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Message no. 1
From: Robert Sunderlage <87902166@******.UWW.EDU>
Subject: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 03:41:46 CST
=> As you must have seen, a lot of us here don't own KA-GE(tm). So if you
=> want to discuss a KA-GE(tm) article, please copy it. I think there is no
=> problem to copy ONE article from this magazine, only to discuss about it.
=>
=> Am I wrong?
No. There is not, I am REALLY surprised that alot of you regulars out
there DON'T have KA-GE!!! - Either that, you are ignoring me.....

But I think that if anyone has a valid question about something I
posted, it _could_ be discussed... ie. Extra Arm Mount!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Extra Arm Mount (from KA-GE issue 9)

This is the construction of an artificial shoulder that can
be used to mount a cyberlimb. Most commonly this is done along the
rib cage, just below the character's natural arms. The mount
includes the additional neural wiring necessary to control the extra
limbs, although it is still usually necessary for the character to
spend a week or two getting the "feel" for manipulating an extra limb.
Having extra limbs (no more than two can be practically added)
does not grant the character additional actions, although it may still
allow the character to perform actions that others cannot (such as
getting an opponent in a hold and then pummeling him at the same
time). Note for this to be effective, the mount must still have a
cyberarm placed in the mount.

Essence Cost: .5 Availablity: 6/4 days
Cost: 10,000Y Street Index: 1

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
That is the entire article - minus the picture which you can probably
"see" anyways.

This kinda gives new meaning to the term "Spiderman"!!! <grin>

Now my question again is: Would adding on those cyberarms cause you to
lose an additional 1.0 essence for each arm you put on???
ie. 2 natural limbs, with two arm mounts & 2 cyberarms = 3.0 essence???
ie. 2 arm mounts and 4 cyberarms = 5.0 essence???

Thanks again,
Cyclops

+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+
|Real Name: E-Mail Address: Major: |
|Robert Sunderlage 87902166@******.uww.edu Management & Computer Systems|
|**** The sooner you fall behind, the more time you have to catch up! ****|
+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+
Message no. 2
From: Antoine DIAMANT-BERGER <b2414@******.IUT-ORSAY.FR>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 11:38:46 WET
well I think the .5 essence cost should be add to the
essence cost of the limbs, otherwise,if you have lost your arm,
don't replace it, just have an extra arm mount(.5 is better than 1).


bye!!

Shadow.
Message no. 3
From: Role Playing Manager <moria@*****.EERIE.FR>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 11:18:20 GMT
> Now my question again is: Would adding on those cyberarms cause you to
> lose an additional 1.0 essence for each arm you put on???
> ie. 2 natural limbs, with two arm mounts & 2 cyberarms = 3.0 essence???
> ie. 2 arm mounts and 4 cyberarms = 5.0 essence???


MMmmhhhh!!...... It reminds me about 'Cyberforce', comics from Image. One
of the characters has 3 arms on the right and one natural on the left...
pretty and useful ( I think it's a good exemple of the usefulness of such
a cyberware)

So... Let's come back to the article. I think that there are 2 possibilities:

First solution:
==============
You pay 0.5 for the mount, and because you don't remove any nervous
system to mount the arm, you don't pay the 1.0 pt of essence for the it. This
is the same as one cyberarm where you put one cybergun without paying any
cost.


Second solution:
===============

You are true: 1.5 essence for each arm and mount, because it's REALLY
unnatural.


Third solution:
==============

Like the first, but I think that 0.5 is not enough. I think it's like
boosters. You have to put new wires to the brain. So I think that 1.0 would
be a good compromise between the first and the second solution.
Pay 1.0 for the mount, and nothing more for the cyberarm, which give you a
cost of 4.0 for 4 cyberarms. I think it's reasonable.


Each solution depends on your style of playing. For me, the third solution is
the best one.

Ben - NightWolf

-=-=-

+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Benjamin Legangneux | "How can you find your way in the shadows, |
| | If you have no light ?" |
| e-mail : moria@*****.fr | |
| legangne@*****.fr | Michael Styx - Tales of the Black Dove |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------------+
Message no. 4
From: Fahnuir <FAHNUIR@******.BITNET>
Subject: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 11:06:54 PRT
>-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>Extra Arm Mount (from KA-GE issue 9)
>
> This is the construction of an artificial shoulder that can
>be used to mount a cyberlimb. Most commonly this is done along the
>rib cage, just below the character's natural arms. The mount
>includes the additional neural wiring necessary to control the extra
>limbs, although it is still usually necessary for the character to
>spend a week or two getting the "feel" for manipulating an extra limb.
> Having extra limbs (no more than two can be practically added)
>does not grant the character additional actions, although it may still
>allow the character to perform actions that others cannot (such as
>getting an opponent in a hold and then pummeling him at the same
>time). Note for this to be effective, the mount must still have a
>cyberarm placed in the mount.
>
>Essence Cost: .5 Availablity: 6/4 days
>Cost: 10,000Y Street Index: 1
Does the human brain can control the use of more than two arms at the same ti
me.
I don't think so...
Fahnuir

In your room, i feel you and i just can't get enough...
Judas
Message no. 5
From: Todd Montgomery <tmont@****.WVU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 10:00:27 -0500
I finally got my issue of KA-GE yesterday. I am very disappointed. The reason
is that most of the cyberware is IMO underpriced, under essence cost, and
IMO mostly for loonies. Kind of hard to hide a cybertentacle. Now that
would be a distinguishing feature. Don't forget that cybertail, which you
have no conscious control over. The subdermal stunner is not bad, but the
essence cost is way too high. Most of the other things, power holster,
quick change arms mounts, etc. have been addressed much better in NAGEE
or on this list.

Cybertentacle has essence cost of ~ 0.8. Have no idea how they reasoned
this out. "Yeah, it is not quite as big as a regular cyberarm, costs less
( ~ 80,000 (?)) SO it has to take up less essence." OK, the shock to the
CNS (Central Nervous System) would be tremendous, more than loosing an arm
and replacing it with a mechanical one. Now the arm works different, and
the psychological problems would also be hard to overcome. I would have
made it at least 1.5 essence, better even closer to 2.0. The Extra Arm
Mount is almost identical. Only 0.5 essenec? I don't think it is the same
invasive degree as a smartlink. Maybe something on the order of 1.0, but
with the cyberware costing only about 1/5th. normal essence.(This coming
from psychological and neural trauma of having something very VERY different
than what it is used to.

The cybertail is just stupid. You have no conscious control over it. But
it gives you dice for athletic skills for balance. And I think that the
Sonic Charm giving 2 dice to Social Skills is a bit much. Maybe one
at the most. But only ~ 10,000Y!

Please don't think I am flaming KA-GE. I have every issue except #2 and have
found them to be, in general, not too bad. My numbers may be off. I don't
have the issue with me, I am going on memory.

That is my opinions on this issue. Thanks for joining us. And remember
"Knowing is half the battle."

-- Quiktek
-- Todd Montgomery
tmont@****.wvu.edu
tmont@***.wvu.edu
tmont@**.com
un032507@*******.wvnet.edu
Message no. 6
From: The Deb Decker <RJR96326@****.UTULSA.EDU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 09:49:18 -0600
>Kind of hard to hide a cybertentacle. Now that would be a distinguishing
>feature. Don't forget that cybertail, which you have no conscious control
>over.

You mean you haven't heard of CyberCthulhu? That's right, everyone's favorite
Great Old One (and founder of the 1988 G.O.O.P, or Great Old One Party) has
entered the modern age of with his cybernetic replacement tentacles. He
reports that he can now grab more victims more effectively than ever before.
Also convenient for weeding the octopus's garden--mechanical tentacles work
well as backhoes. :)

>>>[Stuff on inhuman cyberware options deleted]<<<

I think getting a "normal" replacement is pretty traumatic, even in
Shadowrun. Adding something that's so obviously not a regular part of the
human anatomy is going to cost many mounds of money and require very special
individuals. I think most of those options are silly.

Think about it from a military standpoint. OK, we can add this cybertail to
a soldier to make him more athleic, but it requires new uniforms and training
in how to use the damn thing. It would be cheaper just to have them work out
a lot. Cyberware is for people who are too lazy to maximize the natural body.


J Roberson
Message no. 7
From: Undocumented Feature <JHURLEY1@******.BITNET>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 11:56:36 -0400
$> Now my question again is: Would adding on those cyberarms cause you to
$> lose an additional 1.0 essence for each arm you put on???
$> ie. 2 natural limbs, with two arm mounts & 2 cyberarms = 3.0 essence???
$> ie. 2 arm mounts and 4 cyberarms = 5.0 essence???
$
$
$MMmmhhhh!!...... It reminds me about 'Cyberforce', comics from Image. One
$of the characters has 3 arms on the right and one natural on the left...
$pretty and useful ( I think it's a good exemple of the usefulness of such
$a cyberware)
$
$So... Let's come back to the article. I think that there are 2 possibilities:
$
$First solution:
$==============
[...]


I would say that if a character loses an arm, and does not have it replaced *at
all* he still loses the 1.0 essence. Thus, the cost of a cyberarm is not the
metal (which is a very CP idea - you lose "Humanity" just 'cause you got an
arm), but rather that your system integrity is gone, and thus the essence is
gone. Note, in this case, were the character to get an organic replacement,
the essence would return (Although, if 'twere a mage, his magic rating would go
down, and depending on how sadistic I'm feeling, it may not come back.)

Hence, the extra arm mount cost represent the large amount of reconstruction
required to support an extra (set of) arm(s), and the necessary neural
connections to use them.


This is based on a theory of essence that I have been playing with, and may
post to the listserv one day, when I have the time




GCS d -p+ c++(+++) l(++) u(+) e+ m+(*) s/- !n h+(++) f+ !g w+++ t+ r+(++) y?


Life is complex, you know - part real, part imaginary.

Adrenal Strength & a mace, perfect together.
Message no. 8
From: Todd Montgomery <tmont@****.WVU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 12:17:00 -0500
> You mean you haven't heard of CyberCthulhu? That's right, everyone's favorite
> Great Old One (and founder of the 1988 G.O.O.P, or Great Old One Party) has
> entered the modern age of with his cybernetic replacement tentacles. He
> reports that he can now grab more victims more effectively than ever before.
> Also convenient for weeding the octopus's garden--mechanical tentacles work
> well as backhoes. :)

NO. Don't start it on this list, too! :> (Can't wait for the playtest material
on this one :))

> I think getting a "normal" replacement is pretty traumatic, even in
> Shadowrun. Adding something that's so obviously not a regular part of the
> human anatomy is going to cost many mounds of money and require very special
> individuals. I think most of those options are silly.

Exactly my opinion. It just isn't "shadowrunisgue". I think the point is
to fit in and look inconspicuous. (Well if everyone looks freaky it might
work).

> Think about it from a military standpoint. OK, we can add this cybertail to
> a soldier to make him more athleic, but it requires new uniforms and training
> in how to use the damn thing. It would be cheaper just to have them work out
> a lot. Cyberware is for people who are too lazy to maximize the natural body.

To a point. Cyberware could also be used to produce inhuman abilities of
speed, coordination, and strength that exercise can't do. But a cybertail
that can not consciously be controlled? "Sorry Miss it has a mind of its
own." :))

-- Quiktek
-- Todd Montgomery
tmont@****.wvu.edu
tmont@***.wvu.edu
tmont@**.com
un032507@*******.wvnet.edu
Message no. 9
From: "I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF DEATH,
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 10:37:40 -0700
Aside from the obvious problems by wearing arm mounts, do ya
think you could get a drink in a quiet little bar? You think people hate
orks, just wait until they run across a guy with four arms!

+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| I hunt the weak to rid the earth of their presence. I hunt the |
| strong just for fun. Ravana, Master of Evil |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Message no. 10
From: Ben Jordan <jordanbd@***.BELOIT.EDU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 11:36:06 +22310502
I am not sure that I like the idea of extra arms being so cheap. I know
that 1.0 essence seems like a lot, but consider that that is what you pay
for a real arm replacement. I know that the group I game with would simply
never replace an arm. Why should you? You can get an extra just a cheap. I
already know people who tried to have their legs replaced with cyber
arms--this would open up a whole new world for them. "I am not an insect,
but I play one on TV!"

Now consider a few interesting things regarding your new limb. First, I
would expect that the .5 essence that you lose for the shoulder mount would
just be in preperation for the addition of a new arm. Just how much extra
bone reinforcement would a person need? I suspect a lot. An extra arm is
no light proposition. The human body is just not built for it. Think of
how extensive your shoulders are. Now imagine having two more.

Now add in the extensive modifications that would have to be made to your
nervous system. A whole new set of nerves, and you would have to attach
them to the brain in some way. With your curent arms there is presumably a
fairly clear place for a hook up to the brain. Not so with a new arm--you
have to sort of splice it in there and hope the nervous system knows what to
do with it.

An additional question would be what can you do in the SR environment with
an extra arm? Would it improve your decking? Could you shoot more guns?
If you could somehow slave it to the other natural (or not) arm you have it
might serve better.

Just a little commentary.

--

Ben-ha-meen
"Life is what happens when you make other plans."
Message no. 11
From: Joe McNulty <mcnultyj@****.JMB.COM>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 13:45:12 CST
> >>>[Stuff on inhuman cyberware options deleted]<<<
>
> I think getting a "normal" replacement is pretty traumatic, even in
> Shadowrun. Adding something that's so obviously not a regular part of the
> human anatomy is going to cost many mounds of money and require very special
> individuals. I think most of those options are silly.
>
> Think about it from a military standpoint. OK, we can add this cybertail to
> a soldier to make him more athleic, but it requires new uniforms and training
> in how to use the damn thing. It would be cheaper just to have them work out
> a lot. Cyberware is for people who are too lazy to maximize the natural body.

Yeah, but think of it this way, take all those excess clone pieces that are
"Thrown to the Dogs" are actually sent to Dr. No, who takes the remaining
pieces to make a Guard, he then plops on a tentacle in place of the arm.
Implants some sort of brain (even a blank cloned one) and trains it from
the ground up... Now you know where all those extra clone parts go...
And since its a guard, it doesn't need to be socially trained, etc, just
point and shoot, strangle, kill, on simple commands, and have motor coordination


Joe
<coming up with new ideas to throw at the PC's...>
Message no. 12
From: ANGLISS@****.PSU.EDU
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 15:01:47 -0400
I wish I had my Ka-Ge(it's at home in Colorado and I'm in Pennsylvania), but
I want to mention a cybertail. While I think that not having conscious
control over it is a little too much, the balance check is probably about
right. I personally would reduce target numbers instead of raising dice, but
that's me. But look at squirells or kangaroos(just two of way too many
examples). They use thier tails for balance all the time. Squirells keep
themselves from falling off thin branches as they sway by throwing their tail
all over the place to counterbalance thier weight if it shifts. And kangaroos
streamline thier bodys at high speed, using the tail as a counterbalance to
thier upper body so they don't do faceplants as they hop(or whatever it's
called). So tails really would help you balance. But I personally would
want one that you could add steel spikes to so you could smack somebody up
side the head with it(evil grin)...

Brian
Message no. 13
From: "Jason Carter, Nightstalker" <CARTER@***.EDU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 12:52:06 -0800
The answer is quite simple. The extra arm mount cost 0.5 Essence. The essence
you lose pays for the invasion of the arm mount into the body and nervous
system. Adding all the necessary control nerves is costly.

Now the arm itself. It's free. Why? Because it is added onto, not into, the
body. You lose essence when part of the body is removed or strongly modified
by electronics, mechanics, or chemicals. Since the extra arm (not the mount)
does not remove anything from the body or alter body chemistry, there is no
essence cost.
Message no. 14
From: Robert Sunderlage <87902166@******.UWW.EDU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 15:10:01 CST
=> The answer is quite simple. The extra arm mount cost 0.5 Essence. The essence
=> you lose pays for the invasion of the arm mount into the body and nervous
=> system. Adding all the necessary control nerves is costly.
=>
=> Now the arm itself. It's free. Why? Because it is added onto, not into, the
=> body. You lose essence when part of the body is removed or strongly modified
=> by electronics, mechanics, or chemicals. Since the extra arm (not the mount)
=> does not remove anything from the body or alter body chemistry, there is no
=> essence cost.
See, now THIS is what _I_ thought, but then, it seems that 0.5
essence is just TOO low for adding an EXTRA ARM!!! But 1.5 essence
for each arm added wouldn't allow for much anything else if the person
had 2 arms added...

I kinda agree with you Jason, but I think maybe 1.0 essence for the
_whole_ added arm thing is the way to go.

Next question, What do you think of the price??? Too low?

Cyclops

+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+
|Real Name: E-Mail Address: Major: |
|Robert Sunderlage 87902166@******.uww.edu Management & Computer Systems|
|**** The sooner you fall behind, the more time you have to catch up! ****|
+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+
Message no. 15
From: Robert Sunderlage <87902166@******.UWW.EDU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 15:23:09 CST
=> I wish I had my Ka-Ge(it's at home in Colorado and I'm in Pennsylvania), but
=> I want to mention a cybertail. While I think that not having conscious
=> control over it is a little too much, the balance check is probably about
=> right. I personally would reduce target numbers instead of raising dice, but
=> that's me. But look at squirells or kangaroos(just two of way too many

[...animals hopping and stuff deleted...]

=> called). So tails really would help you balance. But I personally would
=> want one that you could add steel spikes to so you could smack somebody up
=> side the head with it(evil grin)...
Maybe you can..... I don't know how much momentum you'd have though
to do damage.....

Ok, maybe to clear some things up, here's the Cybertail:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Balance Tail
Cyberneticists have developed a "cat's tail" which can assist
balance. The bionic tail is grafted onto the base of the spine.
Nanoprocessors and balance sensors move the tail to keep the
character's center of gravity in the appropriate place, improving
balance and granting 2 extra dice for balance-related Athletics test,
including helping the character fall properly (or tumble, if he has
Athletics). The tail is NOT under the character's conscious control
and tends to twitch randomly as the character moves (watch out for
revolving doors!).

Essence Cost: .5 Availability: 5/36 hrs
Cost: 3,000Y Street Index: 1


>>>>>[This one may look funny, but it does work. I knew a second
story guy who had one of these and he moved just like a cat.]<<<<<
-- Thrash <13:20:25/12-05-53>

>>>>>[Was that guy you were refering to Alexandrof?]<<<<<
-- Spanner <02:05:43/12-06-53>

>>>>>[Yeah. Damn shame about him.]<<<<<
-- Thrash <14:07:01/12-06-53>

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Any opinions on this one too?

Cyclops

+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+
|Real Name: E-Mail Address: Major: |
|Robert Sunderlage 87902166@******.uww.edu Management & Computer Systems|
|**** The sooner you fall behind, the more time you have to catch up! ****|
+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+
Message no. 16
From: "Jason Carter, Nightstalker" <CARTER@***.EDU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 13:30:28 -0800
Cyclops said:

>>I kinda agree with you Jason, but I think maybe 1.0 essence for the
>>_whole_ added arm thing is the way to go.

Of course you agree with me. I'm always right :)

As for the essence cost, that up to you to decide.

>>Next question, What do you think of the price??? Too low?

I didn't catch the price, but whatever it is, it sounds like it doesn't include
the arm. Add in the arm price and then decide if it cost too little.
Message no. 17
From: Chris Siebenmann <cks@********.UTCS.TORONTO.EDU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 18:39:25 -0500
I think .5 essence is way too low for an all-inclusive deal; we are not
talking about a small change in someone, we're talking about adding a
whole new limb, complete with the neural wiring to make it work.

1 or 2 essence sounds about right for me, for a mount+cyberarm
combination. Extras in the new arms cost the same as they would in a
cyberarm. Charge 1 essence if you like chrome, 2 if you'd rather have
a toned down game.

- cks
Message no. 18
From: Neal A Porter <nap@*****.PHYSICS.SWIN.OZ.AU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1993 11:48:03 +1100
Cyclops mailed the following

>Balance Tail
> Cyberneticists have developed a "cat's tail" which can assist
>balance. The bionic tail is grafted onto the base of the spine.
>Nanoprocessors and balance sensors move the tail to keep the
>character's center of gravity in the appropriate place, improving
>balance and granting 2 extra dice for balance-related Athletics test,
>including helping the character fall properly (or tumble, if he has
>Athletics). The tail is NOT under the character's conscious control
>and tends to twitch randomly as the character moves (watch out for
>revolving doors!).
>
>Essence Cost: .5 Availability: 5/36 hrs
>Cost: 3,000Y Street Index: 1
>
>
>>>>>>[This one may look funny, but it does work. I knew a second
>story guy who had one of these and he moved just like a cat.]<<<<<
> -- Thrash <13:20:25/12-05-53>
>
>>>>>>[Was that guy you were refering to
Alexandrof?]<<<<<
> -- Spanner <02:05:43/12-06-53>
>
>>>>>>[Yeah. Damn shame about him.]<<<<<
> -- Thrash <14:07:01/12-06-53>
>
>-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>
>Any opinions on this one too?


The notion of a self controlling tail is interesting, as an add on rather
than a replacement the essence cost would be in the region that is specified
although perhaps a bit higher ( approx 1 like the muscle replacement ). But
the cost is far too low. Even for muscle replacement, which the tail must
have if it is to function, costs more than the entire tail, not to mention the
skeletal structure needed within the tail. While a tail may not be as complex
as an arm, its still not that cheap to make. Not to mention the processing
required by the nanocomputers, which wouldn't be cheap.
If the tail was mechanical instead of organic, the cost would come down
( none of those clumsy organic bits, or need to provide sustanence ), but
the metal tail wouldn't really fit in well in a dinner suit. { Then again nether
would the flesh tail }.

In all I think the tail is a good idea, but as others have noted the essence
cost of these sort of replacements is too low, and the cost too low as well.
Message no. 19
From: The Deb Decker <RJR96326@****.UTULSA.EDU>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 22:13:16 -0600
>Yeah, but think of it this way, take all those excess clone pieces that are
>"Thrown to the Dogs" are actually sent to Dr. No, who takes the remaining
>pieces to make a Guard, he then plops on a tentacle in place of the arm.
>Implants some sort of brain (even a blank cloned one) and trains it from
>the ground up... Now you know where all those extra clone parts go...

Good idea for a plot, but that technology is sort of on the fringe, at least,
of Shadowrun. I still think people are cheaper than clone droids with Uzis.

Sighted: Wooden Suits and Iron Men: Battlesuit/Mecha rules in the Victorian
Age (no relation to 1889).

J Roberson
Message no. 20
From: Role Playing Manager <moria@*****.EERIE.FR>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1993 09:52:20 GMT
> Aside from the obvious problems by wearing arm mounts, do ya
> think you could get a drink in a quiet little bar? You think people hate
> orks, just wait until they run across a guy with four arms!

I think that this king of gadget is more appropriate for secret
services or C.A.Ts ( Covert Action Teams ). It could be funny to give four
arms to a security guard. I think people don't like to see in their quiet
little bar somebody who's too different. It's the same problem for somebody
with cybereyes glowing red. But some people like to have red eyes. If somebody
like to have for arms, it's his problem.

I insist on one point: try and take a look at "Cyberforce" from Image.

Ben - NightWolf

-=-=-

+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Benjamin Legangneux | "How can you find your way in the shadows, |
| | If you have no light ?" |
| e-mail : moria@*****.fr | |
| legangne@*****.fr | Michael Styx - Tales of the Black Dove |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------------+
Message no. 21
From: Role Playing Manager <moria@*****.EERIE.FR>
Subject: Re: Extra Arm Mount
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1993 10:13:48 GMT
>
> [ Stuff on cybertail deleted]
>
> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>
> Any opinions on this one too?


YIKES! this is the same problem than the cyberarms. In this case, you
have to add a new limb ( the tail - on the back ) but you have no control, so
you don't need to link it to the brain (IMHO). I think that 0.5 in essence is
enough, in comparison with the arm mount and the cyberarm. But I think the
price is really to low. I don't remember the price of a skillsoft in athletics
but I think it is far more expensive than this cybertail . Why do I compare
with a skillsoft. simply because the tail has to possess a integrated skill to
know how to act. So, IMO, I would increase the price to 15-20k nuyens.


Ben - NightWolf

-=-=-

+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Benjamin Legangneux | "How can you find your way in the shadows, |
| | If you have no light ?" |
| e-mail : moria@*****.fr | |
| legangne@*****.fr | Michael Styx - Tales of the Black Dove |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------------+

Further Reading

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