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Message no. 1
From: Todd Montgomery <tmont@****.WVU.WVNET.EDU>
Subject: Essenec and Behavior: Proposal Rehash
Date: Wed, 24 Feb 93 20:03:39 CET
Incessant ramblings below: Just a warning

In regards to my proposal about behavior and essence, let me clarify a
little bit. And add a bit.

With the reduction of essence I assume, and we know what that makes
you and me, that a person looses a bit of humanity. Some of you out
there don't agree with this premise. Some think that a person is still
all human until they run out of essence. If you think this, THEN DON'T
READ ANYMORE. This is what I am basing this on.

A cybered persons behavior would be a little freaky. With less
humanity, reflected in that persons essence rating, a person acts
different and just seems "unnatural". To some people, yes even in 2053
with cyberware all around, this would be unsettling. These people
would try not to deal with such cybered persons. The table in my
previous post assumed that a little cyberware was pretty common
(essence of 6 - about 3.0). People with less essence than this would
TEND (remember not always) to act a little bit different. Some
examples: A cybersnoop with heavily modified eyes might not blink.
This would definetly mess with me! A decker with a lot of headware mem
might always have this very concentrating look on his face because he
is always accessing something or messing around. Or the decker might
always think in terms of sequential steps. This would come out kind of
different. A Street Sam might just walk to agile, have just a little
too much muscle than seems normal for his frame, Not blink, and/or
just act a little too edgy. All of these would be instinctual to a
cybered person unless they would actively supress them, Then there
actions might seem forced. Of course, as in my earlier post, therapy
and active training could make these people act normally. I also
assume that it is the subtle observations in conversations that really
convey the message. With 1 these messages coming across, the
conversation could be turned into a disadvantage.

Which leads me into this idea. Another Racist Area. We have People
with racial biases all over SRII. The table in the book and such. I
like this, It downplays the use of metas and in some cases humans.
Kind of makes the renecks in the game "see the light". Well how about
making another area of Racism, against Cybered People. We have people
now who don't trust technology. So, some people might view cyberware
as evil and a maker of evil beings. I think I might make this about of
prevalent as say racism against elves. Don't most people like us
"little dandelion eaters?" Just kidding.

About intimidation, I did thik about this before I posted, but didn't
include it because I couldn't come up with a very workable rule. But
here goes. The mods. in my first table would be treated as minuses to
the interagation T# when dealing with people who dislike cyberware. A
Comparison, BIG Troll talking to a small, racist against Trolls,
redneck:

Troll: "OK, Where is da money?"
Redneck: "Frag off Trog!"
Troll: "Do me need to break back like this log?" SNAP
Redneck: "IN THERE! Take your hand away from my neck. Your hurttttting me."
Troll: "Good little human."

I can see the above happenning to a person who was prejudice against
cybered people "conversing" with a Heavily Modified Street Sam.

"Just Please blink, frag it."
"I don't blink." - Calmly
"Damn machine." - Muttered
"Metal is much stronger than meat. Does this need be proven?" - Calmly
"... No." - Muttered
"Now tell me the truth, And I WILL know what is the truth. Technology can
do wonders with implanted bioscanners." - Again calmly

There is an advantage to being heavily cybered.

The social skill penalties would only affect non-proffessionals.
Other Shadowrunners would pretty much not care. And the local Fixer
really wouldn't give a frag if the Sam was a total Borg. "In any need
for a maintenance contract? Maybe a Blue X and Black Flag Special 1
Year Policy?" But when dealing with the matre di (sp) of some classy
establishment, the penalty would come into play, definitely! (unless a
heavy gratuity was passed along very quietly). "Look, I may not seem
like the usual club member, But I assume you are always looking for a
very gracious guest now and then?" "*GRIN* Yes we are,sir" "Follow
me."

And if you want to get rid of social skills from SRII, then go ahead.
I think that they are necessary element, though. Some players just
don't have the ability to fast talk, etc. like the GM. I hate to admit
it but sometimes role-playing has to be given over to dice.

Just some thoughts, Babble, Etc.
Comments welcome.

"Waiter, Get My Check.(Click)"

-- Quiktek
tmont@****.wvu.wvnet.edu

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