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Message no. 1
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 1995 12:07:08 -0600
ShadowLore II
BioTricity
H-01
--------
As genetic engineering prepares to leap headlong into the last third of
the 21st century, scientist have successfully combined genes from
electricity producing animals and human tissue to produce bioware capable
of producing a biological electrical discharge.

A character with BioTricity glands installed gains primarily two benefits:
1) The ability to use the produced electricity offensively
2) Partial resistance to electrical attacks

In combat, a character can make an electrical attack. At higher levels,
BioTricity glands can produce not just stun damage, but also physical
damage. The physical damage must be staged away completely before any
staging can be done against the stun damage. Also note that the higher
level glands have a range, and use the Unarmed Combat (Cyber-Implant
Weaponry [BioTricity Glands]) skills. The electricity is projected most
commonly from fingertips (assuming that the glands are installed in the
arms, which is most common).

In addition, a character with BioTricity glands installed gains partial
resistance to electrical attacks (including tasers and stun batons). When
resisting an electrical attack, you may add the number of dice equal to
the level of the BioTricity glands installed.

In addition, the character is totally immune to his OWN electrical
attacks.

Level Damage Range Price Body
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level 1 6S (stun) Touch 5,000 .10
Level 2 8S (stun) Touch 15,000 .15
Level 3 10S (stun)+4M Five feet 40,000 .30
Level 4 12S (stun)+8M Fifteen Feet 70,000 .60



____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I am Pentium of Borg
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> you will be approximated
Message no. 2
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 1995 13:51:36 -0600
[added the second paragraph talking about locations for installation.
Added the requirement of a "projector" for ranged attacks, whhich takes
essence. Changed table to reflect essence. Added ShadowBabble to
mention fatigue, appitite increase, and overcharging. Table reflects
differenct prices and body costs over the original posting.]

---------------------------------------------------------

ShadowLore II
BioTricity Glands{tm}
H-01
--------
As genetic engineering prepares to leap headlong into the last third of
the 21st century, scientist have successfully combined genes from
electricity producing animals and human tissue to produce bioware capable
of producing a biological electrical discharge.

BioTricity Glands are commonly installed in the wrists (for Level 1 and
Level 2 glands) or in the armpits for the more powerful versions. Also,
the Level 3 or 4 versions need a "projector" and it's associated wiring
installed to give the ranged attack, and that takes up a small amount of
essence. If the character wishes, they can forgo the ranged attack and
not spend the essence. The projector is commonly installed in the index
fingertip of each hand (the essence cost covers both hands). Note,
however, that 'touch' attacks take place by contact with ANY part of the
body.

A character with BioTricity glands installed gains primarily two benefits:
1) The ability to use the produced electricity offensively
2) Partial resistance to electrical attacks

In combat, a character can make an electrical attack. At higher levels,
BioTricity glands can produce not just stun damage, but also physical
damage. The physical damage must be staged away completely before any
staging can be done against the stun damage. Also note that the higher
level glands have a range, and use the Unarmed Combat (Cyber-Implant
Weaponry [BioTricity Glands]) skills.

In addition, a character with BioTricity glands installed gains partial
resistance to electrical attacks (including tasers and stun batons). When
resisting an electrical attack, you may add the number of dice equal to
the level of the BioTricity glands installed.

In addition, the character is totally immune to his OWN electrical
attacks.

Level Damage Range Price Body Essence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level 1 6S (stun) Touch 5,000 .10 Nil
Level 2 8S (stun) Touch 15,000 .15 Nil
Level 3 10S (stun)+4M Five feet 40,000 .30 .05
Level 4 12S (stun)+8M Fifteen Feet 70,000 .60 .10

>>>>>[Shocking!]<<<<<
-- CyberTWERP <13:39:21 / 02-04-2056>

>>>>>[Cute, CT. Unfortunately, there are a few things that the ads don't
tell you about these implants. If you use them more that about three or
four times, you start to get fatigued. In addition, your appetite goes up
quite a bit after use until you replenish the energy you used.

Also, if you go for long periods of time without using the glands (say
about three or four days), they can get over-charged and become quite
uncomfortable. The only solution it to drain them and let them re-charge
again. Usually I'll blow some volts before I go to bed at night, by
lining up some bottles in the back yard and doing target practice, but it
is still pretty annoying.]<<<<<
-- "Sparky" del Koia <Ker-ZZZzzzzzaaaaaapppp!>


____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I am Pentium of Borg
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> you will be approximated
Message no. 3
From: Nightfox <DJWA@******.UCC.NAU.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 1995 14:34:02 -0700
>Level Damage Range Price Body
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Level 1 6S (stun) Touch 5,000 .10
>Level 2 8S (stun) Touch 15,000 .15
>Level 3 10S (stun)+4M Five feet 40,000 .30
>Level 4 12S (stun)+8M Fifteen Feet 70,000 .60

Actually - I would suggest atleast doubling the Body cost. The gland will have
to be atleast as big as the suprthyroid - and that isn't all that big of a
gland. Also - start the damage out smaller, and raise the price - after all its
brand new bioware and no totally perefected yet.

In fact - I would even suggest a possibility of it going of when the character
takes a moderate wound and shocking him :) Of course - I'm just a mean and
nasty person.

Nightfox
Message no. 4
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 1995 16:06:50 -0600
On Sat, 4 Feb 1995, Nightfox wrote:

> Actually - I would suggest atleast doubling the Body cost. The gland will have
> to be atleast as big as the suprthyroid - and that isn't all that big of a
> gland. Also - start the damage out smaller, and raise the price - after all its
> brand new bioware and no totally perefected yet.

A) I think the body cost is just fine for what is basically a built-in
stun baton. Yes, at the higherlevels you can do physical damage, but
there are far cheaper ways to do 8M damage.

B) I also think the cost is just fine. If I wanted to do 6S stun cheap,
I'd get a shock glove. For a lot more, you can install it permanently.
5K not exactly cheap.

C) Failure rates are covered in ShadowTech and there is no need to write
new ones.

> In fact - I would even suggest a possibility of it going of when the character
> takes a moderate wound and shocking him :) Of course - I'm just a mean and
> nasty person.

This would be covered under failure tests.

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I am Pentium of Borg
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> you will be approximated
Message no. 5
From: Tim Skirvin <tskirvin@***.UIUC.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 1995 16:12:55 -0600
> A) I think the body cost is just fine for what is basically a
> built-in stun baton. Yes, at the higherlevels you can do physical
> damage, but there are far cheaper ways to do 8M damage.

But the problem is that this ISN'T a stun baton. It's an electricity
generator...and a good one, at that. With projector, of course.

If it were cyberware, I'd agree with you, but it's bioware. That's
a whole different ballgame.

I'd say up the cost in nuyen and body and make it a little more
useful. Allow them to control the charge, and such. That could come in
really handy for everyone (look! Non-combat uses!), and would make it a lot
more realistic, too.

--
Tim Skirvin (tskirvin@****.edu)
Message no. 6
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 1995 16:25:20 -0600
On Sat, 4 Feb 1995, Tim Skirvin wrote:

> But the problem is that this ISN'T a stun baton. It's an electricity
> generator...and a good one, at that. With projector, of course.

The projector is both cyber and seperate :-)

> I'd say up the cost in nuyen and body and make it a little more
> useful. Allow them to control the charge, and such. That could come in
> really handy for everyone (look! Non-combat uses!), and would make it a lot
> more realistic, too.

Hmm, how's this table then? I upped the cash and body a tad. Assume
that you can modify the charge produced from the maximum level down to none.

Level Damage Range Price Body Essence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level 1 6S (stun) Touch 7,500 .10 Nil
Level 2 8S (stun) Touch 22,000 .15 Nil
Level 3 10S (stun)+4M Five feet 55,000 .35 .05
Level 4 12S (stun)+8M Fifteen Feet 95,000 .70 .10

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I am Pentium of Borg
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> you will be approximated
Message no. 7
From: Tim Skirvin <tskirvin@***.UIUC.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 1995 19:07:15 -0600
> The projector is both cyber and seperate :-)

In that case, should you make it optional? Let there be Lev. 3
w/out projector, for no essence cost...

> Hmm, how's this table then? I upped the cash and body a tad.
> Assume that you can modify the charge produced from the maximum
> level down to none.

Looks pretty good, and balanced. A fair item, but something useful.

Wow. We did something good. Imagine that...

--
Tim Skirvin (tskirvin@****.edu)
Message no. 8
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 1995 19:09:22 -0600
On Sat, 4 Feb 1995, Tim Skirvin wrote:

> > The projector is both cyber and seperate :-)
>
> In that case, should you make it optional? Let there be Lev. 3
> w/out projector, for no essence cost...

You can. You just don't get the ranged attack without the projector.

> Wow. We did something good. Imagine that...

Something must be wrong. What's the phase of the moon?

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I am Pentium of Borg
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> you will be approximated
Message no. 9
From: Tim Skirvin <tskirvin@***.UIUC.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sun, 5 Feb 1995 00:08:59 -0600
> You can. You just don't get the ranged attack without the
> projector.

Should you just make the thing separate, then? Completely?
Maybe there should be external receivers for it, too, if you want them.

Should the projector work at low levels?

We're not out of this yet...though I have some theories involving
groundhogs for why we got something done...

(Oh look. Winter's over...Punxitani (sp) Phil says so! Hey, look.
It's snowing outside. It must be aliens.)

--
Tim Skirvin (tskirvin@****.edu)
Message no. 10
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sun, 5 Feb 1995 11:10:04 -0600
On Sun, 5 Feb 1995, Tim Skirvin wrote:

> Should you just make the thing separate, then? Completely?
> Maybe there should be external receivers for it, too, if you want them.

External receivers? Huh?

> Should the projector work at low levels?

No

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I am Pentium of Borg
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> you will be approximated
Message no. 11
From: Tim Skirvin <tskirvin@***.UIUC.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sun, 5 Feb 1995 12:57:22 -0600
> External receivers? Huh?

Something so you could have it cost less essence, but the projector
is external. Two little metal thingies, basically...it would make you into
a pure-and-simple battery.

--
Tim Skirvin (tskirvin@****.edu)
Message no. 12
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Sun, 5 Feb 1995 14:59:31 -0600
On Sun, 5 Feb 1995, Tim Skirvin wrote:

> Something so you could have it cost less essence, but the projector
> is external. Two little metal thingies, basically...it would make you into
> a pure-and-simple battery.

You'd still have to put in some wiring and stuff, so I'd just leave it as
a cyber projector and be done with it

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I am Pentium of Borg
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> you will be approximated
Message no. 13
From: Shadowdancer <BRIDDLE@*****.VINU.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Mon, 6 Feb 1995 15:08:42 EST
Nightfox writes:

> > In fact - I would even suggest a possibility of it going of when the
character
> > takes a moderate wound and shocking him :) Of course - I'm just
a mean and
> > nasty person.

Even nastier, what happens when this guy/gal goes for a swim?
Walks a little too close to an electromagnet? Since this guy/gal is
producing electricity all of the time, and electricity is charged, does
his chances of attracting lightning go up (especially since lightning
strikes from the ground up...)? Just some suggestions.


------------------------------
||||| Today's Quote |||||
------------------------------
Spurs are borken.
Wired-3 is shot.
Two bullets left in the SMG.
Body is overstressed.
Lofwyr is pissed.

No Fear.

Shadowdancer<BRIDDLE@*****.VINU.EDU>
Message no. 14
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Mon, 6 Feb 1995 17:47:45 -0600
On Mon, 6 Feb 1995, Shadowdancer wrote:

> Even nastier, what happens when this guy/gal goes for a swim?

Nothing. Electric eels live in the water.

> Walks a little too close to an electromagnet? Since this guy/gal is
> producing electricity all of the time, and electricity is charged, does
> his chances of attracting lightning go up (especially since lightning
> strikes from the ground up...)? Just some suggestions.

Seems overly picky to me.


____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I am Pentium of Borg
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> you will be approximated
Message no. 15
From: Shadowdancer <BRIDDLE@*****.VINU.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Tue, 7 Feb 1995 15:56:50 EST
> On Mon, 6 Feb 1995, Shadowdancer wrote:
>
> > Even nastier, what happens when this guy/gal goes for a swim?
>
> Nothing. Electric eels live in the water.
>
But the Electric eel's electrical current is used mainly as a detection
device. Only when he needs to get a point accross does he use it for
shock value. When the eel discharges, it creates a globe of
electricity which _also hits him_. Though it does not affect the eel as
much as the other creatures, it does drain the eel, and causes a
temporary(1-3sec. ) "short circuit" in the eel. They do not use it
frivolously.

> > Walks a little too close to an electromagnet? Since this guy/gal is
> > producing electricity all of the time, and electricity is charged,
does
> > his chances of attracting lightning go up (especially since
lightning
> > strikes from the ground up...)? Just some suggestions.
>
> Seems overly picky to me.
>
Yet something that can happen in real life. I try to make my games
as real as possible to enhance the paranoia. If it is possible that this
gland can be adversly affected by electromagnets, or the runner in
question becomes a lightning rod, then then it forces the runners to
weigh the disadvantages in conjuction with the advantages. Even
price and essence do not deter my runners (they save money for
power upgrades, and if a certain piece of equipment becomes more
useful, they will willingly drop cyber\bio for the new toy). Plus, I am
thinking of game balance. This gland can short out alarm systems,
computers, cars, and possibly other cyber. And you cannot tell my
that someone, somewhere, will not attempt to fry a comm unit when
LS is trying to call back up.

Inquery: How does this bio made electricity affect spirits and
elementals? At ranges, does it count as projectile or firearm when
determining ranged damage to spirits\elementals?


------------------------------
||||| Today's Quote |||||
------------------------------
"Great Spirit, Thunderbird fly!
We are wild and free!
To fight and die, under the open sky.
Spirit horse, ride for me!!
-Spirit Horse of the Cherokee, Man-O-War

Shadowdancer<BRIDDLE@*****.VINU.EDU>
Message no. 16
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Tue, 7 Feb 1995 16:27:43 -0600
On Tue, 7 Feb 1995, Shadowdancer wrote:

> But the Electric eel's electrical current is used mainly as a detection
> device. Only when he needs to get a point accross does he use it for
> shock value. When the eel discharges, it creates a globe of
> electricity which _also hits him_. Though it does not affect the eel as
> much as the other creatures, it does drain the eel, and causes a
> temporary(1-3sec. ) "short circuit" in the eel. They do not use it
> frivolously.

One thing I think that has been lost in translation is the fact that
BioTricity glands are not ALWAYS ON. They are tiny biological
capaciters that store up an electrical charge and then release it when
triggered. They have the side effect of abnsorbing some electrical
attacks.

For purposes of gameplay, BioTricity doesn't have a "short circut" when
you use it, but it in turn dramatically increases you appitite and
fatigues you as you overuse it.

As for "zapping" while in water, that's just plain stupid :-)

> Yet something that can happen in real life. I try to make my games
> as real as possible to enhance the paranoia. If it is possible that this
> gland can be adversly affected by electromagnets, or the runner in
> question becomes a lightning rod, then then it forces the runners to
> weigh the disadvantages in conjuction with the advantages. Even
> price and essence do not deter my runners (they save money for
> power upgrades, and if a certain piece of equipment becomes more
> useful, they will willingly drop cyber\bio for the new toy). Plus, I am
> thinking of game balance. This gland can short out alarm systems,
> computers, cars, and possibly other cyber. And you cannot tell my
> that someone, somewhere, will not attempt to fry a comm unit when
> LS is trying to call back up.

Once again, it isn't ALWAYS on, just when you chose to use it. Woudl a
shock glove or stun baton or taser trigger an alarm system or attract
lightning or make your life around electromagnets distasteful? maybe,
but it's not in the game and I think adding it starts to make things less
cinematic, and more like "Chart"-master.

> Inquery: How does this bio made electricity affect spirits and
> elementals? At ranges, does it count as projectile or firearm when
> determining ranged damage to spirits\elementals?

Electrical Elemental Effect, I'd think.


____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I am Pentium of Borg
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> you will be approximated
Message no. 17
From: Michael Eames <eames@*.WASHINGTON.EDU>
Subject: Re: RESUBMISSION: BioTricity Glands
Date: Wed, 8 Feb 1995 14:55:22 -0800
What about using a metal weapon. Would the player/Character be
able to channel charge through it and thus extend his/her range?

Further Reading

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