225
> Transfer 0.1 0.2
> Response 0.2 0.4
> BodyWare
> Bone Lacing
> Plastic 0.5 0.4
> Aluminum 1.15 0.92
> Titanium 2.25 1.72
> Fingertip Compartment 0.1 ---
> Hand Razors 0.1 ---
> Hydraulic Jack (Levels 1-6) 0.25 0.2
> Muscle Replacement Rating Rating*1.5
> Retractable Razors 0.2 0.1
> Retractable Spurs 0.3 0.1
> SmartCam Link 0.5 ???
> SmartLink I 0.5 0.6
> SmartLink II 0.5 0.75
> Spur 0.2 ---
> Voice Modulator 0.2 0.3
> Playback 0.2 0.3
> Limbs
> Built-In Device --- ---
> Built-In SmartGun Link
> Level 1 0.25 0.4
> Level 2 0.25 0.5
> CyberGuns --- ---
> Cyber Limb 1.0 1.0
> Increased Strength --- ---
> Simple Replacement 1.0 ---
> SimRigs 2.0 3.0
> SimLinks ??? ???
> (Hmm?)
> Boosted Reflexes
> Level 1 0.5 1.0
> Level 2 1.25 2.5
> Level 3 2.8 5.6
> Dermal Plating
> Level 1 0.5 0.25
> Level 2 1.0 0.5
> Level 3 1.5 0.75
> Filtration Systems
> Air Rating/10 Rating/10
> Blood or Ingested Toxin Rating/5 Rating/5
> Skill Hardwires
> Level 1-4 Levelx0.2 Levelx0.3
> Level 5-8 Levelx0.25 Levelx0.4
> Level 9-10 Levelx0.3 Levelx0.45
> Skillwires
> Rating 1-3 Ratingx0.1 Ratingx0.3
> Rating 4-6 Ratingx0.2 Ratingx0.6
> Rating 7-9 Ratingx0.3 Ratingx0.9
> VCR
> Level 1 2.0 4.0
> Level 2 3.0 6.0
> Level 3 5.0 10.0
> Wired Reflexes
> Level 1 2.0 4.0
> Level 2 3.0 6.0
> Level 3 5.0 10.0
>
> BioWare Body Psi
> Adrenal Pump
> Level 1 1.25 2.5
> Level 2 2.5 5.0
> Cerebral Booster
> Level 1 0.4 0.8
> Level 2 0.8 1.6
> Damage Compensation .2/Level .5/Level
> Enhanced Articulation 0.6 0.5
> Extended Volume
> Level 1 0.2 0.2
> Level 2 0.3 0.3
> Level 3 0.4 0.4
> Mneumonic Enhancer .2/Level 1/Level
> Muscle Augmentation .8/Level 1.2/Level
> Nephritic Screen 0.4 ---
> Orthoskin .5/Level .25/Level
> Pain Editor 0.6 1.5
> Pathogenic Defense .2/Level .2/Level
> Platelet Factory 0.4 0.3
> Reflex Recorder
> Concentration 0.1 0.5
> General 0.25 1.25
> SupraThyroid Gland 1.4 2.1
> Symbiotes
> Level 1 0.4 0.4
> Level 2 0.7 0.7
> Level 3 1.0 1.0
> Synaptic Accelerator
> Level 1 0.3 1.5
> Level 2 1.6 8.0
> Synthcardium
> Level 1 0.2 0.2
> Level 2 0.3 0.3
> Tailored Phereomoes
> Level 1 0.4 0.6
> Level 2 0.6 0.9
> Toxin Exhaler 0.6 1.0
> Toxin Extractor .2/Level .3/Level
> Tracheal Filter .2/Level .2/Level
> Trauma Damper 0.4 2.0
>
> These do, of course, represent my own prejudices and
> such. Generally, things that added extra senses were 1.5
> times the essence for Psi cost, cyberware that effected the
> brain was x2, and bioware that effected the brain was x5.
>
> Notes, anyone?
>
>
>

Got it. Finally.

Anyway, this is what I wrote up for a chart on "essence" costs on
Psi. It's strange, yes, and could probably use some work...and comments, of
course.

Well?

-------------Tim Skirvin (tskirvin@********.uni.uiuc.edu-------------
"He's NOT a gibbering idiot - he's cured of gibbering, he's just an
idiot now." -- Jane, "Waiting for God"
Message no. 2
From: "J.D. Falk" <jdfalk@****.CAIS.COM>
Subject: Re: New chart...
Date: Fri, 22 Jul 1994 01:53:33 -0400
[Tim's well-thought-out chart deleted]

It is all good; it does exactly what you wanted it to do (as I
understand it) without making things too weird.
However, I still don't see the need for a totally different
Essence-type score for Psionics. It adds complications to the game
without, IMHO, adding _enough_ of a bonus to make the complication
worthwhile.
Keep It Simple Skirvin. *grin*

/-----------------\
| J.D. Falk | "We're not mental or anything, so
| jdfalk@****.com | don't be afraid."
\-----------------/ -Mike Meyers as Wayne Campbell

(Geek Code 2.1) GO/T/AT$ -d+(-) H++ s+:+ !g p1>+ au>++ a20 w@ v++(-)
C++(+++) UB(++)>++++ P+ L 3 E---- N++ K(++) W M@ V--
-po+(--) Y+ t+(++) 5- j>x R+(+++) G++(') $tv+ b+>++
D(-) B- e+ u*+(-) h!(*) f+ r(++)>++ n-(----) y+
Message no. 3
From: "S. Keith Graham" <vapspcx@***.GATECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: New chart...
Date: Fri, 22 Jul 1994 08:59:51 -0400
>[Lots of essence costs for cyberware and bioware deleted]

The net effect of the chart as I see it is:

#1: No cyberware is really cheap enough in PSI cost to want to
install much.

#2: Most of the cyberware that is cheaper than average, or even
the same cost as normal, isn't that thrilling. Especially to
non-combat specialists.

Effect:

No PSI will have any cyberware. Just not an option.

So, why not just use the current chart which pretty
severely discourages magical types from getting cyber,
and won't add any complexity to the system?

If you want a new chart, I think it should have quite a few
"0"s in there, possibly including muscle replacement, and cyber
limb replacement. (Keeping in mind that they still have their
Essence score to worry about.) There should be some x1's
(for things hooked to the nervous system) and some x2s (for things
intruding on the central nervous system.) Specifically,
this allows PSIs access to some of the more interesting bioware,
and some augmentation, but it makes reflex enhancement and
internal decks and VCRs prohibitively expensive, so PSIs
won't wire up and compete with the riggers and sammys (at
least, not directly.)

If you want to differentiate between mages and PSIs by allowing
PSIs to have (some) cyberware without hurting their abilities (much),
then I think your chart fails.

If you're just trying to make darn sure that PSIs don't buy
encephelons (sp), then I think a GM should just scream
"ROLE PLAYING!".

Keith Graham
vapspcx@***.gatech.edu
Message no. 4
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: New chart...
Date: Fri, 22 Jul 1994 13:35:01 +0100
[huge long table deleted]

And what happens for new stuff? What happens if DLoH clairifes
something? Just keep it straight essence and simple.

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I do not necessarily speak for the
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> City of Mankato or anyone else, dammit
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
(GEEK CODE 2.1) GJ/CM d- H-- s-:++>s-:+ g+ p? au+ a- w++ v* C++(++++) UL++++$
P+>++ L++$ 3- E---- N+++ K+++ W M+ V-- -po+(---)>$ Y++ t+ 5+++
j R+++$ G- tv+ b+ D+ B--- e+>++(*) u** h* f r-->+++ !n y++**
Message no. 5
From: Tim Skirvin <tskirvin@********.UNI.UIUC.EDU>
Subject: Re: New chart...
Date: Fri, 22 Jul 1994 18:47:15 -0500
> However, I still don't see the need for a totally different
> Essence-type score for Psionics. It adds complications to the game

Actually, you're usually right...in most cases, it DOESN'T make much
of a difference.

For Bioware, though, should we make it different? I really think that
trying to put in replacement parts is the WORST thing you can do for a Psi,
if you aren't doing it exactly the same...which is why there are no costs for
replacement limbs and such, but if you're getting one cloned from a slightly
different body...

(Plus, I like it that Psis can't start AT ALL with Wired-3, for
instance...)

-------------Tim Skirvin (tskirvin@********.uni.uiuc.edu-------------
"He's NOT a gibbering idiot - he's cured of gibbering, he's just an
idiot now." -- Jane, "Waiting for God"
Message no. 6
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: New chart...
Date: Fri, 22 Jul 1994 18:59:40 +0100
On Fri, 22 Jul 1994, Tim Skirvin wrote:

> For Bioware, though, should we make it different? I really think that
> trying to put in replacement parts is the WORST thing you can do for a Psi,
> if you aren't doing it exactly the same...which is why there are no costs for
> replacement limbs and such, but if you're getting one cloned from a slightly
> different body...

I think the 'stock' rules shoudl say to use the straight 1:1 BI:PSI loss
rules that FASA advocates, with a pointer to the alternative NERPS rules
for less loss due to more-copatible Bioware (from ShadowLore I)

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I do not necessarily speak for the
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> City of Mankato or anyone else, dammit
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
(GEEK CODE 2.1) GJ/CM d- H-- s-:++>s-:+ g+ p? au+ a- w++ v* C++(++++) UL++++$
P+>++ L++$ 3- E---- N+++ K+++ W M+ V-- -po+(---)>$ Y++ t+ 5+++
j R+++$ G- tv+ b+ D+ B--- e+>++(*) u** h* f r-->+++ !n y++**
Message no. 7
From: Tim Skirvin <tskirvin@********.UNI.UIUC.EDU>
Subject: Re: New chart...
Date: Fri, 22 Jul 1994 19:05:58 -0500
> #1: No cyberware is really cheap enough in PSI cost to want to
> install much.

But then there are some that have a 0 cost, just because you don't
control them with your brain.

I made the chart on a few things...amount of connection to the brain
required (retractable spurs/razors were less, as they don't require much of
a brain connection, while un-retractable ones were none at all) was the biggie.
Anything where a new connection to the brain was required, it took a lot
more to hook it up. Extra senses screwed it up a lot, too. Using an enceph-
alon was just a no-no...I don't want to THINK about multi-tasking for Psis.

Don't forget, too, that they CAN put the stuff in. It only removes
Psi scores...you can increase them later, if you wish, and then, if you
REALLY want it, you can put in that Wired-3 (assuming you have the essence).

-------------Tim Skirvin (tskirvin@********.uni.uiuc.edu-------------
"He's NOT a gibbering idiot - he's cured of gibbering, he's just an
idiot now." -- Jane, "Waiting for God"
Message no. 8
From: Tim Skirvin <tskirvin@********.UNI.UIUC.EDU>
Subject: Re: New chart...
Date: Sat, 23 Jul 1994 16:31:35 -0500
> And what happens for new stuff? What happens if DLoH clairifes
> something? Just keep it straight essence and simple.

Guidelines happen.

If it doesn't effect the nervous system at all...0 Psi cost.

If it has only a cursory connection to the nervous system (like
retractable razors), halve the cost.

If it effects the entire body, leave it the same (unless the brain
is modified even more).

If it effects the nervous system greatly, double it.

If it's Bioware...really make it cost a lot.

And if it's in the brain...

-------------Tim Skirvin (tskirvin@********.uni.uiuc.edu-------------
"He's NOT a gibbering idiot - he's cured of gibbering, he's just an
idiot now." -- Jane, "Waiting for God"
Message no. 9
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: New chart...
Date: Sat, 23 Jul 1994 16:38:05 +0100
Tim,

I think the STOCK, default, suggested rule should be to use the 1:1 rule
similiar to magic.

BUT(!!!) we could easily put in an alternate optional rule.

But I also don't think bioware will be as harsh as you think

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I do not necessarily speak for the
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> City of Mankato or anyone else, dammit
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
(GEEK CODE 2.1) GJ/CM d- H-- s-:++>s-:+ g+ p? au+ a- w++ v* C++(++++) UL++++$
P+>++ L++$ 3- E---- N+++ K+++ W M+ V-- -po+(---)>$ Y++ t+ 5+++
j R+++$ G- tv+ b+ D+ B--- e+>++(*) u** h* f r-->+++ !n y++**
Message no. 10
From: Tim Skirvin <tskirvin@********.UNI.UIUC.EDU>
Subject: Re: New chart...
Date: Sat, 23 Jul 1994 16:50:46 -0500
> I think the STOCK, default, suggested rule should be to use the 1:1
> rule similiar to magic.

Fair enough. This'll keep everyone happy...

> But I also don't think bioware will be as harsh as you think

Yes it will. You're wrong. WRONG!!

(Oops, sorry...see #1).

-------------Tim Skirvin (tskirvin@********.uni.uiuc.edu-------------
"He's NOT a gibbering idiot - he's cured of gibbering, he's just an
idiot now." -- Jane, "Waiting for God"
Message no. 11
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: New chart...
Date: Sat, 23 Jul 1994 17:06:50 +0100
On Sat, 23 Jul 1994, Tim Skirvin wrote:

> > But I also don't think bioware will be as harsh as you think
>
> Yes it will. You're wrong. WRONG!!
>
> (Oops, sorry...see #1).

Very good, Tim, you are learning.

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I do not necessarily speak for the
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> City of Mankato or anyone else, dammit
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
(GEEK CODE 2.1) GJ/CM d- H-- s-:++>s-:+ g+ p? au+ a- w++ v* C++(++++) UL++++$
P+>++ L++$ 3- E---- N+++ K+++ W M+ V-- -po+(---)>$ Y++ t+ 5+++
j R+++$ G- tv+ b+ D+ B--- e+>++(*) u** h* f r-->+++ !n y++**
Message no. 12
From: Paolo Marcucci <marcucci@***.TS.ASTRO.IT>
Subject: Re: New chart... (fwd)
Date: Mon, 25 Jul 1994 10:44:11 METDST
>
> Tim,
>
> I think the STOCK, default, suggested rule should be to use the 1:1 rule
> similiar to magic.
>
> BUT(!!!) we could easily put in an alternate optional rule.
>
> But I also don't think bioware will be as harsh as you think
>
> ____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@******.mankato.msus.edu
>

Yep. Adding some modifiers based on type of cyberware and not a table.
Like x0.5 if it is not connected to the central nervous system, and so on...

Bye, Paolo

--
______________________________________________________________________
Paolo Marcucci Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste - Italy
marcucci@***.ts.astro.it http://www.oat.ts.astro.it/marcucci.html

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